Tesoro-MainDiningRoom
Right as the finishing touches are being laid on the adult-only Lanai Tower at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, the final piece of a multiyear $320 million expansion project, its signature dinner-only restaurant and lounge Tesoro began welcoming guests looking to experience the uniquely grown-up vibe. (Sorry, folks, no kids or grandkids, no matter how cute or well-behaved they are.)
Meaning “treasure” in Spanish and Italian, the name Tesoro signifies its focus on Mediterranean fare as seen through the lens of Gerald Sombright, the chef de cuisine formerly of the resort’s fine-dining Ario and a contestant on the 14th season of the hit culinary competition show Top Chef. Pulling from the various countries that ring the expansive sea, the menu will feature pita bread baked on-premise; tapas, like sliced pata negra; meze, such as baba ganoush; creative plates, including a “carbonara” flatbread; as well as locally caught fish grilled whole. The robust bar program touts multiple sangrias, house-made sodas, liqueurs from the region—plus wines from throughout Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Lebanon and Israel.
The windowed expanse has a fifth-floor perch overlooking the Gulf, with 100 seats outdoors and another 140 inside (not to mention a large bar and lounge). As its doors open each evening to usher in anyone who wants to be in the company of people who can legally order themselves a drink, it will fill a niche that had largely been empty on the island.
To plan a visit: Tesoro JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort 400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island (800) 437-4373 jwmarriottmarcoisland.com