Guide to Greater Fort Lauderdale Area Restaurants

Fort Lauderdale and Broward County can boast of having more than their fair share of great restaurants. Whatever you crave whether Italian, Chinese, Mexican, steaks, seafood or vegetarian fare is available at and prepared in conformity with the highest standards. A cross-section of these top rated restaurants is presented below. Primary emphasis was placed on the food although the ambience and the quality of the services were also considered. Several sources have been integrated to create this list. Among them is the Zagat guide which is compiled from questionnaires and comments from customers. The recommendations from Fodor’s, Lonely Planet and the Michelin guides were cross referenced along with ratings from the Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel and the New Times newspapers. Finally, the personal experiences of NAHC staff and Board members were factored into these recommendations.

Key to Restaurant Prices:

Dine Out Lauderdale

Indulge in Signature Three-Course Dinner Menus for Just $35 at 35 Restaurants

There won’t be a shortage of great places to eat for attendees of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice 27 th Annual Meeting & Exposition taking place Oct. 11-15, 2008 in Fort Lauderdale.

As luck would have it, our meeting also falls during the city’s most tasteful event of the season, as American Express presents the 2nd Annual Dine Out Lauderdale, a six-week celebration of the area's top restaurants, chefs and cuisine. From Oct. 1 through Nov.14, a selection of 35 Greater Fort Lauderdale restaurants is offering specially-created, three-course menus at a $35 fixed price.

Dine Out Lauderdale takes place Oct. 1 through Nov. 14, 2008 from Sunday through Thursday. To find out more information, go to www.sunny.org/dineout.

American

Cafe Maxx
2601 East Atlantic Blvd.
Pompano Beach, Florida
(954) 782-0606
www.cafemaxx.com
Cafe Maxx has been described as “a dining adventure.” It has been in existence for some 20 years but continues to please and even amaze people. According to Zagat this is the third best restaurant in the area-- the kind of place that you may wish to go for a birthday or anniversary celebration. The Cafe receives plaudits for its wine list and for the quality of the service. $$$$$

Seasons 52
2428 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 537-1052
www.seasons52.com
This restaurant located in the Galleria Mall opened in 2005 to rave reviews. The service and the decor are top flight and so is the food which features healthy fresh ingredients. The restaurant offers outdoor seating, plenty of areas for a quiet conversation, unbeatable food and reasonable prices. The demand is great so call for reservations or make them online. $$$$

The River House
301 SW Third Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 525-7661
This restaurant located in a restored home offers unrivaled views of the New River. But the superb décor and scenic setting are only the beginning of a great dining experience. The food is every bit as good as the view and the service is described as “marvelous”. It is hard to beat this for a romantic get-a-way. While American food is he order of the day, seafood is one of the specialties de la maison. $$$$$.

Hi-Life Cafe
3000 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 563-1395
One reviewer described this eatery as combining “Southern charm and urban sophistication.” It is listed high on the Zagat list of top restaurants in all three categories, food, décor and service. Despite is location in a shopping Center the restaurant is recommended as a very romantic spot to which patrons might go to celebrate important occasions. The restaurant receives plaudits for its wine list. $$$$

By Word of Mouth
3200 North East 12th Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 564-3663
This restaurant gets it name from the fact that it does not spend any money on advertising. For more than a quarter of a century, happy patrons have been all to willing to share the news about the “unassuming but outstanding” restaurant. The means the décor is nothing to write home about and the location along the railroad tracks just off Oakland Park Blvd leaves some people cold. However, the restaurant inevitably receives high marks where it counts which is for its food. For example, it is high on both Fodor’s and the Zagat list. There are no menus. Patrons are shown examples of today’s specials from which they can make their choices. Whatever you desire whether that is fish, fowl, or meat and even vegetarian dishes are prepared with care. The portions are ample and a dinner salad comes with every meal. The desserts are “fabulous” and the service is termed “great” by most reviewers. $$$$

Cheesecake Factory
600 East Las Olas Blvd
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 463-1999
This is one of two local outlets for this well respected national chain. The food is consistently good. The menu is extensive and varied. Every kind of fare imaginable from burgers to Thai are offered. The portions are huge. Be sure to save room for their signature desserts. Try their sugar-free 6 carb cheesecake; you have the same great taste without the guilt. $$

Barbecue

Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q
1236 South Federal Way
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 522-5046
The Barbequed pork and beef served up here has been labeled ‘the best in town.” It comes highly recommended in Fodor’s Guide for 2007. The decorations include a Singer sewing machine and a wringer washer. Patrons enjoy their meals at picnic style tables. The side dishes of macaroni and cheese, baked been and collards are not to be missed according to reviewers. They also suggest that you leave room for a piece of sweet potato pie or apple cobbler. $

