Drift is on the Islander Hotel property. I was directed to park and told to take a short walk towards the beach and the path would lead to the restaurant. I did indeed get sand in my shoes and had the thought that maybe I was going to end up at another beach dive bar but upon approaching the restaurant all of my misgivings subsided. The seating is outdoors under an intricately thatched roof with woven basket-like hanging chandeliers and ceiling fans, picture a Restoration Hardware photo shoot. The tables are spaced with enough separation for privacy and great views of the tropical oasis and Atlantic Ocean. Even though there are beach goers moving along the property the restaurant has ceiling to floor sunshade screens that obscure activity without diminishing the view. I was greeted and seated by a pleasant hostess and my drink order taken in a timely manner. I started with a Greek salad that had ample preportions of all the things you really want more of in a Greek salad. The Main course was steak and delivered by the Executive Chef, who was really interested in my thoughts about the food, which by the way, I thought was scrumptious. I would definitely consider this restaurant to be on the upper scale of what Islamorada has to offer and yet relaxed enough to not have to dress formal for dinner.
Alicia
Amazing experience at Drift. Our server was phenomenal! It was our first night here and needless to say our 2-year old was extremely exhausted and acting cranky at dinner. It did not phase our server and she was so patient and kind with him and us. She made amazing recommendations and we had the best meal! Tuna crudo, lamp chops, and spaghetti with clams. All food had amazing flavor and service was top notch!
Opentable Diner
This place is magic. We loved our server Kassie. Belle was the sweetest too. Good amazing. Dreamy ambiance!
Lavishlisa
We had a lovely time! Excellent food, delish beverages, helpful suggestions and really yummy dessert.
Andres Abreu
Very expensive…
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Logan Blakeslee
I recommend going there
Parking: There was there was difficult to find parking
Kid-friendliness: I'm not sure
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes it's wheelchair accessibility is available
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burnt Toast Ice Cream, House Made Granola, Breakfast Potatoes, 2lb Burger, Lobster Bisque, Spanish Shrimp Cocktail, Key Lime Pie with Italian Meringue
john s
That was an amazing Thanksgiving meal. I'm a local that doesn't want to get strung up w hi test mono, for supporting a resort restaurant. I'm down for the cause, my kids are conchs, and I haven't been off the rock for anything but vacation and business trips since Amazon. But you gotta give credit where credit is due. The staff at this restaurant deserve an Amen. It occurred to me, the people working at the resort are people that work & live here too. ? And I'd recommend anybody in upper or lower M to give this place a try again. This Chef has got it, that was Fire?️ The service team is great and clearly managed well?, and the manager is sensible enough to be attentive, but not overbearing which is a lost art, that I really appreciate??♂️ I've hired and fired dozens of chefs and managers. I've eaten from Napa to New York. I was particularly impressed with the gentleman at the carving station, who seemed to have French training. But even if he has not, that's even more impressive because he figured it out with an intuition of food and courtesy. But most importantly, he clearly cared about what he was doing.?? Personally, I'd rather have an employee with intuition and a real love of food, than one that knows escoffier. It's been a while since I was pleasantly surprised with Food and Service. Thanksgiving at my grandmothers was "farm to table", because of seasons, and livestock. So anyway, I just like to thank everyone for a great meal. It was a special day for me and I just wanted to say thank you to the staff. I always have low expectations with food at high-end resorts because that's been my experience. From coast to coast, they have 800$ a night rooms, immaculate landscaping, some Ivy League corporate conceptual identity for the property... And then they always miss the mark on something so important, the food that they serve. It was so refreshing to see such an old local icon be the exception to this rule, and I salute everybody working there. I've loved the Islander since the Samuels owned it. And I really hope it can become a locals place again. Yo, it's as simple as Field of dreams. If you build it, they will come. Just keep putting out quality. You don't need marketing if you make great food, social media and the Coconut telegraph will market the place for you. And ain't nobody weeping a tear about the downfall of paid advertising. Lol. Every day women and men figured out how to do it themselves. Kick rocks, ?♀️suits. The moms got it. welcome to the future. The comment box doesn't have a lock anymore. Anyway, ??Lord have mercy on poor souls that have to cook against this guy and his team in competitions once they catch their stride. Probably be courteous some emotional support animals and some Kleenex for the other team along with the gear and the rig ??. Anyway, I would just like to say to the entire staff it was really great to be surprised with delicious food and great service. I know it's hard to work on Thanksgiving. I've had three off in my entire adult life so anyway, I salute you. I'll post this to my main Tripadvisor, that has like a half million views. As soon as I figure out this IOS.update.installed..nothing.works.fml.lol.3 Hope y'all have a good shift ☮️?
