- Best Michelin-Starred and Fine Dining in Fort Lauderdale
- Best Affordable Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
- Best Fort Lauderdale Restaurants on the Water
- Best Restaurants for Brunch in Fort Lauderdale
- Best New Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
- Best Rooftop Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
- Cheat Sheet: What Are the Best Places to Eat in Fort Lauderdale Right Now?
- Fort Lauderdale Restaurants FAQs
Moving to Fort Lauderdale means year-round warmth, sunshine, and beachfront access at your fingertips. But that’s not all this South Florida oasis has to offer. Fort Lauderdale also boasts a diverse culinary scene, known for fresh, locally caught seafood, international fusion cuisine, and casual New American fare. The best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale run the gamut from trendy brunch hotspots to Michelin-starred fine dining to chic rooftop lounges with ocean or skyline views. Food lovers of all kinds are sure to find their next favorite spot here, so let’s dig into the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale.
12 Best Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Need a quick, affordable bite for lunch? How about an upscale chef-driven meal on the water? Craving a hearty brunch with bottomless mimosas? No matter what you’re in the mood for, the best Fort Lauderdale restaurants will suit every palate and preference. Savoring this city’s food scene is one of the most fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale. The spots below highlight some local standouts.
Best Michelin-Starred and Fine Dining in Fort Lauderdale
Whether you have a special occasion to celebrate or you could use a lavish night on the town, fine dining in Fort Lauderdale never disappoints. This is your cue to dress up and make a reservation at one of these splurge-worthy restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
1. MAASS – Open-Hearth Tasting Menu
- Price Range: $$$$
- One Michelin Star
- Known For: An immersive multi-course experience
- maassftl.com
Of all the fine dining restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, MAASS stands out as the first to earn a Michelin star. Tucked in an intimate corner of the Four Seasons Hotel, MAASS boasts an elevated, romantic ambiance to match its curated tasting menu. The focal point of the experience is the immersive 14-seat Chef’s Counter, where guests can watch the kitchen in action as each dish comes together over the flames of an open hearth. Try the duck confit on charred cabbage, then pair it with a sommelier-selected wine.
2. The Katherine – Global Inspiration
- Price Range: $$$
- Known For: A seasonal take on international flavors
- katherinerestaurant.com
Three-time James Beard–nominated Chef Timon Balloo’s latest concept, The Katherine, feels like a culinary trip around the globe. This warm, cozy space celebrates the Indian, Chinese, and Trinidadian heritages of Chef Timon and his wife, Marissa Katherine. These robust flavors shine with a thoughtful emphasis on seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Standout menu items such as the Thai chili branzino and spicy grapefruit margarita help establish The Katherine as one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale for international cuisine.
Best Affordable Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
You don’t have to fork over a small fortune to enjoy an unforgettable meal. Some of the best hidden restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are also surprisingly affordable, so check out these eateries for an experience your wallet and taste buds will both sign off on.
3. Sunshine Bakery – Latin American Fusion
- Price Range: $
- Known For: Traditional Cuban-Argentine comfort food
- sunshinebakeryflorida.com
Whether you stop in for a morning coffee and pastry or want an affordable lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Sunshine Bakery fits the bill. This neighborhood joint has a laid-back atmosphere that seems to whisper, “Stay awhile,” as you savor the distinctive fusion of its Cuban-Argentine menu. Don’t miss the café con leche for under $5 or the flaky beef empanada and authentic Cuban sandwich for under $10. Those satisfying bites at a budget-friendly price make Sunshine Bakery one of the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale.
4. Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer – Homestyle Mexican
- Price Range: $
- Known For: Slow-cooked meats on fresh corn tortillas
- quvotacos.com
Fuel your insatiable appetite for Mexican food at Quvo, another one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale to enjoy a budget-friendly but delicious meal. This eatery is a labor of love from owner Alicia Smith, a first-generation Mexican American who hand-presses the tortillas and slow-cooks the meat using old family recipes. Quvo ranks among this city’s top taquerias, but its main draw is an unbeatable Taco Tuesday special, which features $3 tacos, $7 nachos, and $2 off a rotating menu of craft beer from local breweries.
