Kunal Shah
We were disappointed with our experience. The drinks were served in plastic mugs, which took away from the overall presentation. We also ordered the sundae churros, but they were undercooked on the inside, so we ended up leaving most of the dish untouched. Unfortunately, no one from the staff checked in to see if there was an issue. There’s definitely significant room for improvement in both food quality and customer service.
… moreJessica Williams
Flew in from Kansas City and spent a few days at the Alila Marea Resort. The food and drinks at The Pocket while poolside were great, the atmosphere and views were incredible. I also have to mention that our server, Dominic, went above and beyond for us both days while poolside. He was super attentive and friendly and he made us feel welcome as their guests! We’d love to come back and would highly recommend.
… moreJoel
Love coming here! Food is great – I recommend the sunset ceviche and the buffalo chicken. Cocktails are amazing. I highly recommend the antidote. Bartenders are always nice and professional. And of course the view outside is phenomenal. Just don’t try to get in the pool… if the manager sees she will kick you out!
Parking is valet only for $5, or you can walk up the stairs from the beach.
… moreAbigail Mendoza
I recently visited The Pockets, the poolside restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort, and while the views were definitely a highlight, the overall experience was a bit mixed. The restaurant offers nice views of the pool and even a glimpse of the ocean, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere.
As for the food, it was just okay. I ordered the steak frites, but unfortunately, the steak was very tough and hard to eat. The chimichurri sauce didn’t do much to elevate the dish either—in my opinion, it had an overpowering taste of vinegar. On the plus side, the cocktails were decent, though not outstanding.
Service was a bit hit or miss. The first time we dined here, the service was just fine—nothing remarkable, but not bad either. However, when we came back the next day for drinks by the pool, the service was noticeably better, much more attentive and friendly.
All in all, The Pockets offers great views, but I would recommend managing expectations when it comes to the food and cocktails. The ambiance is great for a relaxed poolside meal or drink, but the culinary experience may leave a little to be desired.
… moreCherilyn Jones
They just opened up to locals (not hotel guests) by reservation only and must provide credit card. It’s $25 per person cancellation fee if you don’t show or cancel within 24 hours. This is to keep the exclusivity feel consistent they said when I checked in at the lobby. They will give you wristbands and escort you to the restaurant where you have many options for dining inside or outdoor by the fire pits.
We chose the fire pit seating. It’s open air with a few umbrellas on cushioned seating with tons of pillows. Concrete fire pits are large enough to have beverages and food. There are small stools to use that out you closer for eating.
They have a few large bottles of sunscreen at various stations as fyi.
They had sound healing just outside the pool area at 5:30pm on Wednesdays.
The Apres-Sea aka happy hour menu had a few bites on it. We got the carne asada nachos and it was a huge stack, lots to share. Excellent deal.
My friend tried the pork banh mi and loved it. He also ordered the ponto passion drink and enjoyed it as well.
I got the blackberry cider and it was tasty and refreshing.
Patrick was our server and he was amazing!!! Definitely ask for him if he’s working!!!
Loved the ambiance. The dinner menu offerings looked delish and excited to come back for more explorations. They brought a new menu (changed menu tnite) so you will see differences in photos.
… moreS I
Casual spot with some of the best poolside food! The beer and tequila clams were some of the best I’ve ever had and my steak frites was cooked perfectly to medium rare. It typically comes with chimichurri but I couldn’t have that, so chef prepared a delicious garlic and herb compound butter for me instead. Thoroughly enjoyed how delicious my meal was and it was made all the better by great service and atmosphere. Attentive service from Zack and an all round fantastic dining experience with some fabulous views of the sunset.
… moreLorís May
We loved this spot !! Even though it’s inside of the hotel, Getting to the bar was a nice walk through the hotel. We Want it a bar in Front of The Ocean!! We got it ! Good cocktails, nice view, excellent service and quality food !!
… moreSheri Knox
Went on a Monday night – NO ONE ELSE was there and no food was available. A relative from out of town was visiting and staying nearby so it was convenient, but new to me. I loved the photo showing a view to the ocean, but did not realize it was part of a resort where $10 valet parking was required – as there is nothing nearby (no street parking), there is no choice. The valet had to walk us inside, stop to get a key card from the lobby desk to use the elevator (which he walked us to down a long hallway) and when we got off the elevator, we walked several long halls past hotel rooms without another soul in sight before walking into a totally empty bar. The pool is between the bar and the ocean at tabletop height – and it is cool looking. The waiter and bartender took good care of us, and were surprised we didn’t know there was no food available, though it was on the website and on the menu handed to us. And somewhere online it said reservations were required (?!). Very odd. We had a one cocktail each and left about 30 minutes and nearly $60 later (including parking). Not in a hurry to return.
… moreYi-Chun Chen
Food and service are both great!
Price per person: …
… moreLauren S
In the hotel. Nice location, overlooking the ocean, however seriously disappointing. Maybe if I had no other options and we were staying at the hotel. Otherwise they were out of literally half the menu items (effectively making wings, salad, burgers and pork tacos the only options) and service was slow. Food was middling at best
If you’re not going to carry shrimp, tuna, sword fish, mushrooms or prawns then why put them on the menu. And 26$ for a sorry burger is exorbitant (and it was lukewarm). I nearly walked out and said sorry we’re eating elsewhere but logistically we were committed.
Tried something new, this was not it.
… more