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Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is having a serious moment in 2026. From old-school institutions like Anthony’s Runway 84, where red-sauce classics still reign, to chef-driven standouts like the Katherine Restaurant and Michelin-starred Maass, the city is hitting every note right now. You can bounce from a dockside seafood feast at Coconuts to a craveable bowl of khao soi at Larb Thai-Isan, all in one day. It’s laid-back but dialed in, where a casual night out can easily turn into a four-hour dinner with another bottle of wine.
These are the spots locals actually go to. The ones that fill up early and still somehow feel like a local gem. Below are the 16 best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale right now, from legacy favorites to new standouts that are redefining the city’s dining scene.
Anthony’s Runway 84 is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Anthony’s Runway 84 photo
Anthony’s Runway 84
Pretty much everyone in Fort Lauderdale has enjoyed Anthony’s Runway 84. The iconic Italian-American restaurant and supper club has been serving the classics like steak, pasta, and seafood since 1982. But in 2023, the restaurant underwent a complete makeover. Now, it looks like Miami’s upscale Carbone, except here, the atmosphere is like coming home on a holiday. The dimly lit dining room has a rustic, 1960s-inspired decor where you can hear live music and can order martinis. You truly can’t go wrong at Anthony’s for date night or to celebrate any of life’s milestones. Just don’t show up in shorts; the dress code won’t allow it. 330 W. State Rd. 84, Fort Lauderdale; 954-467-8484; runway84.com.
Casa D’Angelo
Casa D’Angelo photo
Casa D’Angelo
This upscale Italian spot has spread its wings to Aventura and Boca Raton in recent years, but its flagship Fort Lauderdale location, a beloved community destination since 1998, is a true winner. The service is meticulous, and its wine cellar is celebrated globally by Wine Spectator. However, the food is a standout. Take one bite of a fiori di zucca (a flower-shaped cut of zucchini with a ricotta and mozzarella filling) or the “Mamma Fusilli” (utilizing Chef Angelo’s mom’s fusilli recipe with a fresh tomato sauce) and you’ll understand its longevity.1201 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-564-1234; casa-d-angelo.com.
Coconuts photo
Coconuts
In addition to ocean vistas, we have Intracoastal and canal vistas for dining, people. For that, Coconuts is a time-tested, chill favorite for a fresh catch and killer Sunday brunch. Digging into the vibe: it’s pet-friendly, and dockage is available. On the menu, the “Scoobies” remain a local legend; blue crab fried in oil with as much garlic as humanly possible. 429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-2421; coconutsfortlauderdale.com.
Daniel’s is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
The Louis Collection photo
Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse
Daniel’s has become a hit among locals for its classic steakhouse dishes, featuring ingredients from Florida farms. The dimly lit, sleek spot is a passion project of Thomas Angelo, the founder of Gioia Hospitality Group, alongside his daughter. Executive chef Daniel Ganem has crafted a menu featuring prime steaks and American Wagyu from North Florida ranches, along with an array of locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Highlights include the hamachi crudo with strawberries and the braised short rib. Some of Ganem’s recommendations include the pastrami and bao buns made with Suwannee River Wagyu brisket, as well as the foie gras crème brûlée. 620 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale; 954-451-1200; danielssteak.com.
El Guanaco is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
El Guanaco photo
El Guanaco
Amid endless bougie Mexican offerings throughout Fort Lauderdale, El Guanaco cuts through the clutter with an authentic and unassuming approach. It’s housed in a quaint building, surrounded by industrial operations in Oakland Park. On a given day, it’s a lunch hot spot, with $10 specials like a steak burrito that comes with two sides and a non-alcoholic drink. The spot has Salvadorian selections, too, including eight types of on-the-spot-made pupusas. 331 NE 44th St., Oakland Park; 954-351-0792; elguanaco-oaklandpark.com.
Greek Islands Taverna photo
Greek Islands Taverna
A South Florida institution since 1999, Greek Islands Taverna has served fresh, high-quality Greek fare in a warm, family-run setting that locals return to again and again. From perfectly grilled lamb chops and tender roasted chicken to craveable sides like lemony Greek potatoes and rich yahni, every dish feels both comforting and deeply flavorful. The menu stretches from crowd-pleasing classics like octopus, spanakopita, and gyros to indulgent desserts like baklava cheesecake, all best enjoyed with a chilled glass of rosé or a proper martini. It fills up fast, even before sunset, but with generous portions, a lively atmosphere, and that unmistakable neighborhood charm, it’s absolutely worth getting there early or planning ahead. 3300 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-565-5505; greekislandstaverna.com.
Heritage photo
Heritage
Tucked in Flagler Village, Heritage has been a staple for six years, earning a loyal following and Michelin recognition for its standout pastas and pizzas under chef-owner Rino Cerbone. Dishes like the broccoli rabe pesto gnocchi, eggplant parmigiana, and bucatini with white clams highlight the kitchen’s balance of comfort and precision, while the strawberry olive oil cake is a must-order finale. The space is family-friendly, energetic, and often packed, with a small but thoughtful wine list and service that keeps things moving without sacrificing warmth. It can get loud, but between the great atmosphere and consistently excellent food, it’s absolutely worth planning ahead and locking in a reservation. 903 NE Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-635-2335; heritageftl.com.
