Lary’s Favorite Restaurants
Food scene
This Italian Restaurant is close to the beach and is very popular with locals and tourist. All of their pastas are really good and everything is homemade. The side salads and soaps are nice portions with a meal. You can have dinner rolls with or without garlic or mixed. If you like garlic be prepared because the rolls are swimming in it. The decor has just been updated and is very nice. They have a full service bar. Weekends are busy so there could be a wait that looks long but they get you in pretty fast.
53 locals recommend
IL Mulino
1800 E Sunrise BlvdThis Italian Restaurant is close to the beach and is very popular with locals and tourist. All of their pastas are really good and everything is homemade. The side salads and soaps are nice portions with a meal. You can have dinner rolls with or without garlic or mixed. If you like garlic be prepared because the rolls are swimming in it. The decor has just been updated and is very nice. They have a full service bar. Weekends are busy so there could be a wait that looks long but they get you in pretty fast.
I love all Italian Food but this is my all time absolute favorite. Everything is family style and you get huge portions so don't let the prices scare you. There is plenty for everyone to share and still take home. The wait staff can guide your group on portion sizes. Tuesday is very popular for their special on whole chickens deep friend in a broiler with their special recipe. It comes served on fire over bread with a taste of olive oil and lemon. I am not a big chicken eater and I try to avoid anything that says "deep fried" but this is really the best. If you are a group, I would recommend you ordering this with their family style rigatoni in red sauce with meat balls and sausage.
The inside has an open kitchen and that New York loud restaurant feel but you quickly get used to it. They do have covered outside seating which is nice but don't expect a view since it's right on Federal Highway. Just pull up. It's all valet parking. Also, call ahead for a reservation.
13 locals recommend
kitchenetta
2850 N Federal HwyI love all Italian Food but this is my all time absolute favorite. Everything is family style and you get huge portions so don't let the prices scare you. There is plenty for everyone to share and still take home. The wait staff can guide your group on portion sizes. Tuesday is very popular for their special on whole chickens deep friend in a broiler with their special recipe. It comes served on fire over bread with a taste of olive oil and lemon. I am not a big chicken eater and I try to avoid anything that says "deep fried" but this is really the best. If you are a group, I would recommend you ordering this with their family style rigatoni in red sauce with meat balls and sausage.
The inside has an open kitchen and that New York loud restaurant feel but you quickly get used to it. They do have covered outside seating which is nice but don't expect a view since it's right on Federal Highway. Just pull up. It's all valet parking. Also, call ahead for a reservation.
Excellent French Restaurant that has been around for years but remains relevant and a local favorite for special occasions or just a romantic night. Located in an upscale shopping center on Federal Highway, they have an extensive wine collection and feature wine tasting every 1st & 3rd Tuesday and the food is fantastic.
17 locals recommend
Sage French Cafe
2378 N Federal HwyExcellent French Restaurant that has been around for years but remains relevant and a local favorite for special occasions or just a romantic night. Located in an upscale shopping center on Federal Highway, they have an extensive wine collection and feature wine tasting every 1st & 3rd Tuesday and the food is fantastic.
Season 52 changes their menu to new seasonal dish for each season. So even though South Florida only has one season, I love the dishes and the spring and fall remind me of being back home up north. Season's have a healthy flair with each dish staying under 550 calories and you'll still leave there very satisfied. After dinner the waiter will bring you a display of their shot glass size dessert so can get just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and not feel guilty.
Great atmosphere and professional staff. You usually don't need a reservation and they have a full service bar if you need to wait a few minutes.
47 locals recommend
Seasons 52
2428 E Sunrise BlvdSeason 52 changes their menu to new seasonal dish for each season. So even though South Florida only has one season, I love the dishes and the spring and fall remind me of being back home up north. Season's have a healthy flair with each dish staying under 550 calories and you'll still leave there very satisfied. After dinner the waiter will bring you a display of their shot glass size dessert so can get just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and not feel guilty.
Great atmosphere and professional staff. You usually don't need a reservation and they have a full service bar if you need to wait a few minutes.
Small, family-owned restaurant showcasing traditional Spanish cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Don't let the fact that it's in a strip center fool you. It's very charming in side with a great menu and excellent service. The place is very popular and you will need to make a reservation. If you are a large group they do have a private room for 10 or more. Can get pricey.
18 locals recommend
Cafe Seville
2768 E Oakland Park BlvdSmall, family-owned restaurant showcasing traditional Spanish cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Don't let the fact that it's in a strip center fool you. It's very charming in side with a great menu and excellent service. The place is very popular and you will need to make a reservation. If you are a large group they do have a private room for 10 or more. Can get pricey.
