Coined the "Venice of America" with winding canals and ocean landscapes aplenty, as well as equally artsy and quaint neighborhoods perfect for couples, the city is filled with special spots for date night. When it's time to match that lovey-dovey vibe with a restaurant, you have plenty of options.
As for the best romantic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale that will make your sweetie smile, here are New Times' favorite seven.
Casa D'Angelo
1201 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 5a, Fort Lauderdale954-564-1234
casa-d-angelo. comDon't be fooled by the strip mall where this longtime Fort Lauderdale staple is located. Take one step inside, and there are intimate nooks aplenty, be it white tablecloth-topped tables by the sultry bar or its massive wine cave, which boasts a list honored regularly by the likes of Wine Spectator. The service, expansive cocktail menu, and fine Italian fare here match the old-school atmosphere. Plus, the 16-ounce grilled veal chop with a wild mushroom marsala sauce is big enough to share and swoon over.
Casa Sensei
1200 E. Las Olas Blvd. Ste. 101, Fort Lauderdale954-530-4176
casasensei.comNestled just off Las Olas Boulevard and a quaint canal, snag an outside table here, as it's the perfect mix of people-watching and waterfront alone time. Or, for an even more romantic night, Riverfront Gondola Tours operates small, covered crafts outside of Casa Sensei for an on-the-water experience that can weave in a dinner from the restaurant. However you go about it, the pan-Asian and Latin fusion fare here delights, with dim sum and Latin-inspired bites to collectively revel over, including truffle edamame and kimchi apple-dashed sticky ribs.
Dune by Laurent Tourondel is one of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Dune by Laurent Tourondel photo
Dune
2200 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale754-900-4059
dunebylt.comChef Laurent Tourondel has some truly wonderful restaurants spanning Skirt Steak, a salad, steak, and unlimited fries spot tucked at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi NYC to LT Steak & Seafood at the Betsy in Miami. His oceanfront spot in Fort Lauderdale may be his most romantic, with outdoor seating along Fort Lauderdale Beach overlooking the ocean. Here, guests can hear the waves crash, sip on a Brugal 1888-loaded piña colada, and nosh on sushi selections with their love.
House on the River is one of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
House on the River photo
House on the River
301 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-825-2929
thehouseontheriver.comLocated at a historic house along the New River, this spot oozes romantic vibes. Amid countless nooks within this historic residence-gone-restaurant, try to book the upper-level table with two cushiony swings, floral arrangements, and windows overlooking the river — it's about as private and amorous as it gets. The American-European menu here is ever-rotating and always dazzles. For a fun twist, check out the family-style brunch board on weekends, where you and yours can share a spread of croissants, frittatas, sliders, and fruit, among other morsels.
Lobster Bar Sea Grille is one of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Lobster Bar Sea Grille photo
Lobster Bar Sea Grille
450 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ste. 190, Fort Lauderdale954-772-2675
lobsterbarseagrille.comIf lobster doesn't say, "I'm into you," then what the hell does? Well, this Las Olas Boulevard mainstay has lobster in its name and does it quite well. Whether you go for the lobster bisque, lightly fried "Lobster Morsels" with a honey mustard-aioli, "Lobster Thermidor," or whole lobsters that are perfect for sharing, it'll be a romantic meal. The ambiance here is wow-inducing, too, spanning its gleaming white subway-tiled ceilings to posh white seating across its bar and table areas.
Mastro's Ocean Club is one of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Mastro's Ocean Club photo
Mastro's Ocean Club
3000 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-561-4800
mastrosrestaurants.comIts northern neighbor, Shooters Waterfront, gets a lot of deserved love for its coastal vibes and live tunes, but when it comes to romance, Mastro's is the Intracoastal maestro. Inside, dark and sultry coffered ceilings strike a chord. Outside, boats line the coast and come sunset time, orange hues seep in the distance. Steaks, chops, and seafood anchor the menu here. Plus, its luxury happy hour has solid cocktail and bites selections for a late-afternoon date. If you find yourself outside Fort Lauderdale, there's a Mastro's in Miami, as well as in eight other states throughout the U.S.
Timpano
450 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-462-9119
timpanolasolas.comParm to table, anyone? Yes, please, and it will be shaved over delicious bucatini al pesto prepped table-side. This is only one facet of the love-filled experience here. You'll also find an extensive wine list, dimly lit spaces, furnishings dashed with golden hues, and a handful of courtyard tables with a floral overhang. Keeping the table-side ambiance going, end any sitting with the table-side bomboloni, featuring cannoli cream-filled doughnuts layered in pistachio cream, chocolate, and caramel. Swoon.
