Italian restaurants are in extreme abundance in Fort Lauderdale thanks to a huge population from the Northeast. Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale feature some absolute bangers that I’d put up there with Italian cuisine anywhere in the USA.
Today I’ll cover the wide variety of Italian dining options in Fort Lauderdale and share my opinion on which ones are the best ones in the area. As a preface, my list caters to the high end places, so keep that in mind.
This information spans my over 20 years living in Ft Lauderdale, and I’m embarrassed to say how much money I spent over the years putting into this round up. Hey, my pain, your gain!
Update for 2024: I’m updating this list to add Heritage. Its THAT GOOD.
Italian Restaurants in Ft Lauderdale Overview
- Las Olas Blvd is the main street in Fort Lauderdale. While none of their Italian restaurants made my top list, you can try Louie Bossi for a more casual, chain type experience that’s always a good time.
- I tried to keep the list to just Fort Lauderdale Italian restaurants, but a couple stray just outside of town because they simply can’t be overlooked.
- A lot of these restaurants are top end and expensive, so if cheap Italian food is what you are looking for, this list probably won’t help you much, but I did my best to list some alternatives at the end of this article.
What is the Best Italian Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale?
For us, it has to be the iconic Casa D’Angelo off of US-1 near Sunrise Boulevard. In this restaurant you’ll find it all in an upscale environment that offers a great cocktail list, an expansive menu, and many daily specials. Bring your checkbook and be ready to hunker down, because this is our go-to for special occasions.
More Information:
https://www.casa-d-angelo.com/fort-lauderdale
Sardelli’s Italian Steakhouse
A new addition to my list for 2024, it took us a while to get to Sardelli’s, but it was well worth the wait. Located just down the street in Hollywood Florida, this Italian steakhouse is a local’s favorite and a very tough reservation to get.
We dined here and posted this Sardellis review, which you’ll have to check out. Ranking this JUST behind Casa D’Angelo only because we have a lot more experience at Angelo’s, but you can’t go wrong at either one.
More Information:
Cafe Vico
For an old school, family-oriented experience, I can’t recommend Cafe Vico enough. Its one of our go-to restaurants! It’s just miles from Las Olas Blvd to the north up US1 just past Sunrise Blvd.
Offering a full menu of signature Italian dishes with other dishes like Italian pork chops, steaks, and a huge wine list, you can’t go wrong here. They also have a bustling happy hour scene, iconic decor, and live music. It’s also priced in the mid-range for Italian and every dish we’ve had has been spectacular while offering incredible service.
More Information:
https://www.cafevicorestaurant.com/
Runway 84
This iconic restaurant was recently remodeled as an old school supper club. Owner Anthony Bruno has done a great job with this for decades. It’s a Fort Lauderdale venue that locals and snow birds alike flock to for their incredible offering of pasta, chops, and steaks. The bar is lively, the service is impeccable, and the location is right by the airport on the south side of town.
More Information:
Oakland Park Italian Restaurants
Since this area has a lot of demand, I made a list of what you can find in this specific neighborhood. From rustic home-style dinners at Dal Contadino Trattoria to modern twists on classic flavors at Il Mulino, there’s something for everyone. Even the over the top high end, cult following that Cafe Martorano has, which takes me back to the high end and luxury price point once again.
Known for dishes like Homemade Mozzarella, Veal Marsala, and Chicken on the bone Cacciatore style, Dal Contadino Trattoria embodies traditional Italian home cooking. On the other hand, Il Mulino and Azzurro Cucina Italiana offer a contemporary take on Italian cuisine, featuring dishes like pita-crusted salmon and wood fire dishes.
Vito’s Gourmet Pizza certainly stands out on Oakland Park Blvd, thanks to its uniquely special pizzas. These pizzas bring a unique twist to the Italian dining scene on the boulevard, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers.
More Italian Restaurants in Ft Lauderdale and Nearby
As promised, I try to provide a full list of all Italian cuisine in the area, and Fort Lauderdale takes you beyond the usual pasta and pizza.
From Sicilian cuisine at The Etna Rosso to Tuscan flavors at Luigi’s Tuscan Grill, you have plenty of Italian options in Fort Lauderdale.
Other venues include:
- Cafe Italia
- Il Paesano
- Dal Contadino
- Gran Forno Bakery
- La Mia
- Serafini
While they don’t make my list of the best Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, they are all regular stops for locals.
Other Cuisine Roundups for Fort Lauderdale:
- Best Sushi in Fort Lauderdale
- Best Seafood in Fort Lauderdale
- Steaks in Ft Lauderdale
- Lauderdale Thai Food
Summary
To sum it up, Fort Lauderdale is a treasure trove of authentic Italian dining experiences. From family-run establishments serving homemade pastas to trendy spots offering modern interpretations of classic dishes, it’s clear that the city’s Italian culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. So whether you’re planning a romantic date night, looking for a casual dining spot, or simply craving a classic Italian pizza, Fort Lauderdale’s Italian restaurants have something for everyone. Now, it’s time for you to embark on your own Italian culinary journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Most Expensive Italian Restaurant in Ft Lauderdale?
You can expect to pay the most money for food and drinks at Casa D’Angelo.
Can I find regional Italian dishes like Sicilian or Tuscan cuisine in Fort Lauderdale?
Absolutely! You can enjoy Sicilian cuisine at The Etna Rosso and Tuscan dishes at Luigi’s Tuscan Grill in Fort Lauderdale. Happy dining!
Which Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are good for a romantic date night?
The best Italian restaurants for date night in Ft Lauderdale include Casa D’Angelo, Sardellis, and Anthony’s Runway 84.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
