Tides Restaurant & Terrace (closed for renovations)

The Tides Restaurant & Terrace is as soothing as the ebb and flow of the sea. Diners enjoy an open air perch on the main patio or a secluded table in Kelly Wearstler’s quirky dining room. With imaginative touches inspired by the sand and surf, the funky décor serves as the perfect backdrop for the chef’s Mediterranean-infused menu.

A selection of starters like a deftly prepared diver scallop, fresh tuna crudo or tenderloin carpaccio make a delightful tapas meal when paired with a bottle of wine and a sampling from the still-warm bread basket. A hearty seafood soup is a wonderful lunchtime treat with a crisp nicoise salad or a chicken or fish sandwich. What sets The Tides apart from the other upscale restaurants on Ocean Drive is the chef’s determination to provide just a few delicate preparations of fresh seafood from local waters or steaks and chops straight off the grill. Entrees are bold and creative such as Crispy Yellowtail Snapper pan seared and served with fragrant jasmine rice, Salmon napped in a blackberry butter, and Fig-Glazed Lamb Chops perched on warm grilled flat bread.

One of South Beach’s most scrumptious breakfast menus serves up Crunchy Challah French Toast, Crabcake Eggs Benedict and Cuban Style Ropa Vieja Hash & Eggs served on crispy fried plantain tostones. Start the morning with a bracing tropical cocktail, Bloody Mary or Champagne Bellini with a dazzling view to the sea.

Modern elegance sets the tone in The Tides main dining room. The inviting Front Terrace facing onto Ocean Drive and the beach features lush white linen sofas brightened with accent pillows and shaded by canvas canopies – an ideal respite for mingling with friends and people watching while enjoying an unforgettable meal.