For any foodies out there wondering, Fort Lauderdale is a food lover’s paradise. 

It doesn’t resort to basic coastal clichés with just seaside views. Instead, it’s bold and adventurous, diverse and sophisticated, and inspired by its diverse population. It’s a labor of love, reflecting both a local and global flair that has been Michelin-recommended and awarded.

And from now until September 30, over 140 restaurants across the Fort Lauderdale culinary community unite to offer a diverse range of experiences for Dine Out Lauderdale. A longstanding tradition for over 10 years, this two-month celebration returns to an epic venture in gastronomy that offers many unparalleled experiences.

Sun Surf Sand: Much More than a Seaside Restaurant 

As expected, there’s no shortage of seaside restaurants in Fort Lauderdale that offer breathtaking ocean views. While these prime locations can sometimes be gimmicky or one-dimensional at certain bars and trendy hotspots, Fort Lauderdale’s authentic culinary scene incorporates this scenic backdrop as a natural part of its menus rather than just a marketing tactic. Sun Surf Sand, or S3 for short, embodies Fort Lauderdale’s chef-driven vision and distinctive oceanic spirit, blending upscale hospitality with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

With a menu centered on freshness and modern Asian-inspired dishes, and only the freshest seafood sourced daily from Toyosu Fish Market, S3 combines favorites in steak, seafood, and sushi to create an ideal spot for locals to gather and celebrate, and for visitors to experience Fort Lauderdale’s unique cuisine firsthand.

While you can’t go wrong with the mainstay menu, the Dine Out Lauderdale Dinner Experience is a four-course feast celebrating S3’s Asian and coastal influences. The Goat Cheese Croquettes are perfectly fried to a golden crisp and burst with flavor, while the Wok Charred Edamame offers a balance of savory and snappy notes of lively greens. Entrees like the Zulu Pork Ribs deliver a hearty, bold robustness, and the Salmon Bowl provides a lovely contrast with zesty ginger and smooth avocado puree. A light and clean finish to this multi-course meal is the Passion Fruit Panna Cotta, topped with mango lime curd and strawberry milk streusel.

S3’s craft cocktails and free-spirited mocktails complement the menu with an adventurous touch, further adding coastal and island-inspired flair to each meal. Their signature Sake Refreshers seamlessly blend sake tradition with summer flavors, providing a light, bubbly treat perfect for year-round enjoyment in the heat. The Oceanside and Passion Paradise cocktails feature jalapeño-infused tequila—Oceanside with habanero blanco tequila, coconut water, cucumber, and lime, and Passion Paradise with passionfruit, vanilla, and citrus, topped with a cool foam. The spicy notes combined with subtle sweetness add complexity to every sip.

S3 Smoke Signal Old Fashioned. Video Martin Ramirez.

As a whiskey enthusiast from Texas, I hold a special place in my heart for Old Fashioneds, and the Smoked Signal Old Fashioned at S3 exceeds all expectations, offering one of the best versions. This delightful mix combines Angel’s Envy Bourbon with chocolate bitters and demerara, then is smoked to perfection, creating a multisensory experience that truly leaves a lasting impression. With this sublime seasonal menu and picturesque ocean backdrop, you’ll need to reserve your spot before heading out.

Nubé: A Rooftop Rendezvous Rising Above the Rest

Nubé Rooftop. Video Martin Ramirez.

Rooftop restaurants and bars have been a defining experience in Fort Lauderdale. Boasting several hotels towering above the Atlantic Ocean, the long-lasting trend has evolved from the quintessential thing to do in South Florida into an adventure in gastronomy. Nubé Rooftop, nested high on the 26th floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, combines the popping energy of a rooftop lounge and uninterrupted panoramic ocean views with the respect of an elevated, five-star restaurant to deliver a noteworthy experience that raises the bar on this storied rooftop tradition.

The menu starts with a playful selection of innovative cocktails. The not-so-subtle references to clouds are a charming theme that delivers both visually and flavorfully. The two crowd pleasers, the Smoke Cloud with Patrón Reposado Tequila, orange and peach bitters, toasted coconut, lemon, and lime, finished with a demerara smoke treatment, and the Nubé with 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Infused Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier, watermelon, lemon, lime, and agave topped with a sea salt air foam, are a pair of indulgent presentations that heighten the experience. Or browse the Tailor-Made Margarita section to customize your own margarita using only the finest of ingredients.

