Leslie Boswell February 28, 2024
One of the things I love most about living in Fort Lauderdale is that there is always somewhere incredible to eat.
Whether you're grabbing breakfast before heading to the beach, meeting friends for lunch on Las Olas, planning a date night, or looking for a healthy smoothie after a workout, Fort Lauderdale has an amazing variety of restaurants to explore.
As a local Realtor®, I'm constantly asked where I recommend clients eat after a showing or when they're considering moving to the area. This list includes many of my favorite spots throughout Fort Lauderdale—from longtime local staples to some of the city's newest restaurants.
While everyone has their own favorites, these are restaurants I find myself recommending over and over again.
If you're looking for a fun breakfast spot with excellent coffee, Java & Jam is hard to beat. Their menu blends classic breakfast favorites with modern brunch dishes, including avocado toast, breakfast burritos, pancakes, and specialty coffees. It's a great place to start the day before exploring Las Olas or heading to the beach.
Perfect for: Coffee lovers, casual brunch, remote work, and weekend breakfast.
Located on Las Olas Boulevard, OL'DAYS has quickly become one of my favorite breakfast and brunch spots in Fort Lauderdale. Their farm-to-table menu focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients with everything from avocado toast and shakshuka to breakfast sandwiches, smoothie bowls, specialty coffee, and fresh juices.
The bright, modern atmosphere makes it just as enjoyable for a quick breakfast as it is for a leisurely brunch with friends.
Perfect for: Healthy breakfast, brunch on Las Olas, specialty coffee, and fresh juices.
The Foxy Brown has earned a loyal following thanks to its creative comfort food and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Signature dishes like the Cap'n Crunch pancakes and short rib Benedict have become local favorites, and their brunch cocktails are equally popular.
If you're looking for something a little indulgent, this is a great choice.
Perfect for: Weekend brunch, comfort food, and brunch cocktails.
One of the most Instagram-worthy brunch spots in Fort Lauderdale, Café Bastille combines beautiful presentation with outstanding French-inspired cuisine. Expect fresh pastries, gourmet omelets, croissant sandwiches, crêpes, specialty coffees, and one of the most creative brunch menus in the city.
It's a popular spot, so arriving early is always a good idea.
Perfect for: Brunch dates, French-inspired cuisine, specialty coffee, and celebrating special occasions.
Located inside The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, Burlock Coast offers an elevated breakfast experience overlooking the ocean. The menu features fresh seafood, locally inspired ingredients, classic breakfast favorites, and an upscale yet relaxed coastal atmosphere.
If you have guests visiting from out of town, this is one of my favorite recommendations for breakfast with a view.
Perfect for: Oceanfront breakfast, special occasions, and visitors exploring Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Located at Las Olas, Earls is one of the most versatile restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. The menu offers something for almost everyone, from sushi and burgers to steaks, salads, seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. It's equally great for a business lunch, casual meetup, or happy hour after work.
Perfect for: Business lunches, groups, happy hour, and upscale casual dining.
If you enjoy wine, Sixty Vines is a must-visit. Inspired by wine country dining, the restaurant features dozens of wines on tap alongside fresh seasonal dishes, artisan pizzas, handmade pastas, seafood, and shareable plates.
The bright dining room and outdoor seating create a lively atmosphere that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
Perfect for: Wine lovers, lunch meetings, date nights, and group dining.
For a healthier lunch option, Naked Farmer focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Florida farms whenever possible. Their customizable bowls combine grilled proteins, fresh vegetables, grains, and house-made sauces into meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
It's one of my go-to recommendations for a quick, healthy lunch downtown.
Perfect for: Healthy eating, meal prep inspiration, quick lunches, and fresh seasonal ingredients.
Worth Wyld has become a favorite for anyone looking for wholesome meals without sacrificing flavor. Their menu includes smoothies, grain bowls, wraps, salads, breakfast items, and fresh juices, making it a great stop any time of day.
The relaxed atmosphere and focus on quality ingredients make it especially popular with health-conscious locals.
Perfect for: Healthy lunches, smoothies, fresh juices, and casual dining.
For an unforgettable steak and seafood experience, Mastro's Ocean Club delivers exceptional food alongside beautiful ocean views. Prime steaks, fresh seafood, impeccable service, and an elegant atmosphere make this one of Fort Lauderdale's premier dining destinations for celebrations and special occasions.
Perfect for: Fine dining, anniversaries, client dinners, and oceanfront dining.
Casa D'Angelo has long been considered one of Fort Lauderdale's premier Italian restaurants. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, premium steaks, and an award-winning wine list create an exceptional dining experience that consistently ranks among the city's best.
Perfect for: Authentic Italian cuisine, date nights, wine lovers, and special occasions.
Few restaurants capture the energy of Las Olas quite like Louie Bossi's. Known for house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, fresh mozzarella, and a lively outdoor patio, it's one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Whether you're meeting friends for dinner or enjoying a weekend brunch, the atmosphere is always vibrant.
Perfect for: Outdoor dining, groups, Italian food, and Las Olas nightlife.
Located inside the W Fort Lauderdale, Steak 954 combines luxury dining with incredible ocean views. Alongside premium steaks, you'll find fresh seafood, creative appetizers, and one of the most unique dining rooms in the city, complete with its signature jellyfish aquarium.
Perfect for: Oceanfront dining, luxury experiences, and special celebrations.
Pura Vida has become one of Fort Lauderdale's most popular healthy restaurants, serving fresh smoothies, açai bowls, salads, wraps, coffees, and all-day breakfast. The bright coastal atmosphere makes it just as enjoyable for breakfast as it is for a healthy lunch.
Perfect for: Healthy breakfasts, smoothies, açai bowls, and casual dining.
Myapapaya specializes in cold-pressed juices, nutrient-packed smoothies, wellness shots, and fresh bowls designed to help you feel your best. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, making it a favorite among locals looking for nutritious options.
Perfect for: Fresh juices, smoothies, wellness drinks, and healthy eating.
Green Bar & Kitchen offers one of the largest selections of plant-based meals in Fort Lauderdale. Their smoothies, organic juices, salads, wraps, grain bowls, and vegan comfort food have made them a longtime favorite among health-conscious diners.
Perfect for: Vegan dining, organic juices, plant-based meals, and healthy lifestyles.
Raw Juce focuses on organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açai bowls, wellness shots, and clean eating. It's an easy stop before the beach, after a workout, or anytime you're looking for a refreshing, healthy meal.
Perfect for: Organic juices, post-workout smoothies, healthy snacks, and wellness.
One of the many reasons people fall in love with Fort Lauderdale is the lifestyle—and great restaurants are a big part of that.
Whether you're enjoying brunch on Las Olas, dinner overlooking the ocean, or grabbing a smoothie after a walk along the beach, there's no shortage of incredible places to eat.
If you're thinking about moving to Fort Lauderdale, I'd be happy to share more of my favorite local recommendations. Helping clients discover the neighborhoods, restaurants, parks, and hidden gems around the city is one of my favorite parts of being a local Realtor®.
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From local breakfast favorites to waterfront dining and healthy cafés, here are some of my favorite places to eat in Fort Lauderdale.
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