No stinkin' compotes or silly whipped cream make it on the menu at this 24-hour-eatery. Living up to the menu's proud proclamation of exclusively fresh ingredients, dishes like the flaky Morning Glory Waffle come crowned with blueberries, strawberries and bananas. Accompanied by a plate full of crispy corned beef hash and you're set for the day…or two or more.

This Gold Coast favorite eclipses traditional diner fare. From deep-sea scallop dinner entrees to a poor man's veggie skillet or a zucchini tomato omelet, Tempo satisfies any taste at any time. Even the seafood is guaranteed to be fresh; the owners also reign over the Greek seafood restaurant Santorini.

Expect Gold Coast prices ($8 for my waffle on up to the mid-$20 range for the Friday seafood specials) and a professional staff. High ceilings and a rear wall-to-wall mirror give the dining area a vast sense of space, and booths line the wall of arched windows that open up to a large patio. Nonetheless, the place gets packed on weekends so come early and bring cash—it's all the restaurant takes other than celebrity.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Robert Duffer