Fort Lauderdale’s finest beachfront eateries provide a great backdrop for food and beverages, and as someone who frequently enjoys having both of those, I’ve got a lot of experience in my backyard of Ft Lauderdale indulging in just that! (Probably too much, but can you blame me?)
From the freshest catch to the perfect sunset cocktail, this guide provides the essential rundown on the top restaurants on the beach Fort Lauderdale, guaranteeing memorable meals against the backdrop of the Atlantic. Start your culinary adventure by the sea right here.
Now, I don’t want people to get confused with another post I wrote about waterfront restaurants in the 954, because we have what’s called the inner-coastal waterway. This is NOT the beach, but instead a waterway that runs north and south parallel to the ocean, yet inland and off the beach. It’s important to make that distinction, because I don’t want to mislead people searching for the actual beach.
My Favorite Beachfront Restaurants in Ft Lauderdale
- Casablanca Cafe offers a romantic oceanfront dining experience with live piano and American cuisine, including a popular Key lime pie dessert.
- Takato delivers an ocean view with Japanese-Korean fusion, featuring dishes like wagyu galbi sliders and a novel ice cream sushi dessert.
- Lona Cocina & Tequileria blends Mexican culture with waterfront dining, boasting signature margaritas, bacon guacamole, and ocean-inspired entrees like octopus tostada.
Beachfront Bites at Casablanca Cafe
Nestled on the scenic Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Casablanca Cafe stands as a testament to the charm of Fort Lauderdale’s beach. This waterfront restaurant offers not only sumptuous American comfort food, but also serves as a haven where live piano tunes blend with gentle ocean breezes nearby beautiful Lauderdale by the Sea.
Transformed from its original purpose as a residence, Casablanca Cafe now provides guests an opportunity to enjoy waterfront dining at its most exquisite. Patrons can indulge in delectable seafood while taking in breathtaking views that transport them into an era reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Renowned for being one of the best waterfront restaurants around, it presents an unparalleled atmosphere for those seeking exceptional culinary experiences along with remarkable beachside vistas.
Signature Dishes to Savor
Casablanca. Cafe offers an ode to American cuisine, infusing it with a vibrant local flair. Picture the seamless blend of delectable seafood and cozy culinary artistry, epitomized by their renowned dish – the blue crab-crusted mahi-mahi. More than just a meal, it’s an edible work of art. Every mouthful at this establishment is an homage to oceanic flavors, thoughtfully concocted to create memorable tastes that stay with you well beyond the dining experience.
Sweet Finishes
Indulge in a quintessential South Florida treat by capping off your meal with Casablanca Cafe’s Key West-style key lime pie as the evening sky darkens. This beloved dessert serves as an ideal conclusion to a sumptuous dining experience, presenting a zesty citrus filling paired with its crumbly graham cracker base that refreshingly complements the hearty tastes from earlier courses.
Oceanfront Elegance at Takato
Located on the picturesque Fort Lauderdale Beach, Takato showcases an exquisite blend of Japanese and Korean fusion dishes. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Taek Lee, guests are invited to explore a menu rich with inventive tastes including succulent wagyu galbi sliders and delectable crispy agemono—all testament to a mastery in culinary arts.
The scenic oceanfront location of Pelican Grand Beach Resort enhances the Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery’s delicate flavor harmony, delivering a dining experience that captivates both your palate with its delicious food offerings and your sight with stunning beachside views.
Fusion Favorites
Embark on a culinary adventure with Takato’s fusion delights, featuring a harmonious melding of Eastern and Western tastes. Starting off with succulent wagyu galbi sliders and savory short rib jabche, one can experience the vibrant union of Japanese and Korean palates enhanced by the engaging spectacle of wasabi prepared right at your table along with show-stopping cocktail displays. These creations aren’t merely dishes. They embody an ongoing interplay between cultures that unfolds with every morsel.
Decadent Desserts
Embark on a delightful journey into uncharted dessert territory with Takato’s ice cream sushi. By combining the classic structure of sushi with the luxurious taste of ice cream, this inventive treat takes a whimsical spin on conventional customs. It invites patrons to discover new dessert frontiers and guarantees an unforgettable finale to any fine dining experience.
