The Surf Club*
- Kira Jabri
- Mar 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
June 8, 2026
Some restaurants earn repeat visits because they're new, exciting, and constantly evolving. Others earn repeat visits because they remind you why they became classics in the first place.
Our first visit to The Surf Club Restaurant, the Miami outpost of celebrated chef Thomas
Keller, focused on experiencing the restaurant itself. The history of the restaurant, the club, and curious how it would compare to Per Se.
This trip, we returned for the classics.
As always, the evening started with a few snacks to set the tone.
The French Onion Dip and Kettle Chips remain one of the most deceptively simple offerings on the menu. It is impossible not to keep reaching for just one more chip.
Alongside it was Fire and Ice, one of Emma’s favorites. Apparently Kira’s pickled vegetables are subpar to Chef Thomas Keller’s.
For appetizers, we leaned into the classics.
The Classic Caesar Salad was prepared tableside, which somehow makes an already great dish feel even more special. Can you really go to a steakhouse and not order a Caesar salad prepared in front of you? We can’t.
Citrus Cured Hiramasa was a special the was prepared with peaches and cream… hello summer in Florida.
The Steak Tartare was another standout. Served with grilled sourdough bread. While the sourdough is excellent, here's our pro tip: save a few of those kettle chips from the French onion dip. The added crunch and salt make an already exceptional tartare even better.
And, of course, there was Golden Ossetra Caviar.
For our family, skipping caviar when it's available is rarely an option. The presentation was elegant without being overly complicated, allowing the quality of the caviar to take center stage.
The entrées reminded us why classic luxury dining never goes out of style.
The Lobster Thermidor was one of the most decadent dishes we've had all year. Rich, indulgent, and unapologetically luxurious. There are restaurants that serve lobster, and then there are restaurants that serve Lobster Thermidor. We added the Bucatini Pomodoro and the lambchops that were executed perfectly and devoured.
By dessert, there was only one logical choice.
Cheesecake, classic and timeless…
March 17, 2025
A Classic Steakhouse—Thomas Keller Style*
We don’t typically gravitate toward steakhouses—but The Surf Club Restaurant is different. Then again, would you expect anything less from a Thomas Keller establishment?
This isn't your standard steakhouse. It defies expectations with a refined approach to both hospitality and cuisine, elevating the experience into something far more memorable. The menu pays homage to the great American steakhouse tradition—think perfectly seared cuts of prime beef, Caesar salad prepared tableside, and an indulgent short rib Wellington, also served tableside. It's classic, yet completely elevated.
A Classic Steakhouse Experience, Reimagined
The Surf Club Restaurant is steeped in glamour and history. Originally opened in 1930, this
legendary Miami destination quickly became a retreat for the elite. Founded by Harvey Firestone, it was a haven where icons like Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Taylor once mingled beneath the Florida sun.
Today, The Surf Club has been reimagined as part of the Four Seasons Hotel, with Chef Thomas Keller at the helm. The result is a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern culinary precision. Chef Keller’s signature philosophy—rooted in excellence, hospitality, and attention to detail—is evident in every aspect of the experience.
Service That Defines Excellence
As expected from a Thomas Keller restaurant, the service was impeccable. What truly delighted us, though, was receiving a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour—always a treat.
We’ve had the opportunity to visit the kitchen of Per Se on a few occasions, which never fails to inspire. It was at Per Se where we first encountered what we lovingly call the “magic TVs”—a brilliant innovation by Chef Keller that connects his kitchens in California, Florida, and New York in real time. Though we have yet (and we stress yet) to visit The French Laundry, stepping into the kitchen at The Surf Club—and seeing a few familiar faces from Per Se —was an unexpected joy.
Huge thanks to Will for the warm welcome and kitchen tour, to Thomas the expediter for sharing his space, and to the entire team for taking the time to make our evening so special. A heartfelt thank you to Chef de Cuisine Cornelia Sühr, who generously shared her international culinary journey with us. As parents, we’re always grateful for Emma to hear stories of perseverance and passion from inspiring professionals like her.
The Surf Club Standard
Our evening at The Surf Club Restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary. From the classic steakhouse menu to the gracious and polished service, every detail reflected a deep commitment to excellence.
It’s more than a meal, it’s an experience. And if you’re lucky enough to get a glimpse behind the scenes, you’ll see that their standard isn’t just high, it’s a philosophy in action.
Comments