The 9 Best Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, FL

There are so many great restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area that it’s often hard to know which one to choose. To help you out, we decided to do a roundup of what we believe to be some of the best restaurants in the area. Whether you’re looking for something simple and comfortable or a luxurious night out, you’re sure to find something you like on this list. Here’s our collection of some of the best restaurants around Fort Lauderdale. If we missed one of your favorites, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be sure to add it to our list.

Padrino’s Cuban

If you’re a fan of Cuban food (and it’s hard not to be in Fort Lauderdale), then you’ll definitely want to check out Padrino’s Cuban, located at 1135 N. Federal Highway. What sets this location apart from some of the many other Cuban establishments is that Padrino’s is still using old family recipes. This sense of tradition exists all throughout the restaurant, and you’ll instantly feel a welcoming presence when you go inside. Stop by for some of their classic dishes such as ham croquettes or mojo marinated pork, and you won’t be disappointed.

Cafe Vico

There are many upscale Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, but Cafe Vico may just be the best. For over 20 years, this establishment located at 1125 N. Federal Highway has been providing some of the best Italian food around in a romantic atmosphere. What once started off as a small five-table restaurant now includes a piano bar and even a second location. You can’t really go wrong with any of the Italian dishes here, but one item we recommend is the chicken ravioli, which adds black cherries for a unique taste.

The Alchemist Cafe

The Alchemist Cafe, located at 2430 NE 13th Ave., is a great place to stop when you’re in the mood for a sandwich or a coffee. It’s known for its unique coffee infusions, which you won’t find anywhere else. They’re also known for their open-faced sandwiches, called slivers. Beyond these two signature items, you’ll also find things like shrimp salads, small pizzas, and even lasagna on the menu. Finally, if you’re in the area around breakfast time, be sure to ask about their waffle of the day to give yourself a little treat.

Coconuts

For a great dining atmosphere, head over to Coconuts at 429 Seabreeze Blvd. Coconuts is right on the Intracoastal waterway, which offers some spectacular views while eating. You can even arrive there by boat and park at one of their docks. There’s indoor and outdoor seating available, so you can visit Coconuts regardless of the weather. While you’re here, be sure to try some of their signature cocktails before dinner. The best time to visit is likely after 5 p.m., as the menu expands to include things like grilled oysters.

New York Grilled Cheese

New York Grilled Cheese, located at 2207 Wilton Drive, is the place to visit when you’re in need of some comfort food. As the name suggests, the main item here is a New York-style grilled cheese sandwich. This means sandwiches placed inside a waffle iron to create crispier bread and plenty of gooey cheese. For native New Yorkers, you’ll love the New York-themed menu items, like the Wall Street Grinder. Grab some sandwiches from New York Grilled Cheese during the next rainy day and you won’t regret it.

Greek Islands Taverna

Greek Islands Taverna, located at 3300 N. Ocean Blvd., is another restaurant that makes use of old family recipes. In fact, their kalamata olive-spiked ladoregano sauce became so popular that they needed to start bottling it so that they could sell it separately. This sauce is so good that practically everything on the menu features it. There aren’t many Greek restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, and that’s probably because they couldn’t compete with the Greek Islands Taverna. When you’re in the mood for some delicious Greek lamb chops or a mezze platter, make this your first destination.

Sea Watch on the Ocean

When you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, be sure to stop at Sea Watch on the Ocean. This establishment, located at 6002 N. Ocean Blvd, has been serving fresh seafood straight from the ocean since 1974. You can visit every day for lunch or dinner, or stop by on Sunday for their great brunch menu. Either way, when you visit, you’ll be treated to delicious food alongside excellent views of the ocean through their floor-to-ceiling windows. For a romantic dinner, try visiting around sunset to watch the sun dip behind the water.

Tom Jenkin’s Barbeque

For some of the best barbecue in Fort Lauderdale, you must stop by Tom Jenkin’s Barbeque at 1236 S. Federal Highway. This restaurant started out as a small trailer in the 1990s but quickly became so popular that the owners were able to open a brick-and-mortar location. There are many amazing barbecue options to choose from here, including chicken, port, Texas-style brisket, and ribs that just fall right off the bone. To complete the meal, grab one of their Southern-style sides, like their macaroni and cheese or collard greens.

No Man’s Land

Finally, there’s No Man’s Land, located at 666 N. Federal Highway. Here at No Man’s Land, they aim to offer you an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city. There’s a cocktail parlor with a wide selection of unique drink choices and some inventive small plate options available for dinner. This is a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner out at a nice establishment, especially if you want to have some drinks before dinner.

Improve Your Fort Lauderdale Restaurant With a New Parking Lot

There are many things that set the best restaurants apart from the others. If you’re a restaurant owner in the Fort Lauderdale area, one thing you can start with is your parking area. Your parking lot is the first thing customers notice about you, making it essential that you leave a good first impression. The team at U.S Pave can help repair any issues you’re having with your parking area or install a new parking lot if you need it. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us today.

Image by Lance Asper is licensed with Unsplash License