Hollywood, Fla. – January 8, 2025 –The Diplomat Beach Resort today announces the debut of five reborn restaurant concepts, redefining its culinary landscape and celebrating a key milestone in the resort’s extensive renovation. As The Diplomat continues its evolution into Signia by Hilton ahead of the official brand debut in May 2026, the five updated restaurant concepts introduce Signia’s sophisticated luxury through vibrant atmospheres, stylish design and personalized service. The introduction of Palmea Kitchen, Solara, Playa, The Press and the newly revitalized Diplomat Prime signals a bold new era where dining extends far beyond traditional hotel dining, pairing modern design with nuanced, multi-dimensional flavors to create a connected experience from sunup to last pour.
“Long known as a top oceanfront dining destination in the area, the updated venues stand to further enhance the guest experience,” says Brian Abel, senior vice president, food & beverage operations & development, Americas, Hilton. “As The Diplomat looks to start its next chapter, the resort’s culinary renaissance embodies Signia’s principles by infusing design-driven spaces, top-tier service and destination-led dining with passion and creativity that define every plate.”
“We are proud to share these reimagined spaces and menus. We approached each restaurant with the goal to infuse fresh personality into each and to create unforgettable culinary moments no matter where you’re eating on property,” said Rachel Kapelner, director of food and beverage, The Diplomat Beach Resort. “Each concept was built with intention, so guests can experience dining that is elevated, memorable and rooted in exceptional craft.”
DINING FROM DAY TO NIGHT
Guests are invited to start the day at Palmea Kitchen, a breakfast café featuring American classics elevated with Mediterranean flavors. The menu, led by executive sous chef Michelle Milz, includes orange blossom crusted French toast garnished with medjool date marmalade and mascarpone, as well as shakshuka made with harissa tomato stew and finished with tahini aioli and feta cheese. With 100 seats outside and an additional 130 inside, the breezy patio and lush greenery create a serene backdrop for a leisurely breakfast.
Playa is a beachfront bar and grill where guests can enjoy bold Latin flavors with a laid-back ocean vibe. Chef Milz turns up the heat with crave-worthy dishes like lobster quesadilla, freshly cut ceviche de coco and a smoky parillada that can be enjoyed alongside signature frozen cocktails. Plush loungers, rhythmic beats and the sparkling view of the Atlantic make Playa the ultimate spot for sun-soaked afternoons and sunshine sips.
With sophisticated interiors influenced by tropical modernism, Solara provides sanctuary with an alluring ambiance and contemporary all-day lounge experience. Set within The Diplomat’s newly renovated lobby space, where thoughtful design bridges the gap between land, sea and sky. The bar stuns with rich green tiling, lush foliage and soaring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool into the ocean. Solara’s menu packs in the flavors of paradise with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like falafel and hummus, and twists on global favorites with dishes such as gochujang ahi tuna and a cacio e pepe.
For quick bites, The Press is The Diplomat’s all-day café offering fresh, hand-crafted pastries, sandwiches, smoothies, juices and more. La Colombe coffees and matcha lattes provide morning time fuel, while delectable almond croissants, brioche buns, muffins and donuts from pastry chef Henry Martignago, add a touch of sweetness to any stay.
MODERN DESIGN, MASTERED STEAK
Evenings center around Diplomat Prime, the resort’s signature steakhouse, now redesigned with a clean, modern aesthetic that highlights the precision and technique of the menu. Helmed by chef de cuisine Jorge Negron, the kitchen showcases the finest cuts of filet, wagyu and dry-aged steaks, and works with a variety of local purveyors to source fresh seafood and vegetables to round out each dish. The signature craftsmanship and fine ingredients extend to old favorites and new items alike with highlights including 45-day dry aged cuts, braised short rib, Maine lobster fra diavolo, A5 Japanese wagyu and a full caviar selection.
Built with the same meticulous attention is the craft beverage program, from an extensive wine cellar to carefully curated cocktails, every pour is designed with intention. Not to be missed is the icy Prime martini made with vodka, vermouth and saline solution, served with an oyster and the optional addition of caviar. Long beloved by locals and repeat hotel guests, the steakhouse now boasts a new dynamic with design that reflects the marbling of fine cuts of steak, the ripple of the sand steps away, tidal waterlines and a refined natural elegance.
In addition to the updated menu and interior, Diplomat Prime has extended its presence with an all-new patio that brings lively energy into the hotel. Framed by twinkling lights, palatial palms and live music, the patio is poised to become a favorite happy hour spot or late-night hang. Both guests and locals can expect a specialty bar menu along with weekly live performances. Local residents can also take advantage of Resident Rewards Wednesdays, where Diplomat Prime welcomes its community with an exclusive 15 percent discount.
NEXT STEPS TO SIGNIA BY HILTON
Together, these five concepts, along with the all-new grab-and-go at The Canteen and in-room dining, offer a full day of culinary offerings with an emphasis on flavor and high-quality ingredients, ushering The Diplomat Beach Resort into its next chapter as a Signia by Hilton resort. The hotel plans to further expand its food and beverage identity, from the debut of the luxurious Verandah Social Club – a private, adults only pool and beach club coming early 2026 – to the launch of its very own Club Signia and a revamped lineup of culinary events, seasonal programming and even the highly anticipated resurrection of the hotel’s legendary speakeasy.
For more information on hours, menus and reservations, please visit www.diplomatresort.com.
