Canyon Café

Reviews

Name: Julia Yarbough
Occupation: News Anchor, NBC6
Lives In: Pompano Beach
Favorite Restaurant: Canyon Café
Reviewed Café: May 11th, 2008

I am excited every time I arrive at Canyon, not knowing how the menu will have changed or what unique items will await me. Parking was quick and easy. There was no wait. The hostess greeted my party promptly and in a friendly manner and gave us a choice of tables. Service was quick and efficient and the server explained the specials and answered all questions we had about the night’s menu. Our water and drink order arrived promptly without any hassle or fuss. The appetizers came out quickly, and spaced adequately from the main meal. The presentation of the food was visually pleasing and the flavors and textures were equally satisfying. This is one of the few locations I have dined at in which I taste FLAVORS and spices, and mixes of foods, rather than just salt or olive oil, or overpowered with heavy sauces and/or cheeses. The portions are just right… but if for some reason it is too much, then it’s just enough to have for lunch the next day. I like the ambience, in that it is small, so the audio doesn’t overpower you once all the tables are filled – you can still hear your own table without being drowned out by everyone else. The décor is fashionable and “now”… very chic and elegant. Overall, I highly recommend this location for anyone who loves food, appreciates new flavors and combinations and wants a fine dining experience without going broke

Name: Paul Castronovo & Ron Brewer
Occupation: Talk Show Hosts, Paul & Young Ron Show
Lives In: Ft. Lauderdale/Parkland
Favorite Restaurant: Café Maxx
Reviewed Canyon Café : May 9th, 2008

Paul: I was running a few minutes late, but parked no problem directly behind Canyon. I hadn’t had a prickly pear margarita in years, and as soon as I joined my group at the bar, they had one in front of me. One friend was impressed by the wine list, so when we sat and I found Cakebread Cabernet, I ordered it. That’s when I started drooling over the menu. You don’t see a lot of chorizo and poblano on South FLA’s menus so it was tough to make a decision. Ultimately, the wine led me to the filet crusted in poblano pesto goat cheese which I’m still dreaming about. The chef came out mid-dinner, which I love and chatted for a few minutes. He recommended a couple of desserts and I don’t know which was better, the macadamia nut pie with homemade ice cream or the white chocolate bread pudding—both of which complemented the wine which still flowed. I can’t wait to return with my wife.

Ron: Parking was extra easy, a big surprise! The “no shorts” rule was also a surprise considering the location. They gracefully ignored my shorts. Our server was very friendly and fun, the food was pretty good but it was served in unusually large bowls that got in the way. The best part was bread pudding with berries. It was outstanding. When the check came, it was very reasonable.

Name: Jose Lambiet
Occupation: Journalist, Palm Beach Post
Favorite Restaurant: Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar
Reviewed Canyon Café: May 24th, 2008

Like Mai Kai down the street, Canyon makes you wonder why it’s in Fort Lauderdale. You’d imagine a place like that in Austin, Texas, or Flagstaff, Az. But it’s there, and locals love it after all these years. I hadn’t been there in 7 years until last week, and the first thing I noticed is that the décor is exactly the same, with street-side intimate alcoves. Most of the menu is, too, and that’s just fine. Don’t change a winning combo. Parking is the usual Lauderdale pain-in-the-neck, and the wait is not something I’d accept if I hadn’t been doing a review for the show. However, the food is great for someone who likes unusual flavors.

Restaurant Information

Location: 620 S. Federal Hwy. Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33301
Phone: (954)765-1950
Parking: Yes
Restaurant Owner: Tony DiLeo, Mario DiLeo, Chris Wilber
Website: www.canyonfl.com
Executive Chef: Chris Wilber
Pastry Chef: Dustin Falcon

Type of Cuisine: Southwestern
Signature Dishes: Filet Mignon, Poblano Chili, Tartar
Vegetarian Options: Yes (limited)
Alcohol Served: Full Bar
Corkage Fee: Yes
Bottle Limit: None

Restaurant Hours:
Monday – 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday – 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday – 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Thursday – 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday – 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday – 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m
Sunday – 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m

Meals Served: Dinner
Prix Fix Menu: No
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, %15 gratuity, w/o alcohol): $45 – $50
Average Lunch Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, %15 gratuity, w/o alcohol): N/A
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? MasterCard, Visa, AmEx,
Accept Reservations: No
Need Reservations: N/A
How far in advance do you require reservations be made: N/A

Accommodations for Children: Yes
Dining Style: Fine Dining
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: 62 seats Accomodate Groups: No
Tables with Scenic Views: No
Outdoor Dining: No
Entertainment: No