The Perfect Caper - Punta Gorda (FL)

5 /5 Eric S: My favorite restaurant that Ive been to in Florida. Do not let the exterior fool you. It looks unassuming and bland on the outside. When you get inside, the atmosphere is intimate without any harsh lighting. It isnt too pretentious and also isnt too modern looking. The booths feel private and I love that. Open kitchen so you can watch the staff cook and serve if you get a good seat. The staff has always been attentive, warm, and polite without being intrusive or robotic (shout out to our server Bobby today). I have been here 4 times and Ive pushed off reviewing The Perfect Caper because Ive always been so excited to eat the beautifully plated food that I forget to take decent pictures. The food is at a level above anything Ive had in the area. The food is interesting without obnoxiously trying to go out of its way to be different. The duck and steak is wonderful, the fish has always been great, and the scallops are perfect. As far as style, it feels like classical French with some east Asian influence. I cant afford a place like The Perfect Caper super often but anytime a loved one who has an appreciation for good food visits I will take them here. Its a very special place. Especially for the Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte area where its mostly chains or restaurant conglomerates that just want to make the most money with the least amount of effort. Pictured are the duck a deux facons (duck two ways) and a snapper special with lemon, frisee, and potato cake. Both were wonderful. Great complex but balanced cocktails as well. I cannot recommend this place enough. Id apologize for gushing over this place, but its well deserved.

4 /5 Sam Bush: The exterior of the building is unassuming and hides a true gem of a restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. We had a great time even with a but of a wait for our food. Very quality, and definitely a great setting for a nice dinner.

5 /5 David Lang: I sat at the bar and ate dinner. The Curry Mussels were as good as advertised and recommended. They were perfectly preferred. The Crabby Scallops were also exceptional. The apricot beurre blanc was magical. Perfectly balanced and silky. The bartenders were fantastic, just a great team. Jacob and the other young lady (Im sorry to say I forgot her name) were friendly and were extraordinarily attentive, all while deflty handling the a busy bar. Thank you for the great evening. When I return to the area I will be back.

5 /5 Federico Schmid: I was visiting Port Charlotte for a work trip and stumbled upon this restaurant. We were fortunate to sit in the front of the restaurant and observe the Chef working the pass and it was pretty fun to see so many employees smiling. The Uruguayan gentlemen made me feel like if I was back home at a family dinner. Stacy was our waitress and she was very attentive and provided some great recommendations. I saw the Chef walk out guest and thanked them for coming and she even paid a visit to our table to just chat with us. I try to experience a Michelin Restaurant every couple months because I am fascinated by the world of Chefs and while this restaurant may not have a star I would give them one if I could. Thank you if I am ever back in Punta Gorda I will be coming back.

4 /5 Marissa Damiani: Had my first experience Tuesday night. The cocktail was wonderful, the tomato and mozzarella salad was to die for especially with the cheese wrapped in prosciutto. I didn’t love the mushroom pappardelle, I found the flavor to be a little bland and not enough sauce/maybe it wasn’t thick enough to cover all the noodles. The chocolate bread pudding was pretty good. I know they’re known for their steaks , lamb, and seafood so I definitely want to go back and try it out. Fun fact: They also have a sister restaurant in Westerly, Rhode Island