Best Fort Lauderdale Restaurants on the Water
There’s nothing like an irresistible entrée paired with a beach or water view. From oceanside cafés serving up their catch of the day to more elegant concepts where you can dine al fresco on the terrace, these are the best waterfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
5. Boatyard – Top Intracoastal Destination
- Price Range: $$$$
- Known For: Premium surf and turf with a nautical-chic vibe
- boatyard.restaurant
With a polished maritime ambiance and a breezy patio overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s hard to top Boatyard as one of the best Fort Lauderdale restaurants on the water. Boaters can even dock right out front, then step inside for some of the freshest seafood in Fort Lauderdale. Start with oysters from the raw bar, then treat yourself to a surf and turf feast of jumbo shrimp and filet mignon, roasted to perfection in a wood-fire oven. Wash it all down with a crisp glass of rosé or a cocktail spritz for a true South Florida experience.
6. Casablanca Cafe – Coastal Mediterranean
- Price Range: $$$
- Known For: Ocean-inspired entrees and a setting to match
- casablancacafeonline.com
Its prime oceanfront location on the A1A coastal highway makes Casablanca Cafe one of the most delightful Fort Lauderdale beach restaurants. As soon as you enter this preserved historic home, turned into a quaint and charming bistro, you’ll feel an instant pull to unwind. Catch a sweeping Atlantic Ocean sunset on the terrace as soft instrumental music plays in the background. Then, embrace those beachy vibes with a fresh mojito and a Mediterranean-influenced entrée like seafood paella, scallops carbonara, or lemon dill salmon.
Best Restaurants for Brunch in Fort Lauderdale
Brunch in Fort Lauderdale is an art form, and these restaurants are proof. Whether you want classic diner-style pancakes, indulgent crab Benedict, or avocado toast that begs to be posted on Instagram, here’s where to find the best brunch in Fort Lauderdale.
7. Café Bastille – Refined Parisian Bistro
- Price Range: $$$
- Known For: French delicacies and bottomless cocktails
- cafebastilledowntown.com
For a bottomless brunch in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than Café Bastille. This bright, airy restaurant transports all the character of a Parisian sidewalk café to the bustling streets of Las Olas Boulevard. That “très chic” French sensibility extends to the menu offerings as well. Of course, it wouldn’t be brunch without an order of bottomless mimosas or Bellinis, so definitely start there. And when it’s time for the main event, choose from buttery pastries, fluffy omelets, Eggs Benedict, or even a croque madame on brioche.
8. Lona Cocina & Tequileria – South of the Border Brunch
- Price Range: $$
- Known For: A Mexican twist on hearty breakfast staples
- lonarestaurant.com
Inside the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, you’ll find Lona, a casual brunch spot with cheerful decor serving up a bold Mexican twist on breakfast classics. Order the tequila-cured smoked salmon avocado toast for a unique flavor combination you won’t find elsewhere. Or indulge that sweet tooth with a stack of dulce de leche pancakes. Round out your meal with a cozy Mexican hot chocolate or a stiff Bloody Maria, complete with an ocean vista. You’ll feel energized to seize the day after a morning at Lona.
Best New Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is stepping out of Miami’s shadow to become a creative and cultural hub in its own right. The culinary scene reflects this evolution with eateries offering unique, experimental flavors in a fresh, modern setting. A table at one of these trendy new restaurants in Fort Lauderdale is one of the hottest tickets in town.
9. Sotogrande – Spain Meets Middle East
- Price Range: $$$
- Known For: Spanish tapas and Mediterranean mezze
- sotogranderestaurant.com
Since first opening its doors in January 2025, Sotogrande has become one of the most alluring Fort Lauderdale restaurants. Whether you come for date night, a special occasion, or an excuse to taste spectacular food, you’re in for a refined yet exuberant dinner-party ambiance. Upbeat live entertainment and panoramic marina views set the tone for a lively night out, while shareable Middle Eastern and Spanish delicacies invite you to linger. This celebratory mood calls for an ouzo cocktail paired with Levantine halloumi and cumin-spiced lamb kofta.
