Avoid. Let's start with the acoustics. Slate floors, lots of glass, dry wall ceilings make for a terrible acoustic experience. Even the staff complain. Come here only if your intention is not to speak with your dining partner. (Good for dinners with the former spouse). Next, the folks who answer the phone speak English only as a second language. My name may not be John Smith, but they completely bungled the name, number of people, but they got the time right --- just barely. Now the coup de grace. We got there, they only had a table at the insufferably noisy bar. We waited twenty minutes and then they said they just couldn't honor the reservation. We're done here. You don't treat people that way and run a successful restaurant. Maybe someone new will teach these clowns how to run a restaurant at a resort. Until then, we will not be back. read more

I am shocked to see former reviews on this restaurant . We had the best time at this restaurant tonight. Totally unexpected, enjoyable surprise. We were staying at Zota Beach Resort for one night while transitioning to another stay. We were tired and feeling lazy so my hubs suggested checking out the restaurant in the hotel. Not my thing, fought it, but not having to dress up won out and we went. First, we went at sunset and the view was ooh, la ,la, (see picture). We sat at the bar and had a really enjoyable bartender who took great care of us. Nice selection of alcohol if spirits are your thing. Lots of wine as well. We thought the food was yummy, nicely priced and ample. The look was sleek and contemporary but warm. You do not have to be staying there to dine. Go before sunset, grab a set on the balcony and have a memorable experience. Will be back. read more

Viento Kitchen & Bar - Zota Beach Resort - Perfectly made Manhattan with a sunset to remember. - Bars Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

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We stayed at the resort for the weekend. Came to the restaurant a couple times. We had a larger party and collectively probably ordered everything on the menu. Food was decent enough. A little pricey but to be expected at a hotel. My biggest problem was the service and an incident with the wine. Super super slow even to get drinks much less food. It's not a big restaurant so it's confusing why it was so slow. We ordered a decent bottle of $160 wine and after pouring our glasses it was clear it was almost ice cold. I hadn't noticed it in the little sip I took to taste it when the server popped the cork. Not being petty and was not gonna send a open bottle back. I'm giving this review 2 stars because on the way out I approached the manager about it and explained that they may wanna keep the red wine somewhere it doesn't get so cold he literally did not even acknowledge me. Response was extremely dismissive and very rude considering we tipped well and did not complain about the wine during our meal. Food was decent tho read more

These are probably due to covid restrictions: the selection was limited even though it was open buffet. The taste was so so. The wait time was long and there were obvious inefficiencies. read more

Had breakfast here twice while staying at Zota. Food was very good, however waiting 45 minutes for eggs when there were only two other people in the restaurant really sent me into a tizzy. If you're not hungry and want to waste an hour of your day, I say go for it. read more

We stayed at Zota and had breakfast and dinner at Viento. The breakfast buffet was ok. They do have an omelet station. However, I think the buffet is a bit overpriced for what is served. The patio area does give you a pretty view of the beach which is nice. For dinner, everyone at the table enjoyed their meals. Our waiter was super sweet and helpful. He made great drink recommendations. If you are staying at the resort I'd say give Viento a try for dinner, but I'd venture out for breakfast if possible. read more

My daughter ordered spaghetti and meatballs and this is what the meatballs looked like. Nuclear microwaved in the middle and completely inedible. We brought it to the attention of the restaurant and they didn't even offer to cook new ones or comp her meal. Very disappointing. read more

Viento Kitchen & Bar - Zota Beach Resort - Bars Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

I think I was literally served chefboyardee in lieu of bolognese but the wine was okay

The Restaurant is open till 10 which makes it a great later night option. The cocktails are great but overpriced. Main courses like the grouper and snapper have been good in the past but you're better off going to mar vista or shore or even new pass grill for goodness sake. The filet mignon is the best thing on the menu and still overpriced. The flat breads are terrible. $17 for a piece of frozen bread with cheese popped into an oven with, 3 pieces of pepperoni and four sausage? What a disappointment. Come here for the drinks and ambiance but don't go out of your way if you're looking for good food on longboat key. You're better off going to chart house or even Harry's continental kitchen. read more

