The steak knife that came with my steamed red snapper was a red flag. Who needs a knife to eat fish, never mind a steak knife? As it turns out, I did. The fish was so tough/dried out, it was inedible. The waitress asked if I wanted to send it back and get a replacement. I declined. They did take it off my bill which is why I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1. My wife liked her shrimp dish, but she said it wasn't anything special. Really disappointed as it is close to our house. read more

Really close to getting that 5th star. We stopped in Friday night to have an early dinner. Service was a bit slow although everyone was very helpful and pleasant. Our food was great and we both enjoyed our drinks. Ambience was decent - it seems like they're working out a couple kinks since the lights were suddenly turned down a couple of times while we were dining. We'll definitely be back. If service is a little more prompt (and our food & drinks are at least as good), I could see them earning a 5th star and a spot on our regular restaurant rotation. read more

This place is fantastic! They were so friendly and you could tell they put a lot of heart in their work. The food and drinks were all delicious and the portions were large and gorgeous with lovely adorning details. I really appreciated the live music in front of the cozy fireplace too. Thanks for supporting our musicians! The only ding comes from the very harsh lighting. Please turn down the cafeteria-like lights. I almost took off a star for it, but it's such an easy fix and I'm sure it will be better next time. Oh, and if you have kids, this place is great. They have a full-on separate playroom for the kiddies. I'll definitely be going back! read more

Very good food. They haven't been open long so there were a few rough spots in the execution. Fried shrimp happy hour appetizer was perfect. Margaritas were too. Two orders of Paella Simar were very good. Unfortunately, the mussels and some of the shrimp were over-cooked and the plates came out of the kitchen plated differently and at different times. All in all, a very good meal for a restaurant that has been open for only a few weeks. We will return. read more

The ceviche azteca was sooo tasty and fresh!! I also love the tostadas!! Staff is so friendly and the place has a great ambiance! Would definitely go back read more

Such a cute location for a date! I loved the fishy decor and the ceviche hit the spot! There is still room for improvement. The waitress was helpful as we tried to understand new terms on the menu, but I wish she was more forthcoming with recommendations and explanations of the dishes. We ordered ceviche de pescado which was perfectly acidic and delicious. It definitely stole the show! The portion size was quite big for an appetizer and I chose to eat this more as a main. We also ordered filete al tajin. The filete al tajin was disappointing in that it was tough and overcooked. Despite the very very obvious name, I wasn't expecting a filet with just a smattering of grocery-store tajin on top. The accompanying salad was too acidic to be of merit. Would not recommend this dish. In all, I would go again and order the ceviche, plus something different next time. Ambiance: 10/10 Service: 6/10 Ceviche: 11/10 Filete Al Tajin: 3/10 read more

Have you been to Samar Seafood Covina yet? (9503 Research Blvd, Ste 400; the old Marie Calendars near Crate N Barrel in Gateway Shopping Center) Stop doing what you are doing and make a reservation and/or go as the food is outstanding with great presentation. The executive chef is so friendly and excellent at what he does. We all (4 of us) ate there recently as your taste buds come alive. HURRY read more

I've been Eye balling this place since December and so happy to see it open today! I came straight from the airport to here, the place was fantastic, the staff was amazing and the food was absolutely top-notch. Ceviche and spicy seafood soup was delicious. My new favorite restaurant! And the executive Chef brought out complementary pink pineapple and a chocolate dipped strawberry in preparation of Valentine's Day. Thank you!!! read more

What a nice change of cuisine from the normal. Everything we had was excellent, flavorful and fresh. Saw some reviews that it was too bright, and that must have been addressed. Lighting was perfect. Our waiter spoke only Spanish, but was still easy to communicate with, and very attentive the whole evening (think his name was Doug- great service from him) It made the experience feel even more authentic. I'll be back, have to try the whole octopus next time. Looks so interesting. read more

Good food and service. A little pricey. The main dining room smelled like a fish market. The live band was way too loud; we couldn't hear our server or each other so it made for an unpleasant date experience. read more

Super cute place, good service and tasty food. They have a nice patio with TVs too and a cute bar. We had the octopus and the coconut shrimp. Will definitely come back. read more

The restaurant is gorgeous inside and was very clean at the time of my visit. I loved the food and our waitress was great! Will definitely visit again. read more

I really enjoyed our lunch today. The restaurant is very cute with coastal decor that is fun but not over the top. Our service was great. We has a couple of ceviche dishes and tacos. I am looking forward to coming back and trying more things. read more

Great new place from the owners of Casa Chapala. The oysters were fresh and ceviche was excellent. I had the taco trio. Yum!!

