Lido at Dolphin Bay

I had a very bad experience @Lido on New Year’s Eve. After writing my review on Unilocal,I was contacted by Scott Turner at Lido. He was very concerned about my experience and invited me to visit with their restaurant one more time. I had the opportunity to dine at Lido again last weekend. This time everything was absolutely superb. We had the best Ahi Tarter and scallops for appetizer. The main course I would highly recommend the lamb rack. The service was great. Everyone in particular our waiter were very nice and welcoming. This was quite a turn around from my first time experience. Glad that I was able to go back and try the restaurant again. Special thanks to Scott Turner and management at Lido.

Very nice place, good ambience, nice courteous help, good food. Bit pricey, but you get what you pay for.
They overcharged a bit (I’m sure by mistake), but the manager Scott jumped right on it when I called.
Ask for a window seat. View is sweet.

Four of us had Valentine’s dinner at Lido. We had 6:00 reservations and when we arrived they said our table would be ready in 5 – 10 minutes, which was fine. We were seated pretty quickly on the deck with a great view. Our waitress came by and took our drink orders and then came back to take our orders. There was an $ 80 per person prix fixe menu since it was a holiday. We ordered our starters, entrees and desserts. We ordered and I requested a heater and was told it would be brought right over. The heater was never brought to our table.
Our starters were brought out pretty fast. The Sundried Tomato Soup was good. As was the Seared Day Boat Scallops. Soon after were were done with our starters they cleared our dishes and our entrees were brought out. Two of us ordered the All Natural Jidori Chicken and when it was delivered to our table we were told to be careful because the plates were very hot. One person ordered the North Atlantic Lobster Tail and the last person ordered the Roasted Tenderloin. The Tenderloin was raw, which was just they way she likes it but it was strange that she was not asked how she wanted it cooked. Both of the Chicken dishes on the «very hot plates» were cold, and the plates were not hot. The chicken was dry and pretty flavorless and the sides were also cold and were not very good. The Lobster Tail was large and very good. The table was cleared again when we were done and the desserts were brought out on schedule. The Sour Cream Cheesecake was very good. The Tasting Trio, which included a Red Velvet Macaron, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry and Lemon Scented Madeleine was also good. The Macaron was the least tasty of the three.
While we were eating our desserts, a table next to us was sat and had to ask 3 or 4 times for their drinks and their server to take their order. They were bought out warm bread, which we were not even offered.
Our bill was quickly brought to the table as we were finishing our desserts. I noticed on the bill that were were charged for the 4 prix fixe dinners, $ 65 for the Lobster Tail and $ 17 each for two desserts. It took about 15 minutes before I could get our waitresses attention. She came over and I questioned the bill and she said it was her mistake and corrected it. She joked when she brought back the new bill that she saved us $ 100.
Overall, this was not an $ 80 meal. The service was very slow and the food quality was not very good overall. Most of the food was fairly bland in flavor. I would not recommend the Lido to anyone who is looking for a nice dinning option.

Terribly slow service, overpriced drinks and lackluster apologies for food delivers that was not ordered. Two thumbs down!

Oh this place was the best. Brian served us as we sat down for a nice dinner outdoors (yes it wasnt too cold to eat outside at night on January). He did a good job.
Ordered a nice glass of wine, their fettuccine carbonara is so rich and good. We’ll be back for this again.

Always great service– food is inspired — location is gorgeous and it’s always my first choice for a nice meal — lunch special is usually great but the evening service staff is more attentive and skilled than the lunch servers but they still do a fantastic job anytime

Greeted by Johnny Kenny, Manager and were seated right away. Tom, our server, was super attentive.
Party of 7 ordered brunch items. Tuna Tartare Tower, various Eggs Benedicts — all on point. Eggs perfectly poached and free of water. Muffins were perfectly toasted. Shared a ½ bottle of premium rose Champagne. 2 people had the Florentine scramble. Server was great with our two kids. Sister had the 3-​course tasting menu.
Manager circulated the dining room often and staff was all over it. Great Sunday brunch.

