With a name like MF Lobster & Ceviche, I walked in with expectations as high as Houston’s skyline, especially given the recent buzz surrounding the restaurant. The space itself is undeniably gorgeous—modern, sleek, with a touch of sophistication that makes you feel like you’re in for a special evening. Unfortunately, the night was special for all the wrong reasons.
Our server was a kid who seemed lost. He was forgetful and seemed preoccupied. For example, he took the order for half of our table of 4 and then abruptly walked away without taking the order of the other half. We had to ask another server to have him return. The service set the tone for what would be a series of culinary letdowns.
First up was the lobster ceviche. The tortilla chips were perfectly crispy which held up nicely under a juicy chunk of lobster and a sliver of avocado on top. Unfortunately, it was a bit bland but we were able to address the under-seasoning with a dash of salt. The shishitos with wagyu? I mean, shishitos are hard to get wrong but these were very well seasoned and very tasty. The problem was the wagyu…where was the flavor? It was as if the meat had been invited to the party but forgot to bring its personality, which I consider wagyu abuse.
The lobster tacos? Thanks to some tasty salsa, they were great in flavor but, sadly, the lobster was overcooked. I started to sense a theme. The lobster bisque, which should have been rich and luxurious, was the blandest I’ve ever had. Overcooked, tough lobster once more. And sloppily plated too… there is a reason that fine dining restaurants serve the bisque tableside.
We had a small win in the lobster rolls. The butter lobster roll was tasty, and the lobster was actually cooked well this time. Same for the mayonnaise lobster roll. It was good although the server incorrectly described it. Just for the record, it is not sauteed with a small amount of mayonnaise as described by our server. It is cold lobster tossed in cold mayonnaise. Were the lobster rolls good? Yes. Did they wow me? No. I was disappointed to find myself reaching for the saltshaker with every dish. I do not recall ever having to do that in a fine dining establishment. That alone was disappointing.
The saving grace? The desserts. The Mango Passion Fruit Tart was a bright, delicious end to an otherwise boring meal. The Biscoff Cheesecake, though a bit dense, was tasty. And to be fair, the cocktails were fun. The MF Spicy Cocktail was interesting, and the Blackberry Bourbon Smash and Lychee Martini were excellent.
Here’s the thing: if lobster is in the name of your restaurant, the lobster better be extraordinary. Sadly, MF Lobster & Ceviche just couldn’t deliver on that promise. Beautiful space, but when it comes to the food? We’re not going back.
The Queen's Critique 