Lido Restaurant at The Surf Club — Restaurant in Surfside

Disappointed by the Sommelier at Lido at The Surf Club – A Letdown Amid an Otherwise Exceptional Experience

We dined at Lido at The Surf Club last night for a very special occasion. What should have been a flawless evening was, unfortunately, soured by a single yet significant encounter—with their sommelier, Christian.

Let me start on a positive note. From the moment we arrived, the service from the front desk team was impeccable. Despite being slightly delayed due to roadwork, they greeted us with warmth and professionalism that lived up to the Four Seasons’ prestigious reputation. We were instantly put at ease.

The evening only improved when we were introduced to our dedicated server, Mr. Steve Le Blanc. His service was beyond exceptional—knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely attentive. He ensured that every detail of our meal matched our preferences. From helping us choose dishes to facilitating thoughtful communication with the kitchen (such as my request for a low-salt preparation), he made the experience feel tailored and elevated. His recommendation of the oysters, and his gracious handling when we chose to send them back, only further reflected his grace and customer focus.

However, the tone shifted dramatically with the arrival of the sommelier, Christian.

As someone who worked in hospitality and public relations for over two decades—particularly in fine dining—I approach wine selection with both curiosity and a well-defined palate. I clearly expressed my preference for sweeter, late-harvest wines, particularly from the South West of France, and that I avoid acidic profiles.

Instead of a collaborative exploration, I was met with condescension. Christian presented three wines, each increasingly acidic and unpalatable. What followed was not only disappointing but stunningly unprofessional: he bluntly stated that “this is a money-driven business” and there’s “no point educating people on $30–$40 glasses of wine” if he can’t sell the bottle. It was a shockingly dismissive attitude that completely undermined the luxury hospitality standard Four Seasons is known for.

Feeling defeated, I pivoted to a safe choice: a glass of Billecart-Salmon, a label I once represented during my PR career. The pour was lackluster—meager and indifferent. For my second round, I again requested something less dry. Christian offered a half-bottle, but I declined, reiterating I only wanted a single glass. His final selection? A champagne he proudly announced had “triple acidity.” I was stunned. It was as if he chose it in defiance of everything I had requested.

Wanting to avoid conflict, I stayed silent and sipped a glass I did not enjoy.

The final blow came with the check: $198 for two people’s food—a fair price for the quality and portion of our dishes. But then: $180 for two glasses of champagne... $40 for the Billecart-Salmon—fine. But $140 for one unremarkable glass of champagne? This is abusive. I felt scammed. No explanation, no breakdown, and no Christian in sight… our amazing waiter Steve tried to have him come and explain this $140 charge for one average glass of champagne without any success. Lame and shady behavior from a so called Sommelier.

It felt less like a high-end dining experience and more like being taken advantage of on Ocean Drive tourists hotspot. For a place of this caliber, it was disappointing, unprofessional, and frankly unacceptable. The staff—from the front desk to our incredible server—deserve praise. But one individual left a stain on an otherwise beautiful night.

Lido at The Surf Club and Four Seasons should seriously reflect on the impact one person can have on the guest experience. Hospitality is in the details—and last night, Christian missed the...

Unfortunately, I can’t speak about the food or the atmosphere,however the service of this place at least from the host and the costumer service didn’t impress. I had a reservation for Labor Day which was actually my birthday. Initially there was going to be 7 of us and then we added one more person two days prior the reservation date , when I went to the app to change my reservation it said to contact the restaurant. I immediately did because I thought it had to do with the restaurant been booked. After many hours calling, attempting to talk to Someone with no luck and since I was staying less than a block from the restaurant for the weekend, my husband I decided to walk there. When we got there, of course we weren’t dress as if we were going to dine because my birthday wasn’t until two days later, BUT the look we got from the host was very uncomfortable, I ignored her and explain my situation. To my surprise she says their policy is that after 8 people it’s a prefix menu with a cost of $150-190 per person depends of the courses . Obviously I had to cancel because that’s not want I wanted and honestly I think that was ridiculous. I mentioned to the host how difficult was to talk to them and she said they have no control Over that since phones calls are answered from another facility. I was sad that I couldn’t dine there for my birthday but I also didn’t feel welcome or that They wanted us as clients. I was disappointed So I picked some where else for my...

Lido Restaurant, situated within the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida, offers an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends traditional Italian coastal cuisine with modern refinement. Under the expert guidance of Chef Marco Calenzo, a native of Florence, the restaurant has garnered acclaim for its innovative dishes and impeccable service.

Chef Calenzo's menu features a variety of thoughtfully prepared dishes that showcase the flavors of Italy's coastline.

The dining room exudes elegance, featuring a cathedral-style ceiling and a refined atmosphere that transports guests to an Italian seaside eatery. The Lido Terrace, overlooking the pool and the ocean through a line of palm trees, provides a picturesque setting for diners.

Lido Restaurant is renowned for its attentive and professional service. The staff is dedicated to ensuring a memorable dining experience, offering personalized attention and expert recommendations. The restaurant's commitment to hospitality has been recognized by Gambero Rosso, which awarded Lido its highest rating of three forks, highlighting the exceptional service and culinary expertise.

In summary, Lido Restaurant at The Surf Club offers a refined dining experience that combines exceptional Italian cuisine, elegant ambiance, and outstanding service, making it a standout destination...