Lido Restaurant - Surfside, FL

Since I started writing this blog, and even before that, I've dined at lot of restaurants around the world. Some restaurants are strictly about the food and let it do all the talking, while others try to wow with decor. Some restaurants can get away with neither because their location alone is the main draw. Then, rarely, there comes along a restaurant that has all three, a perfect trifecta, my happy place. Believe it or not, I never used the term "happy place" to describe a restaurant until sitting on the terrace of the Lido, looking out at the ocean through palm trees and coral archways.

Nestled within the historic Surf Club hotel, Lido Restaurant has been graced by two remarkable head chefs who's cuisines I've had the pleasure to enjoy. Celebrated New York‑born Italian maestro Michael White, followed by the Florentine‑native Marco  Calenzo, who took over in 2023. Under Chef White’s leadership, Lido - staying true to its name - leaned into soulful sea-side Italian cuisine, introducing homemade pastas and fresh crudos. Today, Executive Chef Calenzo brings a refined, season‑aware touch. His menu blends coastal Italian classics with subtle Asian influences, earning the restaurant a coveted three forks and Chef of The Year from Italian publication Gambero Rosso, and a Michelin mention, all in 2024. The cuisine focuses on handcrafted pastas and pristine seafood, all served against the backdrop of and ocean‑facing terrace, sweeping pool and sea views. Design‑wise, the space effortlessly marries 1930s Surf Club grandeur with fresh contemporary elegance. Plush neutral tones, custom lighting in cathedral ceilings, and lush greenery frame breathtaking coastal vistas. Dining at Lido is more than a meal, it’s an immersive sensory journey through culinary craft, scenic beauty, and timeless design. For more information on the Lido Restaurant, visit the Four Seasons Surfside website, here.

Amberjack, Tangerine, Calabrian Chili, Mint

Bluefin Tuna Tartare, Pistacchio di Bronte, Citrus

Homemade Ricotta and Root Vegetables Amuse Bouche

Yellowtail, Amalfi Lemon Dressing

Margherita Pizza

Squid Ink Bucatini alle Vongole, Pangrattato

Tiramisu

Tuna Tartare, Creme Fraiche, Pistacchio, Basil Oil

Seafood Cavatelli

Octopus Salad, Potato, Taggiasca Olives

Creste al Pesto, Chery Tomato, Balsamic Drizzle, Parmigiano Reggiano

Tiramisu, Espresso, Mascarpone Mousse, Espresso Martini

Tuna Tartare

Linguine, Chanterrelle, Zucchini, Basil

Seafood Tagliatelle, Cherry Tomatoes

Cheesecake, Strawberry Coulis, Chantilly 

Seared Bluefin Tuna, Black Truffle 

Hamachi, Citrus

Pumpkin Seed & Quinoa Crusted Chicken, Rosemary Jus Broccolini

Just North, there's another restaurant that made it into the Florida Michelin Guide Books. Have a look here.