*With contributions by Lucille Sitra
The Westin Diplomat’s expansive Hollywood, Florida resort and spa isn’t just a destination for luxury and business travelers. It’s also one of Southern Florida’s most impressive dining locations. With no less than seven unique restaurants, you won’t even have to leave the resort to satisfy all your food cravings.
Modern minded guests will love AiZiA, the restaurant and nightclub that fuses Pan-Asian cuisine with astonishing views. Just a few steps away from a skybridge that separates the beachfront resort from the Intracoastal Waterway, AiZiA is a contemporary, sensory dining experience created by Chef Mauricio that’s both dramatic and intimate.
The menu includes exotic transformations of classics like the Kurobuta Char Sui Pork Belly served with sour apples, candied ginger and steamed bok choy, We recommend the Rock Shrimp Salad Wrap, which is covered in an Asian Bang sauce and sesame seeds. You’ll also find familiar favorites like pad thai, sushi, chicken curry, miso soup, and spring rolls. AiZiA shines brightest on weekend nights, when the chic dining room morphs into a dance floor. Every Friday is Ladies’ Night and women drink for free from ten to midnight. With a menu that includes five delicious flavors of mojitos, it’s an evening you don’t want to miss.
The Westin’s formal and most celebrated dining room is Hollywood Prime, the AAA Four-Diamond Rated Steakhouse that’s been listed as one of South Florida’s finest steak and seafood restaurants. The relatively small, 15-table space is quiet and romantic but is equally fit for a family get together. Chef Will Biscoe includes classics like onion soup, foie gras, oysters, lobster, porterhouse steak and prime Kobe beef crafted by expert hands. With a selection of over 600 wines comprising organic, boutique and rare vintages, Hollywood Prime was awarded Wine Spectator’s 2011 “Best of Award of Excellence”. We recommend the stone crabs or the rack of lamb for dinner and the Ruinart “Brut Rose” to drink.
Even sports fanatics have their own niche at the Westin Diplomat, and it comes in the form of Rivals Waterfront Sports Grille, a casual, lively environment for those looking to simply watch the game or celebrate the day’s catch. Backed by a classic rock soundtrack, 32 plasma big screens, a billiards room and views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Rivals provides a relaxing atmosphere in an otherwise uber-chic location. Don’t miss Happy Hour from 5-7 pm, with 16 draft beers on offer. Stay for dinner, where you’ll find classic sandwiches, salads, seafood, and yummy meant-to-share appetizers.
For breakfast, head down to Café, the Westin’s signature early morning spot. Floor to ceiling windows and tropical plants make for the perfect way to start a bright, sunny day in South Florida. Open for both breakfast and lunch, Café’s menu features traditional brunch fare like Eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles while also offers healthier options like egg-white omelets, smoked salmon and a low-fat yogurt parfait.
Splash Bar & Grille is the Westin’s true Florida beachside restaurant. The insanely gorgeous ocean views make biting into a burger just that much more satisfying. The cuisine is tropical with a twist. Try Calypso wings for starters, the iron-seared Mahi Mahi taco as an entrée, and a “tangerita dreamsicle” cocktail on the side. The food can even be delivered to your cabana or poolside chaise, and is exclusive to resort guests only.
Unwind at BarSu, a full sushi bar that specializes in sake infused martinis and other Asian inspired cocktails. But for those less adventurous, there are still burgers, steaks, and wines by the glass. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with business partners or relax after a day stuck in meetings.
Located in the Golf Resort & Spa, Links Restaurant and Lounge is a just a short (free) shuttle away from the beach and is worth the trip. Enjoy expansive views of the course or the green while replenishing your body after a day on the beach with menu options like a fresh seared salmon ciabatta, an open face Napa chicken salad, or the Florida hearts of palm shrimp salad. Nestled on the veranda of a Mediterranean style hotel, the restaurant offers an atmosphere that’s sophisticated yet feels light as air. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a full wine list. You might want to forget golfing altogether and spend the day relaxing under a shady umbrella instead.
When staying at the Westin Diplomat, there’s never a shortage of interesting and exciting dining experiences. And with a resort as impressive as this one, why eat elsewhere?
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-602-6000
www.diplomatresort.com