Viento Kitchen & Bar - Zota Beach Resort - Tuscani - Bars Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

Service in the restaurant is not great! When people are vacationing they want to enjoy themselves and have a good time, great food, accommodating and smiling staff, not a crabby attitude and faces. The food was very good, it wasn't the best we've ever had but it was good. To your staff; make the vacation experience special for your guests, not regrettable. The staff need some serious polishing of their hospitality skills. Especially for a hotel that's privately owned and not known to many outside of Sarasota, FL or Midwest. They should always practice nothing but superior level of customer service! Good luck! read more

Just wanted to update my experience at Viento. We decided to go back and try it again and were pleasantly surprised. We ate at the bar with very attentive bartenders/servers. Not only were the drinks top notch but the food and service were outstanding! There was a full menu at the bar. After that, we visited the restaurant twice for their delicious breakfast bar. Omelettes to order were available and prepared by Johnny. Soooo good! Each time, food was great and the service outstanding. I am glad we tried the restaurant again after a not so great experience. I do believe they were just having a bad evening and it was not the norm. Thank you management and staff for such good experiences! read more

Prices are totally unreasonable. A 12 oz. bone-in rib eye, $40.00 A 6 oz. filet, $34.00 The lobster ravioli I ordered had NO lobster. Ordered chicken wings, horrible as there were still feathers on them! The service is completely lacking. Strongly suggest that one seeks food at another establishment. read more

Great view from outside seating. Gia usually is the bartender and she makes great drinks (according to my hubby) the burger was amazing and Cesar salad with chicken was so fresh. Also wings were perfect!! And homemade chips. read more

Food was amazing!! Steak could have been cut with a fork and not sure what the sauce was on it, but would love that recipe!! Great food and the ambience was second to none. Beautiful Gulf view. Can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu! read more

Viento Kitchen & Bar - Zota Beach Resort - Bars Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

So, we were there twice in one week-and weren't even staying there. First time there ordered a few appetizers-calamari and the burrata. They were good, but expected the burrata to be cold, not in a skillet with tomatoes sauce. Had a salad for main course with shrimp-that was delicious! Our server Sabrina was very nice and professional. Then we went back a second time. We luckily got the same server...then it crashed. We ordered appetizer of three spreads which came with pita bread. Then she brought out a bag of fresh made bread on top of that. A lot of bread! Would be nice to get a healthier option with the spreads given the restaurant is on the beach. Then the salad we ordered we wanted a burger on it. THEY CHARGED US $14 to put a burger on the salad!!! The menu had options of shrimp, chicken or salmon and none of them exceeded $8. WHAT A RIPOFF!! The burger was cooked very well and the server was apologetic, but honestly...we won't be back. It's a relatively newer restaurant serving LBK-we are part time residents and trying to bring business during off season. Now is the time to learn what works. Management is NOT PRESENT AT THIS PLACE!! If you go...be prepared to be overcharged and have heavy food. read more

View and location are spectacular, but that is provided by Mother Nature. We have stayed at several Opal resorts in the past with amazing experiences. We were definitely received with mixed reactions from an overworked and exhausted staff. Tried ordering three different menu items that they were "out-of". Room service was a minor disaster. Charged for items not received and food was cold. Again, staff was very apologetic, but they can't do it all. Just expect more from a higher end resort. Food quality and price are not well-matched. If further reviews show an increase in staff and change in restraint quality, would consider returning. read more

Viento Kitchen & Bar - Zota Beach Resort - My $16 Steak Hoagie! - Bars Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

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Not worth the $$ snapper dry and fishy experience nothing special either barely had any service actually yelled across the bar as I'm sitting at a table in the bar "what do you want to eat?" The help talking loud to each other the entire time I'm trying to eat. Very disappointed I was splurging wanted a nice great tasting quiet dinner didn't get either. No sunset place to go or watch sunset from the bar sorry not at all what I expected :(food tasted pre-made I won't be back sorry you should try just alittle here..: read more

Is a ok restaurant to be in a beautiful resort I just wish they have more variety on the menu. read more

Viento Kitchen & Bar - Zota Beach Resort - Bars Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

