For years, Miami basked in the spotlight of culinary excellence, overshadowing its northern neighbor, Fort Lauderdale. However, the tide has turned. Fort Lauderdale has blossomed into a dining destination in its own right, offering a diverse and exciting culinary landscape that rivals its southern counterpart. This guide unveils some of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, ranging from innovative seafood concepts to comforting soul food havens. Embark on a gastronomic adventure and discover the flavors that make Fort Lauderdale a true culinary gem.
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Nestled within the luxurious Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Lona Cocina & Tequileria offers an authentic Mexican dining experience. Helmed by Chef Pablo Salas, this award-winning establishment is celebrated for its commitment to crafting genuine Mexican dishes, possibly the most authentic in South Florida.
Imagine yourself seated on the inviting patio, the gentle ocean breeze carrying the scent of saltwater. The ambiance is relaxed yet sophisticated, perfect for a memorable meal. Every item on the menu is a testament to Chef Salas’ expertise, but some dishes stand out as absolute must-tries. The tuna tostada, adorned with a smoky chipotle aioli and delicate crispy leeks, is a symphony of textures and flavors. The Mexican ribs, tender and succulent, are another highlight, offering a rich and savory experience. And for a touch of indulgence, the lobster quesadillas are a decadent delight.
To complement your culinary journey, Lona boasts an impressive selection of tequilas and handcrafted margaritas. Sip on a refreshing margarita as you savor the flavors of Mexico. And to conclude your meal on a sweet note, an order of churros, served with or without chocolate sauce, is the perfect finale. Lona Cocina & Tequileria is a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of Mexico, right on the shores of Fort Lauderdale. This is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale for Mexican cuisine.
Address: 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Phone: +1 954-245-3069
Coconuts
For a quintessential Fort Lauderdale dining experience, look no further than Coconuts. This laid-back, beachy restaurant offers stunning views of cruise ships gliding through the intercoastal waterways. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, where even your four-legged friends are invited to join the fun (just remember a leash!).
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water, Coconuts comes alive. The menu is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, with a focus on fresh and flavorful seafood dishes. Indulge in the crispy conch fritters, the sweet and savory coconut shrimp, or the classic lobster rolls.
Coconuts also offers unique culinary experiences throughout the week. Every Tuesday and Friday night, the restaurant hosts Outdoor Paella, a vibrant and flavorful spectacle that is not to be missed. Monday and Tuesday evenings feature half-price bottles of wine, perfect for those seeking a mid-week treat.
And for a truly special experience, book a reservation for Sunday brunch. The menu is filled with delectable creations, including seafood frittatas and lobster Benedicts, earning Coconuts its reputation as a brunch destination. With its stunning views, delicious seafood, and welcoming atmosphere, Coconuts is a true Fort Lauderdale gem.
Address: 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA
Phone: +1 954-525-2421
The Foxy Brown
The Foxy Brown is a culinary haven where comfort food gets a sophisticated twist. This popular eatery is known for its creative menu and relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. While lunch and dinner are served daily, it’s the award-winning brunch that truly sets The Foxy Brown apart.
Prepare to be amazed by the menu’s inventive creations. Glazed doughnut holes served with cereal milk evoke childhood nostalgia, while the banana bread grilled cheese with Nutella and ricotta filling is a decadent indulgence. And for a savory-sweet combination, the chicken and waffle sliders are a must-try.
To complement your brunch, The Foxy Brown offers a selection of refreshing beverages. Sip on a classic mimosa or a spicy Bloody Mary, or opt for a caffeine boost with the cold brew coffee on draft. Be warned: the impending food coma is well worth it. The Foxy Brown is a place where comfort food meets creativity, resulting in a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Address: 476 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA
Phone: +1 754-200-4236
Betty’s Soul Food Restaurant
In a region not particularly known for its barbecue and soul food offerings, Betty’s Soul Food Restaurant stands out as a true culinary treasure. This no-frills diner-like establishment is a go-to spot for those craving authentic Southern comfort food.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be transported to a world of hearty flavors and down-home hospitality. Betty’s is renowned for its crispy fried chicken, tender BBQ ribs, savory corned beef hash, and a tall glass of iced tea.
Open from 6 a.m., Betty’s is the perfect place to start your day with a hearty breakfast. The menu includes classic dishes like fried chicken and waffles, as well as the filling Blue Plate Special: two eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausage links, and two pancakes. Betty’s Soul Food Restaurant is a testament to the power of simple, well-prepared comfort food.
Address: 601 NW 22nd Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, USA
Phone: +1 954-583-9121
Boathouse at the Riverside
Overlooking the New River at Fort Lauderdale’s Riverside Hotel, Boathouse at the Riverside offers an unparalleled waterfront dining experience. Helmed by celebrity chef Toby Joseph, this restaurant serves burgers, guacamole and chips, hummus, and other fresh dishes on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, with stunning views of the river and the surrounding cityscape. Enjoy happy hour, which happens Monday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with half-off specials on beer, wine, and spirits, and steep discounts on lite bites at the bar. Brunch is available on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., while you can save on small bites until 4 p.m. Prefer to order poolside or at the bar? You can do that, too.
Address: 620 SE 4th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA
Phone: +1 954-377-5494
Kousine
With two South Florida locations (one in Fort Lauderdale, the other in Boca Raton), Chef Danny Kou’s chain Kousine is known for its enterprising Peruvian and Asian menu, which includes interesting blends in cooking styles like quinoa chaufa (Peruvian-style quinoa with fried egg, vegetables, and soy sauce) and camarones a la plancha (shrimp stir-fry with vegetables, served in a spicy soy and chili garlic sauce). You can expect to see traditional Peruvian pleasures like ceviche, tiraditos, anticuchos (savory skewers of chicken, fish, beef, and shrimp), as well as perennial favorite lomo saltado, a Peruvian stir-fry dish served with beef, fries, and steamed rice. This restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale if you’re looking for a unique cuisine.
