What do people eat in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife, is a culinary paradise that offers a diverse range of dining options. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, a lover of international cuisines, or someone looking for a cozy brunch spot, Fort Lauderdale has something for every palate. The city’s flourishing food scene is a testament to its cultural diversity and rich heritage, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

The Best Waterfront Dining Experiences in Fort Lauderdale

Dining by the water is a quintessential Fort Lauderdale experience. The city offers a plethora of waterfront restaurants that not only serve delectable dishes but also offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway.

One of the standout options is Coconuts, famous for its idyllic setting and casual, upscale vibe. Located right on the intercoastal waterway, it’s a perfect spot to dock your boat and enjoy a seafood extravaganza. Their menu features starters like smoked fish dip, grilled jerk wings, and conch and shrimp fritters. For mains, guests can indulge in fish tacos, local grilled mahi sandwiches, and a delectable crab cake entree, making it a hotspot for seafood lovers.

Kaluz Restaurant is another excellent choice. With a large outdoor dining space, both on the patio and by the waterfront, guests can enjoy dishes from flatbreads and ceviche to a barrel-cut Filet Mignon or the Colorado Lamb burger. The happy hour, from 3 pm to 6 pm, offers flatbreads, shrimp, and cocktails starting at $7—drawing both locals and tourists looking for delicious food with a view.

A bit further down, Blue Moon Fish Co. prides itself on serving the freshest seafood for over two decades. Offering a raw bar with oysters, middle neck clams, and shrimp cocktail, this spot guarantees a memorable dining experience. Don’t miss their brunch, where seafood dominates the menu with delicacies like the blue crab and corn roasted grouper or macadamia nut-crusted seabass.

• 🌊 Coconuts – Perfect for dockside dining
• 🍹 Kaluz Restaurant – Scenic happy hours
• 🐟 Blue Moon Fish Co. – Exceptional seafood brunch

These waterfront gems highlight why Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is cherished, offering both exquisite views and flavorful dishes.

Exploring Fort Lauderdale’s International Cuisine

Fort Lauderdale’s dining tapestry is woven with a rich selection of international cuisines, making it an ideal destination for culinary exploration.

El Vez serves as a vibrant example of Mexican fare with a South Florida twist. Located within the Westin hotel, the atmosphere combines classic Mexican flavors with Baja style influences. Menu highlights include crispy mahi tacos and pollo asada, complemented with their extensive tequila selection, featuring over 200 varieties.

For those in the mood for Italian, Etna Rosso Ristorante provides a genuine taste of Italy. This establishment offers homemade pastas, whether you fancy bolognese, carbonara, or Amatriciana. They also serve daily specials that change nightly, often featuring a delightful meat or fish option paired with their signature pasta.

Coco’s Asian Bistro serves as a beacon for Asian culinary delights. Renowned for its authentic and eclectic menu, the bistro offers a blend of flavors from across the Asian continent. From savory Thai noodles to intricate sushi rolls, this bistro is a hub for those yearning for Asian sensations.

• 🌮 El Vez – Mexican classics with a twist
• 🍝 Etna Rosso Ristorante – Authentic Italian pastas
• 🍣 Coco’s Asian Bistro – Asian culinary journey

Restaurant	Specialty	Cuisine
El Vez	Tacos al Carbon	Mexican
Etna Rosso Ristorante	Pasta Bolognese	Italian
Coco’s Asian Bistro	Sushi Rolls	Asian

Whether it’s Mexican, Italian, or Asian, Fort Lauderdale’s international offerings cater to global palates, providing rich flavors and cultural variety.

Brunch and Breakfast Delights in Fort Lauderdale

Brunch culture in Fort Lauderdale is thriving, with numerous spots across the city offering sumptuous morning feasts combined with picturesque settings. For those who embrace leisurely, late-morning meals, Fort Lauderdale is a brunch haven.

At Las Olas Cafe, guests can indulge in a delightful mix of brunch classics set against the lively atmosphere of this popular street. The menu serves up a variety of options, including poached eggs over avocado toast and classic eggs benedict, all with an elegant twist that aligns with the chic locale.

