Coconuts photo
Audio By Carbonatix
The “Venice of America” doesn’t just dip its toes in the water and call it a day, y’all. We live on it, we live by it, and we dine by it, too. In Fort Lauderdale, dinner reservations often come with dockage, and “a table for two” might just mean space for your boat. Between the winding canals, passing yachts, and those golden-hour views that hit every single time, eating out here feels like a full-on tropical vacation.
Spanning old-school icons to buzzy newcomers, these 15 best waterfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale deliver breezes, boats, and plates worth totally fawning over. Whether you’re pulling up by boat, settling in for an oceanfront dinner, or just here for the unbeatable people-watching along the Intracoastal, every spot brings its own kind of magic. Here are the best places to eat on the edge of it all, alphabetized for easy sailing.
Beach House Pompano
Beach House Pompano is all about elevated coastal dining with a front-row seat to the Atlantic Ocean. With its breezy, modern design and floor-to-ceiling ocean views, it feels like a vacation even if you’re just popping in for lunch. Since it’s right off the Pompano Beach Pier, it’s great for a stroll before or after your meal. The seafood-forward menu and outstanding service make it one of Pompano’s best beachfront experiences. 270 N Pompano Beach Blvd, Pompano Beach; 954-607-6530; beachhousepompano.com.
Boathouse at Riverside photo
Boathouse at Riverside
Set along a bend in the New River downtown, Boathouse at Riverside leans into a polished-casual vibe that evokes a yacht club and happy-hour hotspot. Boaters can pull up and enter through a lush tropical patio, while the lively bar anchors the experience for cocktails and social time. The menu spans local and international influences with creative specials and a deep cocktail list, all paired with front-row river views. 620 SE Fourth St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-377-5494; boathouseriverside.com.
Boatyard photo
Boatyard
With 120 feet of dockage and an 80-seat patio overlooking the Intracoastal, Boatyard is built for dock-and-dine days aplenty. The open kitchen and roaming raw bar cart keep things interactive, while the menu showcases coastal bounty with dishes like Florida paella and wagyu bucatini bolognese. Happy hour (Monday through Friday, 3 to 7 p.m.) and a steady stream of passing boats further seal the deal. 1555 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-7400; boatyard.restaurant.
Casa Sensei photo
Casa Sensei
Nestled on the Himmarshee Canal, Casa Sensei blends Pan-Asian and Latin American flavors into an ever-bold waterfront experience. The menu ranges from lobster or bigeye tuna guacamole and charred octopus to sushi, Pad Thai, lo mein, and bao buns. A “free-style” sushi bar and playful touches like kimchi popcorn and cotton candy keep the vibe delightfully unexpected. 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-530-4176; casasensei.com.
Casablanca Café photo
Casablanca Café
Inside Fort Lauderdale’s first beachfront home, Casablanca Café is historic charm with oceanfront dining. The Mediterranean-inspired menu, with American influences, includes dishes such as a Moroccan mezze bowl and jumbo scallops carbonara. Sunset views, live piano music, and a no-reservations policy keep the experience memorable each and every time. 3049 Alhambra St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-764-3500; casablancacafeonline.com.
Coconuts photo
Coconuts
This spot captures the city’s laid-back waterfront spirit perfectly with expansive Intracoastal views and a come-as-you-are attitude. Boaters can raft up, dogs are welcome, and the vibe stays easygoing from lunch through sunset. Menu staples include its iconic Scoobies, coconut shrimp, and jambalaya, with Sunday brunch adding to its all-day appeal. 429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-2421; coconutsfortlauderdale.com.
Evelyn’s photo
Evelyn’s
Evelyn’s brings eastern Mediterranean flavors to the beachfront with a focus on sharing. Spreads like truffle hummus, smoked eggplant, and French onion labneh set the tone, followed by mezzes, seafood, and wood-smoked meats, layered with spices such as sumac and saffron. It’s bright, social dining at its finest. 525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 754-336-3100; evelynsfortlauderdale.com.
Kaluz photo
Kaluz Fort Lauderdale
Overlooking the Intracoastal, Kaluz offers a more refined waterfront experience with a sleek, polished setting. The menu blends classics and contemporary dishes like Chilean sea bass, filet mignon, and fire-grilled artichoke, alongside cocktails and a curated wine list. It works as well for lunch as it does for a dressed-up evening. Save room for key lime pie whenever you come. 3300 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-772-2209; kaluzrestaurant.com.
Le Tub photo
Le Tub (Hollywood)
Quirky, iconic, and completely one-of-a-kind, Le Tub is waterfront dining with serious personality. Set along the Intracoastal, the mismatched décor and divey charm are part of the appeal. And then there’s the burger, often ranked among the best in the country, which tastes even better with that view. 1100 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood; 954-921-9425; le-tub.com.
Ocean Prime photo
Ocean Prime
Big, bold, and basking in waterfront luxury, Ocean Prime’s 15,000-square-foot newly opened spot is where you go for elevated surf and turf with postcard views. With terraces on both levels overlooking mega yachts at the marina and a polished vibe that feels just luxe enough, this Las Olas Bridge-overlooking beauty is the spot for filet mignon with a vista. Pro-tip: the ten-ounce filet costs just $3 more than its eight-ounce counterpart, so go big. 171 Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale; 954-302-3838; ocean-prime.com.
Southport Raw Bar photo
Southport Raw Bar
A longtime local favorite, Southport Raw Bar always keeps things simple and unpretentious. The focus is on raw bar staples, cold drinks, and a laid-back setting where boaters and regulars have gathered for decades. It’s a Fort Lauderdale classic that hasn’t tried to be anything else – snag a seat on its back patio for peak-Laudy. 1536 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-2526; southportrawbar.com.
Shooters Waterfront photo
Shooters Waterfront
Since 1982, Shooters has been a cornerstone of dockside dining with expansive Intracoastal views and a sprawling outdoor layout. Known for brunch, events, and consistently strong service, the menu spans seafood and beyond. It’s just the right size, lively and always buzzing – kind of like Fort Lauderdale itself. 3033 NE 32 Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-566-2855; shooterswaterfront.com.
Takato photo
Takato
Takato combines oceanfront dining with a sleek design anchored by a 26-foot sushi bar. Chef Taek Lee’s menu blends refined sushi with bold dishes like duck bao buns and kimchi fried rice. Indoor-outdoor seating and an oceanfront bar make it one of the beach’s most striking dining rooms. 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-414-5160; takatorestaurant.com.
The House on the River photo
The House on the River
Set in the historic Bryan home along the New River, The House on the River pairs vintage charm with a lush, tree-covered setting. The menu draws on American and European coastal influences with fresh seafood, butchered meats, and local produce. High tea on Saturdays adds a unique, riverfront twist. 301 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-825-2929; thehouseontheriver.com.
Yot Bar & Kitchen photo
Yot Bar & Kitchen
This spot delivers relaxed waterfront dining along a quieter nook of the New River with sweeping marina views. The menu focuses on seafood, handhelds, and shareable plates, while brunch draws a bumpin’ crowd with fresh-baked cinnamon buns and lobster rolls. Indoor and outdoor bars make it easy to settle in. 2015 SW 20th St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-953-9000; yotlmc.com.