Danny Phillips
We had dinner here last year and it was extremely upscale and delicious and this year we are staying at the resort adjacent to the element restaurant and had breakfast this morning and the service and atmosphere was First Rate and breakfast was very Gourmet
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan O'Brien
Best restaurant on the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rita Wilson
went for breakfast and it wasn't anything amazing. It filled me up and got the job done. Only option at the hotel so I can't really
Exceeded all expectations. Food was amazing for it being a Buffett style and allowed me to try things I normally wouldn't. The price was definitely worth its value for a Mothers Day brunch. The venue was beautiful and not crazy crowded which was perfect. Parking was kind of weird bc you parked on the opposite side of the resort and walked to the venue and it was difficult to find. Other than that, we had a great experience and would book again! P.S. crab claws and the mustard sauce was AMAZING and is a must try!
JulieS
I'm still dreaming about that Blackened Snapper over Coconut Rice! I'm a Home Chef and pretty darn picky. It's a rare occasion to find a restaurant that doesn't overcook broiled fish or make it dry. The Chef at Elements knows what they're doing, No Doubt!
Eddy Angueira
This place is so relaxing. Food and service were excellent. The best eggs Benedict I have ever had. After we ate to a nice walk on their beach. Definitely a new go to spot for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SteveK
Atmosphere was pleasant and the staff very polite and courteous. But the menu was very limited and my wife and I had to settle on something rather than actually choose what we wanted for dinner. Breakfast was better but also limited on choices. Next time we go to the Keys we probably will not dine in this restaurant unless we see that the menu has changed.
sunshine
We were staying on property and wanted an easy meal before we flew it the next day. We had a wonderful meal and dining experience. Ryan, the manager made wonderful cocktails and the snapper special was fantastic, with freshly sautéed veggies and rice.
Drift is on the Islander Hotel property. I was directed to park and told to take a short walk towards the beach and the path would lead to the restaurant. I did indeed get sand in my shoes and had the thought that maybe I was going to end up at another beach dive bar but upon approaching the restaurant all of my misgivings subsided. The seating is outdoors under an intricately thatched roof with woven basket-like hanging chandeliers and ceiling fans, picture a Restoration Hardware photo shoot. The tables are spaced with enough separation for privacy and great views of the tropical oasis and Atlantic Ocean. Even though there are beach goers moving along the property the restaurant has ceiling to floor sunshade screens that obscure activity without diminishing the view. I was greeted and seated by a pleasant hostess and my drink order taken in a timely manner. I started with a Greek salad that had ample preportions of all the things you really want more of in a Greek salad. The Main course was steak and delivered by the Executive Chef, who was really interested in my thoughts about the food, which by the way, I thought was scrumptious. I would definitely consider this restaurant to be on the upper scale of what Islamorada has to offer and yet relaxed enough to not have to dress formal for dinner.
Amazing experience at Drift. Our server was phenomenal! It was our first night here and needless to say our 2-year old was extremely exhausted and acting cranky at dinner. It did not phase our server and she was so patient and kind with him and us. She made amazing recommendations and we had the best meal! Tuna crudo, lamp chops, and spaghetti with clams. All food had amazing flavor and service was top notch!
This place is magic. We loved our server Kassie. Belle was the sweetest too. Good amazing. Dreamy ambiance!
We had a lovely time! Excellent food, delish beverages, helpful suggestions and really yummy dessert.
