21 Must-Try Trendy Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale That Will Blow Your Mind

405

Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is where laid-back coastal vibes meet cutting-edge culinary trends. Known for its fresh seafood, bold Latin influences, and waterfront hotspots, this city has everything from sleek rooftop bistros to hidden gems tucked along the canals. Imagine savoring ahi tuna tacos with an ocean view, enjoying innovative fusion dishes in trendy lounges, or sipping handcrafted cocktails in chic, tropical-inspired settings. Whether it’s freshly shucked oysters, a perfectly grilled grouper, or decadent desserts, Fort Lauderdale’s restaurants bring creativity and flavor to every plate. These 21 must-try spots capture the city’s vibrant energy and make it a foodie’s dream destination. Get ready to explore the bold and stylish flavors of South Florida like never before!

👉 Pro Tip: Explore Fort Lauderdale’s flavors with the Craft Food Tour! Visit top spots to sample delicious bites and cocktails while learning about the city’s food scene. Perfect for foodies, this tour is a fun and tasty adventure you won’t forget!

Unique Restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale

Ready to dive into Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant culinary scene? An exciting mix of dining experiences awaits you, from luxurious waterfront restaurants to quaint, hidden gems. Join me as we uncover the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale.

Craving fresh seafood straight from the ocean or a laid-back café with local Floridian flavors? Fort Lauderdale caters to every palate. Whether you’re after a classic beachside meal or something uniquely Floridian, this city has it covered. Here’s your go-to guide to the most unique restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Prepare for a dining journey that’s as lively and memorable as Fort Lauderdale itself!

1. The Wreck Bar

• 📍 Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Dive Bar / American / Tiki Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Live mermaid shows, porthole views into a pool, shipwreck theme, historic location.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Unique date nights, bachelorette parties, and anyone who loves a spectacle.

This is not your average beach bar; it’s a full-on underwater fantasy. The Wreck Bar is designed to look like a sunken Spanish galleon, with dim, blue-hued light and giant portholes that look directly into a hotel pool. The vibe is vintage cool and a little mysterious, until the main event starts and graceful mermaids swim right past your window.

The experience is the real draw, but the tiki drinks and bar bites are solid. You can’t go wrong with a classic Mai Tai or a potent rum punch while you watch the underwater show. For food, the menu has great shareable options like the crispy calamari or the local-favorite smoked fish dip. It’s the perfect snackable food for a one-of-a-kind night.

2. Foxy Brown

If you know, you know – Foxy Brown is local legend for brunch lovers and low-key foodies. This spot blends homey comforts and funky vibes, with cheeky decor, floral wallpaper, and retro touches that will have you snapping pics everywhere. You absolutely cannot skip their Captain Crunch French Toast, which is as wild and sweet as it sounds, and the Donut Burger, which hits all your salty-sweet cravings. It’s a spot to relax with friends or recover from last night’s fun. Grab a seat at the cozy bar or snag one of the street-view tables for some prime people-watching. Riverwalk and the MASS District are just a quick stroll away. Full disclosure: I still dream about their breakfast tots, and the playlist is always on point.

3. Old Heidelberg Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Near Oakland Park Blvd
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German / Bavarian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic German food/beer hall vibe, attached German deli/market, hearty portions, imported German beers.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German food lovers, big beer steins fans, hearty comfort food seekers, finding German imports, and cozy pub nights.

Transport yourself to Bavaria at Old Heidelberg Restaurant. This long-standing spot delivers an authentic German beer hall experience, complete with wood paneling and giant steins of imported German beer. It feels cozy, traditional, and full of gemütlichkeit!

Come hungry for hearty portions. Dive into classic German comfort food like crispy Wiener Schnitzel or Jaeger Schnitzel (with mushroom gravy). Flavorful sausage platters with sauerkraut, or tangy sauerbraten, are also fantastic. Don’t miss the attached deli.

4. El Vez Fort Lauderdale

Palms, neon, and beachy colors meet zesty tacos and tequila flights at El Vez, right on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. The space is pure vacation mode: think vibrant murals, colorful tilework, and open-air seating just steps from the sand. Margarita fans, this is your mecca – their Blood Orange or Spicy Cucumber Margaritas are Instagram gold and go down way too easy. Chow down on their signature Guacamole Sampler or the Baja Fish Tacos. There’s a lively happy hour vibe here, and you’re moments from the beachfront promenade and all the buzz around Las Olas Oceanside Park. After sunset, the place lights up and stays buzzing. Last time, I left with salsa stains, a sunburn, and zero regrets.

5. Shuck N Dive

• 📍 Location: Federal Highway/US1 Area
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cajun / Seafood / Sports Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Louisiana/Cajun sports bar vibe, fresh oysters/seafood focus, casual atmosphere, Abita beer often featured.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cajun food fans, oyster lovers, casual seafood eaters, sports bar hangs, and Abita beer drinkers.

