Best restaurants for special occasions

Michael F McElroy / Sun Sentinel

WINNER: Oceans 234 Nothing beats an ocean view for nervous first dates. And what a view Oceans 234 offers along the bend between Ocean and Hillsboro boulevards. The crowd-pleasing menu starts with sushi rolls and raw oysters and moves on to steaks and inventive seafood preparations such as pistachio mahi-mahi and local snapper crusted with shrimp and corn. Folks wear flip-flops and shorts on the always crowded patio, and dress up just a bit more while dining inside. 234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, (954) 428-2539 www.oceans234.com FINALISTS: Tanzy 301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, (561) 922-6699 tanzyrestaurant.com/boca Read our review. Le Bistro 4626 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, (954) 946-9240 lebistrorestaurant.com (pictured) Casimir Bistro 416 Via De Palmas, Boca Raton, (561) 955-6001 casimirbistro.com

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Benjamin Rusnak/Courtesy

WINNER: Grille 401 It's easy to forget that Las Olas Boulevard is also a place where a lot of business gets done, and it's no wonder the suits are attracted to Grille 401, its airy corner patio an urbane place to see and be seen (especially if you stay for happy hour). Chef Troy Beasley, pride of New Orleans, does all the little things right with his burger (on toasted challah) and prime-rib sandwich (Havarti cheese). The salads (we hear) are also a strength. Grille 401 may be best known for its cocktails, but we're talking lunch here. OK, just one: the Red Cougar (Stoli, strawberries, basil, simple syrup and lemon juice). 401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, (954) 767-0222 grille401.com (pictured) FINALISTS: YOLO 333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, (954) 523-1000 yolorestaurant.com Timpano Steakhouse 450 Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, (954) 462-9119 timpanochophouse.net Read our review. Hardy Park Bistro 21 SW Seventh St., Fort Lauderdale, (954) 652-1475 facebook.com/HardyParkBistro Read our review.

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From best brunch to best spot for a girls' night out, readers picked out their favorite restaurants for special occasions for our Best of South Florida issue. To see the rest of the winners go to "Best of South Florida."