The Restaurants at Maison Martinique — Restaurant in Vero Beach

Maison Martinique Restaurant- Vero Beach-3.5-Stars

"Too many people eat just to consume calories. Try dining for a change." -- J. Walters

Located within the luxurious Caribbean Court Boutique Resort is where one will find Maison Martinique. This almost hidden gem offers al fresco dining as well as three dining rooms within, so grabbing a table should not be a problem. However, as it is situated within the aforementioned Resort, calling ahead for a reservation wouldn't be a bad idea. As I did not, I was thankful for the ample seating and was lead to a vacant table almost immediately. Perusing the menu, I must say that I was highly impressed with the offerings and could only hope they tasted as good as they read.

Suddenly, an odd idea popped into my head. Why not order all the specials off the menu today instead of flinging darts and ordering what they land on? As soon as I had this thought, my server, Aubrey appeared table side and inquired as to my readiness to order. I let it be known that I was indeed ready and asked for a Glenlivet neat*(side o'rocks) to get the ball rolling and then the specials of the day. Aubrey told me I couldn't go wrong with that choice and to that end put in an order for Curry Lamb Soup, one Goat Cheese Bake and one Bombay Sapphire Martini to wash it all down. Aubrey soon returned with my Scotch and what a Scotch it was. Just look at that picture. That had to be a 3.5 oz pour or I'm not the Big Boy (love you, Aubrey)!! I was about halfway through the Single Malt Nectar of the Gods when Aubrey set my food before me. Take a minute and glance at the rest of the pictures. As one can see, the presentation was stunning. If the food was as good as it read, looked and smelled I was in for yet another gastronomical treat in the burgeoning haute cuisine scene of Vero Beach. Let the festivities begin!

I was told by a chef in Vero Beach that the bread should set the standard for the rest of the meal as it is the first sampling from the kitchen the customer experiences. This bread, as one can clearly see, was indeed baked on site. However, I have a sneaky feeling (due to taste and consistency) that is was baked from pre-made, frozen dough. While it tasted fine, it didn't hit the table running, so to speak. So far, so meh. As I could smell the curry lightly wafting up from the soup bowl, I hungrily procured my spoon and dove in. With what I assumed were red lentils(?) and USDA prime chunks of lamb, this not only jumped over the bar set by the bread but obliterated it in the process. The curry was perfectly proportioned and in no way overwhelmed the lamb. The lamb was so tender it almost melted on the palate like so much lamb flavored butter. This dish alone is 5 stars all day, every day. Moving on to the Goat Cheese Bake, I couldn't help sneak a last smell of the soup before trading in my spoon for a fork. The Goat cheese is broiled first, then baked on a fresh crostini that was crispy and chewy. The delicious red sauce added deep rich flavor to the divinely lightly crusted goat cheese. I could eat this every night. The accompanying Lobster and Scallop baked rice was soft and flavorful, though I could swear that the seafood rested too long and slightly killed the dish. The asparagus, while cooked to veggie perfection, lacked enough seasoning.

The Bombay Sapphire Martini sans blue cheese stuffed olives was still delightful and just as heavy as the Glenlivet. As I mentioned at the start, this is the first time I have ever spurned the menu to order all specials. As such, I have to give credit where credit is due and all in all this kitchen crew knows what they are doing and sling forth some excellent chow. However, with the bread being the bread that it was and the seafood over rested, I stand firmly behind my 3.5 Star rating.

The Big Boy says, "For a strong drink and a Goat Cheese Bake you can eat all day, call up and reserve a table at Maison Martinique." #iamthebigboy...

Update- Thanks for your incredibly ungracious response "owner". I don't have to own/work in a restaurant to know good food, food worth $50/plate. I've dined at my fair share of restaurants. Running the gambit from hole in the wall Cajun in NOLA to Café des Artistes. You didn't cut it, don't get bitter, get better. I recently had a fabulous panzanella at Nutwood in Winter Haven and also at Ravish in Miami. Get some pointers from them since you can't take feedback from customers. Also the reason I didn't complain about the food was because it was quite good! I decided to leave a few specific thoughts about the food instead of just saying, "It was pretty good." I didn't think leaving a review in a public forum would be so controversial. Next time, I'll write a note and hand deliver it to the chef so as not to embarrass anyone. We'll never be spending money at your establishment again after this response. Review- This restaurant/piano bar is situated very conveniently in the hotel we booked (Carribean Boutique Hotel). The restaurant seating is downstairs, piano bar upstairs with additional seating for dinner. We decided to sit upstairs and enjoy the music last night. Gentleman on the keys was awesome and even went around to each table getting requests. Decor and vibe was relaxed sophistication, mostly an older crowd, everyone was openly having a good time (lots of laughter not a stuffy place). Our server Kim was excellent and very sweet. She even took our leftovers to the back to box them (old school, lol) My only complaint is the food itself. Panzanella was disappointing, the crouton/tomato ratio was off (way too much tomato), the burrata was hard and stringy, practically inedible, especially to someone who adores the melt in your mouth feeling of fresh/quality burrata. Same with the olive oil on the salad, which definitely lacked body and flavor. Unfortunately, the entrees were similar. Not bad, but not great and definitely not worth their hefty prices. We've decided to definitely come back for tapas, drinks, and music, but it's not worth the fine dining price for dinner. Also, our scoop of vanilla "gelato" was icy and not gelato smooth at all. It tasted like vanilla ice cream that got left open in the freezer. Management - If you are going to charge such exorbitant prices, quality ingredients are a necessity. Also, the chefs special fish, there is no texture in the dish, a mouth full of mushy fish, mushy roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The artichokes in the artichoke risotto are huge chunks and just seem out of place in that bite. Thanks for a solid dinner and lovely...

I was searching for a unique place to dine for an internet first date. I picked this restaurant after reading many reviews. The Maison Martinique far exceeded my every expectation. I travel for a living and frequently go to fine dining restaurants throughout the country and abroad. The menu options service, pricing, cleanliness and food quality, were all at a level one would expect . I'll mention great pricing again. The only negative was parking fills up fast during dinner hours, although there is plenty of reserve within a very short walking distance. I recommend getting there early and going to the piano bar. I would also recommend calling for reservations as opposed to making them online, it makes things easier for them and it is just part of the personal touch they offer that makes this restaurant a cut above the average fine restaurant. The date went very well, we will return. I also learned this restaurant is one of her favorites in Vero

I live an hour away so I also booked a room at the hotel to eliminate driving after drinks. The hotel owner greeted me at check in and a complete tour of the facility ensued. The grounds the restaurant and the hotel are all extremely quaint with an extraordinary personal touch. The piano bar upstairs from the main restaurant had a dozen or so guests from the hotel and friendly conversations were very easy to come by. The room was very clean, updated and appointed nicely and the bed and bedding were some of the most comfortable I have ever encountered. Upon waking the next day I went in search of breakfast to discover that the restaurant offers a free full menu made to order breakfast at no charge including fresh squeezed Orange juice. The only slight negative in the Room was a dated radio alarm clock with no USB ports and only a couple of hard to access wall outlets available to charge those precious electronic devices. lol I would recommend an experience at this hotel and restaurant be put on your list of things to do if you are in Vero Beach. Once again it is better to call the hotel direct to make reservations they will go out of their way to accommodate you with the best available...