Another must-visit spot is Aruba Beach Cafe. Known for its beachfront charm, it’s the place to enjoy Sunday breakfast paired with lively music. Their Caribbean style seafood and breakfast cocktails, like the beachside Bellini, ensure a refreshing start to any day by the sea.

For those seeking a traditional breakfast, O-B House offers a delightful selection of scratch-made dishes. Its signature house oven-baked pancakes, available in sweet or savory toppings, have become a local staple. Whether dining in their vibrant courtyard or taking food to go for a day at the beach, O-B House guarantees satisfaction.

• 🍳 Las Olas Cafe – Chic brunch spot
• 🏖️ Aruba Beach Cafe – Oceanfront breakfast gems
• 🥞 O-B House – Traditional house-made breakfast

Fort Lauderdale’s brunch spots not only deliver delightful morning meals but also capture the city’s breezy, beachside spirit—perfect for a relaxed start to the day.

Evening Dining: The Ultimate Fine Dining and Casual Options

As the day transitions to evening, Fort Lauderdale unveils its eclectic mix of fine dining and casual eateries. These restaurants offer a chic atmosphere, perfect for ending a day of exploration or starting a night on the town.

The Capital Grille is a standout choice for those seeking a refined dining experience. Renowned for its dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood, The Capital Grille delivers an exceptional menu in an elegant setting. Accompanied by an impressive wine list, each meal here is an event of culinary indulgence.

For a more relaxed vibe but equally tantalizing meal, Rudy’s Pub & Grill offers pub-style comfort food with a twist. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for gatherings, where patrons can enjoy dishes like gourmet burgers, house specials, and an extensive beer selection.

Pizzeria Oceano brings a casual, family-friendly vibe to the Fort Lauderdale dining scene. Known for its authentic, coal-fired pizzas from Naples, this eatery offers a taste of traditional Italian pizza making. From the classic Margherita to seasonal specialty pizzas, each bite captures the essence of Naples.

• 🥩 The Capital Grille – Sophisticated steaks and seafood
• 🍻 Rudy’s Pub & Grill – Pub favorites with a twist
• 🍕 Pizzeria Oceano – Traditional Naples-style pizzas

Whether you’re seeking fine dining sophistication or a relaxed evening vibe, Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene offers an array of options to cater to each preference.

Cultural Influences in Fort Lauderdale’s Cuisine

Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene is heavily influenced by the city’s cultural diversity, bringing a unique blend of flavors and dishes to the table.

Restaurants like Café Piquet showcase the vibrant Latin heritage present in the city. Known for serving authentic Cuban cuisine, Café Piquet offers dishes that are deeply rooted in tradition. From hearty Ropa Vieja to simple Cuban sandwiches, patrons are treated to genuine flavors of Cuba.

Yard House taps into American culture with its extensive beer menu and classic American dishes. Perfect for casual dining, this restaurant is ideal for indulging favorites like burgers, flatbreads, and quality appetizers.

Meanwhile, Sushi Nami embodies the growing East Asian influence. This sushi hotspot offers a wide variety of sushi and sashimi, meticulously prepared to highlight the freshness of each ingredient.

• 🍽️ Café Piquet – Authentic Cuban flavors
• 🍺 Yard House – American classics and craft beers
• 🍣 Sushi Nami – Fresh sushi and sashimi

This cultural mosaic not only enriches Fort Lauderdale’s food scene but also reflects the vibrant diversity that characterizes the city itself.

FAQ

1. 🛥️ Is waterfront dining popular in Fort Lauderdale?
   Yes, Fort Lauderdale’s numerous waterfront restaurants make dining by the sea a wonderful experience, offering spectacular views and fresh seafood.
2. 🌍 What international cuisines can I find in Fort Lauderdale?
   You can enjoy a wide array of cuisines including Mexican, Italian, Asian, and Cuban, among others.
3. 🍽️ Are there vegetarian or vegan options available in Fort Lauderdale’s restaurants?
   Yes, many restaurants offer diverse vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes to accommodate different dietary preferences.