What was once a stretch of primarily frozen drinks and crispy fish sandwiches now includes restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, a shareable truffle hummus to die for, and sushi bars like Takato with 26-foot altars of raw artistry. Whether you're looking for wood-fired Italian under the stars, Philly cheesesteaks with a side of Eagles fandom, or crab-fried delights at an Intracoastal haunt, this stretch of sand and sun knows how to flex its culinary prowess.
From casual beachfront classics to fine dining, here are 13 must-try restaurants on Fort Lauderdale Beach, served alphabetically for your delight.
Archibalds Village Bakery is one of the best restaurants on Fort Lauderdale Beach
Archibalds Village Bakery photo
Archibalds Village Bakery
608 Breakers Ave., Ste. 1, Fort Lauderdale754-300-5926
archibaldsvillagebakery.comBorn from a cross-continental hunt for the perfect café, Archibalds brings Euro vibes and nostalgic warmth to North Beach Village with a breezy outdoor patio. Chef Justin Mathys-Archibald, a local culinary veteran, and his partner Chris opened the doors in 2021 with a promise: everything is fresh, everything is from scratch, and everything smells so good you'll follow your nose right on in. Pro tip: don’t miss the cinnamon rolls as they only hit the counter on weekends and they vanish faster than a beach parking spot.
Casablanca Café
3049 Alhambra St., Fort Lauderdale954-764-3500
casablancacafeonline.comStep into the Mediterranean-meets-Miami fantasy that is Casablanca Café. Housed in a beautifully preserved example of Mediterranean Revival architecture, the building is half the allure. Think arches, chimneys, and towers that make you feel like you stumbled into a coastal dreamscape. But don’t overlook the seafood-centric menu: the blue crab-crusted mahi mahi with whipped potatoes and beurre blanc is an elegant nod to classic beachside dining.
Coconuts
429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-525-2421
coconutsfortlauderdale.comA Fort Lauderdale waterfront staple with serious chill cred, Coconuts checks every box: dockside views, boat-friendly access, and a menu that doesn't totally overthink the good stuff. Run by the Be Nice Restaurant Group, it's where locals and tourists collide for laid-back brunches, sunset dinners, and the legendary fried crab, garlic-loaded delicacy "Scoobies" that has its own cult following.
Evelyn's
525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale754-336-3100
evelynsfortlauderdale.com Colorful and coastal, Evelyn's takes the art of sharing very seriously. This eastern Mediterranean hotspot is nestled in the Four Seasons and leans into Levantine flavors with zest and charm. Think za'atar, saffron, and freshly baked bread at the center of every meal. Dine family-style or date-night style, but either way, start with the truffle hummus. It’s earthy, umami-rich, and completely addictive. You’re welcome.
La Fuga
2900 Riomar St., Fort Lauderdale954-908-7308
lafugarestaurant.comThe escape you didn't know you needed, La Fuga ("The Escape" in Italian) is the lovechild of classic Italian cooking and local Florida sourcing. Executive chef Michael Mayer dives deep into Italian coastal cuisine, crafting dishes like veal meatballs over mascarpone polenta that feel both homey and high-end. Bonus points for the housemade limoncello, which might just be the best way to end a beach day.
Maass
525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-256-0000
maassftl.comMichelin has landed. The Chef's Counter at Maass is home to Fort Lauderdale's first Michelin-starred restaurant courtesy of chef Ryan Ratino. Set around a hearth and punctuated by global ingredients (foie gras macarons, anyone?), this is the culinary heavy hitter in the broader Maass lineup. The 14-seat Chef's Counter is the ticket to an unforgettable night. Starting at $195 per person, it's a splurge, but a very delicious one.
Ocean Prime
171 Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale954-302-3838
ocean-prime.comBig, 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 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.
Parrot Lounge
911 Sunrise Ln., Fort Lauderdale954-563-1493
theparrotlounge.comVintage Fort Lauderdale still lives at Parrot Lounge. Part Philly sports bar, part beach dive, all charm, this is where the wings fly, the beer flows, and locals swap stories between Eagles touchdowns. The cheesesteaks are legit, and they have creative concoctions, spanning one with mahi mahi and a pizza-inspired one. It's one of the few spots on the beach that feels entirely untouched by time in the best way.
S3 Sun Surf Sand
505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-523-7873
s3restaurant.comS3, shorthand for "Sun Surf Sand," has been dishing out upscale coastal fare with Asian influences since 2013 with a hip, shareable twist. With a prime perch overlooking the ocean, the vibe is effortlessly cool, the cocktails flow freely, and the grilled octopus with a salsa verde kick is a standout among a sea of surf-and-turf hits. Order the breakfast croissant and be ready to get blown away.
Steak 954
401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-414-8333
steak954.comSituated inside the W Fort Lauderdale, Steak 954 is a luxurious surf-meets-turf retreat with jellyfish tank ambiance and global beef anchoring the menu. Whether you're splurging on Japanese Wagyu or simply enjoying a dry-aged ribeye with beach views, this spot continues to do steakhouse glam without losing the ocean breeze.
Takato
551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-414-5160
takatorestaurant.comChef Taek Lee brings decades of sushi mastery and umami finesse to Takato, a zen-like space with a sushi bar so beautiful it deserves its own spotlight. Fusing Korean and Japanese techniques with local ingredients, it's a standout in Fort Lauderdale's fine-dining boom. Try the duck bao bun with maple teriyaki and cucumber — it's simple, elegant, and worth an order (or five).
Vitolo
551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-414-5127
vitoloitalian.comVitolo turns tradition into an art form, offering a sleek space where handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas are front-and-center. The wine list is deep, the vibe is cozy but upscale, and the "Vitello Antonio" for two — a massive Panko-crusted veal chop with prosciutto and cream sauce — is the kind of showstopper that makes date night legendary.
Wine Garden
608 Breakers Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-302-2922
wineandgarden.comA hidden gem tucked under twinkling garden lights, Wine Garden feels more Tuscany than Lauderdale. Family-owned and full of visible heart, this romantic yet cozy escape dishes out brick-oven pizzas, antipasti, and seafood pastas. The lobster ravioli, drenched in bisque sauce and dashed with truffle oil, makes it clear why beach locals generally keep this spot hush-hush.
