Do you love to travel and discover new flavors? Then this post is for you. This time, we’re bringing you a curated selection of top international cuisine featuring the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of Peruvian, Italian, Greek, or Mexican food; here you’ll find plenty of options for every taste. Let yourself be tempted by the delicious flavors crafted by top international chefs in the Venice of America. Dare to try something new and exciting!
Where to eat in Fort Lauderdale
If there’s one thing you can’t miss during your vacation in the city of canals, it’s enjoying its local and international cuisine. Food lovers will find a wide variety of options to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re looking for restaurants with live shows in Fort Lauderdale, fine dining experiences, or more affordable spots, you’ll find exactly what you need to delight your taste buds.
Stop wasting time searching for where to eat in Fort Lauderdale and check out our top recommendations!
Affordable restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale offers a wide and diverse culinary scene with options for every taste and budget. You’ll find everything from upscale international cuisine to mid-range spots and affordable eateries serving delicious, budget-friendly dishes.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy an outdoor meal, don’t worry, many restaurants feature spacious patios and terraces where you can savor a tasty breakfast or a hearty sandwich.
And for those who prefer to eat on a budget while sampling a wider variety of dishes, we’ve rounded up some of the best cheap restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Get ready to enjoy some truly exquisite flavors!
- Laspada’s Original Hoagies: 1495 SE 17th St D, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. House specialties: turkey and ham sandwiches, Russian salad, and a wide variety of hoagies.
- Casa Frida Cocina Mexicana: 5441 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Signature dishes: Mayan-style roasted pork, lamb barbacoa, fried corn tortillas stuffed with filling, and roasted poblano pepper.
- Las Carnitas Latin Food: 3221 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Irresistible flavors: Cuban sandwiches, pupusas, tacos, tamales, and tortillas.
- Lester´s Diner: 250 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. Classic recipes: grilled Jersey pork chops, grilled sirloin steak, and a variety of flavorful sandwiches.
Fine dining restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is known as a top-tier tourist destination, and its restaurants are no exception. If you’re a food lover who enjoys exclusive culinary experiences, you have to try some of the exquisite dishes this city has to offer. In Fort Lauderdale’s fine dining restaurants, you’ll find unique creations such as premium-quality lobster, fresh seafood, and truly exceptional cuts of meat, all crafted to meet the expectations of even the most discerning diners.
- Bistro Mezzaluna: 1821 SE 10th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Specialties: lobster bisque, shrimp rolls, and the signature Bistro house salad.
- The Capital Grille: 2430 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Main dishes: a selection of premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and high-end wines.
- Boatyard: 1555 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Signature recipes: honey mustard–glazed salmon, garlic shrimp, tuna tartare, steamed mussels, and fried calamari.
Types of international cuisine in Fort Lauderdale
With its wide culinary offerings and unique blend of cultures, Fort Lauderdale is a foodie destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The colors, textures, and aromas of the food served here are truly exceptional.
1. Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are known for offering an authentic culinary experience that reflects the culture and history of Italy. Traditional dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and served in generous portions, two key reasons why diners always come back for more.
Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of pastas, pizzas, meats, seafood, and salads, all made with homemade sauces and spices that bring out the best flavors. Italian desserts like tiramisu, cannoli, and panna cotta are also very popular among visitors.
In addition to their extensive selection of Italian wines, these establishments stand out for their warm and welcoming service, making them some of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, perfect for celebrating special occasions with your partner.
- La Dolce Vita: 3331 NE 33rd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. House specialties: classic and contemporary dishes, outstanding pastas, and a curated selection of fine Italian wines.
- Casa D’Angelo Ristorante: 1201 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3304. Signature dishes: veal carpaccio, crispy fried calamari, and fettuccine Bolognese.
- Bellagamba’s Fine Italian Restaurant: 501 SE 2nd St Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Specialties: handcrafted pastas, lobster ravioli, grilled octopus, and fresh seafood.
