I migliori ristoranti di Fort Lauderdale: Ocean Prime, Coconuts, ristoranti sul lungomare, nuovi locali e gemme nascoste

I frutti di mare la fanno da padrone, ma la scena gastronomica di Ft. Lauderdale è incredibilmente variegata

Se mangiare cibo favoloso è una parte importante della vostra vacanza, come lo è per me, allora Ft. Lauderdale è il posto che fa per voi. Con oltre 4.000 ristoranti nella Greater Ft. Lauderdale, ogni cucina immaginabile è ben rappresentata qui. Come ci si potrebbe aspettare, i frutti di mare freschi sono al centro della scena, con l'Oceano Atlantico a portata di mano, ma sarete entusiasti di sapere che ci sono decine di altri tipi di opzioni gastronomiche per soddisfare le vostre voglie. I ristoranti locali spaziano dalle tavole calde di mamma e papà ai locali informali sull'acqua, senza dimenticare i locali energici e raffinati che offrono un'atmosfera in cui si capisce di essere in vacanza.

Il dentice rosso e quello a coda gialla, la cernia, il mahi-mahi, il tonno (pinna nera e pinna gialla), il wahoo, il pesce vela, il gambero rosa, il gambero bianco, il gambero di roccia, le chele di granchio (la stagione ufficiale di raccolta va dal 15 ottobre al 1° maggio) e l'aragosta della Florida sono tutti prodotti che si trovano in abbondanza nelle acque locali, per cui quando un ristorante pubblica il suo "pescato fresco del giorno", significa che sono tutti freschi e deliziosi. E con tanti modi diversi di preparare i frutti di mare, tra cui la bollitura, la griglia, la cottura al forno, la cottura al vapore, l'annerimento, lo stile giamaicano "jerk" o il consumo crudo come sushi, spesso si può scegliere come preparare il proprio pasto.

Non c'è da preoccuparsi se non siete amanti dei frutti di mare, perché i ristoranti di Ft. Lauderdale servono anche fantastici piatti a base di pollame, bistecche, maiale, vegetariani e vegani. L'offerta gastronomica della città è varia, con una forte enfasi sul sostegno ai pescatori locali e alle loro opzioni quotidiane sostenibili. Fortunatamente per tutti noi, Ft. Lauderdale ha diversi ristoranti premiati dalla guida Michelin da prendere in considerazione per un'occasione speciale o una riunione di famiglia allargata.

Ristoranti riconosciuti dalla Michelin a Ft. Lauderdale

I ristoranti premiati con una stella Michelin offrono cibo straordinario e un servizio squisito, per un'esperienza culinaria memorabile. La Michelin afferma che un ristorante con una stella Michelin offre "una cucina di alta qualità che merita una sosta!". Le prenotazioni devono essere effettuate il prima possibile per evitare delusioni. Tutte le ispezioni dei ristoranti della Guida Michelin sono effettuate in forma anonima.

MAASS

Premiato con una stella Michelin. Situato nel Four Seasons Hotel di Ft. Lauderdale. Aspettatevi una cucina americana contemporanea con un'inconfondibile atmosfera da ristorante raffinato fin dal primo momento. Maass è noto per l'utilizzo di ingredienti giapponesi, tecniche francesi e per l'influenza dei frutti di mare freschi del sud della Florida. Il ristorante è particolarmente apprezzato per le occasioni speciali, come anniversari, compleanni importanti o per impressionare gli altri. Tutto è una specialità, ma non trascurate il menu degustazione, con preparazioni a base di crostacei e pesce fresco, tra cui le capesante scottate con purea di tartufo e l'incredibile branzino striato. Tra gli stuzzichini, la tartare di croustade di wagyu e il toast di gamberi, mentre tra gli antipasti spiccano il crudo di tonno pinna gialla spolverato di nori e i ravioli di granchio. Il servizio accurato e l'ampia carta dei vini rendono la serata memorabile. Lasciate un po' di spazio per il dessert di pasticceria della serata.

Il riconoscimento Michelin Big Gourmand premia i ristoranti che servono cibo di alta qualità a prezzi ragionevoli.

