MIchael J Grille Md's Online Review Report Card

Came here because a coworker of mine recommended their crab cakes! We had to try them being the crab cake fanatics that we are, and we must say... 8/10!!! Nice crisp on the outside, very filling on in the inside, with enough flavor that you don't need any sauce for them! The calamari was a huge portion and very crispy!! With this app, I'd actually prefer the sauces on the side for dipping! The risotto sounded so good on the menu, I asked the waitress for a small side just to try! So good! Their espresso martini was also a very good choice! Service was friendly and prompt! I'd absolutely recommend this establishment!

Decided to order pick up from Michael's Grill tonight as we were unable to keep our plans to eat at the restaurant. We have eaten here many times but never ordered carry out. Everyone is so nice, from Andrea taking my phone order, the servers and the chefs letting me know they were just finishing up the order. They confirmed the order was packaged correctly and contained all items before handing it over. Steak Au Poivre and Steak Frite special were cooked to perfection. Thanks Andrea and team for another great meal from Michael's Grill!

The online reviews were misleading. Although the food was OK, it was very overpriced for the quality and atmosphere. I would recommend many restaurants over this one in the area and for the same or less price.

Michael's is a small spot that provides North Tampa with the best upscale food in the whole area. While a hidden gem, I would argue that Michael's is comparable, if not much better, than The more well-known steakhouses of Tampa such as Bern's and Meat Market. The salmon is always delicious. The steak Diane is amazing and the duck is always incredible. The sticky toffee pudding from the dessert menu is nothing like anything else I've had around town and is amazingly delicious!

I have only been to Michael's grill one other time, which was several years ago, and was very impressed, but don't live close enough to come back. So I chose it for my son's graduation lunch as we were staying in an Airbnb nearby. Reservations were easy, service was great. However the lunch menu items were not impressive. I had the chicken pesto sandwich, which was dry. My father had the patty melt and wasn't impressed. The only guests in my party that really liked their meal were the ones who ordered the pasta. I did love the she crab bisque! It's very difficult finding a restaurant around here that serves it right. So I will come back and try them again, but for dinner instead.

My husband and I took our adopted-Tampa mom to this restaurant on a Saturday night, made reservations, and sat outside. The restaurant was hustling and bustling. Everyone looked like they were enjoying their time. We were the only table sitting outside, which is a great option during Covid. Unfortunately, the patrons of the restaurant and wine bar next door go outside to smoke cigarettes, and my clothes and hair smell of smoke. Something to keep in mind if you were to eat outside. My partner and I live in South Tampa/Downtown area, so we NEVER eat in Carrollwood, but our adopted mom lives down the street so wanted to try somewhere nearby her instead of our tried and trues. Now to the food. Appetizers:House salad- It's a house salad.Conch Fritters- Comes with 5 fritters on a sweet sauce and some arugula, the sauce is a little sweet. Nothing noteworthy, some of the fritters seemed like they didn't have any conch that was distinguishable from the batter. Crab Cakes- The waiter recommended the crab cakes, 2 cakes per order about the size of a child's fist. There was some lump crab in the cakes. However, it was quite salty. I was confused as to why the pineapple was on the side. I thought it was a little odd that it was not placed on top of the crab cakes. Not the best crab cakes, but not the worse. Entrees:Sea Bass Special-My husband thinks the sea bass was good, but the sauce was unremarkable. Tai Chicken-My adopted mom enjoyed her chicken, it was her second time ordering it.All the entrees came with a side of vegetables. Some were overcooked, but some were nice and al dente. Ribeye Steak-Truly disappointed with the 12oz steak. The sauce for the steak was quite sweet. Yes, there was a sauce. To be honest, I know the steak was only 12 oz, but it was the thinnest piece of steak I have had in decades. It was tender and not overcooked. It was extremely unremarkable and there was a 1" by 1" piece of fat. A steak should be nicely marbled with fat, but not such a huge chunk. I do not believe it was worth $44. For a little more money, I would have had a nicer and higher-quality rib eye at Ocean Prime.Desserts:Sticky Toffee Pudding-There was nothing sticky about it, the cake was crumbly and slightly dry. Vanilla Creme Brulee-Wasn't remarkable, but not bad.Drinks:Manhatten- Too sweet, it came in a martini glass, which is classic.Old Fashion- Too sweet, it came with a bunch of ice cubes. I am accustomed to drinking an old-fashioned with a large single ice cube. Minor notes: Had to ask for new utensils because the plate and fork were not quite clean, and still had food stuck to it. I know it happens. I am quite aware that this is a neighborhood restaurant in Carrollwood and I should try not to compare it to other restaurants in South Tampa. However, the cost of dinner could have been better spent for the same amount of food and better quality elsewhere like Ocean Prime, On Swann, or Elevage. Maybe I should have kept our other reservations at Iavarone's instead of Michael's Grill.