2. Brazilian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re a fan of delicious Brazilian cuisine, you don’t have to travel far from the U.S. to experience the authentic flavors of this vibrant country. Fort Lauderdale is home to a community of Brazilian restaurants that will transport you straight to Brazil with every bite. From traditional dishes like feijoada and coxinha to popular churrasco and refreshing fruit cocktails, these restaurants are a true treat for the senses.
But that’s not all. You can also enjoy an authentic Brazilian churrasco: a selection of grilled meats carved right at your table. And for those with a sweet tooth, desserts like brigadeiro (chocolate truffles), pudim de leite condensado (sweet milk flan), or creamy caramel flan are the perfect way to end your evening.
- Chima Steakhouse: 2400 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Chef’s recommendation: Brazilian churrasco and a wide selection of grilled meat cuts.
- Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse: 201 E Las Olas Blvd Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Specialties: Wagyu ribeye, pan-seared salmon, and a gourmet salad bar.
- Restaurante Brasil: 843 W Sample Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. Main dishes: sirloin steak, fried fish, and pork ribs.
3. Peruvian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Peruvian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale offer a wide variety of dishes, including ceviche, tiraditos, anticuchos, aji de gallina, lomo saltado, and arroz con pollo. These recipes are prepared with fresh, local ingredients such as corn, tubers, chili peppers, quinoa, meat, and seafood. They’re often served with homemade sauces and spices that enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient.
The blend of flavors and colors is simply fascinating, and it’s not uncommon to find these dishes featured at seafood restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, which have eagerly embraced the richness of Peruvian cuisine.
Desserts are also quite popular, with favorites like suspiro a la limeña, mazamorra morada, and arroz con leche gracing many menus.
- Mancora Ceviche Bar: 234 Almond Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. House specialties: fish ceviche, mixed ceviche, shrimp ceviche, and octopus ceviche. They also serve other traditional Peruvian dishes such as lomo saltado and aji de gallina.
- Cabaña 28: 6351 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Signature dishes: ceviche, arroz chaufa, anticuchos, and other traditional Peruvian favorites.
- Bravo Peruvian Kitchen: 9711 W Sample Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33076. Typical dishes: grilled octopus anticuchero, sea bass ceviche, lomo saltado, and seafood rice. The restaurant also features a bar offering authentic Peruvian drinks like pisco sour.
4. Cuban restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Cuban restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are known for their distinctive blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean culinary influences, featuring ingredients like garlic, onion, cilantro, cumin, and pepper. Pork and beef are essential elements in Cuban cuisine and are prepared in many ways, from roasts to stews.
Cuban food also stands out for its traditional dishes such as rice with beans, ropa vieja, fried sweet plantains, tamales, and the famous Cuban sandwiches. Desserts are equally delicious, offering sweet and tropical flavors like coconut flan, rice pudding, guava pastries, and tres leches cake.
- Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant: 1135 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Chef’s specialties: vaca frita, arroz con pollo, picadillo, and camarones enchilados. They also offer a wide variety of Cuban sandwiches.
- Little Cuban Cafe: 3433 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Signature dishes: authentic ropa vieja, grilled Mahi-Mahi, and roasted pork.
- Mario’s Catalina Restaurant: 6250 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Featured dishes: roasted pork, garlic mussels, and crispy fried chicken (chicharron de pollo).
5. Greek restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re looking for a culinary experience that transports you to the mythical streets of Greece, look no further, the Greek community in Fort Lauderdale has brought its rich gastronomic heritage to life, creating a variety of restaurants that serve a delicious selection of traditional Greek dishes.
From the classic tzatziki to the famous gyros, Fort Lauderdale’s Greek restaurants will take you on a flavorful journey along the Mediterranean coast for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Ethos Greek Bistro: 1465 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Specialties: moussaka, souvlaki, kleftiko, and baklava.
- Greek Islands Taverna: 3300 N Ocean Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Featured dishes: grilled octopus, hummus, horiatiki salad, Greek salad, moussaka, and baklava.
- Thasos: 3330 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Recommended delights: tzatziki, Greek salad, chicken and pork souvlaki, spanakopita, and dolmades.
