Along the pristine shoreline of Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach has long set the standard for Mediterranean-inspired luxury in South Florida. With the introduction of AQ Chophouse, the resort expands its culinary identity with a contemporary steakhouse that blends Italian elegance with coastal ease.

Bathed in natural light and framed by expansive Atlantic views, the dining room strikes a balance between modern refinement and relaxed glamour. A restored Art Deco chandelier anchors the space, while terrazzo floors, gold-leaf accents, and soft blue textiles create a palette that feels quietly luxurious rather than overtly formal.

Dinner Plate at AQ Steakhouse at Acqualina. Photo courtesy of Acqualina

Under the direction of Chef Michele Mazza, the menu reflects a thoughtful fusion of classic steakhouse traditions and Italian sensibilities. Prime dry-aged cuts sit alongside delicate crudos and house-made pastas, offering guests a dining experience that moves seamlessly from indulgent to refined. Highlights range from branzino crudo brightened with citrus to short-rib ravioli finished in sage butter, while grilled seafood and elevated sides — from truffle-kissed fries to sautéed cauliflower — echo the restaurant’s coastal setting.

The outdoor terrace extends the experience beyond the dining room, inviting guests to linger beneath ocean breezes as sunset colors wash across the horizon. Here, the atmosphere feels less like a traditional steakhouse and more like a sophisticated garden gathering, where attentive service and panoramic views define the evening.

With AQ Chophouse, Acqualina continues to evolve its gastronomic offering, pairing culinary craftsmanship with a sense of place that feels distinctly South Florida — elegant, effortless, and deeply connected to the sea.

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Alona Abbady Martinez
Alona Abbady Martinez is a food, travel, and lifestyle writer in South Florida with over fifteen years of writing experience. She freelances for Upscale Living Magazine, International Opulence Magazine, Lifestyle Magazine, and Miami New Times. Previous work has appeared on Alimentum Journal, Brain, Child Magazine, Humor.org, Every Day With Rachael Ray, The Dallas Morning News, The Miami Herald, and The Sun Sentinel. For over ten years she has enchanted readers with her blog, Culinary Compulsion, based on her adventures with food, family, and travel. Her global food memoir with recipes, My Culinary Compulsion, is scheduled to come out this Fall. You can reach her at alonamartinez.com.