When it comes to dining in South Florida, few experiences can rival the charm and allure of waterfront restaurants. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway or looking to enjoy a leisurely brunch by the beach, the Fort Lauderdale area offers a diverse array of options for waterfront dining in South Florida.
Marina Village at Bahia Mar
Address: 849 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: At the heart of the spectacular new Marina Village at Bahia Mar is The Shorely, a multi-level marvel repurposed from a 500-person ferry boat. You can’t get more up close to the water than this spectacular three-level-floating lounge and entertainment venue. Also at Marina Village, there’s The Promenade, an open-air food hall with eight diverse food offerings, including Blue Steel Pizza Co., Quore Gelato, Burgers and Shakes, Taco Vibez, Sushi Song, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, Fresh Garden Bowls, and YIP dim sum. And drinks flow freely at The Mainland Bar with cocktails inspired by the waves and vacation vibe: Set Sail, Tide Down, and Paradise Found, served in a keepsake palm tree cup.
Contact: (954) 945.6997 or www.marinavillageftl.com
Bokampers Fort Lauderdale
Address: 3115 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: Laid back mega sports bar is directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, this is the place for watching the boats roll by or, for that matter, tie up along Bokampers dock. Local boaters call ahead for dockside pickup and get the $99 sushi boat for the crew. There’s plenty on the menu, including a daily selection of oysters, wings, burgers, fresh catch of the day, and a Bokampers’ special, the must-try appetizer only found here: Buffalo Chicken Tater Kegs: jumbo tater tots are stuffed with shredded chicken, Wisconsin cheddar cream cheese, buffalo sauce and served with ranch dressing.
Contact: (954) 900.5884 or www.bokampers.com
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Address: Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
The Buzz: The ideal photo backdrop of Fort Lauderdale beach, this outdoor dining destination serves up bold Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Pablo Salas creates authentic dishes that pair with freshly made margaritas (you won’t find any pre-made mixes at this bar). Lona’s lively beachside Sunday brunch features bottomless margaritas, mimosas and Bloody Marys with Salas surprising regulars with some different menu items each week. The guacamole bar, however, is a staple, and features homemade toppings of fresh salsa, sour cream, pico de gallo and a bevy of jalapenos. Of course, a Mexican mariachi band is ever present at Lona.
Contact: (954) 245.3069 or www.lonarestaurant.com
SALT7 Fort Lauderdale
Address: 500 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: The modern eatery on the New River takes advantage of its prime location in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Have a drink on the riverside terrace, which gathers a trendy crowd when the sun goes down, or take a seat at one of the waterfront tables, enjoy dinner, and watch the yachts go by. The menu is exquisitely curated with interesting openers such as the popular Spicy Tuna Sushi Pizza or fresh seafood from the raw bar. There are also plenty of entrée options, including SALT7’s prime steaks and even a 28 oz. rack of lamb. Their Sunday brunch is top-notch, too, and features a champagne cart with 15 bottle selections and an add-on caviar bump at $15 per person.
Contact: (954) 751.7258; www.salt7fll.com
The House on the River
Address: 301 SW 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: Overlook the New River while enjoying a Tea Party at the House, a 125-year-old historic gem. High tea seatings are every Saturday where guests enjoy a three-tier table display of freshly baked pastries and savories including mini quiche, smoked salmon canapes, and small sandwiches such as a chicken salad crostini. Definitely a spread fit for a royal. In addition to its special High Tea service, a robust dinner menu as well as pre-fixe brunch boards and an a la carte brunch menu are served on weekends.
Contact: (954) 825.2929; www.thehouseontheriver.com
Shooter’s Waterfront
Address: 3033 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: A South Florida icon, Shooter’s has a prime spot on the Intracoastal Waterway with plenty of room to stretch out and watch the boats go by. The menu is extensive, and on weekends, live music is featured. Shooters also has a plentiful weekend brunch served buffet style or a la carte. Want to indulge in the cocktail menu and not worry about driving? Hop on Fort Lauderdale’s Water Taxi and get off at stop nine.
Contact: (954) 566.2855; shooterswaterfront.com
15th Street Fisheries
Address:
The Buzz: Reserve a table upstairs for the best seat in the house at this charming South Florida seafood house and enjoy the view of the Intracoastal waterway. Or try the casual waterfront experience that features lunch, dinner and drinks at Fisheries Dockside, where each table has a view of the waterway while boats pass by and come into Lauderdale Marina. Boaters love the convenience of 15th Street’s dock and dine with the restaurant’s location just north of the 17th Street Bridge.
Contact: (954) 763.2777; www.15streetfisheries.com
Boathouse at The Riverside
Address: 620 SE 4th St., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: Some of the best waterfront views in Fort Lauderdale and in the heart of the lively Las Olas district are from the restaurant’s tropical patio. The menu is full of flavorful seafood selections, and its $30 per person all-you-can-eat Mussel Mania is another draw – savory steamed mussels with house-made harissa, a spicy, smoky, peppery red chili paste, white wine, and garlic and served with a toasted baguette. A daily happy hour menu from 4 to 6:30 p.m. attracts regulars and visitors alike with $6 and $8 menu items, including Boathouse’s cowboy and Korean chicken sliders, plus wash it all down with half-off beer, wine, and spirits from the bar.
Contact: (954) 377.5494; www.boathouseriverside.com
Barefoot Dining at The Mariott Harbor Beach
Address: 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: As the sun sets over Fort Lauderdale beach, a private table for set up for two oceanside offers more than a front-row seat. The dress code is casual; the vibe is romantic. Dine barefoot with a Champagne toast, a four-course meal paired with a bottle of wine selected by an expert sommelier from the hotel’s Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar, and personal tableside service. Memorable, to say the least.
Contact: (954) 765.3128; www.marriott.com
Kaluz
Address: 300 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
The Buzz: The location is amazing and the food is equally impressive. The spectacular setting, just under the bridge that crosses the Intracoastal at Commercial Boulevard, makes the restaurant one of those waterfront finds that produces ooohs and ahhs, especially for out-of-town guests who envy those who live here all year round. Tables by the window offer the best views and there’s also outdoor seating. Kaluz opened in 2013 and has gradually expanded its menu. The fan favorite in the main course department is Kaluz’s Chilean sea bass, a hefty nine-ounce serving that’s hardwood grilled, which gives it an amazingly smoky flavor.
Contact: 954-772-2209; www.kaluzrestaurant.com
