Best Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale's restaurant scene has grown well beyond the seafood shacks and beach bars it was once known for. Today, you will find everything from James Beard-caliber kitchens to family-run Latin American spots in strip malls that serve food as good as anything on Las Olas. This guide highlights some of the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale, based on what locals actually recommend.
Rustic Inn Crabhouse
A Fort Lauderdale institution since 1955. The garlic crabs are legendary, served on newspaper-covered tables in a casual, no-frills waterfront setting. Locals have been coming here for decades, and the portions have stayed generous the entire time.
Louie Bossi's Ristorante
One of the most popular spots on Las Olas, Louie Bossi's serves handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and house-cured meats in a lively atmosphere. The outdoor patio is prime people-watching real estate, and the espresso martini alone is worth the visit.
Coconuts by the Water
Sitting right on the Intracoastal Waterway, Coconuts is a Fort Lauderdale classic for waterfront dining. The views of passing yachts, the fresh fish tacos, and the sunset happy hour make this a repeat destination for both locals and visitors.
Casa Sensei
Located along the Riverwalk, Casa Sensei offers a unique blend of Asian and Latin flavors in a beautiful waterfront setting. The sushi rolls and Latin-inspired entrees share menu space comfortably, and the restaurant offers a gondola dining experience on the river.
Timpano Italian Chophouse
A supper club atmosphere with live music, excellent steaks, and Italian dishes. Timpano has a loyal following for its generous portions and old-school charm. The lobster ravioli and the veal chop are standouts.
The Floridian
A Las Olas staple that has served breakfast and brunch to Fort Lauderdale residents since 1937. The buttermilk pancakes, corned beef hash, and huevos rancheros keep a steady line out the door on weekends. Cash only.
Gran Forno Bakery
An Italian bakery with outstanding bread, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Gran Forno has been a morning stop for Las Olas workers and residents for years. The prosciutto sandwich on fresh ciabatta is simple and perfect.
Burlock Coast
Located inside the Ritz-Carlton on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Burlock Coast operates as a seafood restaurant, rum bar, and market all in one. The wood-fired dishes, raw bar, and house-made charcuterie stand out, and the oceanfront location makes it special.
Shooters Waterfront
One of Fort Lauderdale's most iconic waterfront restaurants. Shooters sits on the Intracoastal and has been a gathering spot since the 1980s. The menu covers burgers, seafood, and cocktails, but the real draw is the massive patio overlooking the water.
Takato
A small, intimate omakase restaurant that serves some of the finest sushi in Broward County. Chef Taka sources fish directly and prepares each course with care. Reservations are essential, and the experience is worth every dollar.
Exploring Fort Lauderdale's Food Scene
The restaurants listed above represent just a small fraction of what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. From the Colombian bakeries along Commercial Boulevard to the Haitian restaurants in areas north of downtown, the culinary diversity here reflects the city's international population. Whether you prefer a waterfront sunset dinner or a quick counter-service lunch, Fort Lauderdale has something for every craving and budget.
One tip from locals: many of the best meals in Fort Lauderdale are found in the strip mall restaurants that visitors walk right past. Oakland Park, Lauderhill, and Sunrise all have outstanding international food that costs a fraction of what you would pay on Las Olas.
Dental Emergencies Do Not Wait for Dessert
Nothing ruins a great meal faster than biting down on something hard and cracking a tooth, losing a filling mid-chew, or having a sudden toothache flare up at dinner. If a dental emergency happens while you are out enjoying Fort Lauderdale's food scene, Emergency Dentist of Fort Lauderdale is open 7 days a week from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Our office is centrally located at 330 SW 13th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, just minutes from Las Olas, Riverwalk, and the beach. Call (954) 807-1840 and our team will get you in for a same-day emergency appointment so you can get back to enjoying everything this city has to offer.
Call (954) 807-1840 Now
We're open 7 days a week, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Call (954) 807-1840