EAST FORT LAUDERDALE. Housed in an authentic two-story Spanish home, this restaurant offers favorite Mediterranean dishes and a lovely atmosphere. Moroccan lamps, stucco walls, dark wood and wrought iron accents adorn the interior, and the balcony provides breathtaking views of the ocean. Enjoy nightly live music, excellent wine and a limited food menu at the bar.

LAS OLAS. This high-end restaurant attracts a sophisticated crowd with its innovative cuisine, impressive wine list and sleek décor. Mediterranean-inspired New American dishes such as corn-crusted snapper highlight the menu while more traditional offerings such as strip steak are also available. A full bar, adjoining lounge and tapas menu make the restaurant a popular nightlife destination as well.

Attention to detail and unusual premium ingredients hallmark the cuisine at this restaurant, located in a suburban shopping center. An exotic selection of fish, imported from Hawaii, savory grilled meats and the popular rack of lamb contribute to the menu's appeal. The less than extraordinary dining room fills up quickly, and the food appears to make up for whatever the restaurant lacks in ambience.

LAS OLAS. Extraordinary food prepared by South Florida's renowned culinary chef Mark Militello. As defined by April Witt of the Miami Herald, the food is "new world fusion and Floribbean and often copied around town." Always fresh and often surprisingly assembled with unexpected ingredients from the garden, the food is never dull. Seafood like the Signature Conch, gourmet pizza, chicken and lamb, unusual breads, savory sauces, and delectable desserts make this restaurant worth trying. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended.

EAST FORT LAUDERDALE. Located in the Atlantic Hotel, this restaurant and lounge draws its tremendous appeal from its lively, hip interior and oceanfront patio. Stainless steel stools adorn the curved bar, and blue lanterns hang overhead while white linens, flower vases and candles top the outdoor tables. The kitchen specializes in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, and the bar offers potent cocktails. NB Before 5:30 parking is free; after 5:30 it is $27.