Eddie V’s Prime Seafood on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale offers a sophisticated fine-dining experience known for its fresh seafood, prime steaks, and vibrant, upscale atmosphere, often highlighted by nightly live music.
What Makes It Unique
- Atmosphere and Ambiance: Located on the first floor of the prominent 100 Las Olas building, Fort Lauderdale’s tallest, the restaurant presents an ultra-glam dining room with a cascading chandelier and immaculate service, often by servers in white jackets. A more laid-back option is the outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling Las Olas Boulevard.
- The V Lounge: This dedicated lounge area features imaginative cocktails, signature appetizers, and, notably, nightly live music, often a three-piece jazz orchestra or ensemble, which sets a distinct, sophisticated, and “vibey” mood for the evening.
- Cuisine Focus: It specializes in a surf-and-turf concept, featuring prime seafood flown in daily from around the world and premium, hand-cut steaks, with culinary influences spanning classic American, modern Asian, and Southern cuisines.
- Attention to Detail: Customers frequently mention the high-quality, attentive service, which includes details like a “black napkin exchange” for guests wearing dark clothing to avoid lint, and tableside preparations such as a Bananas Foster dessert show or the mixing of martinis.
History
The Fort Lauderdale location of Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is part of the national upscale dining brand, which is owned by Darden Restaurants, a large Orlando-based company that also owns The Capital Grille and Seasons 52, among others. The Fort Lauderdale restaurant opened on the ground floor of the newly constructed 100 Las Olas building, establishing itself as a premier destination on the boulevard.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews generally praise the premium food and service, and the great live music. It is frequently recommended for special occasions and as a top upscale dining choice.
- Positive Highlights: Exceptional service, high-quality seafood and steaks, and the engaging atmosphere provided by the live jazz are common points of praise. Signature dishes like the Chilean Sea Bass and Bananas Foster dessert are often celebrated.
- Areas for Mixed Feedback: As a high-end corporate restaurant, some comments, though fewer, occasionally mention high prices, or past isolated issues with specific dishes (like the crab fried rice) or service experiences. The overall consensus, however, leans strongly toward it being a worthwhile, exceptional, and upscale dining experience.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu is decadent and focuses on high-quality ingredients. Highlights often mentioned in reviews and on the restaurant’s menu include:
- Seafood: Fresh Shellfish Towers, Chilean Sea Bass (often prepared steamed Hong Kong-style with light soy broth), Georges Bank Scallops, Maine Lobster Tacos, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake.
- Steaks: Prime, hand-carved steaks, such as the 10-ounce Center-Cut Filet Mignon or the 22-ounce Prime Bone-In Ribeye.
- Sides: Indulgent options like Butter-Poached Lobster Mashed Potatoes, and Crab Fried Rice with Mushrooms.
- Dessert: The famous Bananas Foster Butter Cake, often flambéed tableside, served with pecan ice cream.
Significant Events
While the restaurant frequently hosts private dining events in its dedicated rooms—including milestone celebrations, business meetings, and wine pairings—specific significant public events are typically tied to the brand’s promotions or local restaurant activities:
- Restaurant Week: Eddie V’s often participates in local restaurant week promotions, offering a fixed, multi-course menu to showcase their cuisine.
- Seasonal Promotions: The restaurant runs occasional brand-wide specials, such as “Eddie’s Golden Nights,” which might feature specific menu items like a Maine Lobster Roll paired with fine wines.
Key Information
