660 Mediterranean Kitchen

By Sara Liss

The goods: The restaurant at the Angler's Hotel has been through a few incarnations since opening its doors in 2007. First there was the pricey St. Tropez-inspired Maison d'Azur with live French DJ's and seafood-fueled late night parties. That soon closed and the restaurant that emerged, 660 Mediterranean Kitchen, has been through a few chefs, (including Pacific Time's Robert Pagan) until finding its groove with the young and energetic Giorgio Rapicavoli, a veteran of Latin bistro Chispa and recently-shuttered Mediterranean spot Brosia. Those two culinary styles play out in 660's new menu that blends Spanish, French and Middle Eastern flavors and influences.

Ambiance: 660 Mediterranean Kitchen boasts one of the more enviable outdoor patios in the city. Set back from the street and nicely secluded behind lush foliage, the tables in the hotel's courtyard are ideal for a leisurely meal. Indoors the scene is plush and intimate with cozy upholstered banquettes, warm lighting and vintage black and white photographs.

The grub: An eclectic Mediterranean mix. The menu is structured so that on any given night you could start your meal with a mezze platter that includes a smoky eggplant dip, follow that up with a pan-seared seabass topped with chorizo butter nestled on a bed of patatas bravas and and cap it all with a warm peach cobbler. Prices are moderate with starters ranging $5-$13 and most mains under $30. A complimentary platter of black olive tapenade and crispy flatbread gets the palate primed for dishes like truffle mushroom croquetas, tuna tiradito topped with diced chives on a bed of lemon and olive oil and prosciutto-wrapped dates. The papardelle carbonara is a rich mix of Applewood smoked bacon, egg and truffled bread crumbs while the brown butter seared scallops are bathed in a port wine and vanilla reduction.

Verdict: The restaurant at the Angler's blends both Latin and Mediterranean flavors to match its idyllic tropical setting.

660 Mediterranean Kitchen: 660 Washington Ave, 786.594.5811. Hours: breakfast daily 7-11am; Lunch daily 11am-3pm; Dinner Sun-Thu 6-11pm, Fri & Sat 6pm-Midnight; Sunday brunch 7am-5pm.