We hope you enjoy our list of the 10 best Fort Lauderdale waterfront restaurants. Our criteria was pretty simple. We looked at atmosphere, service and offerings.
1. Kaluz
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3300 E Commercial Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
954-772-2209
Type of Cuisine: New American
Although Kaluz has several restaurants in the area, none of them offer a view like its Fort Lauderdale location. Positioned on the southwest corner of the Commercial Boulevard Bridge, diners have a prime location for watching Intracoastal Waterway traffic float by. Plus, the well-rounded modern New American cuisine-inspired menu offers flatbreads, steaks, salads and seafood.
TIP: Happy Hour is offered Monday – Friday at both the indoor and outdoor bars from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. You can choose from an affordably priced collection of small bites, and adult beverages.
2. Coconuts
Image: sunny.org
429 Seabreeze Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-2421
Type of Cuisine: Seafood
Coconuts offers waterfront dining in a casual setting. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Intracoastal Waterway, where you’ll see a combination of mega yachts and fishing vessels cruise by.
While the menu is seafood focused, there are lots of other choices. One of our favorite appetizers is the Scoobies. Don’t be surprised if you want a second order!
TIP: You can order off of the menu of their sister restaurant, G&B Oyster Bar. Also, if you’re a fan of Paella, stop by on Fridays where it’s prepared to perfection outside.
3. Shooters
Image: shooterswaterfront.com
3033 NE 32nd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
954-566-2855
Type of Cuisine: New American
One of the fun things about Shooters are the many dining areas. There is the inside bar, inside dining, outside bar, outside dining, “birdcage” for something more intimate and fire pit seating. No matter where you choose to sit, you will be able to enjoy views of the Intracoastal Waterway and boat traffic.
TIP: Shooters welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs outside. They even have menu items for your canine companion.
4. Takato – Asian Fusion
Image: takatorestaurant.com
551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-414-5160
Type of Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Takato means “in a state of extreme happiness” and that’s exactly how we feel when dining at this upscale beach restaurant. Taking inspiration from his Japanese and Korean heritage, Chef Take Lee created a menu with exquisite sushi and Umami ingredients that are complemented with bright flavor compounds and locally-sourced land and sea provisions.
While your tastebuds are dancing, your eyes will be marveling at the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach and Atlantic Ocean views.
TIP: Try at least one of their specialty cocktails! Our favorites include the Kuria Cosmopolitan and the Shikoku Margarita.
5. Cafe Bastille
Images: cafebastilledowntown.com
704 SE 1st Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
786-425-3575
Type of Cuisine: French/Brunch
French duo Estelle and Ben brought their passion for Parisian brunch to Fort Lauderdale. The all-day bakery and cafe benefits from the pair’s travels with dishes including Benedicts, omelettes, healthy bowls, crêpes and bakery items.
TIP: This is a very popular weekend brunch spot and they do not accept reservations. If you can, try going during the week, or at less popular times. Also, the restaurant only has a few parking spaces. However, there is usually a lot of metered street parking.
6. 3030 Ocean Restaurant
Image: 3030ocean.com
3030 Holiday Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-765-3030
Type of Cuisine: Seafood
Located at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Ocean Restaurant offers sophisticated seafood and rustic American cuisine in an upscale setting. Expect locally sourced ingredients that are elegantly presented.
TIP: For views of the ocean, try to time your visit before sunset. Otherwise, you will see lots of darkness.
7. Olive & Sea
Image: oliveandseaftl.com
1881 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-527-6716
Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean
This waterfront, rooftop restaurant has a bold modern Mediterranean decor and delicious dishes to match. Chef Miguel Toro Franco offers a menu with fresh flavors, locally sourced daily seafood specials and authentic seasonings and spices.
Whether you choose to dine inside or outside, you will be able to enjoy the wide Intracoastal views and entertaining boat traffic.
TIP: Try something different by attending a Master Mixology Class. Learn how to make perfect craft cocktails while enjoying chef-curated pairings. Classes are offered on the last Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
8. Steak 954
Image: steak954.com
401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-414-8333
Type of Cuisine: Steakhouse
This isn’t your typical steakhouse with dark wood, brass and heavy carpets. Instead, Steak 954 offers a fresh, clean feel that draws inspiration from the ocean. The restaurant’s centerpiece is a striking reef aquarium that is home to live jellyfish that seemingly glow.
The menu includes lots of selections for meat and seafood lovers alike. This is truly a place for indulgence as most dishes are prepared for a decadent experience.
TIP: Check out the wall behind the hostess stand, it was hand drawn by an artist with a sharpie.
9. S3
Image: Luxury Living Fort Lauderdale
505 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-523-7873
Type of Cuisine: New American
Sun, Surf, Sand (S3) is located in the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. The restaurant features a varied menu centered on coastal cuisine with a unique sharable concept. Here, you can expect the freshest daily catches and premium cuts of meat, with locally-sourced and seasonal offerings, plus a one-of-a-kind sushi bar.
Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and the happenings on Fort Lauderdale Beach from this hotspot.
TIP: Our go-to item on the menu is always the wok-charred edamame. It’s absolutely delicious!
10. Casablanca Cafe
Image: casablancacafeonline.com
3049 Alhambra Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-764-3500
Type of Cuisine: American
Casablanca Cafe is located in the first home that was constructed on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Built in 1927, Jova House was designed in Mediterranean Revival architecture. An almost two-year renovation project for the property started in July 1993, where the owner preserved the structure. Today, Casablanca Cafe has kept the feel of the original house and added an all-day menu for visitors to enjoy.
TIP: There is live music most nights. Check out their website for the latest offerings.
For non-waterfront restaurant recommendations, check out our 2023 Best New Fort Lauderdale Restaurants list!
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a beautiful home in Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding areas, and want to work with the best, contact us! To date, 100% of clients rated their experience with us as “EXCELLENT”!
