The best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale to book right now

What is it? Daniel’s took over the former Valentino/Canyon space in Rio Vista and quickly became the booked-every-night spot for Lauderdale’s yacht club crowd. They’re here for the ambiance, a glitzy yet subdued decor uncommon in this flip-flops-at-dinner city. But they’re also here for the cooking of Daniel Ganem, chef at the acclaimed Coral Gables Italian restaurant Fiola—which just reopened as a second Daniel’s location.

Why we love it: As the name suggests, this is a steakhouse with a Florida theme; meats, fish and produce are sourced within the state when possible. Because it's Ganem, there are also typically a couple of outstanding pasta dishes on the menu, like lobster fra diavolo, and a Key lime pie with a darling meringue crown. Sunday through Thursday, Daniel's provides corkage service ($85 per bottle, two-bottle limit per table). 

Time Out tip: For the team’s take on a “Florida sports bar,” head next door to D’s, where you’ll find wings, gussied-up tots and one of the best double smashburgers in town in a more relaxed clubhouse-style space.

Address: 620 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

Expect to pay: $75 to $150 per person, but you could easily spend more, depending on what you’re drinking, whether you’re sharing and how decadent you want to go on your cut.

What is it? Chef Ryan Ratino runs a pair of Michelin-starred restaurants in D.C., and his Maass in the Four Seasons on Fort Lauderdale Beach feels like it’s aiming for the same caliber. In fact, the restaurant’s 12-seat Chef’s Counter was recently awarded the first and only Michelin star in Fort Lauderdale.

Why we love it: Available throughout the restaurant, the $145 seasonal tasting menu covers all the Maass highlights, including a foie gras macaron and black truffle gnocchi. While consistency can be an issue with service and food temperatures, few places in Fort Lauderdale are as ambitious as the fine-dining aspirations at Maass.

Time Out tip: For a special occasion, book the Chef’s Counter experience, which is available at two price points. For $195, The Excursion features four starter bites followed by seven courses and two finishing bites. Or go all out with The Voyage, a $375-per-person tasting that screams opulence with the addition of ingredients like caviar and wagyu. 

Address: 525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri–Sun 11:30am-2pm, 5–10pm

Expect to pay: $100 or more per person

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What is it? Some locals might be angry that we’ve written about Larb Thai-Isan, one of those strip-mall spots putting out amazing food that you just want to keep to yourself. Now that the secret is exposed, bring friends so you can order a lot. 

Why we love it: The chicken or pork larb (of course); fried rib meat chunks marinated in fish sauce; papaya salad with salted crab; ground pork with chili and garlic; and especially the duck salad with a spicy, sweet fish sauce and crunchy fried duck skin.

Time Out tip: Larb doesn’t take reservations and gets pretty packed, especially on weekend nights. Expect to wait around 30 minutes or more for your table—the earlier you arrive, the better.

Address: 6234 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Opening hours: Wed–Mon 11:30am–10pm

Expect to pay: $30 to $50 per person for an appetizer, main dish, dessert and drink.

What is it? Timon Balloo made a name for himself by collecting accolades as head chef of Sugarcane in Miami before heading north to open this homey neighborhood fusion spot named after his wife, Marissa Katherine. 

Why we love it: Balloo combines inspiration from family recipes, such as the Chinese dishes that his mom made as a kid and the sancocho of Katherine’s Colombian grandmother. That’s evident with the deeply umami heirloom tomatoes in coconut vinaigrette and the richly seasoned Trini oxtail with Haitian pikliz. While dining here, I’ve often said that I’d never had anything like the creative dish in front of us, but we hope very much to see them again soon.

Time Out tip: The seasonal, sustainable menu changes often, so there’s always something new to try. The Katherine is also one of few Fort Lauderdale restaurants to focus on natural and organic wines.

Address: 723 E Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 4–9pm; Fri 4–10pm; Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

Expect to pay: About $50 to $100 for two to three dishes and a cocktail per person.

