Food & Drink

Dining Destinations in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is not just known for its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife—its culinary scene is equally captivating. A diverse mix of flavors, cultures, and traditions has shaped the city into a food lover’s paradise, making it a must-visit for gastronomes. The city’s proximity to the ocean brings the freshest seafood, while its rich history and influx of international communities add layers of complexity to every dish. From upscale dining rooms offering haute cuisine to bustling street food vendors serving authentic local favorites, Fort Lauderdale’s culinary offerings are as varied as they are delicious.

The Culinary Scene: A Fusion of Cultures

Fort Lauderdale’s food scene is defined by its incredible diversity. Caribbean, Latin American, and Southern influences are deeply woven into the city’s culinary fabric, creating a delicious fusion of flavors. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and indigenous ingredients such as conch and yuca are staples, while Cuban sandwiches, Bahamian conch fritters, and Floribbean dishes bring unique flair to the dining experience. This blend of cultural influences gives Fort Lauderdale an exciting, ever-evolving culinary identity.

Historical and Cultural Influences

The food scene in Fort Lauderdale has been shaped by centuries of migration and cultural exchange. The indigenous people of Florida were among the first to introduce staple ingredients like corn, beans, and squash. With European colonization, Spanish and French flavors started to seep into local recipes, bringing spices, meats, and new cooking techniques.

In the 20th century, Fort Lauderdale saw a wave of migration from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. The city’s culinary offerings expanded to include Cuban, Jamaican, Haitian, and Brazilian cuisine, among others. Over the years, Fort Lauderdale’s food culture has continued to evolve, becoming a global melting pot with a heavy focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Local Delicacies: A Taste of Tradition

Fort Lauderdale boasts a wealth of traditional dishes that reflect its unique blend of influences. Conch fritters are a local favorite, made from batter and diced conch meat, deep-fried to golden perfection. Cuban sandwiches—a nod to the city’s Cuban population—are filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed into a crispy loaf of Cuban bread. For dessert, the Key lime pie, made from tart Key lime juice, is a must-try, offering a refreshing close to any meal.

Popular street foods include arepas, cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese or meats, and tostones, crispy twice-fried plantains often served with garlic sauce. Don’t miss out on tropical beverages like guava smoothies or the ubiquitous Cuba Libre—a cocktail of rum, cola, and lime.

Top Dining Destinations in Phoenix

Coconuts

Address: 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Specialties: Bahamian conch fritters, lobster rolls, fresh oysters.
Vibe: Casual waterfront dining.
Directions: Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, a short 10-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Address: 1032 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Specialties: Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, Italian cocktails.
Vibe: Vibrant Italian eatery.
Directions: A 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the city center.

Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille

Address: 620 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Specialties: Fresh seafood, oyster platters, craft cocktails.
Vibe: Upscale yet relaxed dining.
Directions: Situated in the Riverside Hotel, about a 5-minute walk from the city center.

The Foxy Brown

Address: 723 E Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Specialties: Elevated comfort food, brunch favorites like crab benedict.
Vibe: Cozy, neighborhood bistro.
Directions: A 10-minute walk from downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Casa Sensei

Address: 1200 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Specialties: Latin-Asian fusion, sushi, churrasco.
Vibe: Stylish waterfront dining.
Directions: A scenic 10-minute walk along Las Olas Boulevard.

Rustic Inn Crabhouse

Address: 4331 Ravenswood Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Specialties: Garlic crabs, Alaskan king crab, seafood platters.
Vibe: Old-school seafood joint.
Directions: About a 15-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Shooters Waterfront

Address: 3033 NE 32nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Specialties: Seafood towers, sushi, frozen cocktails.
Vibe: Breezy waterfront dining with live music.
Directions: A 20-minute drive north of the city center.

Etaru

Address: 111 S Surf Rd, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Specialties: Japanese robatayaki, sushi, grilled seafood.
Vibe: Chic beachfront restaurant.
Directions: A 25-minute drive south of Fort Lauderdale, along the coast.

Lona Cocina Tequileria

Address: 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Specialties: Mexican-inspired dishes, tacos, tequila cocktails.
Vibe: Lively beachfront dining.
Directions: A 10-minute walk from downtown along Fort Lauderdale Beach.

S3 Restaurant

Address: 505 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Specialties: Sushi, seafood, wood-fired steaks.
Vibe: Stylish and modern, oceanfront seating.
Directions: Right on the beach, a quick 10-minute walk from central Fort Lauderdale.

3030 Ocean

Address: 3030 Holiday Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Specialties: Contemporary American seafood, seasonal ingredients.
Vibe: Upscale coastal cuisine.
Directions: Situated within Marriott Harbor Beach, a 10-minute drive from the city center.

