Capri Restaurant

Food is pretty decent. It's a blast from the past. We were definitely the youngest people in there. Service is good, just not crazy about the retirement home vibe

Knowing that we would be in the Florida City area around lunchtime, I looked for a sit down restaurant where we could enjoy a leisurely lunch between sightseeing outings.  It was a hot day and we wanted something other than fast food.  An advertisement for the Capri Restaurant caught my attention but some online reviews of it were not encouraging.  We decided to go anyway since it was so close to our next stop, a famous fresh fruit stand called Robert is Here. We were a party of four adults and this was our first visit to this restaurant.

We are glad that we came.  There were plenty of parking spaces available in the front and side parking lots when we arrive around 12 noon on a weekday.   We checked out the lunch menu posted outside and each of us found something that we liked.  We were all impressed with the restaurant's front outside entrance - arches with white columns and classy maroon dome awnings. About half of the rest of the front and side is stone with a Spanish tiled roof.

Inside was very restful and upscale.   We were greeted warmly by the hostess.  A large full bar opposite the front reception desk is separated from the formal dining area by a low brick wall.  It looked inviting with five softly lit hanging lighting fixtures and can seat over 20 customers.  The hostess showed us to a large table alongside a wall in a corner of the King Richard Main Dining Room, named after founder Richard (Dick) Accursio. The walls in the dining room are a pale color with lovely original works of art. All the tables are covered in white tablecloths and black napkins.  A small candle graced the table.  We sat in lovely comfortable wood chairs with black leather backs and seats.  

After perusing our menus, our server arrived and took our beverage orders.  There are 12 items on the Appetizer list, the most unusual is Fried Alligator for $8.99. Salad lovers with want one of their 11 Salad choices..  With 12 dressing choices and extra option additions,  you  can make your own creation.  I saw several different salad orders served and they looked very fresh and appealing. A variety of Wraps, Subs, Minis, Panini and Burgers round out the Lunch Menu.  They are served with your choice of soup, salad or French fries. Most entrees range around $9-$10.   There are many Pasta choices too numerous to mention here or you can choose your pasta shape and sauce, $8.99.  If I am ever in the area again, I would love to taste either their Linguine with Sausage and Broccoli, $9.29 or Lasagna, $9.59.  Whole Pizza Pies and Beef choices are priced a bit higher. A quick glance of the Dinner Menu showed that most items are under $20.  A few are at Market Price and Broiled Veal Chops and Fruitta Di Mare are over $20.  If you still have room for dessert there are over 16 choices on the menu.  I would like to try their secret recipe Key Lime Pie or Banana Cream Pie,  $4.29.

Carlos, our waiter, then explained the specials and mentioned the lunch buffet for $9.95.  One of us decided on the Vegetable Wrap with the Escarole Soup of the Day, $9.59 which he later said both tasted delicious.  Three of us decided to take a peek at the buffet offerings.  It looked refreshing and appealing so we chose the buffet.

It was divided into two sections - a cold salad bar with around 15 items and a hot entrée section including a choice of soups. White linens over maroon tablecloths covered each section that added a note of elegance to the buffet. A lovely piece of art hug on the wall above the hot buffet completing the warm ambiance.    We filled a small plate with a selection of salad choices including tuna salad and Waldorf salad.  When we returned to our table there was a basket of delicious warn garlic rolls that were outstanding.  We wolfed them down in no time and our server refilled the basket.  Then we went back for a  slice of pepperoni pizza and a small bowl of Escarole soup that was piping hot and so delicious.  We still had room for the hot entrees.  I had a small piece of the Chicken Marsala with lots of mushrooms in a hearty gravy, a small serving of the fish entrée with spinach and tomatoes  and a small serving of the pasta. We all ate our fill and everyone was satisfied with their meal.  The waiter stopped by to refill our beverages and bring us some ice.  

We were never rushed  and our server was pleasant and accommodating. We had a lovely view of the outside patio area  from large windows and sliding glass doors.    Although I didn't go outside, I could see that it has different size wrought iron tables and chairs with umbrellas. Trailing vines overhanging the stone walls, pretty potted plants and decorative iron fencing made the setting very attractive.   If piped in background Italian music played, you would think that you were in Tuscany.   What a lovely setting for a wedding or rehearsal party, I thought.

Everyone is always raving about this place.  I finally decided to give it a try.  Where do I begin....  Seems mostly older people frequent this establishment.  People who discuss things loudly that shouldn't be discussed at a restaurant.(oh you know look at my sore, scab, etc.)  I know some people aren't bothered by this sort of stuff.  I dont need to hear or see scabs while I am trying to eat.

I went during lunch buffet.  Let me just say that wasn't a buffet in any way.  They had chicken, tilapia, vegatables, mac & cheese, salad, & pizza.  Very limited quantities BTW.  So limited they kept running out!  The place wasn't busy enough for food to run out.  The food was ok.  THe best was mac & cheese.  Tilapia had no flavor.  

The servise was just ok.  I was really expecting much better from this place.  Was highly dissapointed.