From the white sand-edged A1A highway and restaurant-packed Las Olas Boulevard to the graffiti-splashed neighborhood of Flagler Village, the city is booming with culinary offerings, both old and new alike. Despite the longtime gems, it's the unexpected spots in greater Fort Lauderdale that keep foodies on their toes, be it a tiny taco haunt in Oakland Park or a Thai gem in a strip mall.
Naming the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale ain't an easy feat, but let's give readers something to discuss (argue) about. Listed in alphabetical order, here are the 13 best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Anthony's Runway 84
330 W. State Rd. 84, Fort Lauderdale954-467-8484
runway84.comPretty 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 a variety of 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.
Casablanca Cafe
3049 Alhambra St., Fort Lauderdale954-764-3500
casablancacafeonline.comThis private residence dating back to 1927 was morphed into a Mediterranean restaurant with open-air seating in the early '90s. It's been a staple for date nights, piano bar jams, happy hours, and sweeping ocean vistas ever since. There is something so elegant yet unpretentious about the Casablanca experience – it's the best of all worlds, certainly inclusive of its menu. Favorites include a blue crab-loaded Benedict during its weekend brunch and a damn good French onion soup come dinnertime. Sunday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Casa D'Angelo
1201 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-564-1234
casa-d-angelo.comThis upscale Italian spot has spread its wings to nearby Aventura and Boca Raton in recent years, but its flagship Fort Lauderdale location – a beloved community destination since 1998 – is a true winner on so many fronts. The service is meticulous, its wine cellar is celebrated globally and annually by the likes of Wine Spectator and, my God, the food. 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. Sunday through Thursday 5:30 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Coconuts
429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-525-2421
coconutsfortlauderdale.comIn 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 there is dockage available. On the menu, the "Scoobies" remain a local legend – blue crab fried in oil with as much garlic as humanly possible. Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Daniel's
620 S. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-451-1200
danielssteak.comDaniel's may have just opened, but it's already a hit among locals for its classic steakhouse dishes with a focus on local ingredients from Florida farms. The dimly lit and sleek new spot is a passion project of Thomas Angelo, the founder of Gioia Hospitality Group and co-owner of New Times' Best Restaurant in Coral Gables, Fiola Miami. Executive Chef Daniel Ganem has crafted a menu that features locally sourced ingredients, including prime steaks and American Wagyu from North Florida ranches, as well as an array of locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Highlights include the hamachi crudo with strawberries, Florida burrata, Wagyu, and pearls, as well as the beef Wagyu tartare with Kaluga caviar, the Joyce Farms half-toasted chicken, and the braised Suwannee River Wagyu beef short rib. Some of Ganem's recommendations include the pastrami and bao buns made with Suwannee River Wagyu brisket and the foie gras crème brûlée. Tuesday and Wednesday5 to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 5 to 11 p.m.
El Guanaco
331 NE 44th St., Oakland Park954-351-0792
elguanaco-oaklandpark.comAmid 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. Hours vary.
Chef Timon Balloo's Thai red curry yellowtail is one of the best American dishes of 2023, according to the New York Times.
The Katherine photo
The Katherine
723 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-807-8022
katherinerestaurant.comWhen beloved brunch destination Foxy Brown moved from 723 E. Broward Blvd. in '21, we were all left wondering, What could possibly fill the address' 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 unagi and corn-fried rice, there's never a dull moment. Sunday through Thursday 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.
Larb Thai-Isan
6234 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-368-8863
larbthaiisan.comSure, 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, oh my. 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. Wednesday through Monday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Maass is a buzzy new Fort Lauderdale restaurant by acclaimed Chef Ryan Ratino.
Photo by Ruben Cabrera
Maass
525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-256-0000
maassftl.comNestled 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's available daily with 14 total seats, where guests may dabble in a 72-hour prime rib, coconut-dashed bass, and yuzu-essenced tuna crudo on a given day. Evelyn's – a Mediterranean concept also on property at the Four Seasons — is a winner, too. Tuesday through Saturday 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.
Mai-Kai
3599 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-563-3272
maikai.comFort Lauderdale is a fun city, and this time-tested icon that's 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 temporarily closed to undergo a $20 million renovation. In its latest chapter, it's as dazzling and multifaceted as ever, including a 150-person bar/lounge, gift shop, and tropical garden that feels like a getaway in itself. Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to late and Saturday and Sunday 3 p.m. to late.
Southport Raw Bar
1536 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale954-525-2526
southportrawbar.comIn the 1970s, when it opened, Fort Lauderdale was still a very undeveloped little beach town, but it's 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 started selling their share in the restaurant in 1998, which is 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 inexpensive prices. Oysters and clams are the specialty. This no-fuss spot has more than 5,000 4.5-star reviews.
Temple Street Eatery
416 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale754-701-0976
templestreeteatery.comWhere 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. Daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Vitolo
551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-414-5127
vitoloitalian.comOccupying 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 through the "Vitello Antonio," which is 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. Takoto, also in the Conrad, is worth a regular dine — or ten. Sunday through Thursday noon to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.