Daniel's

Una steakhouse della Florida, premiata con un Bib Gourmand. Un ristorante di questa classe è perfetto per il centro di Ft. Lauderdale. Con un servizio di alto livello, un'atmosfera elegante e alcune delle migliori bistecche stagionate a secco e carni pregiate che si possano trovare nel sud della Florida, Daniel's soddisfa pienamente i suoi ospiti amanti della carne. Se si preferisce qualcosa dalle acque locali, la scelta include aragosta, ostriche, gamberi, capesante, granchi e diversi pesci freschi ogni sera. L'ampia carta dei vini consente di abbinare facilmente il pasto alla giusta bevanda.

Evelyn’s

A Bib Gourmand Honoree. This Eastern Mediterranean (Middle East & North Africa)-American fine dining establishment is also located at the Four Seasons Ft. Lauderdale. There’s a stylish waterfront ambiance to the unstuffy restaurant, with smart casual clothing recommended. Evelyn’s is a wonderful choice for a romantic dinner. Expect expertly prepared seafood such as branzino, wood smoked skewers of king salmon and swordfish, oysters, and shellfish, plus steaks, and wagyu beef. The main courses are often prepared with olive oil, citrus, herbs, and grilled vegetables. There is also a delightful selection of shareable small plates for starters, with dark chocolate pave and a coconut orange-blossom rice pudding (Riz bi-haleeb) to delight you for dessert.

Heritage

A Bib Gourmand Honoree. Just north of downtown in Flagler Village, Heritage raises Ft. Lauderdale’s Italian cuisine to a higher level. The extensive menu ranges from handmade pasta options to Chef Rino Cerbone’s creative takes on much-loved traditional dishes that will knock your socks off. Delicious antipasti include the amazing black mushroom arancini with toasted squid ink breadcrumbs, wild mushrooms, and smoked tomato garlic aioli. The baked razor clams and meatballs made with beef, veal, and pork are both truly special. Main course specialties gnocchi marsala, rigatoni with smoked pancetta, and spicy penne alla vodka. If you prefer one of the best pizzas in South Florida, try “The Bronx”, “The Brooklyn”, “Margarita”, or the “Sausage + Broccoli Rabe Bianco”. These and others quickly make regulars out of new customers.

Larb Thai-Isan

A Bib Gourmand Honoree. With a classically trained chef running the kitchen, aromatic and bold flavors like you’ve never experienced before from northeastern Thailand will make for an incredible dining experience in Ft. Lauderdale. Amazing curries, Thai-style salads, boat noodle soup, stir-fried ground chicken or pork with chili garlic and holy basil sauce (kra pao), and other unique dishes are all winners, and very affordably priced. Michelin calls Larb “a standout among the city’s growing international offerings.”

Incredible Dining All Day Long in Ft. Lauderdale

Finding a special dinner restaurant or two while on vacation can be a challenge, but perhaps unsurprisingly we’ve had some of our most memorable meals at breakfast, brunch, and lunch in destinations like Ft. Lauderdale where tourism is a major industry. The dining scene is thriving here, making the search for amazing food being part of the fun. Listed below are some of our local favorites where you can discover distinctive dishes throughout the day.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Café Bastille

Considered by many area residents to be the best spot to start the day. The local chain has locations in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Weston. Known for a wide variety of all-day breakfast and brunch favorites including granola, pastries, pancake, French toast/waffles, omelets, eggs, burgers, healthy lunch bowls, plus smoothies and specialty coffees.

The House on the River

With a prime location directly on the New River in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, this historic restaurant is popular gathering spot for locals and tourists. Filled with vintage furniture while retaining a modern atmosphere, colorful flowers and lush trees make for a great upscale yet relaxed setting for a special meal. The outdoor tables are highly desirable in the evening. The varied menu is best known for seafood dishes with a Latin/Caribbean flair, but the poultry, steak and thick cut pork chops are also great choices. Dinner is served Wednesday to Sunday, lunch Friday to Sunday, and the ever-wonderful weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Walk over from your downtown hotel, consider ride share to avoid parking issues, or pull up at the waterside dock.

La Riviere French Café

The proprietor’s La Riviere French Café is adjacent to the restaurant, serving fresh pastries, a wide selection of coffee, tea, bubble beverages, and artisanal drinks. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., the vibe invites you to sit, munch, sip, and relax.