Breakfast

Floridian
1410 East Las Olas Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 463-4041
his landmark restaurant is famous for being open 24 hours a day even during hurricanes and for the fact that it serves up some of the best breakfasts in Broward County. The omelets are described as “oversized and delectable.” Biscuits, toast or grits are served with your eggs-any-style along with a generous portion of sausage or bacon. The Fat Cat Breakfast consisting of strip steak, hash browns, grits and champagne comes highly recommended. $$

Fort Lauderdale has numerous quaint and unique restaurants which specialize in breakfast. For example, try the Family Bakery of Florida located in Sunrise. 954-748-3522.

Check out the Doris Italian Market and Bakery located in Sunrise - 954-749-1055. Or try Susie’s Scrumptious Sweets which can be reached at 954-748-4740.

Be sure to check out Lester’s Diner. See review below. Information about Café Le Bonne Crepe found under French Food listed below.

There are also several Einstein’s Bagel outlets close to the convention center and headquarters hotel, including one located at 1499 S.E. 17th Street. 954-463-1717.

Burgers

Jaxon’s Ice Cream Parlor and Country Store
126 South Federal Highway
Danie, Florida
(954) 923-4445
Jaxon’s has been a South Florida landmark for more than half a century. It is the place for burgers and fries washed down with a thick milk shake. You will feel like you are back in the 1960’s. It is a must stop on your tour --a great place to go with the entire family. It offers all the qualities and ambience of an old fashioned ice cream parlor. Jaxon’s is renowned for their dramatic ice cream creations. If long lines put you off you may want to use the drive-through and pickup window. $$

Cuban

Little Havana
721 South Federal Highway
Deerfield Beach, Florida
(954) 427-6000
As might be expected, there are many great restaurants serving Cuban food in South Florida. The top rated by Zagat is Little Havana. One review describes it as “the most fun that you will have eating out.” Another review commented about the party atmosphere. While the decor is nothing to write home about the service and the food are both good. Live entertainment is featured on the weekends. $$

Chinese

Silver Pond
4285 N. State Rd. 7
Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
(954) 486-8885
The top rated Chinese restaurant in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area is Silver Pond which is located in Lauderdale Lakes. The décor of this eatery which is housed in a strip mall is less than exciting and the service reportedly is so-so. But as is evident from the people coming and going the food is very good--good enough to make this the 10th best restaurant of any description in the vicinity. Silver Pond also provides great value for the dollar. $$

Rainbow Palace
2787 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 565-5652
This is an upscale Chinese restaurant is number 11 on the list of top 50 eateries, in Broward County, ranked by the quality of their food. The decor is described as “elegant” and the service provided by tuxedo-clad waiters is tops. You will find almost any of your favorite Chinese dishes on the menu, served up with flair. The facility which has been in business since l991 also is known for its extensive wine list. $$$$$

Pink Buddha
5949 South University Drive
Davie, Florida
(954) 749-2722
www.pink-buddha.com
This is another top rated restaurant. It received 4 Stars from the readers of the Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. It reportedly offers great food for a very reasonable price. $$$

Continental/French

Black Orchid Cafe
2985 N. Ocean Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 561-9398
Since it opened in l996 the Black Orchid Cafe has served up excellent food, much of it familiar but some of it exotic. For example, this is the place to go if you have got a yen for elk, buffalo or ostrich. The philosophy of the management is clearly that eating should be an adventure--an enjoyable one. The Cafe is known as a “special occasion spot, and a good place to have a quiet conversation. The service is attentive. Live entertainment is featured on weekends. $$$$$

Sage Cafe
2378 N. Federal Hwy.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 565-2299
www.sagecafe.net
The Sage Cafe located in the Regions Shopping Center is reported to offer the best French cuisine in Ft. Lauderdale. Chef-owner, Laurent Tasic, personally supervises all aspects of the operation. The decor reputedly is just ok but any lack of excitement in that area is made up by the service and good food. $$$

Cafe La Bonne Crepe
815 East Las Olas Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 761-1515
www.labonnecrepe.com
If you are hungry for crepes, quiches or omelets this is the place to go. Its location on Las Olas Boulevard between 8th and 9th Avenues South East makes it in ideal place to drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The decor was described as “unremarkable” by one viewer. Another commented about the “indifferent services.” However, everyone seems to agree that the food and the value for the dollar quickly turn any frowns into smiles. $$

