Take a stroll downtown in Fort Lauderdale, and you'll be greeted with oodles upon noodles (pun intended) of Italian options. But don't limit yourself to Las Olas Boulevard — expand your search to Flagler Village, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and more.
Without further ado, we've put the area's best lasagna, risotto, and tiramisu to the test to compile our ten favorite Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, listed in alphabetical order. Buon appetito!
Anthony's Runway 84 is is one of the best Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Anthony's Runway 84 photo
Anthony's Runway 84
330 W. State Rd. 84, Fort Lauderdale954-467-8484
runway84.comConsider this Fort Lauderdale's quintessential supper club, with jazz jams, martinis, and a plush environment. Aesthetics aside, it's the pasta, steak, and seafood here that has kept people coming back since 1982. In 2023, Anthony's Runway 84 underwent a total remodel and, boy, it's a beauty. For total tastebud euphoria, go for the chicken vodka parmigiana with a tableside Caesar salad.
Café Martorano
3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-561-2554
cafemartorano.comNestled just off Oakland Park Boulevard near A1A, this brainchild of South Philly-bred chef Steve Martorano has been bumpin' since 1993. As part of that vibe, the spot morphs into a restaurant-meets-club on Friday and Saturday nights with DJ jams. The staples are always creative here, most notably the meatball salad with long hot peppers, a mammoth dollop of ricotta, and a Philly-inspired gravy.
Casa D'Angelo
1201 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-564-1234
casa-d-angelo.comYou're likely going to want wine with that Italian spread, eh? Well, it doesn't get much better in Broward County than at the Wine Spectator-recognized cellar you'll find at Casa D'Angelo, with hundreds upon hundreds of options. Adding to Casa D'Angelo's charm is its strip-mall location. With its beyond-elegant interior, Chef Angelo makes the periodic appearance and says hello. But the food is what makes the place stand out among the rest. Classics aside – like a housemade fusilli recipe from the chef's mom – you can dabble in the creative here, with a 16-ounce veal chop doused in a wild mushroom marsala being an example among many.
Dal Contadino Trattoria
2775 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-900-2714
contadinotrattoria.comA comparative hidden gem to many of its best Italian counterparts, this cozy Oakland Park Boulevard spot thrives with regular live jams and a killer happy hour. Daily from 4 to 6 p.m., there are $2 plates, an array of plates in the $6-8 range, and select wine running $6 a glass. Bargain prices don't equate to a reduced experience on the taste front either – dabble in its slow-braised short rib with a gnocchi accompaniment, and you'll get it.
The Etna Rosso
3354 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-530-7910
theetnarosso.comEqually as tantalizing as its red roof and white curtain front façade is what you'll find inside here. Southern Italian and Sicilian are front and center, with the puttanesca being a must-try – spaghetti layered in capers, olives, red onions, tomato sauce, and a dash of pecorino cheese. Its dining room is intimate, perfect for a hush-hush business dinner or date night with your boo.
Heritage
903 NE Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-635-2335
heritageftl.comFlagler Village is on this coveted list thanks to Heritage. This hip spot, which opened in March 2020 and persevered thanks to wow-worthy dishes aplenty. Its pizzas get a lot of love (dear God, that Wagyu meatball concoction, y'all), but its pasta dishes dazzle equally as much. The spicy alla vodka rivals Miami's Carbone, and that rigatoni pancetta piselli with sage brown butter is a chef's kiss.
Il Mulino is one of the best Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Il Mulino Fort Lauderdale photo
Il Mulino
1800 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-524-1800
ilmulinofl.comAlthough this spot is located at a wildly busy intersection (Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway), Il Mulino remains an Italian cuisine haven for locals and visitors alike. This family-owned destination has been a mainstay for nearly four decades for those living in Fort Lauderdale, and New Times can attribute its success to its ever-friendly staff, weekly specials, and its dreamy, buttery, garlic-heaped garlic knots. The restaurant also has a great catering menu.
La Fuga
2900 Riomar St., Fort Lauderdale954-908-7308
lafugarestaurant.comThe Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach wows from top to bottom. Its rooftop bar, Escape Rooftop, has one of the best views of the skyline in town, and La Fuga, its ground-floor Italian restaurant, absolutely rocks. La Fuga is the creation of Michael Mayer, whose culinary talents have shined in Vail, Austin, and other major cities. Beyond the restaurant's poolside and midcentury vibe, its housemade limoncello and risotto cacio e pepe with an oxtail topper are divine.
Serafina is one of the best Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Serafina Italian Restaurant photo
Serafina Italian Restaurant & Waterfront Bistro
926 NE 20th Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-463-2566
serabythewater.comVery much a romantic neighborhood favorite with riverside tables, this trattoria is an excellent experience from start to finish. Many are fooled by its quaint entrance, but it opens up to waterside, Italian bliss within mere steps. The family-owned spot has roots in Northern Italy, but its menu is a true broadly Italian masterpiece. Longtime favorites include the spinach, prosciutto, and fontina cheese-stuffed chicken breast and the freshest of pasta dishes spanning from simple angel hair to rustic pappardelle.
Vitolo
551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-414-5127
vitoloitalian.comIt's easy to overpay for generic Italian on the beach, but then there's Vitolo, bursting with flavor all around, from its glammed supper club ambiance to primo dishes. When hunger truly beckons, its chicken parmigiana and center-cut veal chop will serve two-plus equally. Pro tip and for a bargain: There's a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. with aperitivos in the $10 to $14 range and select cocktails – like a prickly pear-dashed margarita – for $10.