Lona Cocina & Tequileria: A Mexican Haven on the Water
Located on the picturesque Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lona Cocina & Tequileria provides:
- An energetic haven embodying the quintessential experience of dining by the beach
- A beautiful bar that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor settings
- A welcoming atmosphere
- An offering that goes beyond standard Mexican cuisine, presenting a tribute to Mexico’s heritage with an oceanfront flair.
At this establishment, every meal is an odyssey to a seaside retreat in Mexico—from the shredded duck carnitas drizzled with pink mole sauce to their comprehensive range of tequila and mezcal options.
Must-Try Margaritas and Guacamole
Lona brings the essence of Mexico to life through their essential margaritas and guacamole you have to experience. The potent flavors of the ‘El Jefe’ margarita, along with the spicy yet sweet notes in the ‘Margarita de Mango’, initiate a sensory celebration.
Ensure you try out Lona’s crispy bacon guacamole, which is beloved by patrons. It pairs impeccably with their signature beverages, rounding off your dining experience beautifully.
Ocean-Inspired Entrees
Delight in the maritime flavors at Lona Cocina & Tequileria in Fort Lauderdale, where seafood enthusiasts can indulge in inventive ocean fare like the notable octopus tostada. This dish highlights a blend of traditional coastal tastes with the unique inclusion of octopus, exemplifying the creative gastronomy associated with waterfront dining experiences.
Burlock Coast’s Prohibition Charm
At the Burlock Coast, experience the allure of the Prohibition era as it blends with fresh farm-to-table delicacies and enthralling views of the sea. It’s a unique dining venue where the nostalgic essence of history converges with delectable flavors, celebrating the era’s profound gastronomic legacy in an ambiance that is at once familiar and innovative.
Farm-to-Table Fare
The Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich and Mediterranean Style Couscous at Burlock Coast embody an homage to traditional culinary delights, emphasizing the restaurant’s dedication to taste and quality. Their farm-to-table meals are crafted with simplicity in mind yet burst with flavor, using only fresh ingredients that reflect their steadfast commitment to excellence in dining.
Craft Beer and Progressive Cocktails
At Burlock Coast, the inventive and progressive cocktails, alongside craft beers, perfectly complement the farm-to-table offerings of the restaurant. With imaginative drinks such as Bill’s Spirit and the tropical ‘Hawai’an O.F.’, each gulp offers a satisfying voyage through an array of innovative flavors.
DUNE By Laurent Tourondel: Bold Flavors by the Beach
At DUNE By Laurent Tourondel, guests are treated to a culinary feast of vibrant tastes amidst the picturesque setting of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The emphasis on pristine, superior ingredients is apparent throughout their menu that spans from morning brunches to evening dinners. Every dish is crafted not only to enhance but also match the beauty of the seafront vistas, ensuring each meal becomes as memorable as Fort Lauderdale’s beach itself – an exceptional dining experience awaits.
This is one of the best restaurants in the 954! You will NOT be disappointed here if ultra luxury is what you are about. Dress the part, and get ready for a great experience. Our past server, Randy, made our last trip so enjoyable as he carefully curated the menu to steer us in the right direction.
Gourmet Grills
Indulge in the fine grilled delicacies at DUNE, where offerings such as the Australian lamb chops cooked over an open flame pay homage to this exquisite culinary technique. Every meal encapsulates the intense tastes that define this restaurant, ensuring a dining experience as engaging and satisfying as gazing upon sea vistas.
Celebratory Sweets
Revel in memorable occasions at DUNE by indulging in delightful confections such as the baked Alaska celebration cake, an enticing treat that’s both a feast for the eyes and palate. This festive dessert serves as a perfect finale to your dining experience at DUNE, leaving an indelible impression of the establishment’s distinctive tastes and its captivating oceanfront charm.
Unwind at Boatyard with River Views
This spot is NOT on the beach, but to honest, there’s only a few restaurants I’ll recommend on the beach so I added a couple that are on the water in some shape or form to make this a more encompassing guide.