Delicatessens

La Spada’s Original Hoagies
4346 Seagrape Drive
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida
(954) 776-7893
It is unusual, to say the least, to have three delis, (all branches of the same company) among the top 20 restaurants in a major metropolitan area such as Broward/Palm Beach Counties. According to the Zagat and other references, La Spada’s in Fort Lauderdale is that good. The scores of all three deli’s are remarkable similar. They all received mediocre scores for decor, the services were rated fair, but value for the dollar and the quality of the food were ranked sky high. One reviewer said the hoagies and made to order deli sandwiches were “out of the world.” The average cost of a meal is $10. $

Pomperdale New York Style Deli
3055 East Commercial Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 771-9830.
You will think you are at the Carnegie Deli in New York City. Pomperdale’s serves up hot corned beef, hot pastrami, lox and bagels and almost anything else that you crave. The portions are generous. The only thing missing is the surly attitude of the New York waiters. $$

Diners

Lester’s Diner
250 South West 24th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 525-5641
This is a perfect example of the diners which were so popular in the 1960’s. It looks and smells the way a diner should. The vintage juke box spins all the right platters heralding the early days of rock and roll. You can take your seat at the counter or, if you have company, enjoy the luxury of a padded booth. The bill of fare includes shakes, fries and hamburgers. Of course, breakfast is served 24 hours a day. Who says you can’t go home again? A visit here will do wonders roll back the hands of time. $

Greek/Mediterranean

La Brochette Bistro
2635 N. Hiatus Rd.
Cooper City, Florida
(954) 435-9090
This restaurant located in the Embassy Lakes Plaza in Cooper City ranked number two on the list of top 50 restaurants in 2006. Reviewers fell in love with the Bistro when it opened in 1993. Despite its location in a strip mall, they continue to heap praise upon it. One reviewer said that it “consistently exceeds the highest expectations” that are placed on it. Another said it offers “a romantic evening that you won’t forget.” Offering Mediterranean fare including seafood and their signature rack of lamb, this restaurant is bound to please you and those very special guests that you bring with you. The food “is fabulous and so is the service” exclaims one expert. $$$$

Greek Islands Taverna
3300 N. Ocean Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 565-5505
While there are several good Greek Restaurants in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area, the Taverna is top rated. The food receives nothing but the highest praise. It is described as “authentic,” “tasty”, and “superb.” The restaurants location on Ocean Boulevard adds to the experience. The service in this family-owned eatery is described as “excellent.” Patrons are advised to get their early as the demand is great which can mean long lines. Reservations are not accepted. $$

Trina The Atlantic
601 N. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 567-8070
Located in the Atlantic Hotel on Ft. Lauderdale Beach Boulevard this restaurant is a knock-out, in every respect. The location on the ocean is spellbinding. The decor is straight out of Architectural Digest. The service is attentive--even anticipatory. The food is absolutely great. Suffice to say that the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center staff chose to bring the NAHC Board here for dinner with the goal of putting the city’s best foot forward. The desserts are fabulous. Trina even made a cherry tart which incorporated NAHC’s logo! $$$$$

Taverna Opa
410 N. Ocean Dr.
Hollywood, Florida
(954) 929-4010
While this restaurant offers really good Greek food and reasonable service, all this is overshadowed by its theatrics. Patrons go there as much for the entertainment as for the food. If you are into dancing on the tables, throwing plates, having some kasseri cheese flambé, watching belly dancing, practicing your Greek line dancing to the strains of exotic Greek music played so loud that it approaches the threshold of pain, this is the place for you. $$$

Italian

Café Martorano
3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 561-2554
This is the top rated Italian restaurant in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area and the fifth best overall in Broward County. Judging from outside appearances, this is an unlikely achievement. For one thing the bistro is tiny. Customers are packed in like sardines. The noise level in the room is deafening. The Café has no fixed menu and does not take reservations. Lines are often long which means customers must sometimes wait an hour or more. However, the food they serve is fantastic in quality and in quantity. It is a very expensive place to eat but everyone who goes there says that it is well worth “the gastronomic investment.” This is a great place for people watching, a favorite both of locals and tourists. $$$$$$

Casa D’Angelo
1201 N. Federal Hwy.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 564-1234
Chef Angelo Elia has created an Italian restaurant with a Tuscan flair which shares top honors for Italian cuisine. It is ranked as the sixth best restaurant in the area according to the Zagat Guide. The food is “as good as it gets”, the service is “wonderful” and the wine list is “awesome.” Located in the Sunrise Square Plaza between East Sunrise Blvd and North East 13th Street this beauty has been pleasing the palates of residents and visitors since 1998. Reservations are a must. $$$$