This is a french style casual restaurant and bakery. It nice for breakfast or lunch but not some place I would recommend for dinner only because there are so many choices. If you are looking for something other they eggs and bacon, it's a great place for quiche, soup and salad.
22 locals recommend
Rendezvous restaurant
1576 E Oakland Park BlvdThis is a french style casual restaurant and bakery. It nice for breakfast or lunch but not some place I would recommend for dinner only because there are so many choices. If you are looking for something other they eggs and bacon, it's a great place for quiche, soup and salad.
This is one of my favorites as far a New American cuisine goes. The menu has a pretty broad range from casual sandwiches to fresh fish dinners. The food is good but the atmosphere is great in this airy, modern waterside destination with outdoor couches & a bar watching the sunset on the breezy intercostal. They have valet parking but you can always get their by boat or water taxi.
168 locals recommend
Kaluz Restaurant
3300 E Commercial BlvdThis is one of my favorites as far a New American cuisine goes. The menu has a pretty broad range from casual sandwiches to fresh fish dinners. The food is good but the atmosphere is great in this airy, modern waterside destination with outdoor couches & a bar watching the sunset on the breezy intercostal. They have valet parking but you can always get their by boat or water taxi.
Foodies flock to this to this upmarket fish house with a romantic vibe, outdoor deck & Sunday buffet brunch. The restaurant is known as one of the finest dining establishments on America’s east coast serving fresh seafood by the waterway. It is a well-known fact that Blue Moon offers the finest waterfront dining in Fort Lauderdale.
Prices range from $30-$80 for an entree so it can be a bit pricey but it's 5 star and well worth it. If you are on a budget, try lunch which is still good for half the price.
97 locals recommend
Blue Moon Fish Co.
4405 W Tradewinds AveFoodies flock to this to this upmarket fish house with a romantic vibe, outdoor deck & Sunday buffet brunch. The restaurant is known as one of the finest dining establishments on America’s east coast serving fresh seafood by the waterway. It is a well-known fact that Blue Moon offers the finest waterfront dining in Fort Lauderdale.
Prices range from $30-$80 for an entree so it can be a bit pricey but it's 5 star and well worth it. If you are on a budget, try lunch which is still good for half the price.
A seafood-centric menu featuring the freshest daily catches and seasonal contemporary American cuisine in an upscale, laid-back atmosphere with seaside dining inventive cocktails and happy hours for patrons to enjoy inside, outside or dockside.
115 locals recommend
Boatyard
1555 SE 17th StA seafood-centric menu featuring the freshest daily catches and seasonal contemporary American cuisine in an upscale, laid-back atmosphere with seaside dining inventive cocktails and happy hours for patrons to enjoy inside, outside or dockside.
Casablanca Café, was built in 1927 for the Jova family. It was the first home constructed on Fort Lauderdale Beach and is the oldest remaining structure. South Florida doesn't have a lot of history so the very charm of this place makes it one of my favorites and someplace very special to me. It the first place I ate at when I was brought here for a job interview in 1997 and having lunch on the Ocean was love at first sight and I never went back. Even if you have to wait a bit, you're on the beach so you have some time to get those selfies before you dine. Even if your sitting inside, take a walk around the inside bar area and upstairs. Oh, the food is good and not expensive. I like the grille shrimp caesar salad.
124 locals recommend
Casablanca Cafe
3049 Alhambra StCasablanca Café, was built in 1927 for the Jova family. It was the first home constructed on Fort Lauderdale Beach and is the oldest remaining structure. South Florida doesn't have a lot of history so the very charm of this place makes it one of my favorites and someplace very special to me. It the first place I ate at when I was brought here for a job interview in 1997 and having lunch on the Ocean was love at first sight and I never went back. Even if you have to wait a bit, you're on the beach so you have some time to get those selfies before you dine. Even if your sitting inside, take a walk around the inside bar area and upstairs. Oh, the food is good and not expensive. I like the grille shrimp caesar salad.
Great Ocean view. Good range of choices with all being very good. Portions are a reasonable size, extensive California wine cellar. Try the outside bar at sunset.
14 locals recommend
Dune Fort Lauderdale
2200 North Ocean BoulevardGreat Ocean view. Good range of choices with all being very good. Portions are a reasonable size, extensive California wine cellar. Try the outside bar at sunset.
Chill, beachy hangout on the Intracoastal dishing seafood & Sunday brunch while yachts cruise by. I've enjoyed this place many Sunday's for brunch. They are always busy and do have a wait but they have do have a guy making fresh donuts for free while you wait. Not sure what that is all about but they are really good. They also have good bloody Marys and a oyster bar. It's a nice outside atmosphere. I do have to say that I had a group of 6 guest and each pick one of my recommendations. This was the only one they weren't overwhelmed by but it could have just been a bad day. They do have good ratings online.
