There are so many reasons to get excited about your trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida! There are beautiful beaches, fun nightlife spots, and, of course, award-winning eateries. If you’re looking to enjoy a taste of the Sunshine State, then you’ll love these restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Get into vacation mode on the first night of your getaway with a meal at one of these stunning spots. Then, look for more local suggestions in our Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide!

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Check Out These Exceptional Fort Lauderdale Restaurants

Waterfront Restaurants

Aruba by the Sea

Did you know that Fort Lauderdale is under 100 miles from the Bahamas? That means there’s plenty of Caribbean fare to be found here! Aruba by the Sea features a wide variety of tropical drinks, nightly live music, and incredible waterfront views. You can stroll in from the beach for a nice lunch break or come later in the evening for happy hour at one of the three bars (complete with fun island tunes).

Boatyard

If you’re in the mood for some seafood and steak, head over to Boatyard! With an “Eat local. Be coastal.” philosophy, this fantastic eatery offers fresh catches at their high-quality raw bar. Here, locally sourced ingredients will tempt your taste buds, while the nautical chic atmosphere captures Fort Lauderdale’s fun yachting culture.

Coconuts

If you’re looking to dine in a more easygoing environment, try Coconuts. This seafood and brunch spot is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll love waking up in your Fort Lauderdale Stays home and enjoying brunch favorites like French toast and lobster Benedict.

Shooters

Sit back and enjoy a divine meal on the water when you dine at Shooters! Here, you’ll find popular American cuisine and drinks fit for royalty. The real star of the show, however, is the magnificent view! You’ll love watching stunning yachts come and go as you nosh on fabulous Caribbean-American cuisine.

Blue Moon Fish Co.

Known for the “freshest seafood by the waterway,” Blue Moon Fish Company is a favorite spot for traveling foodies. This upmarket fish house has a fun outdoor deck and Sunday brunch buffet. At night, this spot’s colorful lights shine on the water, creating a beautiful, twinkling display.

Grille 66 & Bar

With a creative menu and a fancy dining room, Grille 66 & Bar is one of the best places for fine dining in Fort Lauderdale. This restaurant has unobtrusive views of the waterway and prime steak and seafood plates to match. Grille 66 has even won the Diner’s Choice Award!

Romantic Restaurants

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

From the second you step off Las Olas Boulevard and through the revolving door of Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, it’s evident that this restaurant is something special. Here, you and your sweetheart will find a swanky bar featuring hardwood floors and stunning countertops, as well as a large and equally elevated dining room. Top sirloin and lamb highlight the restaurant’s Brazil-inspired main dishes. There’s even a vibrant salad bar boasting plenty of specialty vegetables! Chima is one of the most romantic restaurants in South Florida for happy hour, dinner, or both.

Kaluz

One of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale on the water is Kaluz. This relaxed New American restaurant presents diners with many choices. Will you sit inside or outside, enjoy a signature cocktail such as the Cadillac Margarita, or sip a glass of complex wine? In addition to exceptional drinks, Kaluz offers enticing bites like flatbreads, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. There are plenty of vegetarian options, but meat-eaters will feel like they’re in heaven, too.

Seafood Restaurants

Southport Raw Bar

The Southport Raw Bar in Fort Lauderdale is the city’s oldest raw bar! One of the best seafood restaurants on the water, this eatery is a fun local favorite for Old Bay shrimp, fresh mussels, oysters, and clams. Southport Raw Bar menu items like the dolphin tacos and beer-battered fish and chips are also popular. In addition, this establishment is known for its daily specials, dock-and-dine option, and great happy hour.

Rustic Inn Crabhouse

Interestingly, the >Rustic Inn Crabhouse began as a roadhouse saloon back in 1955. Now, this popular haunt is a bustling seafood restaurant. It serves up steamed crabs, homemade linguini, and other popular dishes like garlic crabs. The Rustic Inn Crabhouse is a favorite for gatherings because of its amazing canal views, outdoor patio, and chic cocktail lounge. After a thoughtfully crafted meal, be sure to indulge in one of the Crabhouse’s signature frozen drinks!

15th Street Fisheries

Another award-winning choice for scrumptious local seafood is 15th Street Fisheries in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. This airy dockside eatery can’t be missed from afar; it has wraparound windows that provide excellent views of the Port Everglades inlet and twinkling lights along its sprawling roof in the evening. We recommend trying the fruits of the sea platter or miso-glazed roasted sea bass for a truly transcendent seafood experience. The 15th Street Fisheries menu also features plenty of appetizers, desserts, and fine wines. Guests can even enjoy their high-quality meal in the upstairs dining room, where the waterfront views are prime.

Riverfront Restaurants

The Pirate Republic

This lively riverfront locale is one of the best Las Olas riverfront restaurants for live music, happy hour, and Caribbean-Mediterranean flavors. The Pirate Republic has even been rated as one of South Florida’s best waterfront eateries. Enjoy a variety of seafood plates, as well as some specialty drinks, at this favorite hangout.

The Chimney House

This circa-1924 house is a fantastic option for Las Olas Boulevard restaurants, serving Pan-Latin fusion dishes and wine while offering pre-theater discounts. Though it’s not right on the water, The Chimney House is worth your while, featuring some delectable tapas, casual sandwiches, and main seafood dishes.

The Foxy Brown

About a block away from the riverfront, you’ll find a cluster of delicious restaurants. One of these is The Foxy Brown. It was voted as one of the best brunches in Fort Lauderdale and is a great option for lunch or dinner as well. If you choose to sit outside, bring your furry friend along; this restaurant is dog-friendly!

Fort Lauderdale Stays Welcomes Foodies

After enjoying a delicious meal at one of these Fort Lauderdale restaurants, come back to your private Fort Lauderdale Stays vacation home for a wonderful evening with friends or that special someone. You’ll love our premium amenities like heated pools, tropical landscaping, and gourmet kitchens! Don’t feel like going out to eat every night of your vacation? Simply fire up your personal patio grill and host a cookout to remember.

Ready to experience the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale? Browse our homes and start planning your culinary adventure today!

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