Fort Lauderdale is experiencing a remarkable transformation in its culinary landscape. For the first time, the Michelin Guide has included the city, awarding a coveted star to the restaurant Maass located in the Four Seasons hotel, a recognition that has prompted local establishments to elevate their offerings. Food enthusiasts can now explore a variety of new dining options, ranging from fresh seafood to hearty meat dishes and Mediterranean delights.
New Dining Establishments Shine
One of the standout newcomers, Sunness Supper Club, has quickly gained popularity despite its location in a modest plaza. Offering a diverse menu, the restaurant features starters like wild mushroom flatbread and jumbo lump crab cakes. Diners can indulge in “steaks, chops and fish” selections such as bone-in rib eye with truffled mashed potatoes and heritage pork chop with apricot chutney. The dessert menu is equally impressive, showcasing a S’mores Galore Brownie and a miniature Ferris wheel filled with assorted treats, with a portion of sales going to charity.
Another noteworthy addition is a steakhouse from Gioia Hospitality and Chef Daniel Ganem, which emphasizes local sourcing. The establishment serves Skipper Sweets oysters from the panhandle and prime steaks from North Florida. Diners can expect luxury items such as a beef tartare with Kaluga caviar and a 16 oz. grass-fed Florida Providence Cattle NY strip, complemented by key lime pie and chocolate chip skillet cookies for dessert.
Scenic Views and Unique Concepts
The two-story Ocean Prime, which opened in April, boasts stunning views of the Intracoastal. The restaurant’s menu features dramatic dishes like a smoking shellfish tower alongside a 22 oz. bone-in rib eye. In contrast, Jay’s, set in a restored 1920s church, offers a theatrical dining experience with prime rib served tableside and extravagant caviar presentations.
Catering to diverse tastes, a new spot on the Riverwalk incorporates Japanese street food with offerings such as beech mushroom tempura and Fuji apple-glazed pork belly. Additionally, the Nikkei-style restaurant marries Japanese and Peruvian flavors, featuring fresh seafood towers and a variety of sushi options.
At the recently opened Pier Sixty-Six, diners can choose from 12 unique dining venues, including an elegant French-Italian restaurant. Signature dishes include truffle fritillary with blue crab and roasted delicata squash, alongside a stunning ambiance created by the marina and open kitchen.
The Ibis Sky Lounge at the Omni hotel targets a sophisticated clientele, offering tapas-style dishes with views of the city skyline. Highlights from the menu include scallops with sweet pepper sofrito and caviar croquettes.
Mediterranean flavors remain strong in Fort Lauderdale, with new eateries like Thasos serving traditional Greek dishes such as grilled octopus and branzino, alongside innovative plates like peach stracciatella salad.
Additionally, travelers can enjoy gourmet in-flight meals from Slate, a private airline now featuring treats from renowned establishments including Daniel Boulud’s Épicerie Boulud.
As Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene continues to flourish, these new dining experiences reflect a commitment to quality and creativity, providing residents and visitors with exciting options to explore.
