It took three visits by three diners to 3 Aves before we could decide whether this almost-too-cool-for-Vero-Beach dine-and-dance spot should be reviewed as a nightclub or a restaurant.

At first glance, the elegant design of the spacious high-ceilinged room, with blue back-lighting on the interior wall and sofas cozily arranged around a central dance floor, argues nightclub. The oversized bar area just off the entrance, quite active some nights, also has a clubby feel.

But while the during- and after-dinner entertainment ranks right up there with anything found in Vero Beach, ultimately it is the food that makes this a top choice among mainland restaurants.

The prime steaks, simply put, are the best in Vero. My favorite, the 14 ounce grilled ribeye ($27), came seared to perfection. One of my companions, however, insists the filet mignon ($34) is a better choice, and it was not only tender and unusually flavorful.

But if you’re not in the mood for a steak, two other entrees are winners in their own right. The 14 ounce New Zealand rack of lamb ($35), four meaty chops, was perfectly prepared and succulent, and the grilled swordfish ($32), catch of the day on one visit, was crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

For starters, my choice would be the grilled shrimp grilled Cajun style ($12) – a sizeable portion which could well serve a not-too-hungry diner as an entrée. Our other favorite appetizer was the crab cakes ($13), blue lump Maryland crab held together by minimal breading.

Among the salads, the overwhelming vote was for the Caesar ($8) though the house salad ($8), a spring mix with Fontina cheese and dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, is an excellent choice. To accompany your entrée, I would strongly recommend the baked sweet potato served with maple sugar on top. Yum. As a side, the mushrooms served in a burgundy sauce ($6) added another delicious flavor to the meal.

As usual, we finished our dinners too full for desert, but the Key Lime Pie ($6) was not to be resisted.

Each time during dinner, we enjoyed the unobtrusive stylings of jazz pianist John Williams. Later in the evening, he was succeeded by a jazz group called Matrix and the dance floor swung to life.

Dinner for two here with a modest bottle of wine runs about $130 before tip. With three, the check comes in around $200.

I welcome comments. Email me at tina@verobeach32963.com.

The reviewer is a beachside resident who dines anonymously at restaurants at the expense of Vero Beach 32963.