Driftwood Room (CLOSED)

Driftwood Room inside the newly restored Nautilus South Beach is taking diners back to the city’s heyday—from its midcentury decor to its coastal cuisine, it all feels quintessentially Miami Beach. Food Network chef Alex Guarnaschelli, a New Yorker who’s fully immersed herself in Miami’s local food scene for the task, has crafted a menu that reads beachy but still classic and upscale. Mezzes feature fun takes on classic Mediterranean dishes, such as eggplant dips, heirloom carrot fries with yogurt, and a light cobia crudo that’s perfect for the Miami heat. Mains, like the snapper en papillote and the roast chicken, showcase simple proteins elevated through expert technique.