Navajo Grill--fine dining in Fredericksburg, Texas

The Navajo Grill in Fredericksburg, Texas, is one of the upscale dining options in that rather small but very tourist-laden city. They have dinner service only and reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends. Our reservation was at 7:30pm and the restaurant was about 3/4 full.

The restaurant is a house that has been remodeled. The ambiance was welcoming if a bit loud. The sound of conversations bounces off the wood floors or we had very loud people around us--one or the other. There is also an inviting patio area.

The service was fine but could have been a little more attentive. We had to wait a while to request fresh drinks, though the water glasses were kept filled by the bus person. Also, the plating of the food was haphazard in a couple of the dishes.

Marlin (where's the artistry?)

For an appetizer, we shared a Baja shrimp cocktail ($10) served with slightly stale tortilla chips that were supposed to be seasoned but I could not detect any on the chips. The appetizer was a roasted tomato salsa with chopped shrimp and two seasoned whole shrimp hanging on the side of the glass. The shrimp were well chilled and spicy but a bit rubbery. I liked the flavor except it was a bit heavy on the cilantro for my taste.

My husband also ordered a cup of the Santa Fe ratatouille soup ($5) which consisted of roasted tomato broth, white beans, quinoa, squash, flavored with basil. He loved it. No question, he should have had a bowl instead of just a cup.

For our entrees, I ordered the filet ($39) which was served with Yukon Gold potatoes and grilled asparagus. My husband had the Hawaiian marlin (swordfish) with it came pineapple rice and heirloom roasted carrots as sides ($34). My filet was delicious, perfectly cooked, and the sides were fine if a little uninspired. The swordfish was flavorful if a bit dry. The sides with the fish were very tasty, particularly the carrots, but not plentiful. The steak was the standout of the entire meal for me. For my husband, it was the soup.

Filet--looked appetizing

Dessert consisted of creme brulee with berries and pecan bread pudding. Both were decent but overpriced at $8 a piece.

Bread Pudding

All in all, we expected a bit more. The experience just didn't "wow" us. Perhaps they are too used to serving tourists who may never return. The Navajo Grill needs to step up their game in several areas to justify their prices.

Address: 803 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Phone:(830) 990-8289
http://www.navajogrill.com/