Restaurant Review: Latitude Seafood Company Midlothian

guest post by Ashley Glasco

I went in for lunch at Latitude, located at 15532 WC Commons Way in Midlothian.  I was greeted with a  friendly smile from the hostess and seated immediately.  I met with Jenetha, who  was a stay at home mom for 15 years and previously a consignment shop owner.  Once her kids were older, she picked up a serving job, and during her four years in the restaurant business, she worked her way up to general manger. It was during this time that she met and worked with Kevin, Jonathan, and Carlos.  They became good friends who worked well together and nearly a year ago, they began their venture into being restaurant owners.  The four partners signed for the space in August of 2015 and they officially opened in October.  Despite being open for less than a year, the restaurant is thriving and constantly bringing in new customers.  

During the evening, it is always busy and the restaurant always has something going on, whether it is Happy Hour specials, food specials or live music.  They also have a covered patio, the only one in the area which gives you an option to eat outside on nice days!  The restaurant is family friendly and has a good mix of people.  You can come in dressed in jeans or for a night on the town and feel completely comfortable in either scenario.  The atmosphere is pleasant and the bar area is separated by a brick wall which helps distinguish the kind of setting you are looking for. ​

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​Word of mouth is their main source of new clientele and it wasn’t until last month that they really started advertising.  They have customers who they consider regulars and really make it a point to get to know each and everyone who walks in the door.  You can find Jenetha on the floor on a regular basis, often hostessing, serving food and bussing tables.  She does the marketing, event booking, fundraising events, administrative work…really, a little bit of everything, though she prefers to stay out of the kitchen. ;)  She makes it a point to visit each of the tables while she is there.  The goal for the restaurant is to make the atmosphere pleasant, for the customers feel welcomed and comfortable, and for them to have an overall great experience.  They strive to have a personal connection with their customers and agree that customer feedback is important.  

Kevin and John were the brains when it came to the seafood concept.  They are very confident when it comes to cooking seafood and it is the dominant feature on the menu.  Aside from this, Latitude is really unique in that there really isn’t a restaurant like this around the area.  They pride themselves on fresh food and that it is made in house.  The seafood comes in fresh and their specials (which change daily) are based off of what they get in and, in turn, what sort of entree is created.  The staff has even been known to contribute to new dishes for the menu!  The specials are the most popular item on the menu because they are the freshest and most unique.  Other customer favorites include the Lobster Bisque, Hellfire Shrimp, and Stuffed Flounder.

Aside from the daily specials, the menu changes seasonally and is very reasonably priced.  They have something for everyone.  Not a seafood fan?  No worries!  Their menu includes steak, chicken and has a lot of variety including pastas, house specialties, wraps, sandwiches, tacos, soups, salads and apps, and plenty of sides and add ons.  They have an extensive wine list, 32 beers on tap (many from local breweries), and hand crafted martinis and cocktails.  They have great Happy Hour specials 7 days a week.  And as if it couldn’t get better, all of their desserts are homemade!  ​

The four owners have different qualities that help make running the restaurant successful.  They are so pleased with how well they are doing and are still in awe that their vision has become a reality.  And while they are perfectly content with how well things are going, they still have big dreams.  Their intent is to open additional restaurants in the future.  They are currently looking at several locations in Northern VA and the Raleigh area and hope to begin plans in the next year or so.  
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I started with the Mussels appetizer, which came to the table in a giant bowl of deliciousness.  They were cooked perfectly and very well seasoned.  The white wine and lemon butter sauce was amazing and it paired perfectly with the glass of white wine I ordered.  I knew I couldn’t devour the entire bowl or I would not be able to eat the the Mahi Mahi Tacos I ordered, so I maintained self control!  When the tacos arrived, I was pleasantly surprised.  Not only did they look delicious, they were big!  The tacos were loaded with tender, flavorful fish and cilantro slaw.  I had one taco topped with cucumber tomato pico and lime sour cream and the other topped with pineapple salsa and fresh avocado.  It was so refreshing to have food served that was FRESH.  The greens that were served with the tacos had a unique and tasty dressing which I finished right away.  By the time I left, the restaurant was filled with happy customers and warm conversation.  I left with a full belly, a smile on my face, and already thinking about what I may order next time.  I have a running list of things I want to try including the Lobster Mac and Cheese and Jenetha’s Lobster Grilled Cheese!

To learn more about Latitude, you can visit their website: http://www.latitudeseafoodco.com/

To keep up with their specials, be sure to like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LatitudeSeafoodCo.1

15532 WC Commons Way
Midlothian VA 23113
804-379-8100