Address: 841 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Phone: +1 954-787-5364
Takato
Located inside the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach hotel, Takato’s Executive Chef Taek Lee (Taka) serves up the ultimate in Japanese and Korean fusion, with palate-pleasing dishes like duck or shiitake mushroom bao buns, Wagyu kalbi sliders, and short rib kimchi tacos on the menu. You’ll also find a variety of seafood and land-based options like lobster with Yuzu shiso butter, Chilean sea bass, Wagyu skirt steak, and lamb chops, as well as a 26-foot sushi bar sure to satisfy anyone in the mood for nigiri, sashimi, or maki (sliced sushi rolls). Takato translates to “a state of extreme happiness,” which you’ll definitely be in after dinner and some of the restaurant’s signature cocktails.
Address: 551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Phone: +1 954-414-5160
Padrino’s
Padrino’s has become a venerable Fort Lauderdale institution over the years, a third-generation family owned restaurant chain dedicated to serving family style Cuban food since its first outpost opened in 1976. What started as a small market in Cuba in the 1930s has since grown into a South Florida empire, with six restaurants and traditional Cuban dishes still being made from their grandmother Rosa’s recipes. Get your fill of Cuban comfort foods like mariquitas (plantain chips and garlic sauce), croquetas de jamon (ham croquettes), tostones (made with hand-pressed green plantains), and black bean soup. Paella, blackened mahi mahi, arroz con pollo (chicken and yellow rice), and a variety of Cuban sandwiches are also on offer, as are flan and tres leches cake for dessert. For authentic Cuban cuisine, Padrino’s is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 1135 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Phone: +1 954-210-8989
Rendezvous Bar & Grill
You’ll find this popular seafood restaurant and all-around fun neighborhood hang-out spot along the water in Marina Bay, where patrons arrive by car or boat. Whether you choose to dine out on the waterfront deck or stay cool in the air conditioned dining room, start with an appetizer like cracked conch, mussels, middle neck clams, or bacon wrapped scallops. The menu is vast, with a mostly seafood focus, while you’ll also spot tasty land-based options like jerk chicken, tacos, pasta, Po’ Boys (clam, shrimp, haddock or buffalo chicken), and steak. Whatever you go with, know that it’s made with fresh and locally sourced seafood, produce, and other ingredients provided by producers in the area.
Address: 2525 Marina Bay Dr W, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-2307, USA
Phone: +1 954-797-0054
Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery
This expansive 24,000-square-foot Fort Lauderdale food hall is home to everything from a brewery and a distillery to a co-op boutique shop, butcher, and an arts market. As far as food options, choose from Senbazuru (Asian fusion tapas), Needa’ Pita (Mediterranean), The Empanada Bodega, Nellie’s Southern Table, Cuzzy’s Italian Eats (Italian food cooked in a wood-fire oven), Hot Lime (craft tacos and ceviche bar), Poke OG (poke bowls), Sushi by Poke OG, Osom Crepes, Kasai & Koori (Japanese desserts), and Bean & Rose Craft Coffee House, or create your own schmorgasbord with all your favorite dishes from each. Be sure to reserve a space online at one of the outside patio tables or for indoor seating online before you go to avoid disappointment, as capacity is limited.
Address: 115 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, USA
Phone: +1 954-329-2551
Casa Sensei
If you’re in the mood for upscale Pan-Asian and Latin American cuisine, come to Casa Sensei, which brilliantly blends both styles for a delicious night of dining along the water near Los Olas Boulevard – there’s even a dinner cruise option if you’d prefer to enjoy your meal while cruising down the canal thanks to a partnership with Riverfront Gondola Tours, located next door. Enjoy classics like pad Thai, kimchi fried rice, lo mein, bao buns, and bulgogi, hit the sushi bar, or sample signature plates like lobster guacamole or Korean grilled steak chimichurri, among other specialties. There’s also a full bar sporting a variety of Japanese Whiskies and Sake. Don’t miss the Rock N’ Roll brunch, held on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm–4pm, featuring live music and, on the first weekend of the month, a raffle where the winner scores a gift basket and two nights at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Guitar Hotel.
Address: 1200 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA
Phone: +1 954-530-4176
Rivertail
Located on Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s bustling Riverwalk, executive Chef José Mendín has created a menu made up of dishes found in and inspired by oyster bars all over the world. Start with oysters from the raw bar or seafood ceviche before tucking into chef specials like Bahia-style Brazilian stew (made with white fish, shrimp, mussels, scallops, clams, coconut milk, and dende oil) or mussels frites. Visit on weekends for brunch (11am–4pm), Tuesday for free taquitos with every Tito’s cocktail, Thursday for three free oysters with every martini, and happy hour Tuesday through Friday featuring specials on oysters, beer, wine, and other classic cocktails.
If you are looking for seafood, Rivertail is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 305 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1855, USA
Phone: +1 954-306-2665
This curated list represents just a glimpse of the vibrant culinary scene in Fort Lauderdale. With its diverse offerings and innovative chefs, Fort Lauderdale has firmly established itself as a dining destination worthy of exploration. From authentic Mexican cuisine to comforting soul food and innovative fusion concepts, the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale offer a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