Hatch

Hatch is the South Florida outlet of the Huntington, Long Island brunch restaurant whose tagline, “Peace, Love, & Bacon” says it all. On Federal Highway just north of downtown, this fun and bustling dining spot is known for its creative menu that will leave you satiated and ready to seize the day ahead. Hollandaze dishes include the Benedict Arnold and That’s a Gouda Benedict, and the Flight of the Pancakes allows guests to choose a combination of three different pancakes. From the griddle you can’t go wrong with any of the options, with our two favorites being the Holy Moly French Toast and Cinnamon French Toast Crunch. Eggs, avocado toast, and the buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich are crowd favorites here.

ASIAN/LATIN

Casa Sensei

It isn’t everyday you come across a Pan-Asian Latin Fusion restaurant. The two mesh well as they share cooking techniques, spices, intense flavors, and seasonings. And there’s even a sushi bar at this waterfront spot in the heart of Las Olas. Comfort foods include pad Thai, kimchi fried rice, bulgogi, and bao buns. For a unique experience, try the red shrimp ceviche, or Korean grilled steak chimichurri with wasabi mashed potatoes. Indoor and outdoor seating is offered as is a weekend brunch. This lively and extremely popular restaurant received the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award for 2025.

E41

With five locations in Ft. Lauderdale’s Las Olas district, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, and Pembroke Pines, E41 which is short for Embarcadero 41 brings unique Peruvian Nikkei fusion cuisine to South Florida. The indescribably amazing menu has to be viewed, as you surely haven’t seen these dishes anywhere else before. From ceviche to maki, sushi rolls, and E41 Classics like the fettuccine al pesto con lomo saltado (pasta in a Peruvian pesto sauce with stir-fried beef, onions and tomatoes flambeed with two sauces), the mouthwatering and visually spectacular dishes are simply outstanding.

ITALIAN

Casa D’Angelo

Since 1998 this authentic Italian food favorite has served upscale dishes to South Florida guests. The dress code requests diners to “dress appropriately”, so shorts, flip flops, tank tops, etc. are frowned upon. The elegant surroundings at the flagship Ft. Lauderdale location just north of Las Ocas raises the level of your experience here, and the recipes brought by founder Angelo from Salerno, Italy are amazing. Favorite dishes include polpetta & salsiccia/homemade meatball and sausage with roasted eggplant, gnocchi Sorrentina, and risotto porcini. Seafood and meat lovers have numerous options including a grilled New York strip, veal chop, chicken parmigiana, snapper, jumbo prawns, and branzino. Reservations are recommended. Other locations are in Boca Raton and Aventura.

Osteria Acqua E Farina

Located just south of downtown on Federal Highway, indoor and outdoor dining are both offered. Chef Attillo Reale hails from Turin, Italy, and has been serving superb Italian food here for more than 15 years. From unbeatable handmade pizzas to fresh pasta (tortellini, linguine, lasagna, cavatelli, orecchiette), seafood and meat dishes, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. They even have a Nutellino calzone filled with Nutella and whipped cream! All of the sauces are made fresh in-house too, and you will instantly taste the high quality of everything prepared in this wonderful restaurant.

Serafina Waterfront Trattoria

On the Intracoastal Waterway where US-1 and Sunrise Blvd. meet is yet another wonderful Italian spot that is popular with locals and visitors to Ft. Lauderdale. With a second location in the Aventura Mall, Serafina’s lovely rear porch with heaters, white tablecloths and stunning water views are alone worth a visit for dinner or weekend brunch. House appetizer specialties include mussels or clams in a white wine or marinara sauce, calamari, and charred octopus. Pasta choices include rigatoni alla vodka and pappardelle al bolognese, lasagna, and ravioli. Risotto, branzino, short ribs, veal marsala or piccata, and osso boco (lamb shank) make for incredible entrées, too. Right next door is the sister fast-casual Cortina’s Pizza Shop with dine-in and to-go options.

MEXICAN

Lona Cocina & Tequileria

Located beachfront just north of downtown in the Westin Ft. Lauderdale, this is the place for authentic Mexican food with what they describe as a ‘modern twist’. An energetic dining spot offering breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner, guests rave about the carne asada, drunken salmon, chicken mole enchiladas, and empanadas with short ribs and chorizo. The menu is extensive with a myriad of options including a taco bar and full range of refreshing cocktails and cerveza. It will be easy to more than satisfy everyone in your dining party here.