The Katherine Restaurant photo
The Katherine Restaurant
When beloved brunch destination Foxy Brown moved from 723 E. Broward Blvd. in ’21, we were all left wondering, What could possibly fill the address’s shoes? The Katherine, from husband-wife duo Timon Baloo and Marissa Katherine, has been a cozy godsend. With internationally inspired fare, including roasted marrow bones with bacon marmalade, a red curry-dashed branzino, and zatar and yogurt swordfish kabob, there’s never a dull moment. 723 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-807-8022; katherinerestaurant.com.
Larb Thai-Isan is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Larb Thai-Isan
Larb Thai-Isan
Sure, you can dabble in pad Thai at just about any Thai restaurant, but it is rare to find a restaurant that does true Northern Thai fare — Isan sausage, khao soi, and mok nho mai. Taking it to another level, few do it as pristinely as this strip mall spot off of Federal Highway. Take one bite, and you’ll think you’re roadside in Chiang Mai hearing elephants squawk at a nearby sanctuary. 6234 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-368-8863; larbthaiisan.com.
Maass is a buzzy new Fort Lauderdale restaurant by acclaimed Chef Ryan Ratino.
Photo by Ruben Cabrera
Maass
Nestled in the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, this contemporary American restaurant has been regarded as a game-changer since its 2023 opening. Founded by highly acclaimed chef Ryan Ratino, the Chef’s Counter experience here is worth the splurge (it even has the city’s first Michelin star). It’s available daily, with 14 seats total, where guests can sample a 72-hour prime rib, coconut-crusted bass, and yuzu-infused tuna crudo. Evelyn’s, a Mediterranean spot also on the Four Seasons property, is a winner, too. 525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-256-0000; maassftl.com.
Mai-Kai’s Polynesian revue returned in 2024, better than ever.
Photo by Robin V. Burr
Mai-Kai
Fort Lauderdale is a fun city, and this time-tested icon, renowned for its Polynesian show and fare, is as fun as it gets. Its roots date back to 1956, and for four years, starting in 2020, it was temporarily closed for a $20 million renovation. In its latest chapter, it’s as dazzling and multifaceted as ever, featuring a 150-person bar/lounge, a gift shop, and a tropical garden that feels like a getaway in itself. 3599 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-563-3272; maikai.com.
Southport Raw Bar is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Southport Raw Bar photo
Southport Raw Bar
In the 1970s, when it opened, Fort Lauderdale was still a very undeveloped little beach town, but it has been the home to one of the finest seafood restaurants in South Florida. Over the past fifty-plus years, Southport Raw Bar has served everyone from famous people to generations of residents. Carmine Ferrante and Mickey Kirtman sold their share of the restaurant in 1998, when its three managers, Jack, Pat, and Buddy Sherman, purchased Southport Raw Bar. Between the three of them, they have almost one hundred years of experience at this restaurant, which is an impressive feat. Expect casual waterfront dining at low prices. Oysters and clams are the specialty. This no-fuss spot has more than 5,000 4.5-star reviews. 1536 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-2526; southportrawbar.com.
Takato photo
Takato
Takato, inside the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, is where Japanese-Korean fusion meets oceanfront lux. Executive chef Taek “Taka” Lee, a Zuma and Makoto alum, curates a stunning menu that blends artistry and tradition. Between the refined setting, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and masterful precision, Takato defines high-end sushi dining in Broward (and beyond). 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-414-5160; takatorestaurant.com.
Temple Street Eatery is a hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale.
Temple Street Eatery photo
Temple Street Eatery
Where Federal Highway intersects with NE Fourth Street, you’ll find the intersection of Asian fare with a mix of global cuisine. In 2024, chefs Diego Ng and Alex Kuk celebrated ten years of Temple Street Eatery magic. In late 2023, the spot also opened its second Broward location inside Baoshi Food Hall in Pembroke Pines. Beyond ramen and noodle soup offerings aplenty, if you’ve never had their edamame falafel pita with a gochujang cream and feta cheese, prepare for a sensory overload. 416 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 754-701-0976; templestreeteatery.com.
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse photo
Ukiah
Fort Lauderdale recently got a serious jolt of cool. Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse blends Japanese soul food with American barbecue in a way that, on paper, maybe shouldn’t work but absolutely does. From the team behind Kyu and Zuma, this downtown newcomer leans into bold, smoky flavors, whether it’s a smoked pastrami short rib, crispy pork bao, or a deceptively simple Japanese sweet potato that steals the table. 221 SW First Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-299-3661; ukiahrestaurant.com.
Vitolo is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Vitolo photo
Vitolo
Occupying the ground floor of Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, bountiful Italian classics abound. The restaurant includes dishes concocted by NYC-based chef Anthony Vitolo, starting with massive mozzarella en carroza and ending with the “Vitello Antonio,” a center-cut veal chop for two. There are many dining settings here for striking the right mood, too, including kitchen-side tables for catching all the chef’s action and an open-air terrace. 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-414-5127; vitoloitalian.com.
