Fort Lauderdale Dining?

Hi All,

First time to Fort Lauderdale and we'll be staying at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in mid March for a few days.

Looking for great dining options in the area. We like sushi, seafood, steak, and Asian but open to other cuisines as well.

Any other local hidden gems that we should seek out?

Thanks!

Fort Lauderdale offers a vibrant dining scene, especially along the beach and in the downtown area. Since you’ll be staying at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, you’ll have easy access to both upscale restaurants and hidden gems within a short drive or walk.

Sushi & Japanese

  • Yoichiro Sushi — A local favorite with fresh, high-quality sushi and sashimi. Cozy atmosphere and attentive service.
  • Sushi Rock Cafe — Fun vibe with creative rolls and good cocktail pairings. Great for lunch or dinner.
  • 2nd Street Sushi — Smaller, less touristy spot with authentic Japanese flavors, perfect for sushi enthusiasts.

Seafood

  • 15th Street Fisheries — Iconic waterfront dining; great for fresh fish, stone crabs (in season), and a casual, breezy vibe.
  • Boatyard — Excellent seafood and cocktails right on the water, with a lively atmosphere and great sunset views.
  • Catfish Deweys — Local casual seafood spot, known for fried seafood platters and friendly service.

Steak & American

  • Chima Steakhouse — Brazilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat grilled meats; upscale and perfect for a celebratory dinner.
  • Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille — Combines seafood with excellent steak options in a stylish setting.
  • Ruth’s Chris Steak House — Reliable classic steakhouse with a polished atmosphere and consistently good food.

Asian & Fusion

  • Market 17 — Trendy spot offering Asian-fusion dishes and small plates; great for sharing and trying creative flavors.
  • Takato — Upscale Japanese cuisine and sushi, perfect for a more refined dining experience.
  • Himmarshee Public House — While primarily pub-style, it offers some Asian-inspired dishes and a fun local vibe in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Local Hidden Gems

  • El Camino Fort Lauderdale — Great for tacos, tequila, and margaritas with a lively, local crowd.
  • Lona Cocina Tequileria — Small, hip spot serving modern Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients.
  • GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill — Not far from the beach, casual yet charming for a relaxing lunch or dinner with a view.

For first-timers, it’s nice to mix waterfront dining with smaller neighborhood spots to get a sense of both the classic Fort Lauderdale beach vibe and the local dining scene. If possible, try to schedule one evening for a sunset dinner at a waterfront restaurant — the combination of views and food is memorable.


More Fort Lauderdale Travel Questions