We had the best dinner at Viento Kitchen! The food was amazing! Great portion size, hot, and delicious! The service was great as well! Wish we were staying longer so we could go back! read more

We came here for breakfast and it was sub-par to say the least. Service was not good and took forever to get our food and check. Skip this place for breakfast, theres better options! read more

We stayed at the Zota and wanted to give this restaurant a try. With Covid, it's limited to hours of operation. We tried their breakfast and was impressed with the clean atmosphere but notice it quit awkwardly quite. It got loud when 2 large Spanish family came in sitting in the dinning area which broke the ice. We ordered the omelette and croissant and both were excellent. Their potatoes was nice and crispy. Only problem was our server. She took a while to acknowledge us and only saw her a total of three times for water, to order food and to get the Check. Our coffee cup and lip sick on it which we had to get assistant by the manager to swap it out. Other than the service, it was a good food and nice atmosphere. read more

I wanted to give this restaurant a good review, but it is lacking in so many areas. Service is poor at best. We totally get when restaurants are busy, but even when it wasn't busy, there was a struggle for basic table seating and initial greeting. We actually moved to the bar after 15 minutes of no one coming to our table to take our drink order. The cheese and meat board was not good, and I do not recommend ordering. Someone mentioned the poor food quality - I totally get what they were saying given the menu prices. We stayed at the hotel and had the breakfast bundle. The food was ok but again, service was awful. We actually served ourself some water from a pitcher at the bar when no one came to our table. They also kept taking names for the waitlist by using people's room numbers. And called the numbers out when tables were ready. I was appalled! We live in a world where sadly, there are creeps all around us and knowing that the general public knew a room number was disturbing. Do yourself a favor and find another restaurant option...lots of great options outside of this place. read more

We had our wedding reception dinner here in July 2018 and it was absolutely perfect! The food was fantastic, we had a beautiful table setting, and of course a gorgeous view. Ms. Robi did a wonderful job helping me coordinate from out of state. Can't wait to come back some day! read more

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We are currently staying at Zota Hotel in Longboat Key. This is where Viento is located and we have eaten here several times throughout this week. Our first night there was this past Friday. We were greeted by the manager, Joanna, Who was pleasant and accommodating. We had a reservation, which ended up being inside. (We wanted to eat outside) Joanna was able to get us outdoors with the next avaliable table. In the meantime, we had a drink at the bar. We were greeted by Nelly, who was very pleasant and worked very efficiently working a busy bar by herself. I don't think anyone was waiting for service. I was thoroughly impressed how she worked the bar without missing a beat. When we were finally seated outside, it was apparent that the server did not work with the same enthusiasm as Nelly or Joanna. It showed with his lack of attentiveness during dinner. The only time I saw him was to take our order, ask us how the food was and to hand us our bill. Luckily, Joanna seamlessly filled the gaps where the young server was lacking. This is the sign of a leader, making sure the job gets done and customers leave happy. Without Nelly or Joanna, our experience at Viento would not have been positive and certainly would have not resulted in any follow up business. read more

Currently the best restaurant in Long Boat Key next to Lazy Lobster. Staff was friendly and attentive. They were genuinely concerned with our dietary restrictions and were able to recommend substitutions for ingredients. Most many items can be substituted to be gluten free. Gluten free bread also available. Review applies to both dinner and breakfast. read more

Please add a meatless option to your menu!! It is negligent in today's world to not offer a meatless option. My husband and I patched together meals between the hummus, salads, and the quinoa from the shrimp entree. We asked two servers about vegan options that could be prepared for us, and neither were very helpful. Also, I felt the service was a little lackluster. No one came to to the table to ask how our meals were after they were served. The staff was doing their job, but they weren't very personable. Service was prompt...it just didn't seem like anyone was happy to be there. On the upside, the decor and overall environment is lovely. Everyone in our party enjoyed the food. There was live music in the bar, which added a nice touch to the evening. I would come back if the menu had more options for plant-based eaters! read more

