NEW YORK Diners in South Florida significantly trimmed the number of times they dined out in the past year, according to Zagat’s “2010 Miami/South Florida Restaurants Survey” that was released Wednesday.
The survey, which covers 1,057 restaurants in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach areas, found the 6,100 surveyed diners reduced their dine-out frequency to 3.2 times a week from the 3.7 in the previous survey.
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The South Florida survey also gave The Biltmore Hotel's Palme d'Or restaurant a sweep of the top food, decor and service honors. Joe's Stone Crab was once again deemed the most popular. Top newcomer votes went to Hakkasan. All are located in the Miami area.
Zagat found that 34 percent of South Florida surveyors said they were eating out less than two years ago; and only 20 percent said they were dining out more. Because of the weak economy, diners also reported watching prices (42 percent), eating in less expensive places (34 percent), skipping appetizers and/or desserts (21 percent) and cutting back on alcohol (19 percent).
"South Florida has long been a major dining destination, but the crop of chefs coming into the area has really enhanced this image," said Tim Zagat, chief executive of the New York-based Zagat Survey. "While restaurants new and old are struggling to stay afloat, we remember that dining out is inextricably woven into American culture, and will continue to be a vital part of daily life despite the tough economic times."
Zagat found the average cost of a meal in South Florida was $39.86, one of highest in the nation behind Las Vegas, New York and Long Island. The national average is $34.62.
Among the most expensive restaurants in the South Florida survey, the average cost was up 2.1 percent annually, to $83.25 from $79.87, Zagat found. Tipping has increased from 19 percent to 19.1 percent, on par with the national average.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].