790 On the Gulf

On a «girlfriend get-​away», we stopped here for lunch. The menu looked most appealing. We both had the Mahi-​Mahi from the lunch menu. My friend also ordered the duck gumbo (which I tasted) and we shared an appetizer with perhaps lobster and cheese. I am a person who REALLY enjoys food and am considered a «foodie» by many who know me. I was in New Orleans the weekend before and had amazing Cajun seafood. Unfortunately, our lunch at 790 on the Gulf left me completely underwhelmed. I actually thought our food was disgusting. In fact, I have never been more disappointed with seafood or the side dish which I believe was a low grade boxed rice mixture. Our food was also salty. The view is lovely. Our waiter was pleasant.

So here’s the thing, I grew up in this area and when I visit from time to time, it’s nice to go to a lovely spot on the beach for lunch. This restaurant has changed hands since it first opened, so I wasn’t sure what to expect on my visit.
Reservations are suggested, but not required for lunch. If you want a table with a view, make a rezzie. My longtime friend and I arrived for a quiet lunch and were greeted by a bored looking manager. To be honest, she seemed like she had been partying all night and just rolled out of bed. Once seated, we were served drinks and the lunch menu. I ordered the chicken ceasar and she the blackened snapper. It took quite some time for our food to come out. During that time I noticed that this place hadn’t changed in the nearly 20 years since it opened. The décor is dated and dingy. The Windows need a serious scrub. Everything just seems tired. The view is lovely, if only we could see it through the dirty Windows.
Our food arrived and was underwhelming. My ceasar was very average – even the shrimp were overcooked and not properly cleaned. My friends food was pretty abysmal. Her blackened snapper was so salty and tough, it was actually inedible. The manager (who was also our wAitress) was alerted to the issue. Instead of offering a replacement, she simply said «I really like salt a lot!» Ok…
To sum things up, come here for a drink and the view, then go elsewhere for the food.

Great food, but the staff just plain sucks… We enjoy brunch at this location, but honestly will probably just start sticking to the harbor from here on out. It’s a shame because the food is really good, and the view is amazing, but the servers and host are just plain rude. There are some amazing brunch places down on the harbor with really friendly people, do yourselves a favor and try them out.

They lost our reservation on a busy night, didn’t take our drink or food order for 30 minutes after being seated, then waited an hour for almost inedible food. No apology — just an excuse that they were busy. Won’t be going back which is too bad because it’s a beautiful place.

Here on out last night for vacation. Absolutely did not live up to expectations…
Very disappointed.
While my meal was fine, my wife’s Po-​Boy was basically inedible. Bread not toasted and quite dry, greasy shrimp that tasted old, or if it was fried in rancid oil.
Terrible service. We saw the waitress twice. When we ordered, and when we left.
I’d never eat here again.

Being from Louisiana, I should know better than to try a «Cajun» restaurant outside of south Louisiana. Fried Avocado and crab/​shrimp parm dip was good. Gumbos, Grouper Acadian, and BBQ shrimp were extremely salty. Mediterranean salad was very good. Waiter was very rude. We sat outside at night and there are no lights. We couldn’t see the menu or our food when it came. Didn’t even have a light on the singer.
Spoke with waiter and manager. Waiter apologized for his rudeness. Manager was very apologetic as well.

What a wonderful hidden gem! It’s located inside a resort and you have to walk through the lobby to get there so it’s kind of difficult to find but so worth it.
Outdoor seating right on the water with a killer view, delicious drinks, excellent food, and an awesome happy hour.
What set this place apart though was the service. I wish I could remember our server’s name, she was seriously the sweetest and most genuine server I’ve ever had. Cute girl with long brown hair (if you’re reading this, we were the 3 blondes that sat outside near the back corner on the same day as that wedding and left you a note on the receipt! You are AWESOME!). The owner also personally came over to chat with us and even offered to take our picture since he saw us struggling to take selfies lol.
An overall wonderful experience and we will definitely be back!

Food was okay. Generally tasteless, but I’ve had worse. Thank goodness it was lunch, otherwise the food wouldn’t have been worth the price. Some pluses are their mile long drink menu, pleasant customer service, and ideal location by the beach. Highly recommend just coming here for gumbo and drinks