Veranda, Fort Myers

Nice but overpriced. Great atmosphere, ambiance etc..., but cost to value is a tad askew.

If ultimate presentation, service, and innovative food are your priorities, the Veranda is the place for you. The atmosphere is first rate romantic with a palpable old world charm. Appetizer's were innovative and the escargot with stilton sauce in puff pastry was great. My wife had the blackened scallopes in a ginger sause, which were a delicious blend of east meets the Buyou. The server wasn't kidding when he said they were spicey! The server was able to direct me to a full bodied French Bordeaux (he was right on target), and the entrees were great as well. My wife had the filet with bernaise, and I had a NY strip with gorgonzola cheeze and mushroom topping served with a rosemary demi-glaze. The contrasting bitter cheese with the sweet sauce and steak was very unique and delicious. We had no room for desert so I am unable to comment further. The entrees were on the pricey side but an excellent value when compared with the presentation and quality. The filet was around $27, and my strip was $29. Also notible were the prices of the wine list. They seem to want you to order wine instead of try to retire off of one bottle like many other dining establishments. An example was the Chateau Becheville for $90 for the '98. A recent visit to another restaurant had the same bottle at $140. Quite a difference. I like a restaurant with a quality and value attitude that encourages you to partake, instead of counting on your ego to pony up stupid prices for wine. The wine list could use some more additions though. The only thing that I didn't get at this restaurant that I've experienced at the finest restaurants in the world was: they didn't pull our chairs out and put our napkins in our laps, and the wine glasses could be increased in size (I like large claret style glasses). With those small insignificant items being the only negatives,,, the Veranda is a gem in an area of coal and overpriced wanna-bees. I give it my highest rating for an outstanding balance of price, service, and quality of food and atmosphere. For under $150 including wine before tip, you will not find finer anywhere.