Then, after ordering that eye-catching drink, you’ll discover that the food at Nubé Rooftop is just as inventive as the cocktails. Caviar and oysters continue the cloud theme as snacks, further raising the standards of this South Florida cuisine, along with Wagyu Dumplings and Short Rib Empanadas. Delectable entrees follow suit, offering contemporary options that range from a Smashed Double Wagyu Cheeseburger to a Mozzarella Burrata, satisfying every type of eater. The special Dine Out Lauderdale menu features a few exclusives that represent the diverse cultures of Fort Lauderdale, such as the Tostones Cups with shredded beef, slaw, avocado crema, tomatillo salsa, and queso fresco, and the Crispy Tuna Tacos with spicy Tajin, mango relish, wasabi tobiko, avocado puree, and micro shiso.

Main courses include another selection of flavorful entrees, such as a Wagyu Relais Steak with frites, Relais sauce, shallot, and garlic confit, along with a Spice-Crusted Salmon served with mushrooms, spinach, pesto orzo “risotto,” heirloom tomatoes, romesco, and pine nuts. Each savory dish offers a satisfying experience for both body and spirit, ending with a delightful sweet finale—either Gelato with chocolate sauce and a dirty cherry or a Chocolate Temptation Cake made from prized Ecuadorian cocoa, mousse au chocolate, and ganache. Reservations, whether for the Dine Out Lauderdale experience or any other time of the year, are highly encouraged.

Fresh Eats for an Authentic Floridian Venture

With 24 miles of golden beach coastline and 31 unique neighborhoods to explore, you’ll want to look—and feel—your best. Fortunately, Floridian cuisine offers plenty of options focused on healthy ingredients, natural sources, locally sourced foods, and beautiful presentations to inspire active lifestyles and positive vibes. 

All-day breakfast is a commonly overlooked necessity. But not for Fort Lauderdale. Home to one of only four U.S. locations, Ol’ Days serves up fresh, nourishing breakfast and brunch around the clock, making it the perfect menu to jumpstart your day, no matter when it begins. Try any of the fresh cold-pressed juices or mood-setting coffees and cocktails (and coffee-based mocktails) for a refreshing rejuvenation. 

Then transition to a hearty plate of fluffy Ricotta Eggs topped with parmesan cheese and pepper flakes or a light bowl of Homemade Creamy Yogurt topped with granola, fresh fruit, coconut, and agave. Elegant yet approachable, simple yet refined, Ol’ Days brings farm-to-table freshness in the heart of this coastal city. 

While Ol’ Days is tucked away on Las Olas Boulevard, locally adored Carrot Express offers a similar fresh likeness in multiple locations throughout the city. Founded in 1993 after owner Mario Laufer recognized a need for nutritious cuisine in Miami Beach, the Floridian favorite has since scaled to 28 locations throughout South Florida and New York City and still counting. 

Casual and yet sophisticated, abundant yet humble with a signature local love, Carrot Express should be on anyone’s checklist when in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to seasonal fresh produce featured in their lively salads, satisfying power bowls, and balanced sandwiches and burgers, Carrot Express’s breakfast options should not be overlooked.

A standout among the breakfast menu is without a doubt the Gluten Free Carrot Waffle. Thick, fluffy, and cooked to a golden brown, topped with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, almond butter, and coconut flakes, the Carrot Waffle is sinfully sweet and indulgent without the guilt. 

 The House on the River: An Ode to Tradition and History 

With reverence for history, The House on the River weaves over a hundred years of Fort Lauderdale’s past into a classic cuisine that’s unforgettable and timeless. Located in the heart of downtown, this house welcomes you with an eclectic display of classical charm from the first steps onto the hardwood floors. Note the hodgepodge of mixed China and vintage furniture immediately greeting you as you enter. The smaller antique tables create a cozy and intimate setting for you and your better half, making it easy to share apps, entrees, and romantic moments. And with enough shaded seating options outside and a well-attentive staff, you’re always in good company and great comfort during each dining experience.

For Dine Out Lauderdale, The House on the River offers a prix-fixe dinner menu with a selection of elevated options that include Roasted Strawberry & Burrata with prosciutto, pesto, and a balsamic drizzle, a succulent Steak Frites with Au Poivre Sauce and French Fries, and a classic French Crème Brulé for dessert. And with an idyllic location just off the Florida Riviera, you’re able to conclude each meal with a leisurely walk by a soft movement of waves or under a canopy of trees. 

