South Florida’s diverse population has led to an incredibly rich and varied food scene, with influences from all over the world. Miami, in particular, is renowned for its vibrant Latin American and Caribbean flavors, with acclaimed restaurants serving up authentic Cuban, Nicaraguan, Haitian, Jamaican, and other Latin and Caribbean dishes. But the global cuisine in South Florida goes far beyond just Latin American fare. You can find outstanding sushi and a wide range of other international culinary offerings throughout the region. From popular food halls to high-end dining establishments, the area has emerged as a premier destination for experiencing an impressive array of global cuisine in South Florida.
Lasso Gaucho
Address: 2457 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: There are Brazilian steakhouses and then there’s Lasso Gaucho. A true churrascaria experience, there’s no skimping on anything here. Authentically dressed “gauchos” go table to table with large skewers (and even larger knives) offering choices of different cuts of meat. The “full experience” is worth every penny ($59.95) with 18 rounds of meat—four different types of sirloin, a filet mignon wrapped in bacon, lamb, pork and the list goes on. The plentiful salad bar is included to indulge in before the food parade begins, but go easy—you want to have plenty of room for the mighty meats, plus the Brazilian cheese bread and the caramelized bananas, extras included with the meal.
Contact:754.223.4663; lassogaucho.com
Koi Japanese Cuisine Sushi Lounge
Address: 1841 Cordova Road, Ford Lauderdale
The Buzz: From selections of sushi to ramen soups, noodle wok and Korean-style Robata grill, this is the place to find any Asian dish. But it’s the Lobster Pineapple Fried Rice that you won’t find anywhere else. Fried rice, made with egg, raisins, pineapple, tomatoes, and carrots and flavored with cashew nut, is topped with lobster tail, all served in a carved pineapple. High marks for presentation and even more accolades for taste.
Contact: 954.525.3541; koiftl.com
Sardelli Italian Steakhouse
Address: 331 Van Buren St., Hollywood
The Buzz: Enter the four-story villa—the house that Sardelli built specifically for the restaurant—and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a stylish ristorante on the Italian coast. If you’re looking for the real deal, Chef Fulvio Sardelli’s got it, but this isn’t your typical spaghetti and meatballs joint. Here are the freshest cuts of meat—order the La Fiorentina for two, a porterhouse done Florentine style. Or the chef’s perfect pasta dishes made to order with tender meats like braised veal bursting with flavor from truffle or homemade brown butter. Now, that’s amoree.
Contact: 954.921.8331; sardellis.com
Peking Duck House
Address: 1200 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach
The Buzz: Pompano Beach regulars were chomping at the bit for this mainstay on Atlantic Boulevard to reopen after it closed for renovations for over a year. With new proprietors Tina Wang and Chef Jason Zheng, who own eight restaurants across South Florida, the wait was worth it. The restaurant specializes in what the pair call elevated Chinese cuisine. There are plenty of classics on the menu, General Tso’s included, but also Zheng’s recipe specialties, such as a lobster stir fry or his short rib ramen noodle soup made with soft-boiled egg, scallions, corn, pickled bamboo shoots and fish cake, all soaking up the juicy bone-in Angus short rib.
Contact: 954.946.0436; pekingduckpompano.com
The Indian Harbor
Address:1515 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: Breathe in the aroma of meats and breads cooking in the tandoor oven as you walk through the door. Baking is at least six different selections of homemade naan—even chili garlic for the adventurous. There are the requisite masalas—chicken, fish, lamb, or shrimp tikka masala, but if you’re looking to experience authentic Indian cuisine, you’ve come to the right place. Order the goat laal maas, a curry with earthy flavors or experience the true taste of tandoor with the masala lamb chops made with a combination of Indian spices, Greek yogurt, onion and tomato gravy, and cooked to succulent perfection in the clay oven.
Contact: 754.200.4891; theindianharbor.com
