Located just south of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Florida, offers one of the few boardwalks in South Florida right on the beach. Whether you spend your time at the busy beach side on the east side of Hollywood, or go inland, there is no disputing that people visit Hollywood from everywhere in South Florida for their amazing restaurants.
Living just miles west of this area, we frequent Hollywood often. We have written reviews of many spots around here, and in today’s travel guide, we’ll summarize the best restaurant options in Hollywood for all budgets and point out some of the ones that are must visit for tourists.
Restaurants in Hollywood, Florida
I’m going to start with the high end stuff first and then go down to the hole in the walls, so if you are on a budget, feel free to scroll down.
Billy’s Stone Crabs
People come to Billy’s Stone Crabs for the obvious stone crabs, but they offer so much more than this. An expansive seafood menu offers many starters for lunch and dinner and then cascades into steak and seafood options. We love the views from upstairs.
While this venue offers fine dining in a decorative venue, the dress code is casual. We enjoy the food here so much that it’s got a spot on the top seafood restaurants in Fort Lauderdale list.
Sardelli
Another one where you’ll want to bring your wallet, this venue is open Wednesdays through Sunday’s only and it’s highly advisable to book well ahead of when you want to dine here. Sardelli is a to notch Italian venue located on the beach side of Hollywood.
GG’s Waterfront
We personally enjoy this spot for brunch with a view, but they offer lunch and dinner options as well. Whether you crave seafood, meat, a craft cocktail, or dockside views, make sure you get some of their famous banana bread pudding at the end!
All of these restaurants are within close vicinity on or just off Ocean Boulevard on the beach side of Hollywood.
Sticking with the same strip on Ocean, here are a couple more casual, yet delicious options.
Tiki Tiki
Pull up and valet park, or better yet, bring your boat! The expansive bar offers views of the inner coastal waterway while the venue serves fresh seafood and many other dishes in an open air environment. The giant tiki structure encompasses the entire property. Locals know Tiki Tiki from it’s former venue – Jimbo’s – but the new vibe has worked for years and it’s a great place for fresh fish or a poke bowl with a view.
Le Tub
You can’t have any list of restaurants in Hollywood FL without listing the famous burger joint that Oprah put on the map – Le Tub. This waterfront burger joint was a run down gas station at one point and now they serve one of the best burgers in Hollywood, if not South Florida!
GQ said they serve “one of the 20 hamburgers you must try before you die.” Their accolades are countless. If you seek an ice cold beer and a long wait for a properly prepared burger, look no further than Le Tub when in Hollywood.
I know what you are thinking – “all of these restaurants are in Hollywood beach” and you are probably wondering what’s good on the other side of the inner coastal waterway. That answer is a solid “yes” and I’ll highlight them in the next section.
Downtown Hollywood FL Restaurants
Krakatoa Indonesian
You know you made it when your food is shipped nationwide on GoldBelly, and that’s exactly why Krakatoa Indonesian has a spot on this list. The spice levels here are mild by default, but you have the ability to choose a level 1-5 or get sambal on the side. If Indonesian food is what you seek, you’ve found your next meal here.
Bok Bok Baby Buriram
Thai food lovers, this is a destination for South Floridians who enjoy a Thai meal. The back of the menu reads “tum tum bar” and offers 15 dishes pounded with a mortar and pestle. On the other side you’ll find stir fry options, a plethora of curries, and Isan street food. The spice level can get as hot as the Florida sun, so if that bothers you, talk to your server while you order. You’ve been warned!
Carmela’s Italian Ristorante
The baby sister restaurant to the aforementioned Sardelli, you can’t go wrong in this small venue. We really enjoy the craft cocktail options at the bar in addition to their Rigatoni featuring spicy chiles, pomodoro, vodka, cream, basil, and parmigiano. This quaint venue is perfect for a casual, yet fancy meal.
Jack’s Hollywood Diner
Diners are dying breed, but this classic diner is a welcome addition to this list of Hollywood dining options. Whether you crave an oversized omelet or even a meatloaf, this is a must visit for fans of diners.
J28 Sandwich Bar
I’d never heard of Peruvian street sandwiches until I visited J28. This isn’t your typical ham and cheese, turkey and swiss sandwich joint, it’s a full press on wild takes like chicharron pork belly and even a mushroom saltado. This one is not only eclectic, but it’s highly memorable.
Villa Romana
A mix between Italian and Romanian, you’ll have a huge menu in a venue that looks like you are in New York City. The real brick walls and pristine bar are adorned with tables and massive booths, creating an inviting experience that once you are inside, you’ll forget you are in Hollywood. See photos and full review here.
Other Restaurants in Hollywood Worth Mentioning
Of course, there are many options that we won’t go into a ton of detail about, but you’ll also find the following restaurants when you visit Hollywood FL.
Twin Peaks
If young women flaunting their boobs and cold beers are your thing, you already know what this venue us.
The Tipsy Boar
Hand crafted cocktails and amazing food.
Olivia Restaurant and Rooftop
Rooftop dining, scenic views, and even live music.
Lemonica
An Italian restaurant that gives vibes of the Amalfi Coast.
Taverna Opa
Greek food meets a celebration of breaking plates in this lively, fast paced environment right on the water.
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood
Located in Margaritaville on the beach, you can get local fresh catch, a raw bar, and 26 day aged steaks while carrying on Jimmy Buffet’s casual, coastal vibe.
Summary
Hollywood is a city that mixes a bustling downtown district with a popular beach bar scene. No matter what you are looking for in terms of dining in Hollywood, it’s here.
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. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