Boatyard embodies the casual yet upscale essence of Fort Lauderdale’s yachting scene, providing a dining experience that marries laid-back charm with opulence. Offering an array of seafood selections and breathtaking river vistas, Boatyard stands as an ideal venue for those looking to savor top-tier waterfront dining while relaxing in a serene environment.
This is one of our favorite places for Sunday Brunch in Lauderdale.
A Bounty of Seafood
At Boatyard, the array of seafood epitomizes Fort Lauderdale’s deep-rooted nautical tradition. With dishes such as The Captain’s Tower and alligator bites, they celebrate the vast variety of flavors that the sea has to offer. These savory creations honor oceanic tastes and are presented in an environment as inviting as the surrounding waters themselves.
Unique Libations
The maritime dining experience at Boatyard is heightened by their distinctive beverages, such as the Island Hopper cocktail. Designed to pair perfectly with the restaurant’s seafood selections, this signature drink merges tropical juices with top-notch rum for a revitalizing addition that adds a hint of exotic luxury to every dish.
Brunch and Beyond at The House on the River
Okay so again, this one is NOT beach front, but I had to add it because it’s iconic. With that disclaimer out of the way, let me share with you why this made my list.
Indulge in the sophisticated dining experience at The House on the River, where both brunch and high tea are transformed into an artful occasion. Delight in our elegant seafood selections amidst an ambiance that rivals the fare itself. As you partake of a lavish brunch or engage in the refined custom of high tea, let the serene vistas from our balcony overlooking New River be your canvas for a truly elevated gastronomic journey.
Brunch Favorites
At The House on the River, the brunch menu presents a tapestry of tastes, featuring items such as shrimp and crab squid ink tagliatelle that infuse your meal with maritime essence. Their unique eggs benedict variation comes loaded with succulent short ribs, masterfully marrying classic homely fare with an upscale flair—a must-try for any avid brunch connoisseur.
Afternoon Delights
The experience of afternoon tea at The House on the River is a memorable one, characterized by its refined ambiance and an assortment of both savory morsels and sweet confections that please both the visual senses and taste buds. Guests are offered this luxurious array of delicacies arranged in tiers at an affordable cost, elevating a simple afternoon into an exquisite celebration of gastronomic joy.
Summary
From the romantic serenades of Casablanca Cafe to the innovative fusion at Takato, the vibrant Mexican flavors at Lona Cocina & Tequileria to the Caribbean zest at Steelpan, Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront dining scene is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Whether it’s the fresh catch at Coconuts, the Prohibition charm of the Burlock Coast, the laidback luxury of Boatyard, the bold tastes at DUNE, or the refined brunches at The House on the River, each restaurant offers a unique window into the soul of coastal cuisine. It’s a journey that promises breathtaking views, mouth-watering dishes, and an array of sweet finishes and spirited libations to round out the perfect dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Casablanca Cafe a unique dining destination in Fort Lauderdale?
The Casablanca Cafe stands out as a distinctive culinary venue in Fort Lauderdale, offering an enchanting atmosphere complete with live piano tunes. Situated right by the beach, it provides patrons with delectable American comfort cuisine alongside succulent seafood sourced locally.
Make sure to give it a visit!
Can I find fusion cuisine in Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront restaurants?
Certainly, fusion cuisine is on the menu at Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront dining establishments. An example is Takato, which delivers an inventive mix of Japanese and Korean flavors through dishes that include wagyu galbi sliders and ice cream sushi.
Bon appétit!
Are there waterfront dining options that offer Mexican cuisine?
Absolutely, Lona Cocina & Tequileria offers the delightful combination of Mexican gastronomy alongside scenic waterfront vistas.
Indeed, it appears to be a wonderful dining adventure!
What are some must-try dishes at Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront restaurants?
You should try the blue crab-crusted mahi-mahi at Casablanca Cafe, the octopus tostada at Lona Cocina & Tequileria, and the grilled Australian lamb chops at DUNE By Laurent Tourondel for a delightful waterfront dining experience in Fort Lauderdale.
Do any waterfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale offer high tea service?
Indeed. The House on the River presents an idyllic high tea service with a view of the New River, complete with an assortment of savory snacks and sweet pastries to ensure a pleasant afternoon occasion.
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.