Very expensive…
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I recommend going there
Parking: There was there was difficult to find parking
Kid-friendliness: I'm not sure
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes it's wheelchair accessibility is available
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burnt Toast Ice Cream, House Made Granola, Breakfast Potatoes, 2lb Burger, Lobster Bisque, Spanish Shrimp Cocktail, Key Lime Pie with Italian Meringue
That was an amazing Thanksgiving meal. I'm a local that doesn't want to get strung up w hi test mono, for supporting a resort restaurant. I'm down for the cause, my kids are conchs, and I haven't been off the rock for anything but vacation and business trips since Amazon. But you gotta give credit where credit is due. The staff at this restaurant deserve an Amen. It occurred to me, the people working at the resort are people that work & live here too. ? And I'd recommend anybody in upper or lower M to give this place a try again. This Chef has got it, that was Fire?️ The service team is great and clearly managed well?, and the manager is sensible enough to be attentive, but not overbearing which is a lost art, that I really appreciate??♂️ I've hired and fired dozens of chefs and managers. I've eaten from Napa to New York. I was particularly impressed with the gentleman at the carving station, who seemed to have French training. But even if he has not, that's even more impressive because he figured it out with an intuition of food and courtesy. But most importantly, he clearly cared about what he was doing.?? Personally, I'd rather have an employee with intuition and a real love of food, than one that knows escoffier. It's been a while since I was pleasantly surprised with Food and Service. Thanksgiving at my grandmothers was "farm to table", because of seasons, and livestock. So anyway, I just like to thank everyone for a great meal. It was a special day for me and I just wanted to say thank you to the staff. I always have low expectations with food at high-end resorts because that's been my experience. From coast to coast, they have 800$ a night rooms, immaculate landscaping, some Ivy League corporate conceptual identity for the property... And then they always miss the mark on something so important, the food that they serve. It was so refreshing to see such an old local icon be the exception to this rule, and I salute everybody working there. I've loved the Islander since the Samuels owned it. And I really hope it can become a locals place again. Yo, it's as simple as Field of dreams. If you build it, they will come. Just keep putting out quality. You don't need marketing if you make great food, social media and the Coconut telegraph will market the place for you. And ain't nobody weeping a tear about the downfall of paid advertising. Lol. Every day women and men figured out how to do it themselves. Kick rocks, ?♀️suits. The moms got it. welcome to the future. The comment box doesn't have a lock anymore. Anyway, ??Lord have mercy on poor souls that have to cook against this guy and his team in competitions once they catch their stride. Probably be courteous some emotional support animals and some Kleenex for the other team along with the gear and the rig ??. Anyway, I would just like to say to the entire staff it was really great to be surprised with delicious food and great service. I know it's hard to work on Thanksgiving. I've had three off in my entire adult life so anyway, I salute you. I'll post this to my main Tripadvisor, that has like a half million views. As soon as I figure out this IOS.update.installed..nothing.works.fml.lol.3 Hope y'all have a good shift ☮️?
We had dinner here last year and it was extremely upscale and delicious and this year we are staying at the resort adjacent to the element restaurant and had breakfast this morning and the service and atmosphere was First Rate and breakfast was very Gourmet
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best restaurant on the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
went for breakfast and it wasn't anything amazing. It filled me up and got the job done. Only option at the hotel so I can't really
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Exceeded all expectations. Food was amazing for it being a Buffett style and allowed me to try things I normally wouldn't. The price was definitely worth its value for a Mothers Day brunch. The venue was beautiful and not crazy crowded which was perfect. Parking was kind of weird bc you parked on the opposite side of the resort and walked to the venue and it was difficult to find. Other than that, we had a great experience and would book again! P.S. crab claws and the mustard sauce was AMAZING and is a must try!
I'm still dreaming about that Blackened Snapper over Coconut Rice! I'm a Home Chef and pretty darn picky. It's a rare occasion to find a restaurant that doesn't overcook broiled fish or make it dry. The Chef at Elements knows what they're doing, No Doubt!
This place is so relaxing. Food and service were excellent. The best eggs Benedict I have ever had. After we ate to a nice walk on their beach. Definitely a new go to spot for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere was pleasant and the staff very polite and courteous. But the menu was very limited and my wife and I had to settle on something rather than actually choose what we wanted for dinner. Breakfast was better but also limited on choices. Next time we go to the Keys we probably will not dine in this restaurant unless we see that the menu has changed.
We were staying on property and wanted an easy meal before we flew it the next day. We had a wonderful meal and dining experience. Ryan, the manager made wonderful cocktails and the snapper special was fantastic, with freshly sautéed veggies and rice.
Loading...