The atmosphere is amazing - gorgeous tabletops and the fountain outside the window was very visually appealing. The music was slightly annoying and a touch too loud, but easily overlooked.

The bread was warm, but lackluster in taste. The olive oil/cilantro cauldron was pleasing. The appetizer was a shrimp concoction on skewers, stuck in a lemon. It was tasty enough, but a fourth would have been appropriate for the price. I ordered seafood quesadillas, and they were totally mediocre. His lunch was a skirt steak, medium rare, and supposedly pretty good! It was well-seasoned, but it sat around before it was brought to the table. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were from a box.

Service was slow, but we expected that because of the understaffing at lunchtime. We declined coffee or dessert, opting to get out of there instead. The sangria wasn't bad, although fruit other than apples should also go in sangria. All in all, we won't be back soon. If you're looking for atmosphere, however, this can be the spot for you.

The prices here are not for the thrifty. A shared appetizer plus an entree cost over $40 for one person, not including drinks or dessert. The food, however, is well worth the price, and it tastes like a bargain.

The introductory bread, served with a delightful cilantro-lime dipping sauce, only starts your experience. Definitely listen to your waiter recite today's specials, and you'll find yourself transported just by the descriptions. Although you can order steak or chicken, fish takes center stage on the menu. My favorite meal here is the Pepita, a white fish served over a malanga (taro root) puree. Desserts aren't to be missed either.

The owner and chef started out with a food cart on the streets of New Haven. With his talent for business and great food, he has come far and is the pride of New Haven. This restaurant is by far the finest in town, something that would be praised in Boston or New York and is out-of-this-world in New Haven.