Like coming out of a wood fire oven in a snow-capped mountain cabin, the pumpkin quad buns welcomed the sweet decadent butter as a hug from an old friend. This was just the beginning of nothing less than a spectacular dining experience at the JE Marriot Driftlight. This marvelous meal was accompanied by creamed corn, a perfect mixture of sweet encrusted by a tastfull cheese crust. The cream spinach was just spectacular and to round off this applaud worthy appetizer trio was a gift of mashed potatoes that had to come from a century old family recipe made from Love. The crown of this meal, which could be served to royalty , was the most perfectly prepared salmon I have had in a very long time. The flavorful skin cracked with a fork to reveal flaky moist salmon masterfully cooked. Surprisingly the accompaniment was just as stunning, a bed of warm grilled vegetables provided delicious flavor with every bite, contrasted with cold cherry tomatoes that exploded with flavor. This meal was truly a culinary masterpiece worthy of a Michelin star. Happy belated birthday to Chef Gaeyon thank you for sharing your love and passion. Not to be outdone Shizhana provided presidential level service and an emotional connection with our dinner party. I could not complete this review without mentioning the consistently amazing breakfast that we visit almost weekly. The mango chicken sausage is the star along side a breakfast bread pudding, there is a custom omelette station and almost anything else you could desire. Again the only thing better than the buffet is the remarkable team, if you want to enjoy dining where you are appreciated, valued and welcomed as family, this is the place.

Finding elevated taste in the Tampa Bay is not a difficult task, but one restaurant that stood above the rest was Driftlight Steakhouse at the JW Marriott. Not only was the contemporary atmosphere both comfortable and relaxed, the food was beautifully presented and prepared. The prime New York strip steak had the perfect proportion of tenderness and marbling. Additionally, Neil, our server, made the experience a memorable one. He was very attentive and gave helpful menu recommendations. I am certainly excited to return to this fine dining establishment in the near future.

Can’t say one bad thing about this place. Tomahawk steak was amazing, same with sides, stone crab in the seafood tower hit the spot, spinach side, shrimp or lobster Mac cheese was delicious, and wine was priced well. Mushrooms were not as flavorful, but easily to overlook among all the excellent food, drinks, premier service and complimentary dessert. Private room for events a plus as well. 200 a person feasting and drinks galore. Valet is free within 3 hrs., next door at Marriott. Place is under rated here.

I had an exquisite Saturday afternoon catching up with family and friends at the bar top located outside the entrance of Driftlight Steakhouse. We all raved over our cocktails. Tommy served up five-star cocktails and service. Everyone's meal was fresh and tasty.

Food was excellent The steak was cooked absolutely perfectly. The side dishes are delicious. They also have a great drink menu. This is a very expensive place, but it’s well worth the price. I could not believe how perfectly cooked the food was. Also the service was great as well. The waiter mafr some excellent suggestions and was very attentive. We will definitely come back

This upscale eatery is housed in the JW Marriott Hotel on the first floor. The atmosphere was pretty good, dimly lit, with pleasant service. The food tasted amazing!

Driftlight Steakhouse made our 2024 New Year’s Eve truly unforgettable. The globally inspired 5-course menu was both creative and delicious, showcasing bold flavors and exceptional craftsmanship. Each course was thoughtfully curated, and the wine pairings selected by Caroline, the manager, were absolutely perfect, enhancing the meal with every sip. Caroline’s kind professionalism and personal attention stood out—she managed the busy evening with grace and made us feel genuinely cared for. The ambience struck a perfect balance: elegant without being stiff and energetic without being too noisy, creating an inviting yet celebratory atmosphere. It was a truly special way to welcome the new year!

Dined in on a Tuesday night. We ordered the large seafood tower and it fed 3 of us perfectly as a starter. The oysters were amazing as well as the sauces that came with it, shrimp was excellent - lobster as well. Was a bit pricy @ 120, however it was good. My party ordered salads and they were both very satisfied with the meal. I ordered the scallops, 4 for a price of 45. They were cooked perfectly and melted on my mouth. It was amazing but for 4 it was a bit pricy, but this place is on the classier side to be fair. Without a doubt, i do believe the food was worth it. It was not too heavy or too light, perfect amount of food. Also, they provide warm towels to wipe your hands on after you eat the seafood. Service was excellent! I would only come back here for a special occasion.