Mention Italian food in Fort Lauderdale, and our mouths water at the thought of dishes layered with more herbs and cheeses than a Roman market. That rustic simplicity is why we adore this Mediterranean cuisine, and the city’s best Italian restaurants masterfully balance earthy flavors with bright, fresh, and savory notes. Yes, many gems dot the coastline. But authentic spots thrive inland too—from family-run trattorias to modern enotecas. Here are our top picks.
Heritage
$$ | (954) 635-2335 | WEBSITE
For a taste of authentic Italian cooking in a cozy Fort Lauderdale setting, head to Heritage. There’s a bustling main dining room that’s always packed with locals and visitors, but even when it’s busy, the owner makes time to chat with every table, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Classics like the meatballs with tomato sauce and the Mafaldine Bolognese hit all the right notes, but they also have lighter options like the kale salad with its fantastic dressing to balance out the richer dishes. The place stays busy for good reason, and it’s tough to snag a table without planning ahead, but the service is wonderfully efficient.
If you’re in the mood for pizza, the personal meatball ricotta basil pie or the short rib with marsala cream sauce on a crispy thin crust are absolute must-orders.
The Etna Rosso Ristorante
$$ | (954) 530-7910 | WEBSITE
If you strolled into The Etna Rosso Ristorante without any context, you might not immediately recognize it as an Italian eatery. There are no checkered tablecloths or Chianti bottles dangling from the ceiling and, like many spots in Fort Lauderdale, it feels more like a cozy, intimate nook with warm lighting casting soft shadows across the room.
But this place serves homemade pasta with perfectly balanced sauces, standout lobster ravioli, and spaghetti in clam sauce that tastes like a seaside dream. It’s an ideal spot for special occasions, especially when the passionate owner is circulating through the space, creating that warm, welcoming environment everyone praises.
Noodles Panini
$$ | (954) 462-1514 | WEBSITE
The intimate Italian restaurant specializes in classic pasta dishes, which you can enjoy with your choice of sauces, proteins, and wine pairings. You could eat here three times in the same week, with three very different people, without ever feeling like you’ve done it all before. Noodles Panini opened their location in Fort Lauderdale years ago, and have since become a local favorite.
At the quaint, brick-walled space, you’ll see a lot of dates splitting bottles of Sauvignon Blanc and chatting over Italian music from the ’80s.
Oria Waterfront
$$ | (954) 564-4400 | WEBSITE
Oria Waterfront—from the same team behind its previous Italian incarnation—was a Fort Lauderdale favorite back when it served classic pasta and seafood. In its current waterfront location with the same poolside charm, they now offer straightforward American bar fare in a setting with cozy wooden tables and string lights. Sample from the updated menu, followed by generous portions of burgers, wings, and loaded nachos with house-made queso.
We consider it essential to grab a seat on the small terrace to take in the intercoastal view.
IL Paesano Italian Gourmet Food Cafe, Deli and Wine Market
$$ | (954) 396-1700 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Fort Lauderdale, IL Paesano is the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner with loved ones. They really focus on hearty, authentic dishes here. The tender osso buco pappardelle comes in a rich, slow-cooked sauce, and the house special ground meat spaghetti arrives in a generous, family-style bowl. Our top pick, the seafood pasta, is the most comforting—and flavorful—on the menu.
Your server will bring out a steaming plate of fresh shellfish and al dente noodles, before offering a sprinkle of parmesan at the table. Even though the entrance shares a strip with a deli counter, the warm lighting and rustic wooden tables inside create enough coziness for a quiet gathering.
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria
$$ | (954) 356-6699 | WEBSITE
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria has been a Fort Lauderdale favorite with a devoted following for years, first making its mark locally before becoming a destination spot. Head here for one of the finest (and heartiest) plates of rigatoni bolognese in the city, and tiramisu, if you prefer something sweet. No matter what you order, pair it with a drizzle of their signature chili pepper infused extra virgin olive oil. It’s infused with so many peppers that the oil packs a serious kick.
Sarpino’s Pizzeria Fort Lauderdale
$ | (954) 525-0515 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a laid-back family meal with Italian classics in Fort Lauderdale, make your way to Sarpino’s Pizzeria. The simple, welcoming space feels like a neighborhood spot that would sell board games, with some big windows up front and a few booths along the side. It’s probably the most approachable Italian joint on this list—even the dishes labeled as hearty tend to be relatively straightforward—but they make up for it with some stellar crispy-crust pizzas and massive portions.
If you have a picky eater who wants to try real Italian-American food for the first time, this is the spot to take them to.
Casa Calabria
$$$ | (954) 982-2191 | WEBSITE
Casa Calabria on the ocean serves authentic Italian dishes like gnocchi that’s a favorite among guests, chicken Parm, and eggplant Parmesan that’s so good you’ll wonder if the dish is better without meat. It’s a top-notch dining experience, but we also like coming here for a special evening. The laid-back, sexy vibe with the outdoor balcony makes feasting on house-made tiramisu and Wednesday night Italian cheeses feel like an intimate dinner party.
They also have easy parking and attentive service led by Mauro.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (954) 776-3341 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant serves Italian-American fare that compares with some of the best casual dining in Fort Lauderdale. Full of warm lighting and comfortable booths, the welcoming restaurant is our go-to spot in the area for fettuccine alfredo, the Soup/Salad/Breadsticks combo, and calamari topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Stop by with a date or a group for casual dinner and drinks—there’s a full bar, and with attentive servers and pleasant music, it’s easy to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Roberta Pizza & Pasta
$$ | (954) 314-7940 | WEBSITE
Roberta Pizza & Pasta is exactly as delightful as the buzz around this Lauderdale by the Sea spot suggests. As much as we’ve savored everything we’ve tried here, we typically order the same three things on repeat: the creamy spinach ravioli, fresh insalata Caprese, and tiramisu that arrives with perfect layers. This location feels cozy and intimate, and it’s worth the wait, but the food comes out promptly.
The care taken with each dish and the warm presence of co-owner Roberta create a charming, old-style Italian experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Zuckerello’s
$$ | (954) 776-4282 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving authentic Italian flavors in Fort Lauderdale, head to Zuckerello’s. Go straight to their signature dishes, for seafood pasta and crab stuffed ravioli prepared with generous portions that deliver on both flavor and value. The family-friendly atmosphere is ideal for celebrations, and the space is deceptively charming with its Italian-inspired decor that makes you feel transported.
Get your loved ones together and opt for the crab stuffed ravioli with plenty of sauce to savor alongside their perfectly cooked pasta. The attentive staff ensures every visit feels special, whether you’re dining solo or with a group, making it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