Fulvio’s
1900 Harrison St.
Hollywood, Florida
(954) 927-1900
Located in downtown Hollywood, this restaurant is the very model of what the ideal Italian eatery should be. Mamma-Mia is the food ever good! We are talking Southern Italian--pasta and homemade marinara sauce. You will find all your favorites from veal dishes to seafood served Fra Diavola style. The wine list is extensive. The hospitality and service is legendary. $$$$

Bistro Mezzaluna
741 South East 17th Street (South Federal Highway)
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 522-6620
Located in a strip mall just a few blocks west of the Convention Center, this restaurant is easy to overlook. It would be a tragedy to do so. This one is as special as they get. Guests inevitably exclaim, “This is the best veal, the best ravioli--or whatever--that I have ever had.” The food is superb. The service and the wine list are both great. Bistro does not take reservations, at least not for parties of six or less people. This usually means a wait at the bar. The average cost of a dinner in 2007 was $45. $$$$

Japanese

Galanga
2389 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manners, Florida
(952) 202-0000
According to the Zagat ratings, this is the number 9 best restaurant in the grater Ft. Lauderdale area. The food which features Japanese and Thai offerings is uniformly good. The same can be said for the decor and the service. $$$$

Check out Tokyo Sushi listed below and its affiliate, the Japanese Village Steakhouse located at 350 East Las Olas Blvd; call 954-525-8386

Indian

Madras
1434 South Powerline Road
Pompano Beach, Florida
(954) 977-5434
Madras was named best Indian restaurant in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area in a 2004 poll by the Ft Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. $$

India House
563 West Oakland Park Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 565-5701
This restaurant is not much to look at from the outside being located in a strip mall or on the inside where the décor is sparse according to reviewers. However, the food makes up for it all. One commentator said the cuisine was “delicious from start to finish.” The restaurant reportedly offers all the traditional favorites. Another commentator said, “they do a particularly good job with curry.” $$

Mexican/Southwestern

Canyon
1818 East Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 765-1950
Canyon is one of the top rated Southwestern restaurants in Broward County. According to Zagat readers, it is superb across-the-board in food, décor and service. One reviewer said it has “the best prickly pear margaritas on the planet.” The only downside is that the restaurant is small and does not take reservations. This means you could be in for a wait but all seem to agree that it is worth it. $$$$

Eduardo de San Ange
l2822 East Commercial Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 772-4731
This restaurant has consistently won honors since it opened in 1993. It is the best pure Mexican restaurant and the 7th best restaurant overall in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area. $$$$

Pizza

Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza
2203 South Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
According to most of the guides, Anthony’s is the top rated pizza restaurant in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area; it also ranks among the 20 best restaurants overall. The secret is fresh ingredients, great tomato sauce and the fact that coal is used to heat the stone ovens used to cook the pizza. The result is a thin and crunchy crust and an amazing taste. $$

Vocelli Pizza
9330 West Commercial
Sunrise, Florida
(800) 707-1111
This is another favorite of Ft Lauderdale locals. It has won best Pizza honors in a poll announced by the Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel in 2005. $$

Doughboys Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant
839 South East 17th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 771-9830
This restaurant won best pizza in Ft Lauderdale honors in 2004 according to a poll published in the New Times newspaper. $$

Seafood

Sunfish Grill
2761 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 564-6464
www.sunfishgrill.com
This restaurant is ranked number one for food in the 2007 Zagat guide for greater Ft. Lauderdale. It has enjoyed a meteoric rise since opening its doors in 2006. The fish could not be any fresher and it is cooked to perfection. The restaurant is a family affair. Chef-owner Anthony Sindaco’s focus is on the main courses while wife, Erika, takes responsibility for the desserts. Because of its status on top of the gastronomic charts, clients are advised to reserve days if not weeks in advance. $$$$$

Blue Moon Fish Company
4405 W. Tradewinds Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 267-9888
This restaurant is listed in the top 15 for the quality of its food and ranks high on the ledger of restaurants with a view. The decor and the service are almost as celebrated at the food. It is a very romantic spot beginning with the fact that you can reach it by water taxi or if you drive you own boat, docking facilities are available. This restaurant has served up the best and freshest fish either grilled or adorned with lick-smacking sauces since l996. It offers both outdoor and indoor seating and is well known for it Sunday brunch. $$$$$

