Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around the world, so it only makes sense that the local cuisine has such an international flavor.
Yet given its position in southeastern Florida, right on the Atlantic coast, it’s no wonder that many of Fort Lauderdale’s top restaurants specialize in seafood. Here are some top picks:
- Café Seville – Created in a family tradition, this award-winning eatery brings a taste of the Old World, with Spanish favorites (including Paella) and other dishes that honor the sea’s bounty, such as Gambas Pablo Picasso (shrimp steamed over yellow rice with green sauce) and Cazuela de Mariscos (seafood casserole with red snapper, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels and calamari in garlic, tomato, green peas and white wine).
- G&B Oyster Bar – A sleek, modern restaurant that provides a relaxed, casual, South Florida dining experience. A mirror mounted above the raw bar allows patrons to watch the show as fresh oysters and clams are shucked and plated on giant platters covered in ice to keep them as fresh as possible. And the efficient kitchen cranks out other amazing seafood and comfort dishes for those looking for cooked fare.
- Coconuts – Your dining destination for outstanding water views, tantalizing seafood and comfort food dishes, delicious cocktails and excellent service. Be sure to try the Comfort Bowl with lobster or the Jambalaya. With a philosophy of “be nice” guiding managers and employees, this South Florida dining destination prides itself on quality food that is a good value and personable, sincere service. The view speaks for itself.
- Truluck’s – A getaway for the senses. Come savor the freshest Crab, direct from their own fisheries. Delight in our fresh-catch seafood menu or select tender, juicy steaks prepared to perfection. Then complement it all with delicious wines by the glass and bottle.
Further, with a population largely made up of people who’ve relocated from other parts of the country, Fort Lauderdale has an assortment of eateries that cater to tastes for a wide variety of cuisines:
- Italian – Dolce Salato keeps it simple, focusing on authentic Italian pizza, gelato and espresso. Guiliano’s keeps things casual, with an assortment of pizzas, pastas and panini, as well as chicken and seafood entrees. At La Dolce Vita, every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients; their homemade pasta makes every dish unique. They serve only the finest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables and breads that are baked fresh daily. Piccolo Ristorante We focuses on an intimate fine dining experience, ensuring you will feel a hands-on and passionate approach to authentic Italian dining. From excellent personal service to delicious food and wine pairings, it will prove to be a memorable evening.
- Latin – A Mexican- and Salvadorian-owned restaurant and taco shop, El Guanaco Taqueria y Antojitos offers fresh, handmade tortillas, soups, tacos and authentic recipes from both countries, made fresh daily with great personal service. Voted Best Taco 2010 by the Broward New Times. Then there’s Canyon Southwest Café, an oasis of inspired Southwestern fusion. Canyon consistently serves an innovative and surprising array of American artisanal cuisine with Asian, South and Central American undertones. Chipotle, wasabi, ginger, cilantro, lemongrass, basil, jalapeño, mango and red chilies accent the freshest seafood and wild game available. Seductive lighting and a constantly evolving mix of music enhances your dining experience and keeps the intimate space filled with a captivating and energized clientele every night. Meanwhile, at Zona Fresca, their mission is to create a “great place” where people in our community can gather, enjoy a high quality meal and experience Mexican food that is fresh, light and can be consumed every day.
- Mediterranean – Known for its charming atmosphere, Casablanca Café is trendy and popular eatery that blends old and new to enhance the beauty of Fort Lauderdale’s beach, as you savor the unique and impeccably prepared flavors of American and Mediterranean specialties. The world-class cuisine and romantic Mediterranean ambiance make it a favored and anticipated destination. Experience an intimate meal inside the inviting dining rooms or enjoy the soft breezes as you dine at a scenic ocean view table on the patio of this beautifully restored historic home. At The Secret Garden at Pillars Hotel, Chef Hammi leads a team of experienced and enthusiastic culinary professionals who believe that fine food preparation should take advantage of nature’s bounty. They combine fresh food with interesting cross-cultural ingredients and elegant presentations, for clean and bright flavors that reflect the influences of a Moroccan heritage.
The options don’t end there. Scout around town and you can find top-notch hoagies (Laspada’s), French (Hardy Park Bistro), Brazilian (Chima Brazilian), Greek (Greek Islands Taverna), Thai (Thai Spice), vegetarian (Green Bar & Kitchen), Filipino (Hot & Soul) and, of course, American (Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill, Capital Grille, Market 17 and more). To plan your international foodfest to Fort Lauderdale – or any of our other 40+ delectable destinations, drop us a line at info@takeagetaway.com.