While there is no five-star five-diamond restaurant in Broward County, Cero Restaurant is certainly on its way to becoming one. Located across the beach at 1 N. Fort Lauderdale Blvd. in the newly built Ritz Carlton hotel, Cero continuously knocks your socks off, from the moment you arrive until the moment you depart. Just entering the Ritz Carlton is a magnificent affair, as once you walk through the doors you will be struck by the awesome high ceilings, the gorgeous marble floors and the elaborate lighting. If you enter off the valet area, the restaurant is located toward the back, past the curving walls and opposite the wine room and bar area. If you enter off the beach, the restaurant is right in front of you. As you make your way through the winding lobby on your way to the restaurant, you'll notice large potted palms, columns, and a number of lovely chairs and couches on your right.

You'll know you're approaching Cero Restaurant when you begin seeing an elegant steel railing. Basically open with thin filigrees of steel in abstract patterns, through it you'll begin noticing elegantly set tables as you follow it through the lobby. What will truly take your breath away, however, are the slightly curvilinear floor-to-ceiling windows, which feature dramatic views of the Atlantic. While a portion of the L-shaped restaurant is located beneath a double drop ceiling, as you go further and reach the graceful delicate steel gate through which you enter, you'll notice that the drop ceiling stops. In its place is a higher ceiling next to the windows, which appears to be about two stories high.

Upon passing through the gate, the hostess area is to your right, flanked by large potted leafy green plants. Nearby is a table with tall exotic flowers that separates the dining area from the entry. Large, dramatic hemisphere shaped pendant lighting is suspended from the ceiling. Each of these lights is framed on the top by a row of crystals and mirrors, several more strands of which reach down from the outer edge of each lights toward the middle. If you can, snag a table by the window. These coveted tables provide you with the best view of both the terrace and the ocean; the rest of the restaurant is great, though, if you'd rather watch people than scenery. Don't worry if you think there might be too much sun; the windows feature sheer beige cloth blinds that can be closed if there is too much sun for your taste. One thing to note about these special window-side tables: They are decorated slightly different than other tables. They are dark tables with chrome bases and woven tablecloths that are generously spaced and sized at about 40 inches square for a table for four. The seats are about 22 inches in width and made of woven wood and beige upholstery. You even have a leather bolster for your back. Between the comfortable chairs, the view and the food, you might never want to leave; as a matter of fact, because Cero serves three meals a day, you really don't have to -- until they want to close and clean up, that is!