There are certain restaurants that immediately signal an occasion, and Diplomat Prime, located inside the iconic The Diplomat Beach Resort, is very much one of them.

When my husband Sebastian, my mom Maritza, and I were invited to visit, making this a special night out together, we were greeted by something elegant but not intimidating, refined yet warm.

Diplomat Prime delivered all of that, and then some.

From the moment you step inside, the tone is unmistakable. The dining room feels polished and intentional, with plush seating, dramatic lighting, and an atmosphere that leans into classic steakhouse luxury while still feeling coastal and modern.

It’s the kind of space that invites you to slow down, sink into your seat, and truly enjoy the experience unfolding in front of you.

The menu is where Diplomat Prime really flexes its identity: a seafood-and-steak-forward lineup that balances indulgence with thoughtful restraint.

Starters set the pace with elevated classics and ocean-inspired touches. Options like chilled seafood towers arrive pristine and visually striking, while refined bites such as jumbo lump crab cakes and rich, velvety lobster bisque immediately establish the kitchen’s attention to quality and technique. Even familiar items feel intentional here, built on clean flavors and carefully sourced ingredients.

Seafood lovers have plenty to explore. Fresh oysters, presented simply and confidently, highlight briny freshness, while dishes like seared scallops and delicately prepared fish plates lean into balance rather than excess.

The preparations allow the seafood to speak for itself, one that’s enhanced by complementary sauces, subtle seasoning, and precise execution.

Then there are the steaks, the undeniable centerpiece of the menu. Prime cuts are dry-aged and cooked with precision, offering that perfect contrast between a deeply caramelized exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.

Whether you gravitate toward a richly marbled ribeye, a classic filet, or a bold New York strip, each option feels worthy of the restaurant’s name. The accompaniments are equally thoughtful: indulgent but not overdone, designed to enhance rather than distract.

Sides arrive generously portioned and made for sharing, which felt especially fitting for our table.

Creamy potatoes, seasonal vegetables prepared with restraint, and steakhouse staples elevated just enough to feel special encouraged us to pass plates around and linger a little longer. It’s the kind of meal that naturally turns into a shared experience rather than a series of individual courses.

The cocktail program deserves its own moment. Diplomat Prime’s bar menu blends classic sophistication with subtle creativity.

You’ll find spirit-forward options that pair beautifully with steak, alongside lighter, citrus-driven cocktails that work well earlier in the evening or with seafood.

Wine lovers are equally well cared for, with a list that spans bold reds, crisp whites, and celebratory bubbles, ideal for enjoying a night that feels like more than just dinner.

Behind the scenes, the kitchen is led by Jorge Negron, whose culinary background brings both heritage and refinement to the table. Raised in a family of chefs, Negron’s connection to food began early, shaped by generations before him and later refined through formal culinary training in Puerto Rico. His career has taken him through leadership roles at upscale hotels across South Florida, and that experience shows in the confidence and consistency of Diplomat Prime’s menu.

Negron’s approach emphasizes high-quality ingredients and thoughtful execution, with subtle nods to coastal flavors woven throughout.

His recent back-to-back wins at the SOBE Seafood Festival’s Chef Showdown, where he impressed judges with an inventive crab dish, only further underscore the talent behind the kitchen. That same level of care and creativity is evident here, whether the dish leans classic or contemporary.

Service throughout the evening mirrored the restaurant’s overall tone: polished, knowledgeable, and genuinely attentive. Our server guided us through the menu with ease, offering insight without pressure and allowing the evening to unfold at a comfortable pace. It’s the kind of service that makes you feel taken care of without ever feeling rushed.

Dining at Diplomat Prime felt like a true night out, one where the setting, the food, and the company all aligned.

Sharing that experience with my mom and my husband made it even more meaningful, transforming an elegant dinner into a memory we’ll happily return to, especially after a difficult year of loss and one where we started new holiday traditions together.

Whether you’re celebrating something special, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply craving a refined dining experience by the

beach, Diplomat Prime stands out as a destination that understands luxury without excess.

It’s truly an elevated steakhouse and seafood experience where classic elegance, coastal influence, and thoughtful craftsmanship come together, one that is perfect for a memorable night out.

Diplomat Prime is located at The Diplomat Beach Resort at 3555 S Ocean Dr. in Hollywood, FL. For more information and or to make a reservation, call (954) 602-8700 or visit diplomatresort.com/restaurants-and-bars/diplomat-prime.