6. Mexican restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Mexican restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are known for their use of unique spices and native ingredients like corn, chili peppers, and beans, taking you on a culinary journey through the authentic and traditional flavors of Mexico. With freshly made tortillas, enchiladas covered in spicy sauce, hominy pozole, and burritos filled with juicy meat, every bite bursts with flavor and transports you straight to Aztec land.
Beyond these delicious dishes, which are just a small taste of the authenticity of Mexican cuisine, you’ll also find hundreds of time-honored recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
- La Bamba Mexican and Spanish Restaurant: 5452 W Sample Rd, Margate, FL 33073. Recommended selection: beef and chicken fajitas, loaded nachos, and fresh fruit margaritas.
- El Camino: 817 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. House specialties: fried fish tacos, fresh guacamole, and corn tortilla enchiladas.
- Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar: 1313 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Signature dishes: hand-crafted guacamole, al pastor shrimp tacos, and corn tortillas
7. Argentine restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Argentine cuisine is a masterful blend of European flavors—especially from Spanish and Italian gastronomy—combined with the traditional tastes of criollo cooking, all enhanced with a modern touch that makes it truly unique.
These exquisite Argentine flavors have made their way to Fort Lauderdale, where you can enjoy some of the most welcoming and delightful restaurants serving iconic dishes like the famous asado or parrillada, where meat is the undisputed star of the table. But that’s not all, you can also savor other classic favorites like polenta, choripan, and empanadas, all guaranteed to create a true flavor celebration for your palate.
- Baires Grill Las Olas: 1307 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Featured choices: bife de chorizo, milanesa, and an extensive wine list.
- Lazo Empanadas: 908 NE 62nd Street Oakland Park, FL 33334. House specialties: traditional baked Argentine empanadas and sweet empanadas filled with Nutella and banana or guava and cream cheese.
- Bariloche Gourmet: 2915 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Main dishes: bife de chorizo, beef milanesa, and churrasco served with homemade chimichurri.
Oceanfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
The oceanview restaurants in Fort Lauderdale offer a truly unique experience you can’t miss. The beauty of the sea combined with delicious cuisine makes them the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner or celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.
The stunning view, the sound of the waves, and the cool ocean breeze create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere unlike any other. Plus, most of these restaurants serve a wide variety of fresh seafood and other American dishes to satisfy every palate.
- Casablanca Cafe: 3049 Alhambra St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Irresistible flavors: Caesar salad, grilled chicken sandwich, French onion soup, and grilled mussels.
- Shooters Waterfront: 3033 NE 32nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Specialties: crispy coconut shrimp, brie and apple chicken sandwich, sushi rolls, and smoked fish dip.
- S3 (Sun Surf Sand): 505 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd Suite S, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Signature dishes: seafood ceviche, oak-grilled octopus, and Thai tuna roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most common questions tourists have about the best restaurants to visit in Fort Lauderdale.
Which is the most exclusive area in Fort Lauderdale?
The most exclusive area in Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas. If you’re looking for exclusivity, a sophisticated lifestyle, and direct access to both the ocean and the Intracoastal, this is the perfect choice. Here, you’ll find the city’s famous luxury mansions with private yacht docks. In fact, Las Olas isn’t just Fort Lauderdale’s most exclusive neighborhood, it rivals destinations like Miami Beach and Palm Beach.
If you’d like to learn more about where to stay in the city, check out our post on the best areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale.
What restaurants are near Fort Lauderdale Airport?
There are several restaurants near Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular options include:
- Old Heidelberg Restaurant.
- El Tamarindo Cafe.
- YOT Bar & Kitchen.
- Lester´s Diner.
- Mini Pita Mediterranean Cafe.
- Rendezvous.
- Hatch.
- Jet Runway Cafe.
What restaurants are near Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale has plenty of great dining options along Las Olas Boulevard. Here are some of them:
- Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar.
- Chima Steakhouse.
- Bombay Darbar Indian Restaurant.
- Wild Sea Las Olas.
- Caffe Europa.
- YOLO Restaurant.
- Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria.
We’re glad you accepted this invitation to savor the culinary delights at the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. We hope every dish amazes you , just like the unforgettable places this country has to offer.
