Fort Lauderdale Dining
Greater Fort Lauderdale dining stretches
from the oceanfront on westward practically into the Everglades with a range of options
from down-home American classics to what’s known as Floribbean, or cuisines from Europe and
farther-flung locales. Hotspot concentrations of top restaurants are along the beach, on trendy
Las Olas Boulevard, at Sawgrass Mills Mall, and that’s only for starters. Here are a dozen favorites
heavily patronized by discerning locals accustomed to South Florida’s wide variety of dining
opportunities.
Fort Lauderdale Area Restaurants
Aruba Beach Cafe at
One East Commercial Boulevard (954-776-0001) is an open-air eatery with a big view of sand, surf
and the adjacent fishing pier. Specialties include fresh fish of the day, along with conch chowder,
fritters and more. Jamaican jerk wings are also outstanding.
Bahia Cabana Restaurant and Patio Bar at 3003 Harbor Drive (954-524-1555) overlooks the
Bahia Mar Yacht Basin and is just across A1A from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Breakfast, lunch and
dinner are served with the menu including grouper sandwiches, burgers, salads and Atkins-type
low carb entrees. Rum runners and pina coladas are big here, and there is a hot tub on premises.
Cap’s Place at 2765 Northeast 28 Court, Lighthouse Point (954-941-0418) is accessible only
by private motor launch from a spot next to the Lighthouse Point Yacht Basin and Marina. Greater
Fort Lauderdale’s oldest restaurant dates back to the casino gambling days of the ‘20s. Cap’s
specializes in seafood and a memorable hearts of palm salad.
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Darrel & Oliver’s East City Grill at 1800 Bell Tower Lane (954-565-5569), first debuted
along the shoreline, and has since moved inland to Weston where Oliver Saucy and Darrel Broek
continue to attract attention with offerings like Lollipop Lamb Chops, Coconut Crusted Sea Scallops
and the Pizza of the Day at market price. Comfort food lovers revel in the Classic Roast Meat Loaf.
The Floridian at 1410 East Las Olas Boulevard (954-463-4041) is a 24-hour outpost known for
attracting both powerbrokers and working folk for a hearty breakfast (one egg special includes a
bottle of champagne), lunch or dinner.
Mai-Kai at 3599 North Federal Highway (954-563-3272) mesmerizes with South Seas allure in a
thatched-roof, torch-lit retreat along Federal Highway. Potent libations and Chinese oven-grilled
entrees including an Oak Roasted Filet Mignon Madagascar for Two star along with Polynesian dancers
performing to demanding standards of this landmark’s Tahitian owner.
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Mangos at 904 East Las Olas Boulevard (954-523-5001) has indoor/outdoor dining attracting
legions of downtown business people and extending into the wee hours with live music for partiers.
Steaks, fish, chicken, sandwiches, soups and salads are served, with appetizers from Baked Brie to
Bruschetta Tapenade. Mangos Seafood Salad, with shrimp and lump crab, includes hearts of palm,
fresh melon, and black olives on crispy greens
Mark’s Place 1032 East Las Olas Boulevard (954-463-1000) is the place to go with high
expectations (and a well-padded wallet) for big splurges. Chef Mark Militelo presides over a menu of
seafood, lamb, gourmet pizza, unusual breads, hand-crafted pastas and sinful desserts including a
Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brulee, all worthy of the sophisticated atmosphere
Seawatch at 6002 North Ocean Boulevard (954-781-2200) reels in patrons with fresh native seafood,
live Maine lobster, prime rib and steak, along with fixed priced multi-course specials. Friendly
service embellishes the striking ocean view.
Shirttail Charlie’s at 400 Southwest 3rd Avenue (954-463-3474) is named for a colorful Seminole
Indian once frequenting downtown Fort Lauderdale after being expelled by tribal chieftains. The
restaurant with dockside dining along New River is next to railroad tracks, with a swimming pool on
premises. Conch chowder, gator, tilapia, and dolphin are on an extensive menu. For children, there is
a papoose menu.
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Tropical Acres at 2500 Griffin Road (954 761-1744) has been operated by the Studiale family for
well over 50 years and attracts a loyal following for its value-oriented, consistent quality in prime
rib, steaks, chops and seafood. Patrons also rave about the rack of lamb and frog legs. Early bird dinners
are featured.
Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe at 2610 Sawgrass Mills Circle, Sunrise (954-846-1339) has an ever-changing
food and beverage menu with beat-the-heat specials and what is billed as the best sushi in Sunrise.
Children are welcome, and highchairs are available. Wolfgang Puck chefs also cater to vegetarian, vegan or
special diets, including salt-free and garlic-free. Please call in advance on needs.
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