10. TIMBR – Wood-Fired Cuisine
- Price Range: $$$
- Known For: A rustic, earthy menu with bold wine pairings
- timbr-restaurant.com
From its debut on Las Olas Boulevard in February 2025, TIMBR has wasted no time earning a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Guests are captivated by TIMBR’s lush, enchanting atrium with over 50,000 flowers and twinkling lights. Its menu draws from the earthy, oaken, and floral notes of a vineyard, featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The short rib pasta with crispy sage and plum wine jus is a must-try. When you’re done, head over to the lounge for a smooth espresso martini nightcap and a live DJ set.
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
What’s more memorable than dinner on a rooftop overlooking a panoramic downtown skyline? If that sounds like your definition of the perfect evening out, these rooftop restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are calling your name. Consider this an invitation to accept.
11. Nubé Rooftop – Dining in the Clouds
- Price Range: $$
- Known For: An artful play on bar food at a sky-high elevation
- nuberooftop.com
Perched on the 26th floor of Hilton’s Beach House Resort, Nubé is the highest rooftop bar in Fort Lauderdale. Its towering location offers uninterrupted views of both the ocean and city lights, which you can marvel at from the al fresco fire pit lounge, mosaic-tiled booths, or marble high-top tables. Nubé’s curated lineup of gourmet bites and craft cocktails is just as elevated as the atmosphere. Order a custom margarita with the base, spirit, and rim garnish of your choice while noshing on blue crab fritters or coconut fried shrimp.
12. Sparrow – Intimate Urban Hideaway
- Price Range: $$
- Known For: Shareable Pan-Asian bites and tropical cocktails
- sparrowbar.com
Venture to the roof of The Dalmar Hotel, and you’ll stumble upon Sparrow, one of the best hidden restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. This lounge feels like a world away from all the beachgoers and Las Olas crowds, but it still delivers impeccable skyline views. The interior is effortlessly cool with Art Deco furniture and moody ambient lighting, while the patio is more whimsical with a fresh garden theme. No matter which setting you prefer, there’s a menu item to complement it. The hoisin duck bao buns and fruity libations are a sure bet.
Cheat Sheet: What Are the Best Places to Eat in Fort Lauderdale Right Now?
The best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale might vary based on which cuisine you’re in the mood for, the vibe or ambiance you prefer, and how much you want to spend. Here’s a cheat sheet to help you track down the overall best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
- MAASS – Best fine dining restaurant
- Quvo Tacos – Best affordable restaurant
- Boatyard – Best waterfront restaurant
- Café Bastille – Best brunch restaurant
- TIMBR – Best new restaurant
- Sparrow – Best rooftop restaurant
Fort Lauderdale Restaurants FAQs
Where Do Celebrities Eat in Fort Lauderdale?
You can spot celebrities dining at Vitolo, a red sauce–style Italian trattoria in the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel. When Chef Anthony Vitolo first launched this concept in 2023, his NYC restaurant Emilio’s Ballato was already a favorite among Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz, Justin Bieber, and former President Barack Obama. Famous diners also love his Fort Lauderdale iteration. They flock to Vitolo for handcrafted pizzas, pastas, and other regional dishes made with ingredients sourced from the chef’s farm in Sarno, Italy.
Does Fort Lauderdale Have Any Michelin-Starred Restaurants?
Fort Lauderdale has one restaurant with a Michelin star: MAASS. Its sleek atmosphere and luxe multi-course tasting menu, helmed by Chef Ryan Ratino, embody what a fine dining restaurant in Fort Lauderdale should be. Heritage also deserves a shoutout for its Michelin “Bib Gourmand” recognition. This restaurant in Flagler Village (one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale) serves New Italian fare with comfort and finesse.
Great Taste Deserves Space
Are you new to Fort Lauderdale? The first step after you cross the final item off your moving checklist is sampling these irresistible restaurants. Then, once those cravings are satisfied, it’s time for step two: settling into your new home. If your space feels a little cramped after you’re done unpacking, there’s no need to sweat it. CubeSmart’s Fort Lauderdale self-storage solutions have you covered with a range of options to suit your needs, from climate-controlled units to boat storage and more.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