189 locals recommend
Coconuts
429 Seabreeze BlvdChill, beachy hangout on the Intracoastal dishing seafood & Sunday brunch while yachts cruise by. I've enjoyed this place many Sunday's for brunch. They are always busy and do have a wait but they have do have a guy making fresh donuts for free while you wait. Not sure what that is all about but they are really good. They also have good bloody Marys and a oyster bar. It's a nice outside atmosphere. I do have to say that I had a group of 6 guest and each pick one of my recommendations. This was the only one they weren't overwhelmed by but it could have just been a bad day. They do have good ratings online.
Easygoing unassuming spot from a Bravo TV Top Chef offering a raw bar & small bites plus champagne & cocktails
This place offers an eclectic vibe and produces the most inspiring food from a postage stamp sized kitchen. Oysters from multiple regions. Rib-eye steaks cooked to perfection every time. Homemade key lime pie and rich brewed coffee to top off the experience.
This place is smail and popular so make reservations.
18 locals recommend
Bubbles & Pearls
2037 Wilton DrEasygoing unassuming spot from a Bravo TV Top Chef offering a raw bar & small bites plus champagne & cocktails
This place offers an eclectic vibe and produces the most inspiring food from a postage stamp sized kitchen. Oysters from multiple regions. Rib-eye steaks cooked to perfection every time. Homemade key lime pie and rich brewed coffee to top off the experience.
This place is smail and popular so make reservations.
Voted "Best Seafood Restaurant", "Best Waterfront Restaurant" Located in the Fort Lauderdale marina. You're right on the water and the fish doesn't get any fresher.
104 locals recommend
15th Street Fisheries
1900 SE 15th StVoted "Best Seafood Restaurant", "Best Waterfront Restaurant" Located in the Fort Lauderdale marina. You're right on the water and the fish doesn't get any fresher.
If you want to have a authentic Cuban dining experience make a reservation at Little Havana Restaurant in Deerfield Beach. You won't be disappointed. Not only is the food great but the experience is festive with music, fun and laughter. You won't be disappointed.
77 locals recommend
Little Havana Restaurant
12727 Biscayne BlvdIf you want to have a authentic Cuban dining experience make a reservation at Little Havana Restaurant in Deerfield Beach. You won't be disappointed. Not only is the food great but the experience is festive with music, fun and laughter. You won't be disappointed.
While this is considered an Upscale eatery, I have found that sharing small plates tapas style makes it more fun and much more affordable. Everything is locally sourced New American & coastal cuisine, along with sushi & drinks. This is one of my favorite restaurants on the beach.
23 locals recommend
S3-Sun Surf Sand
505 North Fort Lauderdale Beach BoulevardWhile this is considered an Upscale eatery, I have found that sharing small plates tapas style makes it more fun and much more affordable. Everything is locally sourced New American & coastal cuisine, along with sushi & drinks. This is one of my favorite restaurants on the beach.
If you are ready to get Funky and you love specialty craft beers then you need to find your zen and Funky Buddha. I add this to my favorites not only for it's great vibe but Funky Buddha is our pride and joy small business success story that's gone nationwide. Tours are available if you are interested in seeing how beer is made.
They do have a great bar style food menu and also lots of outdoor games like corn hole as well as indoor board game. They are very generous if you want to try a shot size sample before commiting to one beer but I'd recommend starting with their shot size samplers which are 6 or 8 double shots of your choice. Try the Peanut butter and Jelly craft. Yep, nothing like a PBJ beer buzz. LOL
229 locals recommend
Funky Buddha Brewery
1201 NE 38th StIf you are ready to get Funky and you love specialty craft beers then you need to find your zen and Funky Buddha. I add this to my favorites not only for it's great vibe but Funky Buddha is our pride and joy small business success story that's gone nationwide. Tours are available if you are interested in seeing how beer is made.
They do have a great bar style food menu and also lots of outdoor games like corn hole as well as indoor board game. They are very generous if you want to try a shot size sample before commiting to one beer but I'd recommend starting with their shot size samplers which are 6 or 8 double shots of your choice. Try the Peanut butter and Jelly craft. Yep, nothing like a PBJ beer buzz. LOL
Rosie's Bar and Grille is located on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors which is a popular gay/ diverse community. Rosie's has great hamburgers and makes one of the best vegan impossible burger. Lot's of great Wraps, Salads and appetizers with cute names. Try the Britney Spears deep fried pickles and the large pretzel. Great staff with lots of spacious tropical outside dining. They also have a full bar.
