The Grove

This was my first, and most assuredly, last visit to @thegrovedelrayfl and it’s not a result of the food itself. In fact, the food itself was quite good. The level of service, however, was the worst I’ve experienced since I’ve been in Florida. Not having a reservation on this particular Saturday evening, we were able to get a pair of seats at the bar, which we were served by the most abrasive, rude bartender I’ve ever encountered. From the moment I sat there was nothing but an air of contempt coupled with a tremendously poor attitude. When asking for a drink to be altered slightly, as it was not as requested, you would have thought I had personally insulted her. Trying to put this aside with as many patience as possible, we were on to ordering some food hoping to change the mood. Starting with the brioche roll, which was phenomenal and could have crushed 2 or 3 we were on to the beef carpaccio which was equally delicious. Requesting however, based on my gf’s past experience, light on the oil as it was swimming in it on her prior visit. Pictured is the roasted acorn squash. At first I thought it was quite delicious, and as I continued, I noticed some small crunchy notes, thinking it was perhaps a seed of some sort. About two minutes later, as my throat starts to swell, I inquired to her and the server standing there if there were hazel or walnuts on the dish. He insisted none, she began to question it. Then she proceeds to tell me how I really need to inform my server of any allergies. Not, let me check, I am so sorry, but instead telling the customer how wrong they are. The server checks with the kitchen and sure enough, nuts. Then again, she informed me of how wrong I was and that it was my fault I didn’t inform her of my allergies. This was a test of patience that I haven’t had to exert at a restaurant any time in recent memory. The meal abruptly ended there, leaving beyond disappointed. At this level of quality they want to exude along with the highest prices in town, they really let this one down.

Food and waiter were great but hostess was unfortunately extremely nasty. We were about five minutes late for our reservation, as we were unable to find parking on a busy Saturday evening. We attempted to call the restaurant to notify them however no one answered the phone. Instead of a warm greeting the hostess said “You are late, you’re lucky we didn’t give up your table.” Additionally the bar tender was obnoxious and rude. For this reason we will never be returning. There are plenty of other great restaurants in Delray Beach - do yourself the favor of never going here.

The ABSOLUTE BEST experience in every corner you can imagine going out to dinner in every way! The ambiance, the service, the drinks but especially the food! Everything my friends and I ordered (and we ordered EVERYTHING bc the menu was so exquisite) was heaven on a spoon. I even felt like I was being educated in the culinary world. Even the silverware was unique and gorgeous which I secretly took a picture (my girlfriends were so embarrassed:) I am from New York City where I am accustomed to 5 star dining and The Grove was a breath of fresh air! I will be a regular bc it is a place that is my “sure thing” meaning… JUST INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend

This review is to counter Michael Herman’s. I hate cancellation costs for missed reservations but if cancelled ahead of time but a needed evil in the industry where customers are flakes. They give notice and allow cancellations. I wish it was more like 12 hours instead of 24 but still not bad at all!!! It’s not acceptable to f up your show up then give 1 star to a wonderful place. I have never had a reservation but have eaten here twice at the bar by arriving upon opening.

I have never left a negative review in my life and I do realize that they have a cancellation policy of 24 hours, but I called the restaurant today, to let them know there was an extreme weather warning for a tropical storm. I told the manager Dinah that I felt unsafe driving there. Dinah who had zero sympathy told me that she had to drive to work, so I can drive there also and that it’s barely raining! It’s unbelievable the owner would want someone who speaks like that in such an important position.. she told me to email the owner, and then hung up! This isn’t the right way to treat a customer or run a business. To charge me $22 for a cancellation fee due to extremely bad weather seems unfair. I will make sure I never go to this restaurant again, and I’ll make sure to let all of my family and friends know about this.