Celebrity chef Thomas Keller's The Surf Club Restaurant is his first Florida property and it's already making waves as a fine dining destination. He's created a gorgeous throwback restaurant, one that calls out the highlights of a gentler bygone era, without being stuck in the past. The interior is all sleek wood surfaces, with coral and blue decor that evokes a Fabulous '50s and Swinging '60s vibe. The atmosphere is sophisticated but not stuffy, fun but not frivolous. It's the perfect place to enjoy a premier meal among a cultured and privileged crowd.
The Food
The menu is a vision of classic Continental cuisine adjusted for modern tastes. Steaks, chops, and lobster thermidor are some of the big dishes available, all prepared to the highest standards using the finest ingredients. The classic Caesar salad is prepared table side, as it should be. Steak tartare, oysters Rockefeller, and prime beef short rib Wellington are a sampling of more dishes that lend the menu an aura of exclusivity. The wine list is simply massive, hundreds and hundreds of different vintages available to satisfy every craving and occasion. Cocktails are handcrafted and blend a roster of familiar classics with newer, artier creations. The menu of spirits is likewise designed to impress. Service is accomplished to impeccable standards, in the true European tradition.
Last Word
The Surf Club Restaurant is a throwback to the sophisticated clubs of the '50s and '60s, where you can have a premium meal and a great time out on the town, all in one.
