Sunfish Grill

Sunfish Grill was a luminary when it debuted nearly two decades ago in a former luncheonette in Fort Lauderdale. From the charming-though-dated dining room, you'd never know it. At its peak, the restaurant garnered New Times awards including Best Place for an Intimate Conversation and Best Contemporary Restaurant. That was under chef Tony Sindaco and his former wife, pastry chef Erika di Battista. After a move to bigger digs in 2008, the couple split. Despite the changes, Sunfish Grill offers intimate surroundings and beautiful food. A pear salad is adorned with spicy pecans, apples, and grapes on arugula and endive. A tuna bolognese seems an usual dish, yet it's divine: the sheen of tomatoes coats house-made noodles. Fresh tuna melds with tomatoes laced with garlic. And desserts show off di Battista's strengths. The tart Key-lime pie is a good bet. There are deals to be had here, particularly during happy hours, with $5 appetizers and glasses of wine. Couples, a heads-up: Wine, house-made focaccia, and a selection of pasta entrées are half-price for two.