146 locals recommend
Rosie's Bar & Grill
2449 Wilton DrRosie's Bar and Grille is located on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors which is a popular gay/ diverse community. Rosie's has great hamburgers and makes one of the best vegan impossible burger. Lot's of great Wraps, Salads and appetizers with cute names. Try the Britney Spears deep fried pickles and the large pretzel. Great staff with lots of spacious tropical outside dining. They also have a full bar.
This Micro Brewery has been around since 2007 but opened in Fort Lauderdale in 2019. I have not been here yet but have heard very good things. Does have outside dining.
Holy Mackerel Brewery
1414 Northeast 26th StreetThis Micro Brewery has been around since 2007 but opened in Fort Lauderdale in 2019. I have not been here yet but have heard very good things. Does have outside dining.
This is more upscale for special occasions. It is pricy. Know for the Pickle Pear Martinis. I've eater there once a long time ago and was pleased with my meal. They have just recently moved to this location and I'm told its very nice. Located in Downtown.
60 locals recommend
Canyon Restaurant
620 South Federal HighwayThis is more upscale for special occasions. It is pricy. Know for the Pickle Pear Martinis. I've eater there once a long time ago and was pleased with my meal. They have just recently moved to this location and I'm told its very nice. Located in Downtown.
What can I say about the legendary Primanti Brothers from my home town of Pittsburgh, PA. Locals in the area consider this the best pizza. There sauce is good and I always ask that they put extra on the pizza. Large cut pieces with thin crust.
In Pittsburgh, the original Primanti Brothers is famous for their sandwiches with French Fries and Coleslaw on a beef sandwich. The history and story behind is great. The place is usually crowed so take out or delivery is suggested. See this video about them. It's delightful. Of course I'm "Pittsburgh Proud so I'm bias. Find out for yourself https://youtu.be/N5_J5PEBMRQ
56 locals recommend
Primanti Brothers
901 N Fort Lauderdale Beach BlvdWhat can I say about the legendary Primanti Brothers from my home town of Pittsburgh, PA. Locals in the area consider this the best pizza. There sauce is good and I always ask that they put extra on the pizza. Large cut pieces with thin crust.
In Pittsburgh, the original Primanti Brothers is famous for their sandwiches with French Fries and Coleslaw on a beef sandwich. The history and story behind is great. The place is usually crowed so take out or delivery is suggested. See this video about them. It's delightful. Of course I'm "Pittsburgh Proud so I'm bias. Find out for yourself https://youtu.be/N5_J5PEBMRQ
Sushi To Go is only 1.5 miles from the house has 5 stars on Yelp with 249 reviews. I personally haven't been here but thought it would be worth including because of the reviews. If you do try it please let me know and I'll update this description.
Sushi To Go
2985 West Commercial BoulevardSushi To Go is only 1.5 miles from the house has 5 stars on Yelp with 249 reviews. I personally haven't been here but thought it would be worth including because of the reviews. If you do try it please let me know and I'll update this description.
I've been to their location on Wilton Drive. Highly recommend this place for it's food, service and ambiance. They have a second location on Federal Highway. Wilton Drive is closer but there is only about a mile difference between the two. If you want Thai or Sushi, I recommend Tee Jay's. If you are going there with a family I would suggest the one on Federal Highway
86 locals recommend
Tee Jay Thai Sushi | Wilton Manors
2254 Wilton DriveI've been to their location on Wilton Drive. Highly recommend this place for it's food, service and ambiance. They have a second location on Federal Highway. Wilton Drive is closer but there is only about a mile difference between the two. If you want Thai or Sushi, I recommend Tee Jay's. If you are going there with a family I would suggest the one on Federal Highway
Five Guys is a chain with several locations. Good Burgers and Fries. Great for easy take out. They are in several cities so I wouldn't consider it a local favorite but it's great if you're looking for something easy.
12 locals recommend
Five Guys
7268 W Atlantic BlvdFive Guys is a chain with several locations. Good Burgers and Fries. Great for easy take out. They are in several cities so I wouldn't consider it a local favorite but it's great if you're looking for something easy.
Local Favorite located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Know for their Burgers thus the name, LOL. They have a full menu with lots of good choices. It's kind of loud for me so I would suggest take out or delivery. They do have outside dining.
15 locals recommend
B Square Burgers
1021 E Las Olas BlvdLocal Favorite located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Know for their Burgers thus the name, LOL. They have a full menu with lots of good choices. It's kind of loud for me so I would suggest take out or delivery. They do have outside dining.