Get a taste of the Big Easy in FTL at Shuck N Dive. This spot rocks a fun, laid-back Louisiana sports bar vibe, perfect for catching a game while slurping down fresh seafood. They’re known for fantastic oysters, served raw or chargrilled.

Beyond oysters, expect flavorful Cajun classics. Their gumbo with shrimp and sausage is a must-try. Jambalaya, or crawfish when in season, are also excellent. Wash it all down with an Abita beer for the full Louisiana experience.

6. Mini Pita Mediterranean Cafe

This tiny gem tucked away off US-1 is perfect for a quick, healthy bite – or the Mediterranean feast you didn’t know you needed. Mini Pita is family-run and it shows, from the warm welcome to the home-style recipes. Their Falafel Pita might be the crispiest you’ll ever eat, and the Chicken Shawarma is legit juicy and full of flavor. Order a side of babaganoush and be happy. The vibe is casual and humble, with a few tables inside and a no-fuss attitude. It’s great for takeout picnics (especially if you’re heading to Holiday Park nearby). I always end up over-ordering here, but that’s half the fun.

7. Yellow Green Farmers Market

• 📍 Location: Hollywood (Just South of FTL)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $30+ per person (varies by vendor)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Diverse Global Street Food / Market Stalls
• 🔥 Standout Features: Huge weekend farmers/food market, tons of diverse food vendors, fresh produce/artisan goods, lively atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie exploration, trying diverse cuisines, weekend outings, finding unique foods/crafts, and grazing/sampling.

The Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood is a must-visit foodie destination (open weekends). This massive market brings together hundreds of vendors, offering an incredible array of international street food alongside fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and more.

Come hungry and explore! You can find everything from Venezuelan arepas and Colombian empanadas. Authentic Thai noodles, fresh ceviche, or gourmet grilled cheese are also popular. Yellow Green is perfect for grazing and discovering new flavors.

8. Kousine Fort Lauderdale

A Peruvian paradise with a modern twist, Kousine is the spot locals rave about for seriously fresh ceviche and punchy Pisco cocktails. The space is sleek and stylish with wood accents, pastel lighting, and a lively open kitchen you can watch all the action from. Don’t miss the Tiradito Nikkei – it’s like a Peruvian sashimi mashup – or the Lomo Saltado, which gets my heart racing every time. The cocktail list is a must, especially their Pisco Sour (the classic, but next-level). Located off Sunrise and close to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, it’s a stellar pre- or post-beach stop. I went for lunch and ended up staying all afternoon. FYI: they do killer to-go ceviche, too.

9. Calypso Restaurant & Raw Bar

• 📍 Location: Pompano Beach (North of FTL)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Caribbean / Seafood / Bahamian Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Colorful island vibe, focus on fresh seafood/conch, Caribbean flavors, popular local spot, often casual/busy.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Caribbean food lovers, fresh seafood fans, conch fritter seekers, casual island dining, and escaping the usual FTL scene.

Catch some island vibes at Calypso Restaurant & Raw Bar. This popular Pompano Beach spot serves delicious Caribbean and Bahamian-inspired cuisine in a colorful, laid-back setting. They’re known for their focus on fresh seafood, especially dishes featuring conch.

Don’t miss their famous conch fritters or some tender cracked conch. Fresh fish preparations, like grilled mahi-mahi with mango salsa, or flavorful jerk chicken wings, are also excellent. It’s a go-to for locals seeking authentic island tastes.

10. Heritage

If you’re craving modern Italian with a legit chef running the show, Heritage is a move you won’t regret. The joint manages to feel both sophisticated and neighborhoody at once, rocking exposed brick, moody lighting, and an old-school vinyl playlist. Try the Sourdough Focaccia (dreamy, chewy, plenty of olive oil) and don’t even think of skipping the wood-fired pizzas – the Spicy Soppressata pie absolutely slaps. The rotating pasta specials are always creative, too. It’s just a few blocks from Flagler Village’s galleries and bars, so dinner here is perfect fuel for a night out. I went solo once and felt totally at home at the bar, wine glass in hand, just watching the chefs work their magic.

11. Larb Thai-Isan

• 📍 Location: Wilton Manors adjacent/North Federal Hwy area
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Thai / Isan (Northeastern Thai) Specialties
• 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on regional Isan Thai food, bold/spicy flavors, larb/papaya salad specialties, authentic/no-frills setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Thai food adventurers, spicy food lovers, exploring regional Thai cuisine, authentic flavor seekers, and trying Larb.