Boatyard

Address: 1555 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Specialties: Waterfront dining, seafood, craft cocktails.
Vibe: Elegant marina-side dining.
Directions: About a 5-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Chima Steakhouse

Address: 2400 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Specialties: Brazilian rodizio, premium cuts of meat, salad bar.
Vibe: Upscale and interactive dining experience.
Directions: A 10-minute drive from the city center along Las Olas Boulevard.

El Vez

Address: 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Specialties: Mexican street food, guacamole, margaritas.
Vibe: Fun, casual beachside dining.
Directions: Located on the beach, a 10-minute walk from central Fort Lauderdale.

Jungle Queen Riverboat BBQ & Shrimp Dinner

Address: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Specialties: BBQ, shrimp, island-style buffet.
Vibe: Scenic riverboat cruise with a meal.
Directions: Riverboat departs from downtown Fort Lauderdale, about a 10-minute drive from the city center.

The Alchemist

Address: 2430 NE 13th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Specialties: Craft coffee, gourmet sandwiches, acai bowls.
Vibe: Hip café with a laid-back vibe.
Directions: A 15-minute drive from central Fort Lauderdale, nestled in Wilton Manors.

The Capital Grille

Address: 2430 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Specialties: Dry-aged steaks, seafood, fine wine selection.
Vibe: Elegant, fine-dining.
Directions: Located within the Galleria Mall, a 10-minute drive from downtown.

Kaluz Restaurant

Address: 3300 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Specialties: New American cuisine, seafood, burgers.
Vibe: Sleek, modern waterfront dining.
Directions: A 15-minute drive north of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Yolo (You Only Live Once)

Address: 333 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Specialties: Contemporary American, craft cocktails, lively atmosphere.
Vibe: Trendy dining with a social scene.
Directions: Situated in the heart of Las Olas, a 5-minute walk from the city center.

Blue Moon Fish Co.

Address: 4405 W Tradewinds Ave, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308
Specialties: Seafood, brunch, waterfront views.
Vibe: Elegant yet casual, with a focus on local seafood.
Directions: A 15-minute drive north of Fort Lauderdale.

Greek Islands Taverna

Address: 3300 NE 33rd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Specialties: Authentic Greek cuisine, grilled lamb, fresh seafood.
Vibe: Warm, traditional Mediterranean.
Directions: A 20-minute drive north of the city center.

Sparrow

Address: 299 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Specialties: Craft cocktails, tapas.
Vibe: Stylish rooftop bar with panoramic views.
Directions: A 10-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Milk Money Bar & Kitchen

Address: 815 NE 13th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Specialties: Brunch, burgers, craft beers.
Vibe: Fun, casual gastropub.
Directions: A 15-minute drive from central Fort Lauderdale.

Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

Address: 1201 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Specialties: Traditional Italian, handmade pasta, veal chops.
Vibe: Classic fine dining.
Directions: A 10-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Immersive Culinary Experiences

Beyond dining, Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of immersive culinary experiences. Take a food tour of Las Olas Boulevard to sample local specialties while learning about the area’s history. Cooking enthusiasts can enroll in a seafood cooking class or a Caribbean cuisine workshop led by local chefs. For those who love exploring local markets, the Yellow Green Farmers Market is a must-visit for fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade goods. Wine lovers should head to 15th Street Fisheries for wine tastings, while craft beer aficionados can visit LauderAle Brewery for a brewery tour and tasting.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit: Peak dining times are during the winter season (November to April), when Fort Lauderdale’s weather is at its best. Make reservations in advance during this period, especially for upscale restaurants.
Price Ranges: Casual dining can range from $10 to $20 per person, while fine dining at upscale venues may cost $50 to $100 or more.
Dress Codes: Most restaurants are casual or resort casual, though fine dining establishments may require business casual attire.
Dietary Preferences: Most restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It’s advisable to inform the staff of any dietary restrictions when making reservations.

Sustainable Dining in Fort Lauderdale

Many of Fort Lauderdale’s restaurants are committed to sustainable practices. 3030 Ocean and Boatyard source locally and emphasize farm-to-table dining, ensuring that their ingredients are fresh and responsibly sourced. Sublime Restaurant & Bar is known for its eco-friendly, plant-based menu, while The Foxy Brown focuses on seasonal ingredients.

Recap and Final Thoughts

Fort Lauderdale’s culinary landscape is a vibrant mix of flavors, cultures, and dining styles. From fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes to high-end steakhouses and casual beachfront eateries, the city’s food scene offers something for every palate. Whether you’re indulging in conch fritters at a local seafood shack, exploring an upscale fusion restaurant, or taking a culinary tour, Fort Lauderdale’s dining destinations will leave you craving more.