Although guidebooks often refer to Fort Lauderdale as the "Venice of America", the name "City of Restaurants" would be a better description. From the ocean to the Everglades, a wide range of restaurants exists to serve every imaginable taste and price range. Going out to eat ranks as one of the of the city's top venues. Why? In a city with picture-perfect blue skies and balmy ocean breezes, few people want to stay inside and prepare a meal when paradise is just outside the doorway. The restaurants shown here - some old favorites, some new additions to the dining scene - are among the best the city has to offer.
RUSTIC INN 4331 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-584-1637
This local favorite has been wowing locals and tourists with garlic crabs and fresh seafood since 1955. Started as roadhouse saloon serving crabs as a tasty sideline, the Rustic Inn has grown into a sprawling waterfront establishment with its own dock, barge and several dining rooms. The crabs are the biggest draw. Heaping platters of crabs are served family-style, accompanied by a rubber mallet and bib for each diner at the table. Tradition dictates that empty crab shells are piled on the newspaper-covered tables. The Rustic Inn's no reservation policy produces a long line at times during some peak times but don't give up. The food justifies the wait.
Holidays: Open: All Holidays
Estimated cost per person: $20-$30
SEASONS 52 2428 E. Sunrise Blvd., The Galleria Mall, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 537-1052
Holidays: Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years Day Open: Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, Easter
Estimated cost per person: $20-$30
Seasons 52 takes healthy dining to a new level. Each menu item here is no more than 475 calories, although the rich taste and elegant presentation belie the low calorie count. Natural cooking techniques, such as open fire grilling, maximize the flavors of each dish. The menu changes seasonally to accommodate the freshest ingredients and might include salads or soups. Dessert is a delight. Served in four bite-sized portions, each sweet rich morsel provides just the right ending to a meal. Wine aficionados enjoy the extensive wine list of over 140 international wines. About half of these wines are available by the glass. Reservations are suggested.
JB'S ON THE BEACH 300 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 954-571-5220
Hours: (Mon-Thurs) 11 am - 10pm; (Fri) 11 am - 11 pm; Sat-Sun) 8 am - 11 am; 11:30 am - 11 pm
Located steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, this popular Deerfield Beach restaurant and lounge dishes up everything from salads and sandwiches to full dinners. Not sure what to order? JB's signature items are always a good bet. Breakfast is served on weekends. Sit outside on the patio, where huge fans cool the air even on the hottest days. Or stay cool inside where every table has a view of the beach. Live entertainment rocks the lounge Thursday through Saturday evenings. JB's beach party kicks off every Sunday at noon at the outside Patio Bar with music and food and drink specials.
Holiday Schedule: Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day. Open: Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, New Years Day, Easter
Estimated cost per person: $15-$25
EDUARDO dE SAN ANGEL 2822 E. Commercial Boulevard,, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954-772-4731
Hours: (Mon-Sat) 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
The relatively humble appearance of the exterior of this elegant Mexican establishment gives few clues about the treasure you'll find within. The chef, who was born and raised in Mexico City, has created an intimate hacienda where each diner is treated as an honored guest. The décor of the restaurant looks like a small museum, with each picture and plate placed for maximum effect. Couple a blue agave wine-based margarita with melt-in-your-mouth muffins or a soup topped with squash blossom sauce. Entrees are spiced to perfection, with poblano, green tomatillo sauces and smoked chipotle sharing center stage. Reservations are strongly advised.
Holiday Schedule: Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day. Christmas Eve, New Years Day, Easter Open: New Years Eve
Estimated cost per person: $40-$50
THE MAI-KAI RESTAURANT 3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954-563-3272
The folks at Mai-Kai think on a grand scale. For starters, eight dining rooms, four waterfalls, five bridges, numerous tiki torches, totem poles and other artifacts give this Polynesian-themed showplace a tropical look and feel. Tropical libations served with or without alcohol such as a Tahitian Paradise or Maui Sunrise are sure to please. The user-friendly Cantonese menu offers fresh dishes in huge portions. Limited American dishes are also available. The 45-minute Polynesian revue show is worth the extra charge; costumed performers recreate scenes of Polynesian village life through dance and music. Reservations are a must.
Holiday Schedule: Open: All Holidays
Estimated cost per person: $30-$40, Polynesian Revue extra charge
CANYON SOUTHWEST CAFE 1818 E. Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-765-1950
Canyon sizzles! This crowd-pleaser is packed from the moment the doors open. The mostly young group who keeps coming back for more can't get enough of Canyon's signature prickly pear martinis (more potent than they taste!) and the eclectic blend of grilled and roasted meats and sinful desserts. Oyster skewers are a taste sensation as a starter or a light entrée. Don't come here looking for an intimate dinner; the combination of crowd noise and background music can make normal conversation a challenge during peak hours. Although reservations are not accepted, large parties are advised to call ahead.
Holiday Schedule: Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and the 4th of July (unless it's on a Fri. or Sat.) Open: New Years Day
Estimated cost per person: $35-$45
SAMBA ROOM 350 East Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-468-2000 Hours: (Mon – Thurs) 11:30 pm – 4:00 pm; (Mon – Thurs) 4 pm – 12 am; (Fri) 4 pm – 2 am; (Sat) 5 pm – 2 am; (Sun) 5 pm – 12 am
Is it the pounding rhythm of the Latin music that can be heard up and down Las Olas Boulevard? Or is it the special cocktails conjured up by Samba Room's skillful bartenders, including what most folks say is the best Mojito in Fort Lauderdale. Perhaps it's the amazing Latin fusion cuisine, which by combining grilled meat and seafood with fruit and rare spices produces complex tastes that linger on the tongue. Whatever the reason, people are drawn to this stylish gem in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Quick and attentive service by the knowledgeable staff helps to make this great place even better.
Holiday Schedule: Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day Open: New Years Eve, New Years Day
Estimated cost per person: $35-$45
15TH STREET FISHERIES 1900 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 763-2777 Many of my favorite South Florida eateries are on the infamous intra-coastal waterway. What a better place to enjoy seafood? This restaurant is reminiscent of an old wooden seaside house you would find "up north" with each dining table giving you a feeling of personal treatment. The menu is moderately priced with a unique variety of seafood. For the adventurous diner there is even Ostrich! I usually have the Stone Crabs for an appetizer when they are in season for starters and the Grouper is to die for. This is a great place for date night or special events.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
SHULA'S ON THE BEACH 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 355-4000 You don't have to be a football fan to dine in the classy, yet sporty, ambiance of Shula's but you might run into a former Dolphin or the Coach himself at this succulent steakhouse. Also, another beach favorite, Shula's serves up some of the finest beef that I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy, anywhere. That charbroiled to perfection meat with a side of marvelous mashed potatoes is my personal pick and a guaranteed "touch down" for your palate each and every time!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
MARK'S LAS OLAS 1032 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 463-1000 I had the pleasure of hosting the grand opening of this restaurant in a great new development along the waterway here. Mark's gives you the feeling of a chic bistro that could be almost anywhere. Most of all you feel warm and welcomed from the first time you step inside. One could attribute the feeling you get to its owner and chef, Mark Militello who knows how to do food and do it well. I was never a big Lamb fan until I tried it at Mark's, maybe the mixture of mustard and curry is what won my taste buds over. It's not a "quiet place" that you would expect at this price but well worth the experience.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Of course, I don't want to make enemies of the hundreds of other places that I love to frequent when in South Florida but these are just a few that take you from simple to superb, I urge you to try these and many others!
Until next time, Salute!
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Fort Lauderdale, FL