Room Service

Hotels that house fabulous restaurants

Living in a popular tourist destination has obvious drawbacks. The traffic, crowds and overabundance of tschotkes for sale can make anyone long for a plane ticket to Helena, Montana (which is actually
quite lovely). However, tourism has its benefits other than just boosting the local economy and reinforcing the awesomeness of your hometown. Without tourists there would be many fewer high-end hotels in South Florida. And with high-end hotels come high-end restaurants.

The result is a perfect symbiotic elationship with mass appeal to hipsters and foodies everywhere. See and be seen in the wankiest of eateries in South Florida housed in equally stunning hotels. These restaurants serve up only the best fare by the best chefs. And if you indulge a bit too much, you can always get a room for the night.

The flavor of Essensia (The Palms Hotel & Spa) proves that environmentalists can still be foodies.
Ingredients used are local, organic and seasonaleven the wine list is 100% sustainable, organic or biodynamic (decision-making is easier with a flight of three for an “interactive wine voyage”).
The relaxing and natural vibe here whispers spa from the gardens visible from the dining room and terrace to the casual foliage accents inside. Speaking of spas, check out the menu’s spa selections for low calorie options.

If views are what you crave, enjoy the sweeping overlook of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay from 16 floors up at Area 31 (EPIC Hotel), though your meal actually hails from Fishing Area 31, the Western Central Atlantic waters including the Florida coast (the name is no coincidence). Every table is afforded amazing sights, not just those seated by the 12-foot windows. The kitchen is central and open for those seated in the inside dining area, while terrace diners order poolside or in private cabanas. As the name implies, Area 31’s focus is on seafood though landlubbers will find what they crave in the secondi and contorni sections of the menu.

Offering similar panoramic views of the skyline and Bay but with a completely different feel, Eos (Greek for “new dawn”) (Viceroy Miami) cuisine is modern Greek with influences from Portugal, Spain and Morocco. The impressive 15th floor views have nothing on the lavish décor, black and white glam with pops of color. Featuring a small plates menu, Eos is designed so each patron can experience, discover and share any desired flavor combination. Be sure not to skip the raw section of the menu for the perfect starter.

For Mediterranean flavor in the quintessential South Florida setting, enter Wish (The Hotel). Dine al fresco in the tropic garden featuring a fountain or inside the dining room’s inner garden for a similar experience (complete with palm trees). The cuisine is fresh, seasonal and vibrant, as described by executive chef Marco Ferraro, who delivers the simplicity of good food combined with good technique. Fun perk: The menu itself lights up for easy reading. Double fun perk: The martini ice cubes also light up.

Find a different kind of Mediterranean cuisine, one with a strong Asian influence, at Azul
(Mandarin Oriental). The folks here have thought of everything from the marble open kitchen with raw bar and the impressive lengthy wine table to the more personalized touches such as offering pashminas (in various colors) and reading glasses (in various strengths) for the comfort of the patrons. Waterfront views are to be admired from the terrace or through the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround three sides of the airy and chic dining area. Though most non-steak houses in the area focus on seafood, the sea and land options here are fairly balanced.

The name BLT Steak (The Betsy) has nothing to do with the sandwich (which incidentally does not appear on the menu so please don’t ask); it’s simply short for Bistro Laurent Tourondel (the executive chef of BLT restaurants). The steakhouse takes steak very seriously, offering a myriad of sauces, temperatures and sides, with each of the latter in its own cast-iron pan. Enjoy these thoughtful touches while admiring the ocean from the terrace or from the vast number of windows. Those looking to recreate the evening may purchase BLT brand steaks or BBQ sauce.
The more kitchen-talented patrons could be interested in one of Laurent Tourondel’s autographed cookbooks.

The menu and name of Steak 954 (W Fort Lauderdale) certainly leave no room for guessing about the focus here. (It’s steak for those of you playing along at home.) But the décor is much more boutique-sleek. Picture artistic patterns on the walls, vibrant colors and an aquarium featuring jellyfish instead of traditional steak-house-brown wood everywhere. Inside is hip, outside is quiet and candlelit. The raw bar and seafood selections are impressive, though carnivores will appreciate the variety of steak options (especially the signature Kobe Cheesesteak).

Unlike many pan-Asian locations, The Restaurant (The Setai) recognizes Indian and Dim Sum in addition to the more popular fare. Food is prepared in an open kitchen so patrons may enjoy the sights in addition to the aromas of their meals, which are served family-style. Those preferring to dine outside can enjoy more peaceful courtyard seating.

Each location is known for its high standards, offering the best of the best in both atmosphere and cuisine. Each offers an exciting experience in fine dining, celeb sightings aside. And each is part of a hotel.

Jennifer Aranoff