Location: Fort Lauderdale
Top Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s canals and charm have earned it the nickname “The Venice of America.” The beaches offer 23 miles of golden sand, lively with the spirited antics of happy vacationers. Sail the blue-green waters on a chartered catamaran, or dive beneath the surface to meet-and-greet the local sea life. Shopping and dining al fresco on Las Olas Boulevard is one of Fort Lauderdale’s greatest pleasures, thanks to adorable shops and prime people-watching.
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale
1. Laspada's Hoagies
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ParamedicLondon_ON - London, ON
Fresh bread! Meat sliced to order! Huge!! Huge!! Sandwiches for less than $9!! Awesome kosher pickles. Ask for a glass for water to keep price down. Family of 5 ate for less than $40 with leftovers!
2. Premiere Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 501 reviews
Cozy local bar opens at 6 PM to Midnight 7 days a week serving craft beers and boutique wines. Hand made pizzas, authentic Argentine empanadas & tapas. Hotel Guests Only
Reviewed By MARIA JOSE G - Santa Rosa, Argentina
The Premiere Bar has good bar food, and some typical Argentinian dishes, this is a place to come with enough time to be served, since they get lost of people in and out, it could be a bad experience if you are looking to be served right away, it is also a very small place and they do not have indoor tables, we sat at the bar and chatted the night away with some interesting folks, you can interact with people from anywhere in the world while enjoying some empanadas.
3. Dolce Salato Pizza & Gelato
Overall Ratings
5 based on 391 reviews
Yes, we are Italian! We do speak Italian and we make authentic Italian pizza and unbelievable Italian Gelato. Come to visit us and have a taste of Italy! Leonardo, Silvia and Giuseppe
Reviewed By Jannette C - Tallahassee, Florida
Dolce Salato doesn't look like much when you walk in. The smiles and greetings we received when we entered were bigger than the place itself.There were a few tables jammed in the small space with some plastic chairs strewn among them. And it was meticulously clean.
However, we had misgivings. The by-the-slice offerings in the display case didn't look terribly appetizing. But based on the reviews we braved it. The girls ordered two slices of cheese, and I ordered a slice of margharita with a slice of fresh basil. And at approximately $3 for a good-sized slice (one was enough for each of us), it was worth a shot.
What came out was hands down the best pizza we have ever eaten. The crust was the perfect consistency, the sauce was fabulous and just the right amount. The buffalo mozzarella was tender, the basil was sweet, and my picky teenaged daughters were in raptures over the cheese pizza.
After such a culinary treat, we decided to try the gelato. My daughters each had the mint chocolate and loved the creamy texture of the gelato versus their usual ice cream. My normally chocoholic self decided to go with the more traditional lemon. I've never had better. (And a nice bonus: they were extremely generous with the servings).
The atmosphere might not be five-stars, but the pizza alone deserves that rating. The gelato was just the "ice"ing on the "pie"...
4. La Dolce Vita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 669 reviews
Welcome to La Dolce Vita. Located in the center of Fort Lauderdale's historic shopping and arts district, La Dolce Vita serves up Fort Lauderdale's finest Italian fare with exciting dishes and unique ambiance. At La Dolce Vita, every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients. We never use frozen ingredients, our home made pasta make us unique in every dish we prepare at La Dolce Vita. We serve only the finest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables, and breads that are baked fresh daily. Our delicious menu and attention to detail create a truly enjoyable dining experience.
Reviewed By DavidinEssex
I chose LDV because of the terrific reviews on TA but I found it disappointing. The grilled octopus appetizer was amazing but the mushroom risotto was so-so (lots of it but very bland). Same with the desserts. The service was also mixed; great attention at first but then a very long wait for our main and the check. Also, while we sat outdoors I noticed that the indoors was noisy and I'm glad we weren't seated there.