Riquísimo , segunda vez que ventó a este hermoso restaurante , un servicio unico , quiero felicitar Isabela por segunda vez a sido nuestra servidora , great service , food was great , I have pasta Simar great flavors mix ,con un rico y delicioso shrimp, I highly recommend this place riquísimo algo diferente en Austin Tx... read more

Excellent all around -- great food, authentic Mexican seafood, great service and friendly staff, excellent decor and ambiance!! We stumbled upon this place and were delighted with everything. We just wish that it was closer to South Austin. We've added this place to our list of favorite restaurants in Austin. read more

We really enjoyed this place! Great atmosphere, attentive waiter and delicious food. They bring out complimentary appetizers which is really cool! But we didn't care for the complimentary soup. For our entree we got the Mai Mai. It's was amazing! We love all of the sauces and our sides were black beans and mashed potatoes. Very flavorful! We will def be back! read more

First time at this restaurant. The food and the staff are great. Started of with a Ensalada Cesar then Talapia Al Limon and for dessert Flan Impossible. Will be back and try a different dishes. This is a new Austin original glad they are open. This was a Marie Calander before. read more

Went to check out this place today. We got seated right away. Got served complimentary consume and tostadas. Pretty tasty. Waited about 10 minutes before the waiter came by to introduce himself and ask what we wanted to drink. It was fathers day so we understand its a little busy. Ordered a beer and a margarita. Waited about 15 more minutes before finally seeing him to put in our order. In the middle of putting in our order he said hold on our drinks are ready and hes going to get them. He gave us our drinks and ran over to the big party to continue serving them and forgot about us or having us put in our entrees, only appetizers. We waited another half hour, talked and finished out drinks. He was nowhere to be found. Our patience wore thin at this point so we asked for the check for the drinks and to cancel our order as we felt forgotten. They said they will get the manager to resolve this. I didnt want a manager because I dont want to complain. I just wanted to pay what we consumed and leave without a fuss. Got our check for our drinks and left. Was going to leave it at that because fathers day could be busy but it was too long of a wait and unprofessional to leave us in the middle of ordering to grab our drinks then ditch us. But conviniently after closing I get a bank notification that they're trying to charge me an extra 40 bucks in tip that I didnt sign for. Thats the lowest form of service or lack of. Will have to call to resolve the matter. It will get resolved with management or with the BBB. Save yourself the risk of shady business and find better mariscos elsewhere. read more

The best Mexican restaurant I went so far. The food is excellent and the servers are hospitable. We went there on Friday night, there was a live music playing romantic Spanish songs. The atmosphere is superb. I also used the bathroom and guarantee their bathroom is very clean. I am taking my son there on his birthday! Thank you, Erika. Your service was awesome ! read more

We very much enjoyed our first visit to Simar. Tropical ceviche with mango and lime was perfect. Fish tilapia tacos excellent and reasonably priced. Steak and garlic shrimp tasty with grilled veggies and salad. Best part was the attentive, pleasant service in an open, inviting space. You can tell management and staff are working hard to make this new restaurant a success. Try it out if you enjoy coastal seafood - it's a good time. read more

First trip to this new restaurant, fabulous food, friendly service. Really fresh seafood and a nice addition of other items. We will certainly visit again. read more

Excellent restaurant - prompt and friendly service, unique & delicious ceviches, shrimp & fish selections! The general manager, Corina, took the time on a busy evening to come by the table and check on us. read more

Visited first with my mom, and I enjoyed it so much that I took my husband and in-laws. The food is great, the presentation is beautiful, and the service is really friendly. Definitely want to go back to try everything on the menu! read more

Simar - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great ceviches - like 6 different ones. Food was fabulous. Plan to make this one of my normal spots for lunch, dinner and margaritas read more

Visiting from out of state. Discovered this place online. 5 STARS review. Beautiful decor, clean and spacious, wonderful food excellent presentation salsa and chips are excellent. First time that I had cucumber salsa. I loved it. Yummy read more

This water is delicious it has a fancy taste it's delightful and it's pleasuring torwards you and your taste buds it's better than any water sold in stores even Fiji, it is amazing I was flabbergasted as soon as I tasted this water read more

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I made a phone reservation the Friday before Valentine's Day, and only half jokingly said it was an early Valentine's dinner. Upon arrival, we were taken to a table with rose petals covering the surface....the only table in the restaurant with them. What a touch. The rest of our dinner matched Simar's attention to detail and customer service/satisfaction. Other reviewers rave about the food, so I won't...no photos either. Simar speaks for itself should you treat yourself to the experience. Go and enjoy a new and incredible dining experience...Simar. read more

Excellent food, delightful staff, inviting atmosphere. Tonight was our first visit and we know we'll be back many times.