First . I asked for a sweet Manhattan. I received an Old Fashioned in a martini glass. So I asked for an Old Fashioned. Came in a rock glass. Ok. It's Florida I'm still trying to used to Manhattans come in martini glasses. Not just here every where in Tampa.The food took a while to come out which is understandable they were short staffed. It seemed like there was only one waitress? I'm not sure what the other people standing around the reservation podium were doing. Second. Pasta and shrimp were definitely dried after sitting under a warmer too long.Third. Filet mignon came with a side of Hair! Not just a small piece ! Like shoulder length . Stuff happens. I understand! And I understand they don't need our business. They were very busy! But common decency should propel staff to at the very least APOLOGIZE! Nothing. Maybe it's just a Chicago thing to have a manger or the chef come over and apologize and probably comp the bill. Instead my friend was offered another steak that was going to "take 4 minutes" (magic?) well it took at least 20. When it came it was half the size of the original steak.Again a simple apology would have gone a long way. I left feeling not full but definitely nauseous.

We had made a reservation for Saturday evening for outside seating.Who knew it was going to be a very cold night, when we arrived they had our table ready outside as I had requested. My name was written on a card placed on the table which I thought was a nice gesture instead of just reserved. Immediately, our server, Brittany came over and told me she tried to get a table away from the wind. She took our drink orders and brought them promptly. She then said she would try and get a heater from the other out door area. She came back and said none was available but when a table opened inside she would move us inside. A few minutes later the Manager, Joe appeared and said he would try and seat us by the heaters on the other side when available. We placed our orders and Brittany was terrific making a few recommendations. Soon, Joe came back and said he had a table for the three of us. Brittany said she would continue serving us even on the other side. We had a wonderful dinner, the Halibut, Pork Diane everything was prepared perfectly. Joe kept coming back to ensure we had a great experience. We stayed long after everyone left listening to the music from the Wine bar next door. They stated t they didn't mind and did not try and rush us out. I would highly recommend and if you get Brittany you have an added bonus. Marcetta and Bill Sanders

Cute boutique restaurant. Reservations recommended as they get busy. We started with fried Brie and fish dip (not pictured). Attractive plates and good amount of food. The shrimp and grouper were slightly over cooked. The steak was easily cut with butter knife. Good service. The restaurant was becoming more loud as it filled throughout the evening. A larger party (prom attendees) we're just being seated as we left. Since it was raining, the patio wasn't open, but with better weather, I could see this being a huge draw!

I visit this restaurant about once every three or four years, yet every time I think - why don't I come here more frequently? It is a bit expensive, but over the years, the food has been consistently great .Parking was easy as they are located in a strip mall with a huge parking lot. Reservations were effortless through Open Table. We were there on a Tuesday night, and while it was not crazy busy, business was very steady. They provide tables both indoors and outside.Our server was very pleasant and efficient. She offered, then brought out, fresh bread served with a lovely flavored butter. My friend and I both started with the she-crab soup. This is an absolute must-have. So creamy and delicious. The appetizer we ordered was the only thing I didn't love - it was fried brie, and instead of having the round wheel of brie come out with a light coating, it was served like four big fried cheese sticks. I did like the strawberry habanera sauce it was drizzled with.After hemming and hawing over what entrée to order, I finally went with our server's recommendation and had the Honey Bourbon Salmon which was outstanding. It was served over a roasted corn and spinach risotto which was wonderful, and full of flavor.Dessert is always the sticky toffee pudding, and it was fantastic as usual, served with luscious vanilla ice cream and dripping with caramel.A delectable meal from start to finish, and I need to make the effort to come here more frequently!