What is it? Since 1955, Rustic Inn has served as the spot where locals celebrate birthdays and anniversaries by bibbing up and banging wooden mallets into just-steamed crabs. The inside is loud, old-school and cafeteria-like while the outside dock offers a casual waterfront vibe. 

Why we love it: I wouldn’t promise that you’ll love the prepared dishes, and you’ll wish somebody else is paying when it comes to the crabs: $75 for a hefty, garlicky bowl of blue, queen or dungeness. But the seriously rustic space is a time capsule, and there’s just something celebratory about hammering until you end up with a sweet pile of garlicky crab legs.

Time Out tip: If you’re new to the area, consider sampling some of the more unique local fare: fried frog legs and alligator bites both feature on the menu, the latter of which tastes like a mix of chicken and veal.

Address: 4331 Anglers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11:30am–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

Expect to pay: $50 to $100 per person

What is it? A friend of mine who had recently returned from spending three months in Italy had a pretty wild declaration: he hadn’t had a pizza in the Old World better than the one at Heritage. It’s not entirely surprising to those who’ve had the pies here, which came about when chef Rino Cerbone perfected the dough recipe he learned in his family’s pizzeria to create his own version. 

Why we love it: Cerbone, who has a side hustle fronting a rock band, isn’t just a one-hit-wonder with those pies because his pasta and Italian-inspired dishes also sing, especially the eggplant parmigiana and a baked razor clam dish that’s reason enough to come.

Time Out tip: Heritage has been a tough reservation since it opened, and even harder since the restaurant earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award earlier this year. Table reservations open 14 days in advance, but the bar and pizza bar are saved for walk-ins if you’re willing to take your chances.

Address: 903 NE 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 11:30am–3pm, 5–11pm

Expect to pay: $50 to $100 per person, including drinks, and depending on whether you’re going for casual pizza or a fuller meal.

What is it? A 1950s-era bastion of tiki culture, famed for its Hawaiian-style Polynesian revue, potent tropical cocktails, and cavernous, kitsch-filled dining room. The vibe here is festive, with island-inspired garb highly encouraged and almost everyone celebrating something (you’ll know what I mean by the end of the show). Though secondary to the entertainment, the creative Chinese/Asian menu more than does the job with flavorful dishes like spicy honey guava chicken and short rib over plantain mash.

Why we love it: This legendary spot recently underwent a four-year, $20 million restoration that surprisingly retained all of its historic charm. Expect the same transportive, nostalgic details like thatched roofing, dim lantern lighting, elaborate carved wood columns and faux bamboo furnishings, alongside updated finishes, fresh flooring and a popular new outdoor bar dubbed Bora Bora.

Time Out tip: Timing is everything and your meal should revolve around the live show. Arrive early (like 3:45pm for the 5pm performance) to avoid rushed courses and actually admire the plating before the lights dim. Or skip the show and get your tiki fix at either of Mai-Kai’s cocktail bars.

Address: 3599 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri 4pm–2am; Sat 3pm–2am; Sun noon–midnight

Expect to pay: Seatings range from $23 to $33 per guest for the show, depending on where you’re sitting. Additionally, each guest is required to purchase one entree during the show, which range in price from $18 to $49. An entrée is included in the show charge for children under the age of 12.

What is it? A gorgeous, intimate Eastern Mediterranean restaurant on the rooftop of the Four Seasons overlooking the Atlantic. Chef Brandon Salomon focuses on the Levant region—Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and parts of Turkey—incorporating spices like sumac, za’atar, dukkah, and turmeric into a menu of bright and beautifully composed shared plates. Lead Mixologist Matthew Dress’ cocktails likewise take cues from the region, as in an Aleppo pepper and coriander-spiced margarita.

Why we love it: This is a spot that works perfectly for a special occasion, but also for when you just need a little mental vacation with ocean views and a crisp glass of wine. The truffle hummus, Wagyu skewers and tropical pavlova dessert are all can’t-miss dishes. 