Our stay at Zota had a special where you get a $40 credit to spend at breakfast each night you stay there. Our first day there we sat outside, which is a very small area with not a lot of tables - the inside was basically empty. We placed our order (eggs Benedict, French toast with a side of bacon)... 15 minutes passed, then 30 minutes ... we start noticing other tables getting served that got there way after us. Staff kept passing us by, our server finally noticed we had no food and said let me go check on your order ... came back and said "I'm so sorry I forgot to put the order in!" - he was very apologetic and sweet - right away he offered to take one meal off - we told him we have they $40 credit so that won't work. I asked if we can use the comped meal for lunch or dinner ... he was told NO by management! We thought that was absurd, but settled for complementary mimosas that were basically plain orange juice. Then our meal came and the eggs on the Benedict were over cooked! No runny yoke just a hard yellow lump! You would think the kitchen would have made sure our meal was prepared perfectly since this was a huge mess up! The French toast was fine, nothing special, and bacon was underdone. The next morning we were forced to eat there again because of the credit - ordered blueberry pancakes and biscuits and gravy... both very bland and slow service. I recommend to stay at hotel, but stay away from the restaurant. read more

We were so disappointed with our experience here today. We went for breakfast. The restaurant was practically empty. When we arrived the hostess did not greet us. We asked to be seated outside and the hostess made us feel like our request was unreasonable. Again, the restaurant was practically empty. The staff was not busy. We opted for the breakfast buffet (after waiting for a long time for our waitress to come over). The location of the buffet is tucked away and difficult to find. It took a long time for our omelettes to be cooked. I asked our waitress for ketchup and by the time she brought it out I was almost finished my omelette. When we were ready to pay our bill we had to seek out our waitress. This was our second visit here. We first visited when the restaurant just opened. Our first visit was disappointing in terms of service but we thought we would give the restaurant a second chance. We won't be giving them a third chance. read more

Would always come to the Hilton for lunch, but the Zota has taken it to a new level. Modern, cool, beachy, they bend over backwards to make your dining experience memorable. We had the grilled grouper, the carpaccio and the authentic tacos, all very good. Daniel was super accommodating and offered to put on any of the sporting events we wanted to watch, MSU vs. Duke. He was happy to ha e us here. So happy that Zota or LBK club purchased. This hotel, resort is legit. read more

Viento Kitchen & Bar - Zota Beach Resort - Bars Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

I cannot even give a star. Way overpriced for Sysco out of the bag food. Waitress did not even know what single malt scotch was....lobster was so overcooked it was inedible. $44 prime cut steak was tough and probably choice....ALL the food for our whole table was banquet for at best. Even the valet staff agreed food has had lots of complaints read more

Ate at Viento last night and I really wanted to like it , but not impressed. Server didn't know the drink or the food menu. Service was VERY slow, with 3 tables occupied it took 15 minutes to get drinks and two hours to eat. Food was good but expensive and they don't give you much of a portion. Really not impressive for the money and much nicer places on the key . They need to make some changes if they end to survive read more

love this restaurant. I had espresso rub bone in rib eye, tender and juice, with crusted potato. My fiance had lobster ravioli. He never finishes his dish when we eat outside, but he finished all his food this time . Frozen creamsicle is my drink. Zoto salad is excellent. read more

My wife and I were on our way home from a visit in Naples and on a lark we booked into the Zota Beach Resort hoping for a nice room with a view of the Gulf and a fine dining experience. The room and resort did not disappoint. But Viento unfortunately did. A star is awarded for the decor, the well appointed table, and decent service. But the food was less than desirable and the wine list was... boring; maybe 2 or 3 wines from the Mediterranean (couple of Pinot Grigios and a Barolo) at a restaurant boasting various Mediterranean dishes. We started with the Meze Trio; an uninteresting hummus with too much lemon, overly garlic flavored babaganoush, and unmemorable tzatziki. I ordered the lobster risotto. At first I was pleasantly surprised to see that they did not scrimp on the lobster. The tail sat on top of the rice proudly displayed with grill marks. But it was dry and so tough it was difficult to cut with a knife. The rice, instead of being a creamy delight, was slightly undercooked and sitting in a pool of liquid. And somehow the grated cheese instead of incorporating in a silky texture had coagulated in lumps. In retrospect, I should have sent it back. My wife faired better. She ordered the grouper which was a nice size and cooked to her satisfaction. It was served with a pilaf, caponata, and curried cauliflower of which none satisfied. We decided not to do dessert. The next morning we were back for breakfast, not because we're masochists but only because it was included in the room rate. How can you mess up breakfast? My wife ordered the egg and cheese on a croissant. She asked for cheddar to replace the American cheese. I ordered the special, Eggs Benedict Florentine, which on ordering I was told the chef had a special twist on the old standard: he added shrimp! Yum. We waited. And waited. All the people around us, who had arrived after us, were all served. In all, 45 minutes later, I asked the waiter if there was an issue. He reported back saying they were having trouble making the Hollandaise Sauce. ?! However, a few minutes later we were finally served. They had learned to make Hollandaise and were so proud of it they buried my plate in it. As I uncovered the food I realized there wasn't a shrimp to be found. And my wife's croissant: Instead of the cheddar she got American. And apparently while they learned how to make Hollandaise the croissant had sat under a heat lamp and dried out completely. read more

