10 Great Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

Kaluz Restaurant is a Fort Lauderdale institution serving superb steak and seafood plus juicy burgers and delectable desserts. Try the bone-in rib-eye steak smothered in a peppercorn sauce and served with loaded potatoes on the side. Save room for a slice of their key lime pie to finish your meal.

The high-end venue boasts a brilliant patio with glistening canal views. Rock up early – the outdoor area is first-come, first-served. Limited boat mooring space is available and there’s free valet service. It’s one of the high-end dining experiences in Fort Lauderdale, but worth every penny.

Boatyard is a seafood joint with sweeping marina views in Fort Lauderdale. The longstanding stalwart celebrates the city’s sailing culture on its 80-seat dockside patio – a great spot for yacht-watching. An inclusive, laidback vibe and a chic nautical theme complete the scene.

Following a strict “eat local” ethos, its seafood-centric menu sources fresh produce from local fishermen each day. Watch chefs prepare delicacies like grilled octopus in the open-plan kitchen or grab some shellfish from the expansive raw bar cart. Non-seafood eaters can choose from a selection of succulent steaks.

Lona Cocina Tequileria is your go-to venue for tasty tacos and tequila-infused cocktails in Fort Lauderdale. The culinary team keeps the menu fresh, while sleek decor and sweeping sea views ensure a celebratory setting. Pull up a pew on Taco Tuesdays for budget-friendly tortillas and margaritas. 

This authentic Mexican eatery does all your usual street food classics plus a few more creative concoctions. Keen for something different? The lobster quesadilla and ahi tuna tostada are sublime. Alternatively, try the octopus tostada, which comes with caramelized onions, refried beans, and creamy aioli.

Rendezvous Bar & Grill is a Fort Lauderdale family favourite for its laidback vibe, Marina Bay views, and classic American cuisine. Although seafood dominates the menu (the bacon-wrapped scallops or spicy shrimp jambalaya are must-tries), there’s plenty to keep landlubbers (and the kids) happy. From tall-stacked sandwiches to tacos and juicy burgers, you’ll find a dish for different tastes.

Like many waterfront venues in Fort Lauderdale, Rendezvous offers the option to arrive in style by boat (phone ahead for reservations). Live music and amicable service complement those gorgeous marina views, while their generous Happy Hour specials help sweeten the deal.

Coconuts is a buzzy hangout right in the centre of For Lauderdale’s yacht-dotted Intercoastal waterway. Despite the glam setting and glistening waterfront views, its varied menu is refreshingly affordable.

The signature lunchtime dish is the jambalaya, an American Creole and Cajun creation of meat, vegetables, and rice in a spicy, stew-like sauce. Seafood lovers should rock up after 5 pm when the menu expands to include treats like clam chowder and crispy oysters. Grab one of their famous cocktails to accompany your meal – the Dark & Stormy is a great pick.

Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant is a hit among Florida’s sizeable Cuban expatriate population for its authentic, home-style fare. The family-run establishment proudly reproduces traditional dishes passed down through generations – some recipes date back to the 1930s. The popular franchise has 6 branches throughout the state, including 3 in Fort Lauderdale.

The big, budget-friendly buffet lunch is a top choice to refuel on the cheap. Otherwise, order one of their Cuban comfort dishes, like a Cubano sandwich or mojo-marinated pork. Seafood lovers won’t regret springing for the paella, and everyone should save room for the flan.

The Capital Grille is an upmarket steakhouse franchise serving succulent cuts of beef and classic American dishes. Meat-eaters can’t go wrong with their filet mignon, cooked to taste and served with cipollini onions, wild mushrooms, and fig essence. Other house favourites include the lobster bisque, the French onion soup, and the creamy mac and cheese.

To wash it all down, order the Stoley Doley, a smooth-swilling mix of vodka and freshly squeezed pineapple. Impeccable presentation, top-quality nosh, and superb service make this place worth the splurge. And that’s despite the fact it lacks Fort Lauderdale’s ubiquitous waterfront views.

Steak 954 is a Fort Lauderdale steakhouse that draws carnivores to its succulent cuts and exotic decor. Located downstairs at the W Fort Lauderdale, the restaurant encapsulates the chain’s cool contemporary aesthetics. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy outdoor patio ensure uninterrupted beach views. Feel free to admire their enormous jellyfish aquarium while waiting for your meal.

You’ll find an eclectic selection of dry-aged steaks and imported Kobe beef on the menu. The cheesesteak offers an opulent blend of American Waygu and truffled cheese whiz, though it doesn’t come cheap. Their key lime baked Alaska sorbet is a must-try for dessert.

Tom Jenkins BBQ is a great place to devour Southern-style ribs and other soul food treats. Two friends founded this easygoing counter-serve venue in the ‘90s, and it’s obtained a loyal local following over the decades. The secret to their success lies in the trademark Tom Jenkins BBQ Sauce. This tangy and delicious mix currently sells in numerous local grocery stores.  

Eat inside the homely wood-clad interior or dine outside on the picnic tables when the weather’s nice. If you’re not that mad about meat, try their cornbread, collard greens, or mac and cheese with baked beans. For dessert, the sweet potato pie hits the spot for most.

Casa Sensei cooks up a tantalising mix of Latin and Asian flavours in a sleek waterfront setting. The popular pan-Asian restaurant has a scenic canal-front patio, and you can opt to sit inside the elegant, light-filled dining room as well.

Latino favourites like mojo pork chops and lobster guacamole are popular among locals. If you fancy Korean flavours, order the chimichurri slathered grilled steak with jasmine rice and fried plantains. For an out-of-the-ordinary starter, the kimchi buttered popcorn is hard to beat. Selections of bao buns, pad Thai, and sushi round out the menu.