10 New Restaurants Open in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is having a moment. Just one year after a wave of restaurant closures left locals wondering what the future of the city’s restaurants would look like, 10 new spots are here to reset the tone. Over the past few months, everything from intimate cafés to splashy rooftop bars have opened in Fort Lauderdale, with a lineup that feels like a statement: Fort Lauderdale isn’t just bouncing back, it’s evolving.

In Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Japanese-Peruvian hotspot Sakana opened its doors, while on Federal Highway, neighbors Zito’s and Clase Azul bring Italian and Mexican flavors to the neighborhood. In Downtown Fort Lauerdale, there was the arrival of Ukiah, a Japanese smokehouse, and Sakana Nikkei, a refined take on Peruvian-Japanese cuisine. Layer in Through The Vine, a sleek wine bar in Flagler Village, and Porfa Coffee, an Oakland Park café designed for daytime rituals, and the landscape feels more dynamic than ever.

High-profile names are also adding to the mix. Trick Daddy’s Sunday’s Eatery has landed on Northwest Sixth Street, instantly drawing buzz, while Ocean Prime brings its polished seafood program to Las Olas Circle. And with Worthwyld set to open on October 2 on Las Olas Boulevard, there’s still more to come. This fall marks a turning point for Fort Lauderdale’s food scene — one exciting new restaurant at a time.

Clase Azul Cocina Mexicana

Clase Azul Cocina Mexicana is a stylish new spot on Federal Highway, serving up scratch-made Mexican favorites alongside handcrafted cocktails. With live mariachi every Wednesday and music-filled Saturdays, the space brings a lively yet polished energy to Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene. According to reviews, guests rave about the attentive service, beautiful interiors, and standout dishes like fish tacos, burritos, and fresh house-made salsa, making it a must-try for anyone craving elevated Mexican cuisine in Fort Laudy. 2861 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-909-0089; instagram.com/claseazul.cocinamexicana.

Jay’s

Jay’s, a new steakhouse by Yes Hospitality, opened in downtown Fort Lauderdale in May inside a converted 1930s Lutheran church. The dramatic space blends vaulted ceilings and stained glass with red velvet curtains, multiple cocktail bars, and tableside prime rib service. Beyond fine dining, the restaurant transforms into a late-night lounge with live entertainment, a members-only club, and theatrical culinary experiences. 441 NE Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-999-0855; jaysfortlauderdale.com.

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime opened its first East Coast Florida location at Fort Lauderdale’s new Las Olas Marina in May, offering sweeping waterfront views and elegant surf-and-turf dining. The two-story, 15,000-square-foot restaurant features indoor and outdoor terraces, a raw bar, sushi, and signature dishes like a smoking shellfish tower and bone-in filet mignon. With executive chef Charlie Tkacik at the helm, Ocean Prime combines upscale cuisine, polished hospitality, and a stunning marina setting overlooking docked yachts. 171 Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale; 954-302-3838; ocean-prime.com.

Porfa Coffee

Porfa Coffee has officially opened its doors in Fort Lauderdale, bringing a chic, cozy vibe paired with seriously creative drinks. All of their syrups are made in-house, including sugar-free options crafted with monkfruit, so there’s none of that artificial aftertaste. Seasonal lattes like cherry cobbler and sweet potato pie keep the menu fresh and playful, making this super-cute new café a must-stop for anyone chasing trendy flavors and Instagram-worthy sips. 2302 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; porfacoffee.com.

Sakana Nikkei

Sakana officially opened in Downtown Fort Lauderdale in June, introducing the city to sleek Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, also known as Nikkei cuisine, at 400 SW First Ave. The menu blends Japanese precision with bold Peruvian flavors, and early favorites include the dumplings, short rib, and an indulgent chocolate bomb dessert. With stylish interiors, a lively DJ, and an ambiance reminiscent of a more intimate Komodo, Sakana delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience that’s quickly earning buzz as a must-visit. 400 SW First Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-376-3857; sakananikkeirestaurants.com.

Sunday’s Eatery

Sunday’s Eatery has opened in Fort Lauderdale’s Sistrunk neighborhood, bringing Trick Daddy’s soul food closer to Broward fans. The August 30 debut drew more than 200 people eager to try the rapper’s famous fried ribs, catfish, and cornbread. The menu feels like a Sunday dinner at home. The menu includes turkey wings, T-bone steak, snapper, and Cornish hens, with generous sides like mac and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens. Every plate comes with warm cornbread, plus desserts like banana pudding and blue velvet cake. 2010 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale; 305-621-9600; sundayseatery.com

Through The Vine Wine Bar

Through The Vine, a new wine bar and eatery in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village, offers an extensive selection of wines, wine-based cocktails, and light bites. Guests can enjoy charcuterie, oysters, and flatbreads like the smoked Gouda with hot honey in a cozy, welcoming setting. With its lively atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for a casual night out, socializing with friends, or a relaxed date night. 444 NE Seventh St., Unit 1A, Fort Lauderdale; 954-247-8070; ttv.wine.

Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse

Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse opened this summer in Fort Lauderdale’s Riverfront District, bringing bold Asian barbecue flavors to a once-quiet stretch along the New River. Led by acclaimed chef Michael Lewis, the restaurant wows with dishes like the smoked pastrami short rib and miso-butter Japanese sweet potatoes. With its sleek riverside setting, creative cocktails, and chef-driven menu, Ukiah has quickly become a centerpiece of the city’s downtown dining revival. 221 SW First Ave., Ste.1, Fort Lauderdale; 954-299-3661; ukiahrestaurant.com.

The Wild Rooster

The Wild Rooster, a new fast-casual chicken spot, just opened in Fort Lauderdale at the former Top Round location on North Federal Highway. The menu highlights juicy grilled chicken with a wide variety of sauces, from mango habanero to hot honey, paired with fresh, flavorful sides at reasonable prices. Guests are already praising both the food and the warm, attentive service, making it a promising addition to the local dining scene. 35 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-395-8918; thewildrooster.co.

Zito’s Italian Restaurant and Bar

Zito’s Italian Restaurant and Bar opened in May on North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, just across from the Original Pancake House. It’s described as a restaurant that fuses old-school Italian cuisine with modern techniques, featuring authentic ingredients sourced directly from Italy. Highlights already include inventive dishes like a cacio e pepe with caramelized pears and a thoughtfully crafted cocktail list in a casual-upscale setting. 2850 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 754-301-2337; zitositalian.com.