Dining Experience at Fin & Tonic: A Mixed Bag

Savoring crab dip accompanied by sparkling water at Fin & Tonic.

Today, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and dine at Fin & Tonic with my mother. Now, I usually prefer to keep my dining experiences solo, as my relationship with my mother has seen its fair share of ups and downs. However, I thought it might be an opportunity to bridge some gaps, even if I still carry a good amount of resentment. 

Awaiting the opening of the restaurant outside.

I was not wearing any makeup and was dressed in a leopard print skirt paired with a black shirt and a brown hijab purchased from Amazon. Stepping into Fin & Tonic, I was immediately struck by its upscale ambiance. With high prices reflecting its reputation—Wagyu steaks priced at a staggering $150—I knew I was in for a luxury dining experience. For my meal, I ordered crab dip, sparkling water, and a triple berry crème brûlée.

Starting with the crab dip, I was pleasantly surprised. It was undeniably delicious, easily earning a solid 10 out of 10. The flavor was rich, and it felt like a warm embrace—something I hadn’t expected from a restaurant of this caliber. 

Tasting the triple berry crème brûlée.

Unfortunately, the crème brûlée was a different story. I was hopeful as I took my first bite, but it turned out to be a letdown, scoring just a 2. With 1 being the worst and 10 being the best, this dessert certainly didn’t live up to the hype I had for it. 

As I dined, I couldn’t help but notice some concerning practices in the kitchen. There was a member of the kitchen staff casually sprinkling ingredients on a dish bare-handed, with no gloves on. In a place that charges such high prices, I would expect a higher standard of food safety. It’s a small but important detail, one that could easily make or break a customer's confidence in returning.

Browsing the menu.

Despite these shortcomings, my overall dining experience at Fin & Tonic was just okay. There might have been a fleeting moment of connection with my mother, and I appreciated the exquisite crab dip, but the combination of price, safety concerns, and lackluster dessert means that I won’t be returning anytime soon. Dining out should feel both special and secure—a perfect blend that Fin & Tonic, unfortunately, did not manage to provide today.