Cypress Room
Island Vista Hotel (d, $$$)
The chef is well known and respected for his many years in some of the area’s best restaurants. This oceanfront restaurant is not a typical hotel dining room. The white linen service and a fresh creative menu with lovely decor showcase the indoor and outdoor pools as well as the wide beach.
A big southern breakfast is cooked to order, and reservations are not needed.
The chef’s specialties of rack of lamb or scallops are some of the best to be found. The extensive wine list offers appropriate pairings with any order. The dessert menu is equally creative and tempting with the traditional southern specialties of pecan pie or a fruit cobbler. Reservations are suggested for dinner.
Expect some seasonal closures here, although the hotel might be open.