I love this place for lunch. true traditional Italian café featuring PANINI ,TRAMEZZINI,TRAMEZZINI, SICILIAN PAN PIZZA,
Incredible pastries, I'll say it again, Incredible pastries, gelato and a selection of our daily baked goods.
The place is a small cafe with outside dining. They have take out and delivery but the display of their food is worth a look. They have a pretty good online site. It is on Oakland Park which is a busy road and it sneaks up on you. Not a lot of seating. More a lunch place. Mangiare!
20 locals recommend
Angelo Elia the Bakery Bar
2104 E Oakland Park BlvdI love this place for lunch. true traditional Italian café featuring PANINI ,TRAMEZZINI,TRAMEZZINI, SICILIAN PAN PIZZA,
Incredible pastries, I'll say it again, Incredible pastries, gelato and a selection of our daily baked goods.
The place is a small cafe with outside dining. They have take out and delivery but the display of their food is worth a look. They have a pretty good online site. It is on Oakland Park which is a busy road and it sneaks up on you. Not a lot of seating. More a lunch place. Mangiare!
If you like Peruvian Food I would recommend this local favorite. I've never been disappointed and have eaten there at least 10 times. Lots of good food and not expensive. No outside dining. Take out and delivery available.
23 locals recommend
Bravo Peruvian Cuisine
2925 NE 6th AveIf you like Peruvian Food I would recommend this local favorite. I've never been disappointed and have eaten there at least 10 times. Lots of good food and not expensive. No outside dining. Take out and delivery available.
Coffee Cafe
This is another one of those great little finds that only locals really know about. What started as an unassuming coffee place in a area that you had to look for, has become the place where earthy cool millennials, young couples with kids and gay culture go for the best iced coffee served in frosted mason jars . Even the ice cubs are brewed coffee.This Rustic-chic coffee shop for artisanal coffees, breakfast grub & lunch sandwiches, plus garden seats. A really nice bakery and mexican restaurant have also popped up and I'm sure their will be more If you're in the area, and like good coffee, I recommend it.
90 locals recommend
The Alchemist
2430 NE 13th AveThis is another one of those great little finds that only locals really know about. What started as an unassuming coffee place in a area that you had to look for, has become the place where earthy cool millennials, young couples with kids and gay culture go for the best iced coffee served in frosted mason jars . Even the ice cubs are brewed coffee.This Rustic-chic coffee shop for artisanal coffees, breakfast grub & lunch sandwiches, plus garden seats. A really nice bakery and mexican restaurant have also popped up and I'm sure their will be more If you're in the area, and like good coffee, I recommend it.
Milk Money is one of my favorite go to for breakfast and lunch. Great food. If you are vegan they have a great vegan BLT and the Tofu Scabbier for breakfast is my favorite. They also have great coffee and the best Matcha Green Tea Latte I've ever had. This area is an up and coming art district and it's becoming very popular and Milk Money now has a separate full bar. I bit on the trendy side and mostly adults but very kid friendly.
58 locals recommend
Milk Money Bar & Kitchen
815 NE 13th StMilk Money is one of my favorite go to for breakfast and lunch. Great food. If you are vegan they have a great vegan BLT and the Tofu Scabbier for breakfast is my favorite. They also have great coffee and the best Matcha Green Tea Latte I've ever had. This area is an up and coming art district and it's becoming very popular and Milk Money now has a separate full bar. I bit on the trendy side and mostly adults but very kid friendly.
Beaches
The city of Fort Lauderdale has over seven miles of sparkling beaches. Additionally, there are several beautiful beaches north and south of Fort Lauderdale which I will add as separate listings. From quiet and relaxing to fishing and snorkeling to party all night, there is something for everyone. As for Fort Lauderdale Beach, if you go South of Sunrise Blvd, you'll be where all the activity is happening including some of the worlds best hotels and restaurants. Parking can sometimes be tricky and I always recommend using the Marriott Hotel Parking lot. It's central and not expensive. North of Sunrise Blvd is a quieter pace with more residential high rises and less traffic.
587 locals recommend
Fort Lauderdale Beach
The city of Fort Lauderdale has over seven miles of sparkling beaches. Additionally, there are several beautiful beaches north and south of Fort Lauderdale which I will add as separate listings. From quiet and relaxing to fishing and snorkeling to party all night, there is something for everyone. As for Fort Lauderdale Beach, if you go South of Sunrise Blvd, you'll be where all the activity is happening including some of the worlds best hotels and restaurants. Parking can sometimes be tricky and I always recommend using the Marriott Hotel Parking lot. It's central and not expensive. North of Sunrise Blvd is a quieter pace with more residential high rises and less traffic.