SEAFOOD ON THE WATER

Coconuts

How many places do you know of where you can marvel at the sparkling views of the Intracoastal Waterway while enjoying a casual, yet upscale dining experience? There aren’t many that we know of that rival Coconuts, which is one of Ft. Lauderdale’s premiere spots for wonderful food, beautiful sunsets, and where the owners invite you to arrive by boat, bring your dog, and they claim that “even your mother-in-law will enjoy” it here. Open every day of the week for lunch and dinner, and they add a Sunday brunch to the possibilities. The eclectic menu features a jerk wings appetizer, sashimi, crab cake and steak salads, fish tacos, lobster rolls, and a local mahi-mahi sandwich. For a larger meal you may show interest in the grilled or blackened local fish, linguine and clams, barbeque ribs, or a perfectly grilled steak.

Shooters Waterfront

There is clearly something special about this restaurant that serves over half a million diners annually. Located just off Oakland Park Blvd., guest arrive by land, water taxi, and personal boat to this Intracoastal Waterway icon which serves lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch. Featuring an extensive menu that is seafood-forward as you would expect in Florida, there are plenty of beef, poultry, and pork options for landlubbers. If you crave variety, you will find it here with sushi, flatbread pizzas, and entrees ranging from burgers, scallops and prawns, grouper, mahi, Cajun shrimp fettuccine, a veggie burger, and grilled pork chop. Shooters also offers a separate kid’s menu and even one for dogs that has three meal options!

STEAKHOUSE + SEAFOOD

Boatyard

This Florida-style waterfront seafood and steak restaurant in Lauderdale Harbours is known for delicious food, a casual setting, and beautiful Intracoastal views. Prime steaks and fresh catches are expertly paired with the renowned Bimini Bread. Boatyard is widely known for their seafood towers that you yourself create from lobster tails, oysters, mussels, snow crab claws, clams, and shrimp. Popular entrees range from Florida paella and branzino filet, to crispy whole snapper, a bourbon pork chop, and wagyu bucatini bolognese. If you prefer something delectable from the grill, choose from several fish and steak options that will be seared to perfection. A weekend brunch is also offered, so if you’re in the neighborhood sailing the local waters, reserve a slip online and c’mon aboard for a sumptuous meal.

Ocean Prime

An amazing two-story restaurant that spans 15,000 square feet, Ocean Prime is perhaps the place to see and be seen in Ft. Lauderdale. This two-story glittering establishment features an outdoor terrace on each level, and a sophisticated vibe that perfectly delivers what the coastal lifestyle is all about. Add its location by the Las Olas Bridge on the Intracoastal to a spectacular lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch dining experience, and this will be a meal that you won’t ever forget. Custom build your own shellfish tower or start out with sauteed shrimp in a tabasco cream sauce. Sushi, a wide variety of seafood, chicken, chops, and prime steaks will have your mouth watering. For that special meal while you’re in town, Ocean Prime should be a strong contender.

Recommended Hotels in Ft. Lauderdale

When planning your Ft. Lauderdale vacation, you’ll want to find a hotel that’s conveniently located to the beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the golden sand beaches. Our go-to hotel booking website has long been Travelated with hundreds of great properties available around the state. Some of the best prices are to be found in Ft. Lauderdale area are at your fingertips, so just log-on and have a look. Some of our favorites are listed below, but we do suggest logging onto the Travelated website to find the best place for you and your traveling companion(s).

South Florida At Its Finest

With nicknames of the Venice of America and the Yachting Capital of the World, Greater Ft. Lauderdale offers an abundance of vacation opportunities for visitors to enjoy. Just imagine a warm weather destination on the U.S. mainland with 24 miles of wide, sandy beaches, plus more than 300 miles of boating waterways. Add an average high temperature of 77F degrees and an amazing 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and what could go wrong? This beautiful, welcoming South Florida destination is also known for its thriving cultural community, rooftop bars and restaurants, stunning sunrises, and the incredible beauty of the adjacent Florida Everglades. Come discover Ft. Lauderdale for yourself and let Travelated help you find ideal accommodations for your visit.