EAST FORT LAUDERDALE. A departure from the stereotypical seafood room, this restaurant's interior is cloaked in rich colors and classy dark woods. The menu changes frequently and emphasizes organic ingredients. Starters such as watermelon and French feta salad complement the raw bar, and main course offerings might include grilled pompano on wild arugula salad with passion fruit vinaigrette or tempura tuna with sweet rice, pickled cucumber and sesame chili sauce. The Goombay Smash (rum, banana liqueur, orange and pineapple juices), Frozen Oreo Mudslide (Kahlua, vanilla vodka, Bailey's, Oreos and cream), and Blackberry Mojito highlight the cocktail menu.

OAKLAND PARK. A dining experience in The Black Orchid will prove to be as rare and exotic as the flower that lends the restaurant its name. From start to finish, a meal will truly be a palatable adventure. Cold and hot appetizers range from beluga caviar or carpaccio of buffalo to backened seafood trio (shrimp, scallops and fish) and escargot cassolete. Entree options are equally as enticing. Patrons will have to make the difficult decision between such dishes as loin of Canadian elk, grilled ostrich, osso bucco, and veal Shalimar. They are also open on Sundays during peak seasons.

LAS OLAS. Located in the Riverside Hotel, this formal dining room is known for its impeccable quality, which is evident in everything from the premium meats to the extensive bar to the ornate dinnerware. Well-dressed patrons sip a sidecar or martini while perusing New American selections such as rack of lamb, yellow fin tuna, veal chop and sautéed jumbo shrimp. A wide variety of single-malt scotches is available, and the wine cellar stores up to 1500 bottles.

The ambience at this chic restaurant and wine bar is enhanced by flowers and candlelight. Begin your meal with frog legs or Cajun Kisses (bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with shrimp and cheese), and then dig into a New American favorite such as braised short ribs, roast duckling or crab cakes. Granny Smith's chicken ­ stuffed with apples, bread crumbs and herbs then served with green beans, carrots and mashed potatoes ­ wins raves. The pre-theater menu runs $20-30 and includes coffee, salad, main course and dessert.

LAS OLAS. This high-end restaurant attracts a sophisticated crowd with its innovative cuisine, impressive wine list and sleek décor. Mediterranean-inspired New American dishes such as corn-crusted snapper highlight the menu while more traditional offerings such as strip steak are also available. A full bar, adjoining lounge and tapas menu make the restaurant a popular nightlife destination as well.