Probably the absolute worst dining experience imaginable. Everything from the wait, cold food to the horrible, HORRIBLE service and staff, led me to write this review.
Our reservations were made weeks in advance. We waited 30 plus minutes only to be seated at a make-​shift table in a heavily traveled serving area.
No acknowledgement for another 15 minutes after being seated. Once we ordered our meal and beverages, we had to ask 4 different staff members for place settings, our drinks and some bread to hold us over, which did eventually show up with our cold entrees, yet another 50 plus minutes later. Every steak was prepared incorrectly, the risotto was cold, the salad dressing was «forgotten» on all the salads, and nothing was done to rectify or even attempt to salvage this dinner by the staff.
I have been coming to this Resort over the last 6 years and have experienced Lido Restaurant go from a 5 star amazing dining experience to this nightmare. My last 3 visits have been nothing short of unbelievable. I can only blame myself for returning this time as I should have known better and saved a $ 550 check on a terrible evening. We left hungry and upset once again.
We frequent the area about 3 times a month and I can advise that there are a few restaurants close by the resort that are well worth your stomach, your wallet and your sanity. Needless to say, I won’t be coming back or recommending Lido to anyone.

My husband and I tried Lido for a dinner we could dress up for. We loved it here! The small plate provided by the kitchen at the start of the meal had great texture and really got my pallet ready for the meal. We both had the special of the night which was a filet mignon with crab meet on top served with polenta and spinach. It was beyond delicious and our steaks were cooked to perfection. We tried two desserts to complete our meal. My husband got the beignets with a fabulous sauce on the side to dip. They were soft and warm and delicious! I tried the mousse tower and it was divine! Smooth chocolate mousse with a Nutella crunch at the bottom. Both decadent and rich chocolate flavors. We will definitely be back!

I’ve been here at least 3 times with my now Fiancé for brunch. This place seems to be a hidden gem on the bluffs above the ocean. Beautiful views set the tone for a great meal.
For a starter, we usually get their salads. For the main, I usually order the banana pancakes or similar fruit pancakes. My fiancé gets the eggs Benedict – our favorite is the Mushroom Benedict (fantastic!) Recently tried their Breakfast Bloody Mary (virgin) — the mix is house made, tasty, and spicy! We usually forgo dessert because we are too full by then.
Service is friendly and attentive. The location is a great place to take a stroll by the ocean afterward. Try it out!

FOOD: 3
SERVICE: 3
AMBIANCE: 4
VALUE: 3
This was a hard review to write. I wanted to really like this place, but, there were just little things that weren’t quite right. Perhaps because of a wedding and a big party, they were just not perfect. So, it’s just 3.25 stars for them.
We requested a patio seat to enjoy a sunset dinner. As we were walking down to the back area, it was quite windy and we were a little hesitant with our choice. But, their patio is shielded with glass and they bought us a portable gas heater. We were very comfortable the whole night even when the fog started to roll in.
We both ordered their 5 course tasting menu. My 5 courses+ were:
1. Amuse Bouche — Orso salad served on an oriental soup spoon, with green onions and wasabi almonds. A tasty start for the evening.
2. Roasted Zucchini Soup with coriander, basil and cashew. A very hearty soup full of flavor and natural goodness.
3. Cayucos Abalone served on a leaf of avocado, with mango beurre blanc, ginger and radish. The abalone was very tender and tasty, but the avocado had managed to turn brown between the kitchen and our table. And, there was a crusty finger print on the plate.
4. Salmon Crudo served with fried Fresno chilis, blackberries and cashews. The Salmon was fresh, but I felt the other flavors did not enhance the taste.
5. Palette Cleanser — local oyster on the half shell served with Mimosa sorbet. A most refreshing way to serve raw oyster.
6. Snake River Farm’s Grilled Pork Chops, served with potato confit, charred green beans, peach bourbon balsamic and pistachio. The pork chop was well grilled, tender and juicy. The potato confit was just two half potato fingerlings. The charred green beans were not charred. The sauce was not even closed to being as described.
7. Caramel Cheesecake served with butter toffee cashews and caramel sauce, Billed as a New York style cheesecake, it didn’t come close.
Service was inconsistent, they tried their best, but maybe because of the wedding and event, I felt they rushed, i.e. spilling the water, allowing food to slide around when laying the plates down, but neglecting us between courses. I will give them another try when I’m in the area again.

