Drift - Clearwater: Exceptional Fine Dining & Stunning Beachfront Views in Clearwater, FL

DO NOT MISS THIS! I can only imagine the couple of negative reviews here were when this restaurant first opened and they were figuring out the business model….We visited in September several months after they opened in the spring. The service was 10/10. Ned was absolutely amazing, the type of service you find in fine dining establishments. Service was impeccable, and the meal…. Oh my goodness. We had the beef tenderloin with the lobster bisque for starter. We’re well travelled and this meal was exceptional—kudos to the chef, the flavors were perfection. Do not sleep on having a meal at Drift, and splurge on some of the fancier options…. This was the best meal we had at Clearwater Beach all week.

Tried Drift, finally! It is amazing! The restaurant is gorgeous, and the outdoor bar sets the “bar” in the Clearwater Beach market for views, drinks, vibe. The drink menu and bar has everything one could want!! We had the focaccia bread and it was incredible! That parm cream dip was unique and stands as one of the best apps I’ve ever tried in the area. The steak burger was very, very good. My wife got the buttermilk chicken sandwich, and wow wow wow. The dessert menu is on point, highly recommend getting the pistachio tiramisu and the chocolate “pot” haha. And through it all, our server, Robby, was on point, knowledgeable, very personable, and made the experience even better! Highly recommend trying drift. When you get there, ask for Robby’s table.

Wonderful experience, took my wife here for our anniversary and it was 10/10 from start to finish. Our server, Eddie, was extremely knowledgeable on the menu as well as the wine selections. I could not believe they had Orin Swift & Cade wines by the glass. The old fashioned, mojito, bone-in ribeye & beef tenderloin did not disappoint. Eddie brought us a complimentary dessert for our anniversary. We will absolute return and probably stay at the hotel next time. Must visit fine-dining establishment.

So if you find yourself in Clearwater Florida you must try Drift in the Opal Hotel! I promise you won’t be disappointed!!! Not only is the ambience lovely the sunsets are to die for!! We were greeted right away by our server Katie who was phenomenal!!!! She couldn’t have been anymore attentive or given better menu suggestions!!! We started with the whipped Feta Cheese appetizer which was delicious!!!! The Beet and Burrata salad was the perfect size and amazing. I loved that I was able to get a 1/2 portion of the pappardelle Bolognese which was a 10 out of 10!!! It was the perfect night in the perfect restaurant with the perfect server!!!! Thank you Katie for all your hard work with a smile!!! You made an already great night that much better!!!!! Great job!!!!!!

We aren't staying at the hotel but picked Drift for dinner. Both the indoor and outdoor seating options look beautiful. We had no problems making a reservation an hour ahead of time, and the staff were friendly and quick. The food was overall excellent. Each dish was plated uniquely, and all the flavors and textures mixed wonderfully. We're anything but food snobs but we had a great time with every dish and would absolutely come back here multiple times to sample everything on the menu.

We came to The Drift at Opal Sol to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and the space was beautiful—open, modern, and inviting. The host and server were super friendly and attentive. The Spicy Fish Tacos were a hit, full of flavor and freshness. The Pappardelle Bolognese was tasty but too salty, and while the server offered to replace it, we tried the Skillet Focaccia instead—dense and not what we expected. I had the Tagliatelle with chicken, which was al dente and fresh, but lacked flavor. The highlight was the complimentary birthday dessert—absolutely delicious and the best part of the meal! Great service, beautiful setting, a few food misses but overall a lovely experience.

A Pleasant Surprise with Whipped Feta, Thoughtful Plates, and a Charming Vibe We stopped into Drift for a late lunch (closer to dinner, really) and were pleasantly surprised by the overall experience. The menu is minimal, but each dish feels considered — a sign that the kitchen is focused on quality over quantity. We started with the whipped feta, which was creamy, tangy, and just indulgent enough. The focaccia crisps that came with it had a nice herbaceous seasoning, though they do tend to crumble a bit and make a mess on the table — a small nuisance, but nothing that took away from the enjoyment. The octopus was a generous portion and came with a flavorful sauce. I’ve had versions elsewhere that were a bit more tender or charred, but this was still very good and plated with care. The standout dish for me might’ve been the chicken tagliatelle with butter-poached mushrooms. The sauce was rich but not heavy, and the mushrooms added an earthy depth that worked really well with the pasta. We appreciated being able to order a half portion — just the right size to enjoy without overdoing it. Service was warm and attentive, and while we sat outside, we peeked into the dining room — the interior looked sleek, intimate, and thoughtfully designed. There’s a sense of integrity in how Drift presents itself — a quiet confidence that doesn’t need to shout. All in all, this is the kind of place I’d absolutely return to. Refined, relaxed, and quietly impressive.

Great place to unwind and have a nice dinner date night. Awesome food (Focaccia is a must). The only area that could be improved is the service—our food took a while to arrive, and we would have appreciated more frequent check-ins at the table. With a little more attentiveness, it would make the dining experience truly exceptional.