Time Out tip: The menus here are extensive, from breakfast and weekend brunch to lunch and dinner. Simplify your experience and take in the breadth of Chef’s talents with the tasting menu, which starts at $125 per person. Go for the optional wine pairing if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Address: 525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Opening hours: Daily 7:30am–11pm

Expect to pay: Starting around $50 per person during breakfast, and upwards of $100 per person at dinner. The festive weekend brunch experience costs $70 per person and includes a welcome cocktail and two courses, in addition to à la carte options.

What is it? Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr’s steakhouse takes up a choice waterfront spot at the bottom of The W hotel. But grab an indoor seat to enjoy what might be an even better view of a massive fish tank of glowing jellyfish. 

Why we love it: The traditional steakhouse classics are on the menu, with high-end choices covering dry-aged and wagyu cuts. While those steaks are fine choices, somebody at the table ought to order the $85 cheesesteak: American wagyu and truffle cheese whiz on a brioche roll, served with a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut.

Time Out tip: Steak 954 is dinner-only except on Sundays, when brunch service includes a menu of elevated sweet and savory classics plus the option to add two eggs, breakfast potatoes and toast for $12 to any cut of steak.

Address: 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 5–10pm; Sun 11am–3pm, 5–10pm

Expect to pay: $100 or more per person, depending on steak and drink selections.

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What is it? A bright and bustling contemporary Jewish deli with a menu of comforting classics, a full bar and nostalgic drinks like shakes, malts, egg creams and root beer floats. 

Why we love it: As a South Florida native, I’ve yet to find a more enjoyable all-around Jewish deli in Broward or Miami. Dishes like matzo brei, challah French toast, Reuben and pastrami sandwiches hit all the notes they should, without leaving you feeling like you’d better skip your next three meals. There’s lighter fare like salads and granola bowls, and plenty of dishes you’ll want to order to quell last night’s sins, like an earthy ramen made with bacon broth. Whatever your deli fantasy happens to be that day, Top Hat nails it.

Time Out tip: The matzo ball soup is the best I’ve ever had—order it!

Address: 415 NE 3rd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Opening hours: Daily 8am–3pm

Expect to pay: Around $20 to $50 per person, depending on whether you’re going boozy.

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What is it? Before arriving at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, chef Anthony Vitolo served a whole lot of celebrities at his Emilio’s Ballato in New York. No word yet on whether Taylor Swift will also visit the Lauderdale location, but I can say the dishes at Vitolo in Fort Lauderdale are worthy of her appearance.

Why we love it: Generally, the menu runs the gamut of American red sauce Italian: bolognese, chicken Milanese and ricotta ravioli. But like the restaurant's stylish space, these dishes are prepared and presented in more elegant ways—you might even say it’s like Taylor’s version.

Time Out tip: Vitolo is located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, but the restaurant itself occupies a space on the western side of the hotel, meaning no pretty ocean views with your meal. For those, you can head around the corner to Takato, the highly rated Japanese-Korean restaurant in the same building.

Address: 551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–10pm; Fri 4–11pm; Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm

Expect to pay: $50 to $100 per person

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What is it? LaSpada’s is an iconic Fort Lauderdale chain serving the kinds of hoagies and deli sandwiches Subway could only dream of. They also offer salad platters (their version of turning your hoagie into a “bowl”) and deli salads with generous scoops of chicken, tuna, potato or macaroni salad.

Why we love it: LaSpada’s has been in the hoagie game since 1972 and has grown to include five locations as far north as Boca Raton down to Davie, where the hefty sammies can be relied upon to come out quick and delicious every time. Their formula is simple and uncompromising: fresh-baked Italian bread is layered with sliced-to-order premium deli meats and cheeses, topped with high-quality veg and condiments and then folded back over with yet another layer of meat (what they lovingly refer to as the “meatblanket”).

Time Out tip: These are no ordinary sandwich artists: LaSpada’s staff have been known to toss meat across the line from slicer to roll in a dramatic aerial deli performance that’s allegedly the secret to their swift-moving lines. Witnessing this feat is part of the experience.

Address: 1495D SE 17th St. Cswy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 11am–8pm

Expect to pay: $10 to $20 per person