Great food AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS

By David Kaufman

Considering its prime location smack on the Atlantic Ocean, Acqualina was made for al fresco dining. And why not. The weather is ideal with balmy ocean breezes and moderate temperatures forming the ideal backdrop for some seriously memorable Acqualina meals. And memorable those meals are served at a portfolio of restaurants that indulge and delight every palate imaginable. The only challenge — choosing which one to try first. It’s a challenge made all the more, well, challenging following a series of recent restaurant openings and upgrades which make Acqualina’s dining scene more exciting than ever.

The newest resort destination dining delight is Avra Miami, the first South Florida offshoot of the fabled Avra Greek dining concept that’s long won raves from fans in New York and Los Angeles. Avra just opened its doors in the new Estates at Acqualina. Accessed via a sky bridge to the main resort, Avra Miami offers foodies a wide range of just-caught and market-driven menus inspired by Greece and the Mediterranean – and served in a sleek and stylishly-designed indoor/ outdoor location.

For Italian food-lovers, Il Mulino – another New York import – never fails to deliver thanks to its world-class dolce vita cuisine and wines. Old world and traditional – formal yet always fun – Il Mulino is both ideal for families or romantic dates owing to its drop-dead pool-side and ocean views.

Ke-uH offers classic Japanese with a contemporary twist – think traditional sushi and rolls (including many embedded with truffles) along with innovative fusion-style items including tuna tacos and salmon pizza. All of that Asian goodness is served in a dining room set directly on the Atlantic. Then there’s Costa Grill, which is not merely ON the beach, but is the only restaurant in all of Miami set directly alongside the sea and sand. The stylish, contemporary Floridian menu overflows with something-for-everyone classics -- from a light and healthy tuna carpaccio to some of the best burgers on the beach.