Fort Lauderdale’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with flavors from around the world. While it’s common for restaurants to come and go, we noticed quite a few store fronts closing around the popular Las Olas Boulevard.
In the first half of 2024, there were at least 15 closed Fort Lauderdale restaurants. From old favorites like La Bonne Crepe and O-B House to newer eateries like Val+tino and Verino’s Pizzeria. Here is a list of the closed restaurants so far in 2024:
- Asbury Ale House – This hub for beer enthusiasts took over the Society Las Olas space in December 2023. After being open for only 6 months, the gastropub closed in May.
- Big Buns Damn Good Burgers – Located off Las Olas River Walk, Big Buns Damn Good Burgers was a paradise for burger lovers when it opened in 2022. However, increased competition led to its closure in April.
- Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant – Despite its upscale ambiance at the Galleria Mall, the restaurant closed its doors at the end of May, marking the end of its 5-year run.
- Cuba Libre – After 3 years of transporting diners to the streets of Havana, the Philly-based Cuban restaurant closed May 27. The Las Olas location has been sold and rumor has it that a new restaurant known as Sixty Vines will take over the space after extensive renovations.
- La Bonne Crepe – This Las Olas Boulevard staple lasted for almost half a century. The French-American bistro closed in April.
- Matchbox – With its wood-fired pizzas and inventive cocktails, Matchbox was a favorite among food enthusiasts since 2022. This location on the New River closed in April.
- O-B House – A neighborhood favorite located in the historic Himmarshee District, O-B House was known for its hearty breakfasts and comfort food classics. Despite its loyal clientele, the restaurant abruptly closed in April. They had been in business for 12 years.
- Piazza Italia – Bringing a taste of Italy to Las Olas Boulevard, Piazza Italia closed in May.
- Sushi Garage – This Miami Beach-based restaurant opened in 2021 on the ground floor of the luxurious Icon Las Olas apartment building. They closed in May.
- Santiago’s Bodega – Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man And The Sea, this tapas bar opened two years ago off Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. They closed May 28.
- Val+tino – Intended as a rebrand of Chef Giovanni Rocchio’s Valention Cucina Italiana, this upscale Italian restaurant closed May 5 after only 4 months in business. Owners SFL Hospitality Group hope to make a new concept announcement for the Rio Vista space in the Fall of 2024.
- The Balcony Las Olas – After offering a taste of New Orleans in Fort Lauderdale for five years, the restaurant closed in March. Owners posted a note on The Balcony website teasing about “something very exciting in the works.”
- Tijuana Flats – After filing for bankruptcy, this Central Florida-based restaurant chain closed all 11 locations. One of the locations was off Sunrise Boulevard, just 5 minutes from Las Olas.
- Top Round – A modern take on the classic diner, Top Round offered indulgent comfort food in a nostalgic setting. However, changing dining trends led to its closure in March, leaving behind cravings for its roast beef sandwiches and milkshakes.
- Verino’s Pizzeria – A year after opening in the former Jade Palace Restaurant, this casual restaurant across from the Galleria Mall closed. A sign at the property states The Sunness Modern American Kitchen will be coming soon.
As we bid farewell to these culinary landmarks, let’s cherish the memories and flavors they brought into our lives. Though their closures mark the end of an era, they will forever hold a special place in Fort Lauderdale’s rich gastronomic history.