Went here Monday, September 21^st for a nice dinner with my boyfriend and dog on their dog friendly patio. We were greeted by the friendly hostess and the manager who opened our champagne that we brought. Manager and hostess were both very pleasant.
Everything seemed nice. The view, the live music, the ambiance. We were greeted by Zoe, she stated that it was her first night alone and that the guy training her is just standing by observing. So far so good. She took our appetizer order (we got a dozen morro bay oysters and they were delicious) and she said that bread is in the oven and will be delivered shortly. Ok good. Oysters took a bit long but I know that oysters take time to shuck I get it. They finally come. And i ask her … «Is bread arriving soon?» Only cause I saw the people next to us who came after us received theirs already. Her reply was «Oh you know … I’m sorry the bussers are supposed to bring it that’s why»
That really turned me off. If you forgot it’s okay to admit it. Don’t throw your team mates under the bus. I would’ve much rather hear her say «Oh I apologize I will get that for you right now»
Anyway. She also didn’t forget to mention «casually» that she waived the corkage fee for us. Wink wink. But I laughed because I had called before we came to ask how much the corkage fee was and the man on the phone said no corkage fee until the 3^rd bottle. My boyfriend and I just laughed it off. I didn’t have the heart to tell her .
Food was good I got the pasta carbonara that was the highlight of the night. Boyfriends Chili glazed hen was ok .
We decided to get dessert which we later regretted since it took 25 minutes to arrive :(it wasn’t even busy … We got the Lemon Custard cake … The lemon was too overpowering. So I asked Zoe and her trainer for the check right when they dropped off the dessert since I’m expecting it to take awhile lol 15 mins later she walks by. I wave her down and she says «Oh did you get the check? «I said «No… «then she ends the night with «Oh I’m sorry HE’s the one training me. He should’ve dropped it off» ughhhhhh left such a bad taste in my mouth. Too many excuses. If it was her first night alone she should’ve taken charge. She just seemed very insincere to me. I don’t know if we will ever give this place another chance… It was a big miss for us.

Came here on a Saturday morning @10am for brunch. They offer a prefix brunch where you pick 3 things, 1 appetizer, 1 entrée, and 1 dessert. In addition to that you get bottomless coffee/​tea/​mimosas. All for $ 35 a person. If you’d rather just order a la carte, you can do that also.
Their patio is beautiful, white table cloths, and pretty table scape. Smallish patio though, so if you want to sit outside, I suggest a reservation (I had one).
Dress code? None. Because a lot of hotel guests walked over from the pool in their swimsuits with cover ups.
Got the berry parfait for appetizer (more like a dessert, so good) granola, yogurt, fruit, fresh whipped cream.
Entrée was the duck hash. Duck mixed with sautéed spinach and a béarnaise sauce, with a side of breakfast potatoes.
Last was dessert, I got the bread pudding «special» it was a maple bacon flavor. Super good, I was just too full to finish it… or remember to take a picture of it (4 mimosas deep by then) hehe.
Finished off brunch with a lovely cup of tea.
In my opinion $ 35 is a deal if you drink mimosas.
Only complaint… takes them a while to refill your mimosas. Probably to keep people from getting tanked. Bummer hehehe

Gosh, it’s such a hidden gem, this place! A lovely restaurant in a beautiful setting. There’s nothing more perfect than this setting.
Was a nice day so naturally I elected to sit outside with mom. This place is easily 5 stars if the service wasn’t so off. I ordered the prawns and the waiter brought out grilled chicken and when I reminded him what I ordered, he blushed hard and insisted that I had said chicken.
Tsk tsk. Not writing orders down…
So my mom shared her burger with me while I waited for them to correct my dish. The burger was very hearty served with good seasoned fries. In the meantime, I ordered the soft shell crab poboy also. Choice of soup or salad or fries… I said I’ll try the zucchini soup.
The poboy came looking wonderful with the green soup. But no spoons provided. Had to flag them down for spoons. Prawns with grilled asparagus over brown rice were good. I asked for Tabasco. We had to keep asking them to refill our iced teas… It was a very slow afternoon, they checked on our table often so why the empty glasses?
Overheard lady next to our table complain to the waiter n then to the manager about the funny tasting sauce in her food. Lol. It’s not supposed to taste like spaghetti sauce! she said. Well. Can’t pretend to be a picky eater when you’re that big.
Anyway. Last fault: The check came and our waiter had forgotten to deduct the 25% for checking in on Unilocal.The manager (very nice guy!) took care of that.

