Best Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale (2025)
The Katherine Restaurant
Fusion restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
Chef Timon Balloo’s intimate bistro blends South Florida produce with Thai, Chinese, and Caribbean accents; its Thai red curry fish was highlighted by The New York Times and praised by Miami Herald and Eater Miami. Neighborhood dining with serious craft.
Heritage
Restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
Rino Cerbone channels family recipes and rock-and-roll energy into wood‑fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and razor clams. Recognized with a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide and covered by Time Out and Eater, it’s Flagler Village’s essential Italian.
Cafe Seville
Spanish restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
A family‑run Spanish stalwart beloved for saffron‑rich paella, gambas al ajillo, and old‑world hospitality. Featured among the city’s best by national editors and long praised by local food critics.
Greek Islands Taverna
Greek restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
Since 1999, the Kantzavelos family has served generous meze, grilled octopus, and char‑broiled lamb chops in a lively, blue‑and‑white dining room by the beach. Frequently recommended by The Infatuation and local magazines.
Sea Watch On the Ocean
Seafood restaurant · Lauderdale by the sea
A timeless oceanfront seafood house with Atlantic views, breezy decks, and classics like bouillabaisse and Key lime pie. A go‑to for celebratory sunset dinners and a taste of Old Florida service.
Larb Thai-Isan
Thai restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
A humble room with serious regional Thai cooking—som tam, larb, boat noodles, and duck curry—with authentic spice levels. Newly recognized by the Michelin Guide and highlighted by Time Out.
Temple Street Eatery
Restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
Asian‑Latin comfort from longtime local restaurateurs: hand‑pinched dumplings, ramen, bulgogi bowls, and clever mashups. Open daily and celebrated by local tourism outlets for community‑minded events.
Shuck N Dive
Cajun restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
Since the ’90s, this locals’ favorite channels New Orleans with jambalaya, étouffée, certified Louisiana oysters, and seasonal crawfish boils. A spirited room that roots for the Saints and serves the bayou on a plate.
Gilbert's 17th Street Grill
American restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
Family‑run counter‑service landmark famed for thick Angus burgers, wings, and house pies. Featured in Eater Miami’s best burgers in Broward and praised by local media for warm service and consistency.
Casa D'Angelo Ristorante
Italian restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
Chef Angelo Elia’s flagship sets the city’s fine‑Italian benchmark: handmade pastas, pristine seafood, wood‑grilled meats, and one of South Florida’s classic Italian wine lists. A polished, locally anchored institution.
Kousine Fort Lauderdale
Peruvian restaurant · Fort Lauderdale
Chef Danny Kou brings Lima to the beach with sharp ceviches, tiraditos, and lomo saltado, plus Nikkei touches. A favorite of Peruvian expats and noted by local writers for bright, balanced flavors.