Everglades Restaurant

Walking in through the convention center was the first issue. It was very hard to figure out how to get to a restaurant inside the hotel and park in the appropriate area to do so. Finally found our way in. It's a short walk through the convention center area. Restaurant is right across from the pool. Beautiful looking, I like the animal and nature themed decor. Very spacious place. Was sat and immediately connected with our server. The service was mostly fine dining. I say mostly only because after the bread course at the table, they did not remove the crumbs before serving the next course, although not a deal breaker or even a big deal just an observation. Our server was very attentive. We did the magical dining menu. The soup and salad was delicious. I like to try other things from the regular menu when I magical dine so I asked to try the lobster bisque. Was very much NOT a fan of the bisque. The soup on the magical dining menu was much better, they chose the right soup to offer ther. Thank God... The entrée choices were steak chicken or sea bass. I had the sea bass and my friend had the chicken. There was nothing special about the chicken it was roasted and then topped with some bbq sauce,the potatoes were terribly plain, the black eye peas had a good flavor and was probably the best part of that dish. My sea bass was good, the fish itself was delicious delicate and the sauce on top was a winner. The risotto underneath, well let's just say that it didn't measure up. The desserts were nice, key lime pie and chef special dessert shot which turned out nicely. I am hoping that they may have just been a little complacent with Magical dining menu and the abundance of it that they did not put any real love into it. I am on the fence about returning and trying something else.

Surprisingly good food and service for a convention hotel! Interesting Florida Everglades themed decor (think Rain Forest Café for adults). Tables, booths, and bar seating. Cozy and dark interior. Interesting menu with some unusual choices for visitors to Florida. Food and service were excellent. Only minus was it's on the pricey side, but that's to be expected. Recommended.