Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide
Ft. Lauderdale may seem like an unassuming Florida beach town, but don’t let the humble vibe fool you. This place is packed with mouthwatering food, stunning beaches, and luxe hotels. Take a closer look at some of my favorite places to eat, stay, and tips to beach the right way.
To Eat.
Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar: Go the evenings when they have live music and have a pre-dinner drink.
Asia Bay: Popular sushi spot (but I prefer Takato*, see below)
B Square Burgers: If burgers are your thing, B Square Burgers is your spot. You know you’re in trouble when you see a burger on the menu that explicitly notes that it’s for “big appetites only” (the Phat Boy burger). The portions are huge and the atmosphere is casual and fun. Come here for lunch or a casual dinner.
BATCH Cookies: Honestly, the best cookie I’ve ever had in my life. We got the cookies and cream cookie… and it was melt in your mouth good. Trust me, eat here.
Big City Tavern: Same owner as Louie Bossi’s. Obsessed with the Shrimp and Codfish Rub.
Boathouse: The ultimate waterfront dining experience that joins the worlds of boaters and diners. Grab a seat and watch the beautiful view of the iconic New River, while experiencing the culinary delight offered by celebrity Chef Toby Joseph. After a long day out on the water, dock your boat and join us for a meal, deck shoes and shades meets bottles and breeze.
Boatyard: Waterfront dining with seafood & steak, a bar scene & marina yacht-watching.
Bodega: Go for Taco Tuesdays!
Cafe Martorano: Great fun dinner spot with friends serving Americanized Italian food. They play loud hiphop music and have a ton of tvs.
Chick’ncone: Chicken in a waffle cone? Ask no more. This quick mid-day snack/meal was incredible. It’s in Flagler Village in an urban cool area.
Coconuts: Amazing lunch spot with friends or family! They’re very well known for their scoobies… and I absolutely love their raw tuna salad. Coconuts is quintessential Ft. Lauderdale dining at its best. It has a fun and lighthearted atmosphere and the food is delicious. Best of all, you get unobstructed views of the water. Stop by for lunch!
Dune: From date nights to casual dinners, Dune is the perfect spot. Their menu fuses Latin American flavors with contemporary coastal cuisine for a menu that wows. Seriously, you’ll be saying “wow” your whole meal. Get one of their beach-inspired cocktails or glass of wine from their extensive list and you’ve got the perfect meal.
El Camino: For incredible Mexican food, look no further than El Camino on Las Olas Boulevard. Its airy dining room transports you to a whole different world — or maybe that’s their premium tequila talking. Either way, this spot has some of the best Mexican food you’ll find in Florida. Their shrimp fajitas are an absolute must-have!
Heritage: Elevated Pizza Place… ! Very popular right now.
Kilwins: For dessert, stop by Kilwin’s for a freshly made waffle cone and a scoop of ice cream. Not that you’ll be able to resist anyway — the smell of those fresh cones lure you in from down the block.
Krispy Rice: SBE’s Sushi Box delivery service… the BEST delivered sushi, trust. Can’t get enough of this sushi.
Lobster Bar Sea Grille: Great for a family elevated dinner. Filled with modern-contemporary nautical touches, the Lobster Bar Sea Grille provides an approachable upscale atmosphere with high-end food to match. While it’s not exactly budget-friendly, you won’t completely break the bank here. All of their fresh seafood is reasonably priced for the amazing quality and flavor that you get. Try the “Rolls-Royce of Lobsters” and you won’t be disappointed.
Luigi’s: Florida may not seem like a destination for great pizza, but if you find yourself craving a slice, you must go to Luigi’s. I repeat, you must go to Luigi’s. It is absolutely some of the best pizza I’ve ever had, and it certainly is the best I’ve ever had in Florida. Locals and tourists alike flock to this spot for quality food and an old-school vibe.
Ritz Carlton Breakfast: The Ritz Carlton is world-renowned for their gorgeous hotels, but the food is equally breathtaking. My favorites are the tuna poke and fresh oysters! Go for the food, stay for the views.
S3: One of my favorite restaurants for lunch or dinner! Sun, surf, and sand are the building blocks of S3. Located practically on the ocean, this modern eatery has great views, great vibes, and the sushi is beyond amazing. Check them out for lunch or sit outside at night with one of their cocktails.
SALT7: Just opened on the New River- Ft Lauderdale’s newest hot spot! Serving up Modern American dining with an award winning chef from Hell’s Kitchen. Great for date night or dinner with friends.
Sobevegan: Healthy vegan casual restaurant
Sparrow: Great rooftop drinks and apps spot in the newest trendy hotel, The Dalmar! Great for date night or a group dinner!
Takato: Newest sushi spot opened at The Conrad. I think this is the best sushi in Ft Lauderdale- and the beach side location is hard to beat. Their chefs sushi is incredible. This spot is a MUST. Love for date night, a nice lunch, dinner with friends or a special occasion.
Top Hat Delicatessen: This Mom and Pop business is as old school as it gets — with a few updates of course. Here you’ll find all of your class deli favorites like Reubens and Knishes, but also a few reinvented classics, like their Matzo Brei. Mom and Dad probably wouldn’t approve but this deli has a full bar too.
YOLO: Infamous for its happy hours and brunch, YOLO is a beloved Ft. Lauderdale staple. Whether you’re a foodie looking for unique food or an influencer looking to get a great shot for the gram, YOLO has something for you.
To Stay.
The W Ft. Lauderdale: The W Hotels are known for hip and modern hotels and The W Fort Lauderdale is no exception. Take in the beachfront view from your pet-friendly room or take a dip in one of their infinity pools.
The Ritz Carlton Ft. Lauderdale: For a more luxe experience, check in to The Ritz Fort Lauderdale. Each room offers a spacious layout, balcony, and view of the Atlantic or Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. And don’t forget their amazing breakfast! Very conveniently located- close to Las Olas.
The Dalmar: Their rooftop is everything. If you don’t stay here, go for drinks!
To Shop.
Floreana Nail Salon: NY vibe nail salon in Ft Lauderdale. This spot is not to be missed. So beautiful, clean and modern—and they do an incredible job on mani/pedis.
Montce in Flagler Village: The original Montce store location!
POPPY + posh: Throwing a party and need balloon decorations… this is the SPOT to order from. POPPY + posh bring all the creativeness + pop with their specialized balloon installs. They love stepping out of the box with organic balloon garlands + balloon walls. They are able to create installs completely customized for your needs.
South Moon Under: Cutest clothing boutique!
Beach Tips.
Beach Chairs: The great news is, all of Ft Lauderdale beaches are public, so you don’t have to worry about staying at a hotel to get access! You can pay for chairs and umbrellas when you arrive. The beaches can get crowded but there always seems to be plenty of space!
Beach Parking: Street parking near the beach can be hit or miss.
Pro Tip: Pat breakfast or lunch at a hotel or restaurant so you can take advantage of their valet parking. Most restaurants only charge $10-$25 to park there for the day. They give you 2 hours free while you’re eating then offer you the option to leave if you decide to hit the beach.