Ready to crank up the heat? Larb Thai-Isan dives deep into the bold, vibrant, and fiery flavors of Northeastern Thailand. Forget standard pad thai; this spot specializes in regional dishes known for their balance of spicy, sour, salty, and savory notes.

As the name suggests, you should definitely try the larb – a delicious minced meat salad (pork or chicken) packed with herbs, lime, and chili. Fantastic som tum (green papaya salad) variations, or grilled pork neck with sticky rice, are also essential.

12. The Wilder

With art deco meets jungle vibes and a cocktail menu that reads like poetry, The Wilder is the perfect spot for a boozy night out or a date with flair. Plush emerald booths, gold accents, and a hidden garden patio set a mood that’s both sultry and playful. The Wilder Margarita packs a punch, as does their signature Caffeine Dream coffee cocktail. Kick off with their Truffle Fries or Spicy Duck Tostada for snacks that go well with that second (or third) drink. It’s walkable to FATVillage and all the nightlife action, and I’ve never left without meeting at least one character at the bar. If you like a spot where the lighting is as good as the drinks, you’re golden here.

13. Riverside Market

• 📍 Location: Riverside Park
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Beer Bar / American Comfort Food / Cafe
• 🔥 Standout Features: Huge craft beer selection (550+!), self-serve coolers, cozy “living room” vibe (sofas!), dog-friendly patio.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Craft beer explorers, relaxed hangs, casual comfort food, unique bar concepts, and feeling at home (with beer!).

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale’s “Official Craft Beer Hangout”! The original Riverside Market is legendary for its incredibly relaxed vibe and absolutely massive craft beer selection – over 550 kinds! Just browse the self-serve coolers and grab what you want.

To soak it all up, they offer tasty American comfort food. Their pizzas, like the “Riverside Special,” are popular. Satisfying sandwiches, such as a classic Reuben or a loaded Italian sub, or their chicken wings, are also great choices.

14. Lona Cocina Tequileria

Located smack on the beach, Lona is the life of the party with a Mexican soul. Expect colorful murals, ocean breeze, and bartenders who know how to make mezcal magic. Lona’s table-side Guacamole is the move here – they add unexpected toppings and extra lime. Trust me, their Queso Fundido and Tacos al Pastor taste even better with a view of the waves. Don’t skip their Smoky Mezcal Negroni. There’s casual outdoor seating right by the boardwalk, and if you time it right for sunset, you’ll get some of the best people-watching in Fort Lauderdale. After a swim, you’ll find me here with a margarita and sunscreen still on my nose.

15. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Dania Beach 
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Ice Cream focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ice Cream Parlor / American Diner Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Old-fashioned ice cream parlor, huge portions (esp. “The Kitchen Sink”), massive candy shop, nostalgic memorabilia decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ice cream lovers, massive dessert challenges, families/kids, nostalgic treats, and old-school Americana fans.

Prepare for sugar overload at Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour in Dania Beach. This legendary, old-fashioned spot has been serving gigantic scoops and epic sundaes since 1956. The decor is packed with vintage license plates and nostalgic memorabilia.

They’re famous for “The Kitchen Sink”, a massive sundae designed for groups. Beyond incredible homemade ice cream (try flavors like Death by Chocolate or Banana Fudge Ripple), their hot fudge sundaes or towering banana splits are must-haves.

16. Sea Salt Fish Market

If ultra-fresh seafood and chill vibes are your game, Sea Salt Fish Market is your new go-to. It’s part market, part counter-service cafe, so you know what you’re eating was pulled from the ocean pretty much that morning. Their Blackened Mahi Sandwich is my gold standard, and if there’s a Lobster Roll special, jump on it – they don’t skimp on the lobster. It’s got a clean, beachy feel inside, and the staff are super friendly about recommending the catch of the day. Take your meal and head to Imperial Point Park nearby, or grab fixings for a beach picnic. I once made friends with a fisherman eating at the counter – everyone here seems to be in on the local secret.

17. Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer

• 📍 Location: Near Downtown/Flagler Village
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Tacos / Mexican Street Food / Craft Beer
• 🔥 Standout Features: Creative/gourmet tacos, good craft beer selection, casual/trendy vibe, fresh ingredients focus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Taco lovers, craft beer fans, casual flavorful meals, trendy hangs, and exploring Flagler Village eats.

Elevate your taco game at Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer. Located in or near the hip Flagler Village area, this spot focuses on serving creative, gourmet-style tacos alongside a well-curated selection of craft beers. Think unique combinations and quality ingredients.

Their Korean beef tacos with kimchi slaw are a standout. The tempura fish tacos with a zesty aioli, or flavorful carnitas tacos with pickled onions, are also excellent choices. The atmosphere is usually casual yet trendy, perfect for grabbing a flavorful bite.