The food was delicious and the view was amazing! I’m mainly writing this review because the Pasta Carbonara here is the best pasta I’ve ever had. It’s been over a year since I last ate here, and I can still imagine the amazing flavors of that pasta and crave it constantly. My boyfriend and I loved it so much we tried to mimic the recipe and make our own, but it didn’t compare. I’ve tried other Pasta Carbonaras since then, but nothing ever compared to the one here at Lido’s. The poached egg on the pasta makes this dish unique as most carbonara’s don’t come with egg. I live in the Bay Area and I’m willing to drive down for 3+ hours just for this pasta!
We also had the pizza (the one with the eggs) and it was also delicious.
This restaurant is in a hotel, which is also absolutely beautiful! We would have loved to stay in the hotel, but it’s too pricey.
The Good:
Pasta Carbonara
The view (especially at sunset)
Great service
The Bad:
Can be pricey, but the pasta was worth it!
Too far from where I live

Absolute love this place. Service is so exceptional here. happy hour has good selection of items. I personally like the shrimp tacos on the happy hour menu and the ribs! The grass fed burger is delicious too. The salads are huge portion so it well worth the $$.
Everyone greats you hello and really makes you feel you are welcomed!
This is not a cheap establishment, but it’s well worth every penny.

My mom and I tried this place again for a weekday brunch. Check in on Unilocal for 25% off M-​F before 2pm! No drunk people this time — just a nice quiet lunch with amazing views.
We had the scallop appetizer ($ 22 for 3 scallops). Expensive but the scallops were so buttery and delicious — topped with melons that added more flavor but highlighted the scallops. So amazing! We both had the crab po’ boy. OMG — order this if you have a chance. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.
Service was excellent and we will return!

Absolutely overpriced and over rated for what it is. $ 38 dollars for a pork chop that was dry and literally the size of a deck of cards on a good day. I don’t even want to talk about their so called pizza. All you could taste was pure tomato. If I wanted that, I could have just gone to the store and bought a tomato and it would have probably tasted better than that $ 17 dollar thing they attempted to call a pizza. The salad was just full romaine lettuce covered in Caesar sauce. I guess since you have to cut the salad yourself that makes it fit in with this «high class restaurant». I don’t understand how this place gets such high reviews. I thinks it’s because the people who left those reviews have never actually eaten at a good restaurant before.
Anyways there are much better establishments for a better price and more quantity of food in the central coast.
I was looking forward to eating here all day only to be let down by food I could have made at home and would have tasted much better! You have been warned.
Oh wait, I actually I enjoyed the free bread and whipped butter but that’s about all.

Came here for a 30^th birthday celebration on Saturday, ⁵⁄₉. It was a great fine dining experience, but not pretentious either. The setting was very nice, and our server, Brian, was fabulous. It’s rare to find such professional servers like him anymore!
They had an extensive wine list, which Brian helped us navigate, even giving us a couple tastes so that we could choose the perfect wine for the evening.
Bread was perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. My husband and I shared a salad and the Alfredo pasta, both were delicious, especially the pasta. I chose the filet and my husband had the beef short ribs, both were delicious and perfectly cooked. We had the flour less chocolate cake for dessert which was beautifully presented to us for my birthday. However, the cake was a bit dry for my taste, and was my only slight disappointment of the evening.
Valet service was also very professional and remembered our name as soon as we walked up.
All around great evening, thank you Brian and Lido restaurant!

The food is good here, with a wide range from a casual pizza to a tasting menu. But the real highlight is the amazing wine list, with 1000 selections at (mostly) reasonable prices. There is a focus on regional wines from the central coast, but also great selections from Napa and Europe.
The outside dining area atop the click can’t be beat. And our server was extremely helpful, even finding us a couple of cans of diet coke from elsewhere in the resort to take back to our rooms. (And the resort is magnificent.)