3030 Ocean
3030 Holiday Dr.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 765-3030
www.3030ocean.com
This restaurant which offers the best in seafood plus new American cuisine is located in the Marriott Harbor Resort and Spa. Celebrity chef, Dean Max personally supervises the food which is exquisite in every detail. The fact that the hotel is contiguous to the ocean does not hurt in the least. It does explain why locals describe this as a romantic get-away and the perfect place to go to celebrate a special occasion. The service keeps pace with the high quality food and excellent decor. $$$$$

Grill 66
2301 SE 17th St.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 728-3500
Grill 66 is the name for the high end restaurant of the Hyatt Pier 66 hotel which is part of the block reserved for NAHC attendees coming to Ft. Lauderdale for the October 2008 Homecare and Hospice Convention. The proximity to the convention center is a major plus. The bistro sits in a separate building which seems to hang over the water. While seafood is the specialty, great steaks are also on the menu. The decor and the service is top flight and the wine list is excellent. Those in the know chose to sit outside and watch the mega yachts gliding by on Ft. Lauderdale’s stretch of the intercoastal waterway. $$$$$

Steakhouses

The Capital Grille
2430 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 446-2000
This Ft. Lauderdale version of the Washington, D.C. based chain is the top rated steakhouse in Broward County. The formula is a simple one: offer nothing but sumptuous portions of the finest, aged beef, cooked to perfection in a high class environment by trained and attentive waiters. There is something on the menu to please everyone. The hors d’ouvres are memorable (try the calamari, for example). The side dishes are delectable and meant to be shared (try the lobster laced macaroni and cheese). $$$$$

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
2400 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 712-0580
www.chima.cc
This restaurant is described by participants in the Zagat survey as “a carnivore’s dream.” Diners are advised to arrive hungry so they can do justice to this all-you-can-eat rodizio. Since opening in 2003, Chima has achieved a great deal of success now rated second only to the Capital Grill for steaks. The Brazilian themed dining room is described as ‘beautiful” and the service “outstanding.” For those who have never experience steak the Brazilian way, it means that waiters in full gaucho regalia roam the dining room bringing skewer after skewer bearing all kinds of first rate grilled meats. $$$$$

Ruth Chris Steakhouse
2525 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 565-2338
www.ruthschris.com
This local branch of the national chain is the third ranked steakhouse in Broward County according to the 2006 Zagat survey. The secret is high quality beef which is cooked in butter quickly in ovens which reach 1,800 degrees. The food and the service are consistently good and have been that way since the bistro opened in l985. Little wonder this is one of the most popular restaurants in the vicinity. $$$$$

Jackson’s Steakhouse
450 East Las Olas Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 522-4450
Jackson’s is a favorite with many locals and is a frequent venue for business dinners. It is the place to see and be seen. The decor has been described as “plush”. Jackets are suggested for gentlemen at dinner; only members are permitted to dine there at lunch. The food is rated excellent and is served in huge portions. Diners can have their choice of steaks, chops or seafood all served exactly to their liking. $$$$$

Sushi

Tokyo Sushi
1499 South East 17th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 767-9922
Tokyo Sushi received the best marks in this category from two popular guides. It is owned by the same people who sponsor the Japanese Village Steakhouse located at 350 East Las Olas Blvd. Located on the 17th Street Causeway not far from the convention center. Because of its reputation, Tokyo Sushi has plenty of customers. The surrounding were described as “drab” by one reviewer but the sushi was described as “fresh,” “tasty,” and served in “ample sized portions”. The restaurant it is said to be “a great buy. $$

Thai

Thai Spice
1514 E. Commercial Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 771-4535
Although it is located in a strip mall Thai Spice is rated not only as the best Thai restaurant in Broward County but one of the top 25 overall. Since it opened in l990, this bistro has been pleasing palates with it complex and delicate flavors. The garden and patio make outdoor seating not only possible but a pleasure. Recently renovated the decor now holds up to the great food and excellent service. $$

Sukhothai
1930 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 764-0148
Sukothai has been in business since 1990. The restaurant is housed in the Gateway Shopping Center. While the decor is described as so-so, the food (which is why you would go there) is rated excellent. The portions served are “ample” making this venue a value. Owner Susie Komolsane reportedly takes a personal interest in making sure that the highest standards are observed. $$

Vegetarian

Sublime
1431 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 615-1431
Complete with cascading waterfalls, this restaurant has been described as a “vegetarian’s dream.” It was voted number l for décor in Broward County according to the Zagat guide; it also received very high marks for its food and service. The menu is described as “superb” and “ever changing”. Reviewers say that while nothing is made using meat, fish, fowl or dairy but “there is still something for everyone here.” $$$$

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