Carli's Fine Bistro & Piano

Review summary

1. B

   Brian

   New York City

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   The piano music is amazing and is the centerpiece of the restaurant. The decor is lovely and depending on what you want, you can sit inside or outside. The kitchen is clearly a variable response and talking to other people who are regulars— this seems to be a recurring issue. Some of our food was excellent. The chicken was seemingly boiled or overcooked, and although it said grilled, there wasn’t a single sear mark on the chicken. The “glaze” was basically a watery broth with hints of apricot jelly and the garlic cloves were oddly uncooked. The ceviche was excellent with the tostones. The tuna was cooked perfectly and was amazing and despite having very poor timing from the kitchen with an hour wait for the food we had a wonderful time and the service itself was charming, and the drinks were very tasty. The owner is a very nice guy, and it is a pleasure to be able to sit and listen to him play piano and well worth the price of admission. Despite the spotty food service, we would definitely go back.
   

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2. W

   William

   Atlanta Metro

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Had a great time w family. Very cozy great ambiance food very good. Piano man playing.
   

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3. A

   Amir

   Greater Boston

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great little bistro. We sat outside and then got hit by rain so they really accommodated us and squeezed us inside. Great food and great service.
   

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4. R

   Richard

   Las Vegas

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Be aware when making a reservation that there is no distinction for indoor and outdoor seating. Upon arrival, I was not informed that there were no available tables inside. In spite of recent rain, we were offered outside seating, or wait over an hour for inside seating. Carli, himself, assisted with our tables outside. There were attempts to placate the situation with complimentary appetizers, which were ordered but never received. An hour and a half later we were served. I will return, but will make a reservation in person.
   

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5. J

   Jaclyn

   VIP

   Caribbean

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 20, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Este es mi restaurante favorito y solo por la comida, es por el ambiente, servicio y la Musica instrumental en vivo ….. lo amo
   

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6. S

   Stephen

   New York City

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 18, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We chose to eat outside as it was quite cold inside. Service good and the drinks were also good. Both our main courses were tepid as opposed to hot. Otherwise a good place.
   

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7. M

   Marc

   Greater Boston

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on December 16, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent, a real surprise, we loved everything about it. Food exceeded our expectations, service and ambiance was great. Would highly recommend it. Got to be one of the best restaurants in San Juan.
   

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8. H

   Henry

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 10, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This intimate restaurant is perfect for couples date night. Food, drink, and service were impeccable. Piano added ambience, but overall it is quiet enough for easy conversation. Turned out to be a real treat.
   

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9. W

   Wanda

   VIP

   Charlotte

   15 reviews

   5.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on December 9, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The place is quaint, small and beautifully decorated. Located in old San Juan.. Lots of great pictures of stars on the wall depicting the professional life of the restaurant's owner in the music business. Big huge piano in the middle of the room often times the owner will play. There is something very romantic about the place. Great L shape bar great drinks and bartenders are always courteous and knowledgeable. The food is great. The place also has a big patio overlooking San Juan's blue cobblestones streets and often they have music on the patio as well. We have been there many times and have taken many friends and it has always been a great experience
   

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10. C

    Carlos

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    This place is QUALITY. Nice balanced menu between seafood and meats. Great tasting and creative appetizers and SUPERB food. The waiters are professional and make the experience even better. The options of cocktails is very creative and great drinks. And of course, Carli's sublime piano performances in the middle of the restaurant is just the perfect touch.
    

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