5. Mini Pita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By AVagabondMan - Boston
The food was terrific. Flavorful, fresh and reasonably priced. service a little slow and unattentive, Had the Chicken Sharwama and fallafel. Great. Pleace could use a spruce up .
6. Gilbert's 17th Street Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Gilbert's 17th Street Grill is a family owned and operated restaurant that serves up great burgers, ribs, wings, home made soups, and salads. Daily blackboard specials include Pan Seared Tuna, Chinese Roast Pork on Garlic Toast, Havarti Burger Served on a Toasted Garlic English Muffin and The Hottest Burger in South Florida. Also has some great homemade desserts including Mrs. Gilbert's Rocky Road Road Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Key Lime Pie and NY Style Cheesecake. The Gilbert family has served South Florida for the last 10 years and has over 40 years experience in the food service industry. A family member is always on site and happy to open up their kitchen to you, treating your family like family!
Reviewed By HolidaysRcool - Bath, United Kingdom
We’ve not eaten here before so were unsure of the set up- it’s order at the counter, pay, take a number, find a seat, get your own drink.
We sat down, took a look around, felt a little strange, got up, wandered about. No one helped us so that was a bit uncomfortable. The guy who took the order wasn’t particularly helpful or friendly.
The burgers and sandwiches were really good. Very tasty and fresh.
I felt the oil the fries were cooked in needed changing as they tasted bitter but my husband disagrees. He thought the fries were good.
Overall cheap eats, really good burgers and sandwiches and once you know the set up easy to order.
7. Cafe Seville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
Reviewed By Richard B - Boynton Beach, Florida
Once again we were thrilled with this wonderful restaurant. The food and sangria are wonderful and the service is warm and very professional. This is a very friendly place and not at all stuffy. Portions of their great food are more than ample and you won't leave hungry. If you are a bread fan you will love their crispy, yeasty bread basket. We have been returning here for several years and we always leave with a doggie bag and a big smile. The décor here is a bit dated but that just adds to the warm atmosphere. Reservations are a must. We were there on a Wednesday night and they were packed. Even though they were full, we were never rushed.
8. Canyon Southwest Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 973 reviews
An oasis of inspired Southwestern fusion, Canyon consistently serves an innovative and surprising array of American artisanal cuisine with Asian, South and Central American undertones. Chipotle, wasabi, ginger, cilantro, lemongrass, basil, jalapeño, mango and red chilies accent the freshest seafood and wild game available. Seductive lighting and a constantly evolving mix of music enhances your dining experience and keeps the intimate space filled with a captivating and energized clientele every night. Immerse yourself in the ambiance as you savor one of Canyon's notorious Prickly Pear Margaritas.
Reviewed By Jgdutyfree - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Close by the sunrise cinema this little gem offers outstanding Mexican food and has a lively, and great value happy hour. The staff are friendly and fun and there is parking at the rear
9. Chima Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 996 reviews
Located on the trendy Las Olas Boulevard just minutes from the beach, Chima offers a serene dining experience with a touch of exclusivity. The Fort Lauderdale location provides a chic dining experience from the minute you step foot into the captivating courtyard. The outside bar and courtyard provide an escape from the traditional happy-hour scene with our exceptional drink specials.
Reviewed By HarryTease - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Are you working on a big deal or have a long time great client in town and trying to think of someplace special to go for dinner? I was in that situation last month while working on a $15mm deal with an international company, I had the developer and his team of architects, project engineers along with my client's team of three. We had ten people in total and not one walked out without a smile on their face and a satiated palate. The service is awesome and the meats are PRIME and they keep on coming. Its the best Brazilian restaurant that I've ever been to. It's also great for dates and family/friends nights.
10. Lona Cocina Tequileria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By Luis B
The Margaritas were especially disappointing and even more so for a Mexican restaurant. The dishes seemed authentic but weren’t tasty. Service was okay but they forgot to put dressing on my wife’s salad. The manager came by and asked how everything was answering his own question, “Delicious”, before we could say a word.
