Ukiah Ignites a Riverfront Revival in Fort Lauderdale

For years, the stretch of Fort Lauderdale's New River with an arched "Riverfront" sign overhead was best known for its ghosts — generally vacant storefronts and faded signage along SW First Avenue, where it meets West Las Olas Boulevard.

But, boy, have things changed in Downtown Fort Lauderdale's Riverfront area in a big, bold, and barbecue-scented way. This revival is partially thanks to Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse, a sizzling new addition that's anchoring a culinary revolution in one of the city's most storied yet recently underutilized corridors.

Sitting pretty at 221 SW First Ave., Ukiah is the newest culinary power player in a rapidly transforming stretch now brimming with life. Just steps away, you've got the riverside party vibes of the Wharf, health-forward bites at Pura Vida, the creative energy of General Provision Work Club, Mediterranean indulgence at Mykonos, Swizzle's speakeasy flair, and Velvet Taco's late-night crunch. Toss in the recently opened, lounge-y Timbr and you've got a walkable smorgasbord of flavor and pizzazz that's redefining downtown dining. (Bonus: Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Sakana Nikkei just opened across the New River, and it is totally stellar, too.)

One of the Most Beautiful BBQ Spots in SoFlo

Okay, back to Ukiah. Named one of New Times' Best New Barbecue Spots of 2025, its pedigree is serious.

Spearheaded by acclaimed chef Michael Lewis, formerly the global exec chef at Zuma and a James Beard-nominated talent behind Miami's Kyu, the restaurant first made waves in Asheville, North Carolina. Now, Lewis and a powerhouse team including Steven Haigh, Lizzy Maynes, and Michael Sponaugle have brought their East-meets-Southern-smoke concept to the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

Inside, the space is pure contemporary cool: high ceilings, lots of natural light, wood accents, and a sleek central bar that practically dares you to order something adventurous while watching boats coast by. Outside, the riverside seating is ideal for people-watching or sipping cocktails amid a swirl of locals sauntering by. The service matches the warm and friendly vibe, too.

The Smoked Pastrami Short Rib is To Die For

And the food? Worth the hype. Let's not bury the lede – the "Smoked Pastrami Short Rib" ($65) is a showstopper, meltingly tender, gloriously smoky, and served with toasted rye, fire-roasted kimchi, and just-tangy-enough yuzu pickles.

But the secret weapon here is the sidekick: the Japanese sweet potato ($15), slathered in miso butter, sprinkled with brown sugar, and finished with umami salt and shaved parmesan. Together, they form what might be the best meat-and-potatoes combo this side of the Mississippi. As a bonus veggie dash, go for the avocado salad ($17), which magically morphs feta, lemon, ginger, and crispy leaks above a bed of avocado.

Delicious Cocktails and Japanese Liquors

Ukiah’s bar program is as much a draw as the food. The "So Fresh and So Green" ($16) cocktail is a standout, combining gin with lemon, green pea ginger syrup, and a scallion tincture. It’s vividly green, herbaceous, balanced, unexpected, and quite refreshing. Other notables include the eye-catching, ube-infused "Purple Rain" ($15) and a rotating list of seasonal creations that make full use of Japan’s diverse spirits, from sake to Japanese whisky.

Whether for a casual bite, a celebratory meal, or just to sip something stylish along the Riverwalk, Ukiah is proof that downtown Fort Lauderdale's dining scene continues to level up. Consider the Riverfront back and blazing, y'all.

Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse. 221 SW First Ave., Ste.1, Fort Lauderdale; 954-299-3661; ukiahrestaurant.com.