Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, but when the sun dips below the Intracoastal and the ocean breeze carries a whisper of evening chill, nothing satisfies quite like a perfectly executed meal—the kind that wraps you in coastal comfort while surprising your palate. From waterfront gems to hidden neighborhood treasures, here are the establishments that define excellence in 2026.
BKK Thai & Sushi by Cilantro
$$ | (954) 900-2428 | WEBSITE
When the game is on and we want to watch with good food, we head to BKK Thai & Sushi by Cilantro for their top-floor setup. We like the BKK Taco, the beautifully presented appetizer with authentic flavors, and the Moo Yang, their excellent grilled pork dish. Also, when you see something on a menu called “BKK salt pepper duck,” you can’t not order it. Just trust them when they say it’s crispy and perfectly seasoned.
Gyroville Fort Lauderdale ( Cypress Creek)
$ | (954) 982-2526 | WEBSITE
Gyroville Fort Lauderdale (Cypress Creek) may be simple inside and out, but the traditional gyro is outstanding, the kind of sandwich that you willingly travel long distances for (or just order it for delivery, it travels very well). The pita is soft and fresh, loaded with deliciousness and tender meat. You should also think about ordering the gyro rice bowl, the vegan options, and/or the fresh sauces, as you will not regret it.
Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria
$$ | (954) 766-4842 | WEBSITE
Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria, tucked away in Fort Lauderdale, is probably best known for their pizzas, and it’s definitely our favorite place to get a slice of the humble bumble. The inviting, neat atmosphere is bright, relaxed, and welcoming—it’s exactly what we crave when we want to unwind with a game on the big projectors (sometimes we just bring the dog and pretend it’s a regular day).
Naz’s Halal Food – Fort Lauderdale
$ | (954) 580-6803 | WEBSITE
No list of halal spots in Fort Lauderdale would be complete without a mention of Naz’s Halal Food. They’ve become a go-to option for flavorful halal meals since they opened, and their reputation has only grown, as you can tell from the steady stream of customers picking up orders at their Fort Lauderdale location.
They’re best known for their generous combo platter over rice—with chicken and lamb that’s always high-quality—but they also do a really great beef and chicken Chapli for when you want something just a little bit different.
JJ Cafe
$ | (954) 977-4303 | WEBSITE
JJ Cafe, the diner with the newly updated lettering on its window near the FLL area, serves up some phenomenal food, including the ham & cheese omelet, the BBQ bacon burger, and the Gyro. Here the grits are made from scratch, and the portions are generous. The food is quite good and tastes like homemade every time, a comforting experience not entirely unlike when you slip into your favorite pair of well-worn jeans on a lazy Sunday morning.
Sushi Sake
$$ | (954) 870-7337 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Fort Lauderdale, Sushi Sake is a charming spot serving up excellent renditions of creative fusion sushi, from the popular Marlin roll with seared scallop to Latin-flavored options like the Calle Ocho. As soon as the sun comes out, we find ourselves craving the Hamachi Roll, packed full of fresh fish and a spicy kick that we usually can’t help but order alongside a blue berry mojito.
Just know that the outdoor seating fills up quickly during happy hour, so plan to arrive early, or position yourself at the bar and try not to get too comfortable with the friendly, attentive service from servers like Adiany and Lorelei like we have in the past.
Café Bastille Fort Lauderdale
$$ | (786) 425-3575 | WEBSITE
Café Bastille Fort Lauderdale is perhaps best known for their bottomless mimosas—it’s in their name after all. We’re big fans of the brunch here, especially the Turkish eggs with the gluten-free bread, which many find surprisingly good. While the food is delicious on its own, make sure to ask for Ishmael, Sarah, or Manuel for the full attentive experience. Find them with a great water view alongside a location perfect for a relaxing weekend, another highlight of this guide.
Beehive Kitchen
$ | (954) 541-8787 | WEBSITE
Inside the bustling Fort Lauderdale dining scene, Beehive Kitchen is serving up some of the freshest customizable bowls we’ve encountered. Health-conscious eaters will appreciate building their own salads with crisp greens and vibrant toppings, but the real standout here is the signature protein bowl. The base has all the heartiness of a satisfying meal, plus generous portions of quality ingredients and flavorful dressings.
Add a squeeze of lime or a dash of hot sauce and it’s like enjoying the elevated fast-casual experience we always wanted. The friendly staff, including Alejandra and Ramon, provide attentive service that accommodates dietary needs, making each visit feel personalized and welcoming.
Manor Lanes Bowling and Sports Den Pub
$ | (954) 566-7457 | WEBSITE
At Manor Lanes Bowling and Sports Den Pub, the name of the game is, well, bowling and sports. And they do both very well. The pizza here is the best ever—a very satisfying sight to see when you walk in the door—and comes with various toppings on a scale from “classic” to “loaded.” And if you think that’s a lot of options, just wait until you see the different cuisines. There’s traditional pub fare, Peruvian specialties, Latin-inspired dishes, and more. The best part?
There’s no bad choice, though the pizza and the Peruvian section are especially good. They have a welcoming atmosphere in the Fort Lauderdale area, with big TVs for games, updated arcades, and plenty of seating for families, friends, and even dogs.
Solluna
$$ | WEBSITE
We’re always impressed whenever we visit Solluna in Fort Lauderdale. We’re powerless to not order the fajitas, and we really like their massive Margaritas. The combination is perhaps a little unexpected—it’s sushi and Mexican food (and not your typical fusion). The fajitas are heavy with incredible seasoning, the toppings are fresh, and the portion size is pretty big.
The bartenders and servers are attentive and friendly, making the experience enjoyable with great drink specials like buy one get one free. The covered patio with live music and bar seating gives the place a lively atmosphere, especially during Spring Break. Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale beach walk, Solluna is a must-visit spot for delicious food and a fun evening.
Ilios
$$ | (954) 414-2222 | WEBSITE
Ilios—from the team behind the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale—offers a pleasant breakfast experience with beautiful ocean views. The lobster roll comes with all the classic elements—like good chunks of lobster and fresh French fries—or you can get a filling chicken sandwich loaded with tomato and lettuce and feel like you’re enjoying a proper meal. They have a really tasty breakfast as well.
The Green Hat Bar
$$ | (954) 491-6265 | WEBSITE
When we try to wear a lot of hats, we just come across looking silly, but The Green Hat Bar manages to pull it off seamlessly. The menu is intentionally vague, spanning everything from The Mistress and The Smuggler, to The Siren and The Gold Rush. But when we come here, we usually go straight for the aptly named Gold Rush, rimmed with buzz plant and almost numbing the lips and tongue in a natural, safe way.
There aren’t really any wrong choices here, but we’re especially fond of the secret menu scavenger hunt guided by the knowledgeable bartender.
