Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Fort Lauderdale

Those looking for a quick lunch or just a hearty bite that will last them through the day can head over to Laspada's Original Hoagies in Fort Lauderdale. This local chain of sandwich shops began in 1973, and has been delighting customers with freshly prepared hoagies ever since. The menu offerings are extensive, and they include everything from cold subs to deli sandwiches and salads. Bread is freshly baked daily and all sandwiches are made-to-order for the freshest experience. Extra-large hoagies are also available for those dining with a group. Garnering critical acclaim in various quarters, this restaurant is the place to visit for a hearty sandwich.

In the midst of high-rises, this colonial-style building stands-out with its bougainvillea, flower pots and other lush trees enclosing it. Set near the Atlantic Ocean, Greek Islands Taverna makes customers feel like they are dining at an eatery on a Greek island. Blue and white checkered tablecloths, Greek wall decoration and photographic artwork create a homey ambiance within this restaurant. The brainchild of brothers, George and Sam Kantzavelos, it is among the finest Greek restaurants in town. Some of their must-try's are the lamb chops, baby back ribs, Ladoregano, Souvlaki and Moussaka. Vegetarians also have great choices here. Diners can finish up their meals with traditional desserts like Baklava and Kataifi.

Gilbert's 17th Street Grill is situated in Fort Lauderdale and offers some of the best burgers in South Florida. This popular, family-run eatery is not only known for its tasty sliders, but also for its multitude of delicious treats, such as homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, ribs, wings, roast pork and tuna, as well as some delectable desserts like cheesecakes and key lime pies. Specials change by the day and include a wide cross-section of dishes. The restaurant welcomes customers with its casual setting and friendly atmosphere.

Renowned for its delectable patty melt, Foxy Brown is a breakfast favorite of the neighborhood. Adorning the heart of the town for over a decade, the restaurant doles out scrumptious American dishes for their famous brunch menu. Sit in the comfortable and inviting settings of the restaurant and savor local favorites which include the likes of beef-a-roni, mac-and-cheese and a piping hot French onion soup. If you’re in the city during the weekend, you simply cannot miss indulging in the lavish brunch spread of waffles, doughnuts and the cheesy sandwiches.

In the cluster of coastal-specialty restaurants marking the landscape of Fort Lauderdale if you find yourself yearning a fun Italian culinary escape, La Dolce Vita has got you covered. Nestled in the heart of the city’s shopping and arts district, this famed trattoria has served as a neighborhood favorite for long. In the cozy ambiance of the restaurant, you will find framed images of celebrated Italians gracing the walls and setting the tone for a quintessential North Italian fare. Relish the handmade pastas here that come soaked in rich sauces and savor traditional preparations such as veal chop and ravioli to your heart’s content.

A true blue Floridian delight, Coconuts at Fort Lauderdale offers some of the best seafood in the city. Some of the tasty, fun and classy items on their menu include coconut shrimp, lobster rolls, clams, oysters and jambalaya. The restaurant also offers a delicious selection of cocktails and wines. One of the best highlights of this restaurant is its spectacular waterfront views. Customers can enjoy watching the yachts pass by while celebrating an event with a sip of wine on the romantic patio, or they can indulge in a fun-filled evening of drinks and snacks with their friends.