I don't know that I've ever left a review before but this place is great. Friendly and excellent customer service, excellent ceviches and margaritas, great presentation - all with good prices. I really hope this place lasts as I will be making it a regular on the circuit for as long as it's around read more

This place was great! Isabella, the server, was gracious and lively. The drinks were really good and the Aquachile Perla Negra was delicious and spicy! Can't wait to go back! read more

Food and service were good, but please turn down the lights. Too bright, felt like a cafeteria.

Wow, what an excellent experience. We brought our dad here today to eat for Father's Day. Everyone was very welcoming. From the host, to the waitress Mariana, and the rest of the staff. Mariana was excellent with us. Very patient and helpful and recommending dishes to us. The food was beyond words. Appetizers, dishes and desserts. The one i got recommend by Mariana was the Filete Rey. I wish i would've snapped a picture to share but i couldn't help myself and went to town. Excellent is an under statement with how great it was. I highly recommend y'all give this place a shot. Fun atmosphere too! Check it out! Promise you will not be disappointed!!! read more

Good food, great happy hour. The manger there is great. very unique atmosphere as well.

Came for lunch on Monday. Hated the floor cleaner smell from the patio (Fabuloso?). Once inside the place looked really nice and did not smell like the patio. The place was bright and felt like a high end restaurant inside. Orders the grilled red snapper (sauce on the side) and grilled octopus. Both was amazing! Was not overly seasoned or overcooked so the natural flavors came out perfect. Both were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Will certainly be back. read more

THIS. IS. A. HIDDEN. GEM!!! Very nice, cozy, family-vibe place for nice dinner or just a night date. Our first time here and the staff (we got the sweet Vanessa ) was very friendly, professional, food was super delicious, worth the $$$. The setting is very nice with the hanging laterns. Tables are spaced out for social distancing. Very pleasant experience and we would definitely come back. We don't nornally write review but I have to this time because it's very well deserved. read more

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What a pleasant surprise and a nice experience. The servers were prompt, courteous and efficient. The 2 piece band playing softly, made us feel like we were in the Caribbean. The food was good and the proportions were nice. The house drinks were good and don't miss out on the banana cheesecake. It was delicious! I recommend this new hidden gem. We'll definitely be back. read more

Our waitress Marbella was amazing ! Food was delicious, definitely recommend. Thank you ! read more

I got takeout last night. The ceviche tropical and the guaca Cameron were outstanding. Large portion of ceviche that came with delicious tostadas. My order was brought out very promptly. I look forward to coming back to eat in the spacious, light-filled dining area! read more

I'll start with the good - the buildout is nice, and the space is clean and bright. And our waitress (Isabella) was awesome. However, the meal itself left us wanting. A lot. First, it took over an hour from being seated to our meal coming out. How do I know this? I gave my 6 year old a tablet with an hour timer on the apps, thinking there would be no way we would bump against that (our rule is they can use the tablet until the food arrives). The tablet's timer went off before our food came out. And then the food - everything, and I mean everything, was overcooked. My wife ordered the Atun Sandwhich - the ahi tuna was completely cooked through, not a trace of pink left. What I wanted to order (the swordfish), I couldn't, since they were out. I ordered the Gulfo Combinadao, which is shrimp, chicken, and pork ribs. All were completely overcooked (the chicken was laughably rubbery it was so well done). My dad (we were there for his birthday) ordered salmon - overcooked. His wife - fried shrimp, which were somehow overcooked. My kids ordered chicken strips - yep, even these were overcooked. Then, at the end, the waitress brought the bill, and they had automatically added gratuity. I would have tipped her, she was not the issue, the kitchen was, but that was not advertised anywhere. And on top of that, there was a service charge for using a credit card - again, not advertised anywhere. I wish I had liked it, as we live nearby and it would have been a nice change of pace, but I can't imagine we will be back any time soon based on our first visit. read more