Downtown Fort Lauderdale may not boast the beachfront allure of A1A or the artistic edge of Flagler Village, but its dining scene is not to be overlooked. Centered around the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard and bordered by the meandering New River, downtown has transformed into a thriving culinary destination, complementing the already impressive food culture of Fort Lauderdale as a whole. Here, the energetic atmosphere of the city blends with diverse global cuisines in stylish ways.
Whether you're disembarking from a yacht for the day, catching a matinee at the Broward Center, or simply feeling hungry after running errands, here are ten spots—listed in alphabetical order—that showcase how downtown Fort Lauderdale's food scene is thriving like never before.
Boathouse at the Riverside is one of the best restaurants in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Boathouse at the Riverside photo
Boathouse at the Riverside
620 SE Fourth St., Fort Lauderdale954-377-5494
boathouseriverside.comIf you're craving casual elegance with a side of yacht-watching, Boathouse is it. This al fresco gem along the New River is part of the Riverside Hotel property and has long been a go-to for both landlubbers and boaters, who can dock and dine just steps from their slips. The vibe is equal parts boaty and vibrant, with a lively central bar that buzzes during happy hour. Whether you're fueling up post-sail or easing into a lazy Sunday brunch, favorites like "Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts" and brick oven-rosemary-infused flatbreads await.
Casa Sensei
1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-530-4176
casasensei.comBlending Latin American soul with Pan-Asian flair, Casa Sensei is a fusion powerhouse that's racked up "Best Asian Restaurant" accolades seemingly year after year. Its sprawling waterfront patio is perfect for dog-friendly dining or hopping on one of the restaurant's private gondola cruises through Fort Lauderdale. From Korean barbecue with kimchi fried rice to lobster-loaded guacamole, the menu isn't shy. As a bonus, every meal ends with a whimsical puff of complimentary cotton candy.
Rolls include the "Hamachi Jalapeño Crudo," tuna tataki, "Hamachi Truffle Crudo," and rolls like the "Las Olas Roll," "Sunset Roll," "C&C Roll," "Keto Roll," "Hamachi Jalapeño Roll," and more.
Catch & Cut photo
Catch & Cut
1309 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-533-1838
catchandcut.comA splashy comparative newcomer helmed by longtime Joe’s Stone Crab chef André Bienvenu, Catch & Cut brings a new type of fine-dining finesse to Las Olas. Inside, it’s old-school hospitality with oozes of modern luxury, with USDA Prime cuts from Allen Brothers, premium sushi, and a raw bar that includes fresh Florida stone crabs and jumbo lump crab cocktails. Its Sunday brunch is a decadent affair, too, bolstered by seafood towers and curated bubbly selections.
Daniel's
620 S. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-451-1200
danielssteak.comFrom the team behind Fiola Miami is Daniel’s, a moody, modern steakhouse that pays homage to Florida-sourced ingredients. Executive chef Daniel Ganem spins out dishes like wagyu tartare with Kaluga caviar, foie gras crème brûlée, and a Florida Keys-sourced snapper. It's all with an undeniable South Florida twist. The room is sleek, and the vibe feels like it's been here forever, even though it just debuted in October 2024.
House on the River is one of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
House on the River photo
The House on the River
301 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-825-2929
thehouseontheriver.comHoused in one of Fort Lauderdale's oldest homes (circa 1903), this riverfront restaurant oozes historic charm. Inside and out, the ambiance feels like a posh dinner party in someone’s impeccably restored mansion. Menu hits include pear pasta purses and a bold chianti-braised short rib, but the real joy here is in soaking up the timeless setting. For date night or catching up with friends, it’s one of the region’s most atmospheric picks.
The Katherine
723 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-807-8022
katherinerestaurant.comWhen brunch icon Foxy Brown vacated this intimate space off Broward Boulevard, few imagined a worthy successor. Enter the Katherine, the brainchild of chef Timon Balloo and his wife Marissa. This intimate spot delivers inventive global flavors without pretension, roasted marrow bones with bacon marmalade, a Thai red curry-brushed branzino, and shrimp ceviche with a passion fruit soy bedazzlement, to name a few.
Mediterranean fare is only the beginning of the good vibes at Mykonos in Fort Lauderdale.
The Entourage Group / Breakwater Hospitality Group photo
Mykonos
305 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-306-2665
mykonosfl.comOne of the newer kids on the Las Olas block, Mykonos brings Mediterranean chic to downtown's edge. Plush loungers, low lighting, and an open-air layout make it feel like a South Aegean fever dream. The menu leans luxe with lamb lollipops, saffron cream-topped Chilean seabass, and a lobster and shrimp cavatelli. But this isn't stuffy fine dining — it's a genuinely social experience best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand.
Temple Street Eatery
416 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale754-701-0976
templestreeteatery.comWith its eclectic mix of Asian street food and global comfort fare, Temple Street Eatery, just north of downtown’s epicenter, has been a local darling for a decade. Chefs Diego Ng and Alex Kuk have built a space that’s casual, inventive, and full of heart. Here, ramen bowls are dished out alongside edamame falafel-loaded pitas, and fusion doesn’t feel forced. With a second location open in Pembroke Pines, the original on Federal still keeps its loyal crowd well fed and smiling.
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
221 SW First Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-299-3661
ukiahrestaurant.comConsider Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse the latest arrival to elevate Fort Lauderdale's culinary cred. A team of four here – chef Michael Lewis, Steven Haigh, Lizzy Maynes, and Michael Sponaugle – have melded Japanese soul food with American barbecue in unexpected ways, from smoked pastrami short ribs to miso-laced sweet potatoes that completely redefine a stellar meat-potato combo. The Fort Lauderdale outpost opened in 2025 along the river and follows its original Asheville, N.C., restaurant. With it? An all-new, effortlessly cool vibe that downtown didn't even know it needed.
Yolo
333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-523-1000
yolorestaurant.comA comparative OG of the Las Olas scene, Yolo has reinvented itself more than once since first opening in 2008. The latest chapter is perhaps its most polished yet: a refined menu featuring everything from cherry-smoked Duroc pork chops to wood-fired branzino, paired with a sleek remodel that feels right at home among the area's influx of soaring luxury condos. Stick around after dinner for drinks at O Lounge next door, because, ya know, "YOLO!" (You only live once.)