Ok food but items are over sold in menu descriptions for the price. Had lobster ravioli and it was cheese ravioli with little bits of lobster on top. Service at dinner was horrible as well. We had a large party but it wasn't crowded beyond us and it took over an hour for our food order to be taken and entrees came out a vastly different times for different people. read more

First time at this wonderful restaurant & definitely not my last. The crab cake was perfect-not dry & no breading. My husband had blackened grouper & I had grilled grouper for dinner. Again, both cooked to perfection. For dessert we had raspberry limoncello tiramisu & espresso gelato-we were promised that they were "calorie free"!!!The service was ok, but the manager, Daniel, was very accommodating & came over several times to make sure that all of our expectations were met if not exceeded. read more

We waited 30 minutes and no one even attempted to take our drink order.Other tables that were seated after us were served first. The funny thing is that the restaurant was not even busy. Overpriced and poor service . We ended up leaving and going somewhere else. read more

Delicious food. Beautiful gulf view. The best ever crab cakes and calamari. Great happy hour drinks!

We ordered a cheeseburger for lunch...it was DELICIOUS! We ordered during a mad lunch rush so we waited a little longer than I would have liked but there is no hurry when in vacation. The wait staff at the bar were working hard to keep everyone happy. read more

You know that attractive potential partner who caught your eye from across the room? You sauntered over and started a conversation, mesmerized by those good looks, only to find out that this lovely creature is at about 3rd grade intellect and maturity. Welcome to Viento, the oddly named bar and restaurant that's part of the more oddly named Zota resort in Longboat Key. Gone are the days when this was a Hilton hotel, bustling with middle class families on their annual Easter holiday, now replaced with a beautifully re-made destination spot that rarely is half-full. Those who do patronize are probably Longboat Key Club membership rejectees looking for the next best thing. Content to be seen while noshing on overpriced appetizers, think overly tanned 75 year-old bald guy with requisite couture: linen shirt, pastel colored sweater draped over his back faux-Euro style, and delicate matching gold chains encircling neck and wrist. In a word, Yuck! Justifying the Viagra in his pocket is his predictable companion, the eternally 49 year-old filly. Needless to say (but I will do so anyway), she has oversized sunglasses, neon white teeth, and an appetite for more than the blackened shrimp on today's menu. But I digress... I am somewhat jaded because I formerly ate the grouper sandwich for all of $12.99 at the Hilton, and it was always amazingly delicious. There were always a few weird flying bugs around, and food was served by scurvy characters who had their latest seasonal jobs. Really great atmosphere, quite honestly. Now we have this pristinely beautiful locale, serviced by military-like staff in black uniforms. Tonight I had the grouper entree, priced at 3X of the old sandwich, and not even half as tasty. It was dry and gave me the distinct impression that it was grilled up a few hours ahead of time. In a word, Yuck! I have been pressured by my three fellow companions to say that their dinners were actually very good, so I think that the restaurant is making progress, and I apparently am just jinxed because of my pining for the good old days and my beloved grouper sandwich. I will swallow this bitter pill and sulk off into the night, in search of the next grouper nirvana. Mar Vista, here I come. Please don't ruin my life by telling me that you have cut down the Banyan tree or stopped serving grouper sandwiches. read more