When you think of dining at a high-end steakhouse like Del Frisco’s, you imagine an evening of impeccable service, perfectly cooked dishes, and an overall memorable experience. Unfortunately, our recent visit to Del Frisco’s by Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan fell far short of those expectations.
A Promising Start with High Hopes
We were excited to dine here, especially since we had a gift certificate and decided this would be the perfect occasion to use it. Upon arrival at 6:00 pm, the restaurant was bustling, which we took as a good sign. The space itself was lovely, with a warm ambiance and a lively atmosphere. We were seated at a table for four, even though it was just the two of us, and we appreciated being close to the window with a nice view.
The evening started on a promising note with the delivery of bread to our table. It was sweet, tasty, and indulgent—though likely a calorie bomb. As we perused the menu, we had a few questions about the offerings, but unfortunately, no one was available to assist us.
Service Stumbles Right from the Start
By 6:30, after sitting for 30 minutes without any attention, my husband was ready to leave. I flagged down a waiter who was folding napkins nearby and explained our situation. To his credit, he stepped in and took over our table, providing attentive, friendly service from then on. While his efforts were appreciated, the initial lack of service left a sour taste in our mouths.
Long Waits and Disappointing Dishes
We ordered a Caesar salad to start, followed by steak and lobster, and a bottle of wine to accompany the meal. The salad arrived promptly, but the main course was a different story. We waited over 40 minutes for our entrees, which tested our patience. When the manager stopped by to check on us, I shared our frustrations about the delays and lack of initial service. She assured us she would “do something” to make up for the experience, but unfortunately, no gesture of goodwill ever materialized.
When the food finally arrived, it was another letdown. My lobster tail was overcooked and tough, making it difficult to enjoy. The steak, while flavorful, was undercooked and had to be sent back to the kitchen for correction. For a restaurant of this caliber, these missteps were unacceptable, especially given the premium price point.
A Disappointing End to the Evening
By the end of the meal, we were thoroughly disappointed. We paid the bill and left, feeling that the experience was not worth the expense. For a restaurant that promises a luxurious dining experience, Del Frisco’s by Rockefeller Plaza failed to deliver on multiple fronts—service, timeliness, and food quality.
Last Thoughts
While the ambiance and our replacement waiter were highlights, they couldn’t make up for the evening’s overall shortcomings. Sadly, this was a one-and-done experience for us. We won’t be returning, and we can’t recommend it to others seeking a special night out. For the price, there are far better dining options in Manhattan that deliver on their promises.