Reviews & Ratings for Christina's

09/07/09

Horrible owner, mediocre food inadequate service

by kmlenhardt

The meal started off poorly with a discussion with the arrogant, overbearing and contentious owner. It got worse when the wait staff forgot to take our order and then brought us food that was mediocre at best. It ended with a bill that was way too high for a terrible experience. We will never even consider eating there again. The new owner is not from the Island, and with her attitude she won't be there long!

• Pros: good dessert
• Cons: service, owner's attitude, food

08/17/08

Average at Best

by ulmke

When I heard of the praises of Christina's from multiple travel sights, magazines, and books I was very excited to take my visiting family there. All I did for days was rave of how exciting it was that we got the experience to eat at such a highly rated restaurant. When we got there we were pleased with the location and the atmosphere. Unfortunatly, that is where our satisfaction ended. Our waitress seemed rushed and uninterested; as if we were inconvincing her. The scallops were good but nothing to write home about due to them being bland and the complimenting salad had a horrid aftertaste. The thing that my family as well as myself had problems with was how rushed we were. I was embarresed to have raved about Christina's and to be disappointed on most fronts. After we spent a hefty some of money for average food and horrid service we couldn't wait to go back to Orca's Hotel for fish and chips.

09/18/07

BEWARE OF OWNER

by ezralunde

Good food given the location, and a wine list to match. Ambience is decent. The staff are a bit robotic, but the real gem is the owner, Bruce, who is extremely pomp and rude. Despite a tab of over several thousand dollars, and a well behaved party, he seemed intent to ruin our evening. I have eaten at most of the finest restaurants in New York, and have never once run into this kind of attitude and general disdain for clientele.

• Pros: food ranges from average to very good
• Cons: peculiar staff, rude owner, awkward layout to the dining room

09/14/07

Mixed Experiences

by cncfood

Our first visit bringing our parents two years ago proved to be an outstanding experience; fresh seafood (oysters in particular) outside dining, great view, good service, etc. Unfortunately our recent return trip proved to be a disappointement. The service was the primary problem manifested in an surprizing lack of attention and not helped for long periods of time. In addition, the food was not what it should have been either. A disturbing example includes a complete disaster of a morrel mushroom dish that was swimming in vinegar - ruined. Never once was I asked about out course, even when Erin cleared our plates.

We opted not to stay for dessert. I would be hesitant to go here for dinner again and would recommend looking for other options in and around east sound. It's possible we had an unlikely experience, but they're obviously capable of it and I would question why.

• Pros: Might be good if you're lucky
• Cons: Might be a waste of money if you're not

07/31/06

A Northwest dining destination that's deserving of its many accolades.

by Allison Austin

The Scene
One of the state's best restaurants sits perched above a gas station in the heart of Orcas Island's Eastsound village. For over two decades, diners have climbed the steps to this quaint, glowing space to enjoy chef-owner Christina Orchid's inspired Northwest cuisine. In summer, the deck's open and things take on a more casual air. Winter draws an intimite crowd, often couples on dates.

The Food
The freshest oysters imagineable--from beaches just blocks away from the restaurant--are an ideal beginning to a meal. Try them laced with champagne cream and quickly broiled just until warm but still loose. All seafood is fresh, expertly prepared and confidently served with little fuss. Orchid uses seasonal local produce--pea vines, blackberries--to enhance her dishes. Her cooking proves how little need be done when the best possible ingredients are used.

06/08/05

Orcapulco Experience

by eastlight

What a delight it is to be served the most masterful northwest cuisine with a lovely view over what Christina herself once called Orcapulco. If you poke your head in the kitchen to compliment the chef you are likely to find Christina in a flurry of fresh edible flowers and herbs that tranform the days catch into a simply elegant culinary offering. Whatever you order you are sure to have an elevated dining experience above the gas station in Eastsound on Orcas Island. And don't forget to stop by at the bookstore nextdoor and snag a copy of Christina's new cookbook!

• Pros: wordclass chef, intimate setting, water view
• Cons: stairs (no elevator), limited seating, gas station below

09/09/04

PERFECTION!

by jenndayweisman

What an amazing experience overall. The food was stellar - every special request was accommodated, the staff/service was personal and unbelievably attentive, and the ambiance perfect for our first wedding anniversary. We cannot wait to return!

• Pros: Romantic, Accomodating, Staff

08/27/03

A Very Pleasurable Experience

by emibear

The only drawback of the very good seafood hot pot is that the curry doesn't let you fully appreciate the freshness of the seafood. My friend had the halibut with a basil tarter sauce and it was also very good. The unpretentious waiter and the simply superb desert made the evening all the better. The A-Z pinot from Oregon that he suggested was a good pairing and I would suggest it.

• Pros: Great View, Relaxed Atmosphere, Fresh Seafood and Veg
• Cons: Table warped

02/17/03

Romantic Evening for Two

by 95blackmustang

If you are looking for the perfect Romantic evening for two in a fine dinning venue then this is the place for you. Located just off the East Sound of Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands; set in a remodeled 1930s gas station lays the best Seafood cuisine in the Northwest. With a warm, comfortable and romantic atmosphere with a view of the ocean you would think it could not get any better until you taste the food or drink the wine. Their salmon dish just melts in your mouth and for a moment you think you are in heaven. Don't be fooled by the outside of the Restaraunt, the inside transcends into a Romantic and Enjoyable environment.

• Pros: Excellent Atmosphere, Excellent Food, Great Service
• Cons: Remote Location, Limited Days/Hours

02/16/03

Why you should climb up to Christina's

by CHM

Best view...freshest ingredients....best wines...greatest service...nicest welcome... What more could you ask? Climb the stairs behind the gas station and enter culinary heaven!

• Pros: Being on Orcas, Dining & wining well
• Cons: Getting to Orcas