S3 (Sun Surf Sand) — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

S3 Sun Surf Sand in Ft. Lauderdale is a dazzling gem that perfectly encapsulates the essence of beachfront dining. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Ft. Lauderdale, this restaurant offers a culinary experience that is as breathtaking as the views it boasts. From the moment you arrive, the stunning backdrop of the ocean sets the scene for a truly unforgettable dining adventure.The ambiance at S3 is effortlessly chic and inviting, with an open and airy design that maximizes its prime beachfront location. Whether you choose to dine al fresco to the soothing sounds of the waves or inside the beautifully decorated interior, every seat in the house promises a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.But let’s talk about the food – the real star of the show. S3’s menu is a masterful blend of American and Asian cuisines, offering an array of dishes that are as innovative as they are delicious. Every plate that arrives at your table is a work of art, bursting with flavors that are as vibrant and lively as the setting sun. The sushi rolls are fresh and imaginative, the seafood is caught daily and cooked to perfection, and their signature dishes, like the coconut-crusted snapper, are nothing short of culinary masterpieces.The cocktail menu deserves a standing ovation on its own. With an inventive list of drinks that perfectly complement the menu and the setting, each sip is a refreshing dive into tropical bliss. The bartenders are true mixologists, crafting concoctions that are both beautiful and delicious, making it impossible to have just one.But what elevates S3 Sun Surf Sand from merely a great restaurant to an exceptional one is the service. The staff are genuinely friendly and attentive, ensuring that every detail of your dining experience is perfect. They navigate the bustling atmosphere with ease, making recommendations from the menu with the knowledge and enthusiasm of true food lovers.In essence, S3 Sun Surf Sand is not just a meal; it’s an experience – one that combines stunning views, exquisite food, and impeccable service in a way that’s both memorable and magical. It’s a place where moments are savored, and memories are made, against the backdrop of Ft. Lauderdale’s beautiful beach. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, a meal at S3 is a must-do for a taste of the best that South Florida...

🌊✨ An Unforgettable Brunch Experience at S3 — Fort Lauderdale Beach✨🌊

This was no ordinary brunch — this was a culinary event. My girlfriend and I joined another couple to indulge a bit and found ourselves completely transported thanks to the exceptional team at S3, right next to the Four Seasons with dramatic oceanfront views.

From the moment we were seated, our server Cassidy elevated the experience. Warm, knowledgeable, and passionate, Cassidy expertly guided us through S3's diverse and creative brunch offerings. We started with a crisp bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and a perfectly prepared edamame in a rich brown sauce— the perfect prelude.

As conversation drifted to Japanese cuisine, Cassidy’s deep knowledge of their sashimi, nigiri, A5 Wagyu, and foie gras offerings turned into a collaborative, almost theatrical planning session with my girlfriend Alli. Before long, we had built a true chef’s tasting experience — each dish more stunning than the last.

The seafood was art on a plate— fresh-caught Japanese bluefin tuna, Scottish salmon, exotic snapper, all immaculately sliced and presented. The flavors were pristine and balanced, accented by delicate spices, textures, and topped with what I can confidently say is the finest Imperial Osetra Caviar I’ve had — hands down. Every bite was a masterclass.

As if the meal itself weren’t enough, we learned that Executive Chef Ped Phommavong— a chef with Michelin-starred pedigree was leading the charge. Chef Ped graciously came out to meet us, share his passion for the craft, and personally invite us to explore his broader culinary empire, including his work at “YOLO”. We can’t wait. Having worked at Jean Georges NYC, 3 Michelin Stars I am ready for Chef Ped’s next extraordinary assault on my senses. :)

Oceanfront dining often relies on the view — but at S3, the food matched the scenery. I was honestly shocked to stumble into this gem 💎 Sophisticated flavors, precision execution, warm hospitality, and a true passion for excellence make this a must-visit. Under starlight, with the surf as your soundtrack, S3 delivers magic!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Bravo to Chef Ped, Cassidy, and the entire S3 team. We'll be back...

I ate here in December of 2021…and it was great. I here 2/14/2023 for Valentine’s Day and it was atrocious.

DINNER ENTREES: The food looks good but tasted HORRIBLE…. Every single meal was extremely salty. I had the Korean fried chicken and didn’t not enjoy it at all - The salt content was through the roof and the chicken pieces were fatty, and didn’t taste like quality meat. I would have returned it, but the other items ordered at our table were also bad, i figured there wasn’t anything better. The surf and turf was a good sized meal BUT had zero taste: the lobster was bland, steak was bland. The Braised rib was salty and also very small. The bone marrow steak was salty…It only looked pretty with the whole fire light display.

APPS: Edamame was good but too salty; Bao buns were the only spectacular thing I had to eat at S3.

DRINKS: were great! Mocktails, cocktails and the Tuscan wine I had were wonderful. Drinks were amazing.

SERVICE: was great and speedy at first, but then we had to wait a long time, about 25min, for a second round of drinks even though the restaurant wasn’t full. Additionally, No parking lot. Street metered parking or valet only. I called the restaurant as I arrived for my reservation at the restaurant (about 4pm) and spoke to the host to ask if valet parking is validated. She told me “yes, the restaurant provides a ticket to validate parking.” To my surprise when I got the validation ticket at the end of dinner, it had the word “discount” on it. When I inquired, the waiter explained that it only covers half of the valet cost during dinner periods and the full cost at lunch time. Very upsetting- Staff should not misrepresent pertinent details. Consumers are relying on the business to give the full truth so we can make informed decisions! I could have parked on the street for a fraction of the valet cost of the host had told me the whole truth!

OVERALL: Coming here again was a MAJOR letdown, especially on Cupids day! I’m so bummed. The high google ratings for this place is misleading…but I think it’s because it was once a great place to eat…NOT ANYMORE. Here’s hoping they’ll improve. Very disappointed with the downturn of the...