18. Bulegreen Cafe Yard

This lush, off-the-radar Brazilian coffee spot in Oakland Park is a straight-up oasis. Bulegreen is set in an actual yard with plants everywhere, mismatched tables, hammocks, and a chill soundtrack. Their Pao de Queijo (cheese bread) is addictive, and don’t even get me started on their Feijoada stew. The coffee here is next level – try it iced with condensed milk or go for their passionfruit cold brew for something wild. It’s the kind of place you sit with your laptop and lose track of time, or bring a book and just soak in the vibe. I left totally recharged, and the owner will probably chat you up about your day.

19. Bravo Peruvian Cuisine

• 📍 Location: Wilton Manors
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Peruvian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Peruvian dishes, excellent ceviche varieties, flavorful grilled meats (anticuchos), cozy neighborhood feel.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Peruvian food fans, ceviche lovers, trying anticuchos, flavorful neighborhood dining, and exploring Wilton Manors.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Peru at Bravo Peruvian Cuisine. This Wilton Manors spot consistently earns praise for its authentic dishes that showcase the country’s diverse culinary landscape. They’re especially known for their fantastic ceviche.

Trying their ceviche mixto, with super fresh fish and seafood marinated in zesty lime juice and spices, is a must. Tender lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries), or flavorful grilled anticuchos (beef heart skewers), are also excellent.

20. KUBO Asian fusion and bar

• 📍 Location: Near Las Olas Blvd
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Asian Fusion / Filipino Influenced / Sushi
• 🔥 Standout Features: Modern Asian fusion with Filipino focus, stylish decor, creative sushi rolls, craft cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Asian fusion lovers, exploring Filipino flavors, stylish dinners/drinks, date nights, and creative sushi fans.

Experience a modern, stylish take on Asian fusion with a special nod to Filipino flavors at KUBO. Located near the bustling Las Olas area, this restaurant offers a chic atmosphere perfect for enjoying creative dishes that blend influences from across Asia.

Explore unique twists on familiar favorites. Their crispy pork sisig is a standout Filipino dish. Inventive sushi rolls, like the “Kubo Dragon Roll,” or flavorful adobo-glazed chicken wings, also showcase their creative fusion. The presentation is contemporary.

21. The Mason Jar Cafe

• 📍 Location: Near Oakland Park Blvd/Federal Hwy Area
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Comfort Food / Southern Inspired / Brunch Focus
• 🔥 Standout Features: Southern comfort food focus, great breakfast/brunch, mason jar drinks/decor, cozy/casual vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Southern comfort fans, brunch lovers, casual cozy meals, comfort food cravings, and fans of mason jars!

Get your fill of comforting, Southern-inspired goodness at The Mason Jar Cafe. This cozy spot brings down-home flavors to Fort Lauderdale, with a focus on delicious breakfast and brunch dishes served with a side of charm. Expect drinks in classic mason jars.

Dive into satisfying favorites like biscuits and gravy. Their shrimp and grits are creamy and flavorful. Hearty omelets with your choice of fillings, or classic chicken and waffles, are also popular. It’s all about feel-good food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Fort Lauderdale? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Fort Lauderdale’s best restaurants.

What food is Fort Lauderdale known for?

Fort Lauderdale is famous for its seafood. You’ll find fresh catches like mahi-mahi, grouper, and snapper. Don’t miss trying a local favorite, the Florida Stone Crab. Also, the city’s diverse culture means you can enjoy authentic Cuban sandwiches, key lime pie, and conch fritters. I personally love the seafood tacos at beachside shacks!

What is the most popular food in Florida?

In Florida, the Cuban Sandwich reigns supreme. It’s a must-try! Also, Florida is known for its citrus, especially oranges. Seafood, especially Gulf shrimp and stone crabs, is popular too. And you can’t leave Florida without trying Key Lime Pie – it’s a classic.

Does Ft. Lauderdale have a strip of bars?

Yes, Fort Lauderdale has a lively strip of bars, especially along Las Olas Boulevard and A1A near the beach. You’ll find everything from casual beach bars to upscale lounges. The atmosphere is vibrant and perfect for bar hopping.

Are restaurants in Fort Lauderdale better than Miami?

It’s subjective, but Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is impressive. It’s less crowded than Miami and offers diverse culinary experiences. While Miami might be more famous for its high-end dining, Fort Lauderdale excels in cozy, authentic eateries. Plus, flying from Fort Lauderdale allows you to quickly explore these culinary delights firsthand, perhaps starting with the city’s charming and authentic dining spots.

Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale?

No, drinking alcohol is not allowed on Fort Lauderdale beaches. It’s important to follow this rule to avoid fines. However, there are plenty of beach bars where you can enjoy a drink just steps from the sand.