Where To Stay 

As the city’s lively food scene buzzes with excitement, it’s understandable to want to be somewhere in the middle of it all. The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers that and more. 

You’ll find the Westin’s convenient central location is within walking distance of many highly rated bars, restaurants, beaches, and surf shops. So whether you’re cruising around in swimwear or on your way to Nubé’s in something more formal, you’ll barely break a sweat as you leisurely stroll to your next destination. Also, Westin is a short drive from the airport and many other neighborhoods, stretching both your time and wallet for more adventures in Fort Lauderdale. 

With all the excitement waiting outside their door, Westin combines its high standards of hospitality and love for luxury design with Fort Lauderdale’s beach vibes and relaxed atmosphere to create an ideal seaside escape that invites you to stay in. From the moment you wake up, you’re greeted with ocean views and the sounds of waves crashing just outside your floor-to-ceiling windows. The stunning view is complemented by a lounge chaise and coffee table nearby, offering peaceful mornings with coffee or relaxing evenings with a cocktail or glass of wine. This view extends beyond the chaise and bed, reaching as far into the bathroom vanity and shower, allowing you to start and end each day with the ocean view in sight. Book your room here. 

Not to be absent from the ongoing culinary excitement at Dine Out Lauderdale, the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort features  Lona Cocina & Tequileria. With a modern twist on authentic Mexican cuisine led by the renowned Chef Pablo Salas, Lona offers a three-course lunch experience with a stunning beach view. Guests can choose from a mix of traditional and modern options like Mushroom Empanadas, Tuna Tostada, Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, and Tres Limones cake. 

Other Ways to Participate 

Water Taxis

Much of Fort Lauderdale can quickly be covered by short Lyft or Uber rides, but where’s the fun in that? With more canals than Italy, Fort Lauderdale is widely known as the Venice of America. And it’s true, waterways offer a convenient way to explore the city while learning much about its culture. Plus, many participating restaurants encourage this unique transportation, often offering discounts on food and drinks, or freebies, just by showing your pass. Even if you have nowhere to go, spending an hour or so traveling between pick-up points offers a lovely afternoon hang that’s somehow informative and fun. Also, you can buy local beer, wine, and canned cocktails on these excursions. Purchase your tickets here.

One of several Mad Arts Exhibits. Video Martin Ramirez

Mad Arts

Showcasing how everyone in the greater Fort Lauderdale community is supporting Dine Out Lauderdale, Mad Arts combines art and technology with food and drink to host a three-dinner event, Unseen Work, throughout August and September. With your choice of dates on August 29, September 12, and September 26, the talented team at Mad Arts invites all foodies, art lovers, and the curious as they welcome back Chef Sam Diaz, private chef from Arkansas, and artist Jaimie Reyes from Switzerland, for an immersive gastronomic experience that leverages a multimedia and multisensory platform to meditate on the process of culinary creation.

Admission also includes museum passes, encouraging guests and first-time visitors to peruse the exhibits before or after the multi-course dinner and wine pairing. From permanent exhibits like Makoto Tojiki’s Existence, a larger-than-life constellation sculpture that expresses the notion of existing within society, and The Hunter, Studio McGuire’s eerily accurate depiction of the struggle between compassion and killing using only silhouettes and paper, to rotating exhibits like Rosanna Kalis’s Press Play, a playful and captivating piece combining hand-drawn paintings with light and sound to juxtapose past and present, there are many ways to immerse your consciousness in the abstract thought of simple themes.

Getting Here: Spirit Airlines Offers Big Seats for Big Appetites

Fort Lauderdale-based Spirit Airlines has improved its seating options with the new “Big Front Seats.” This upgraded seating setup eliminates the awkward middle seat that many basic economy passengers face, offering a plush, sofa-like 2-2 layout with up to eleven extra inches of leg room. This allows you to nap comfortably, finish that last spreadsheet, or relax on a return flight after a long day of dining. Plus, with a curated selection of goodies and great coffee, far better than the typical pretzel stick and burnt coffee served by major airlines, your travel cravings are at least temporarily satisfied as Spirit welcomes you into its backyard.

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Cover photo courtesy Visit Fort Lauderdale.

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.