Villa Azur, Miami Beach

Unfortunately for Villa Azur, I think the fine dining snob in me was stirred up by my experience at Pied a Terre the other week (which was absolutely phenomenal!). Living in Miami there is no shortage of high-end restaurants but what you end up becoming accustomed to is the horrible service that goes along with your $40 entree. Pied a Terre reminded me of what it's like to actually have decent service, actually probably some of the best I've had.

This last weekend we decided to try Villa Azur, one of the restaurants on our notorious "list." The restaurant is located in the Palm Court building, where the Miami Beach Parking Authority formerly held their offices. Built in 1926 and renovated in the 80's, the last time I was in this building I must say it was a dump. With Villa Azur, they did a complete remodel of the interior which is very impressive - light and airy yet warm and comforting, the type of atmosphere I could come back to over and over again.

Entryway: Before and After*

Upon our arrival this night, I was immediately irked by the hostess who carried a cordless phone, which rang as she was seating us and she proceeded to answer it (it could have been left at the hostess stand with the other hostess). That was followed by our waiter not even offering tap water.. instead he brought us a $10 bottled water and then there was the waitress with long thick hair serving guests with her hair down. Finally, playing happy birthday over the over the speaker system for a guest's birthday seemed tacky for a restaurant of this sort. Little details yes, but it's those little things that make the difference between good and great.

The food on the other hand was excellent. I started with the artichoke salad with cherry tomatoes and Reggiano shavings followed by a main course of the grilled branzino with roasted pepper coulis and artichoke barigoule. My handsome date enjoyed the beef tartar and the veal scallopini in a lemon sauce with polenta and asparagus. Our meals were light but very satisfying and filling. The only items I did not particularly care for were the bread and the potato gratin dauphinois side dish.

Overall this place has great potential. They need to draw in the younger, more lively crowd to make it more interesting and put some serious work into training their staff properly in order to be a mainstay (and worth the price) in South Beach. They have an excellent menu and the decor is a high point so I hope they can get it together and survive.

Villa Azure Restaurant & Lounge. 309 23rd Street, Miami Beach, FL. 305-763-8688.
*After photo from the Villa Azure website gallery.