Hidden Gems to Try During Dine Out Lauderdale

One thing about Greater Fort Lauderdale is that you’re never far from authentic cuisines with dishes made fresh before your eyes. Locals have been quietly keeping Bistro Mezzaluna near the 17th Street Causeway to themselves. It’s the ultimate Italian gem, featuring a piano lounge, patio and lively happy hour. Its Dine Out Lauderdale menu features a three-course summertime dinner special with options like veal saltimbocca and free-range chicken Francaise with fettuccine.

Southern Italian dishes steal the spotlight at the beloved Casa Calabria tucked into Oakland Park. Its options range from happy hour specials to dinner menus that include a glass of wine, cannoli and traditional Italian fare.

Going Greek? You'll find locals lining up at haunts like Ethos Greek Bistro and The Greek Joint Kitchen & Bar. The former has locations in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, while The Greek Joint holds court in downtown Hollywood and out west in Davie. Both are worth a visit to sample traditional Greek fare that’s fresh and fulfilling.

Otherwise, you can curb your butter chicken and samosa cravings at The Indian Harbor in Fort Lauderdale or indulge in juicy cuts of meat and a gourmet salad bar at Adega Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse in Deerfield Beach.

Union Kitchen & Bar in Wilton Manors feels like an extension of your own kitchen — warm, welcoming and full of flavor. As part of Dine Out Lauderdale, the restaurant is offering a four-course menu, featuring South American and Northern Italian – inspired fare with optional wine pairings. You can’t go wrong with the seafood risotto or porcini campanelle pasta with wild mushrooms — both bursting with bold, fresh flavor.

For those in the know, Padrino's is the spot for authentic Cuban fare across multiple locations in Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach and Hollywood. Backflip Beach Bar inside Plunge Beach Resort on Lauderdale-By-The-Sea draws locals who prefer coastal dining and beachside bites. Java & Jam is another quaint neighborhood spot in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, featuring elevated diner food in modern digs.

Fort Lauderdale's best-kept secrets aren't always restaurants. Some are craft-focused spots where bartenders know their regulars and the focus remains squarely on what's in the glass. Beer enthusiasts should make their way to Pompano Beach for 26 Degree Brewing Company, the brewery's first official restaurant. Menu items are all designed to pair with the brewery’s beers, such as the fish and chips, made with 26 Degree beer-battered white fish, fries, and tartar sauce, or the giant pretzel, served warm with grain mustard and beer cheese. 

Further south sits Rebel Wine Bar, which has quickly become a favorite for Oakland Park locals. It’s still under the radar enough that you can snag a good seat during the week and enjoy its Dine Out Lauderdale specials like “The Velvet Hour,” featuring tasty cheese plates and wine flights. 

Finding No Man's Land will surprise you as it sits along a strip mall in downtown Fort Lauderdale, but don’t let its unassuming location fool you. Walk inside, and you’ll find a sophisticated speakeasy-style parlor serving craft cocktails and elevated sharing plates. The three-course lineup spans the spectrum from fresh coastal flavors (oysters and “tease me” tamales) to indulgent comfort food (think truffle mac and bourbon bread pudding), ensuring there's something for every palate.

Dine Out Lauderdale's hidden gem restaurants abound, but one of the most unforgettable experiences this season goes beyond the plate. MAD Arts, an immersive museum in Dania Beach, presents Unseen Work — a one-of-a-kind dining event where guests gather around a glowing, digitally illuminated table to enjoy a multi-course dinner. As you dine, stories unfold across the table in text and light, revealing behind-the-scenes kitchen secrets, ingredient choices, and the unspoken rituals of culinary artistry.

This limited-run experience will take place on three select evenings: Aug. 29, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. Tickets are $195 and include dinner, drinks and same-day access to MAD Arts exhibitions.

New for Dine Out Lauderdale 2025, Baoshi, the innovative Asian food hall and bar, is hosting a hands-on mixology class where you’ll learn to craft cocktails in a fun, social setting. Classes are $75 per person and held on Aug. 10 (2–4 p.m.), Aug. 24 (3–5 p.m.), Sept. 14 (2–4 p.m.) and Sept. 28 (3–5 p.m.). Must be 21 or older.

Don’t overlook Temple Street Eatery, a popular counter-service spot hosting a series of summer interactive activities, including a dumpling-making class, Paint Some & Dim Sum, candle-making, and a make-your-own ramen bowl pottery class, perfect for the whole family. Be sure to stick around for this Fort Lauderdale outpost’s dumplings and Asian fusion bites. 

And, of course, there’s always room for a sweet treat. The quaint bakery Lovelee Bake Shop, located in an up-and-coming area of Fort Lauderdale, is best known for its weekend cinnamon rolls and delicious cakes. Owner Lee Mazor is adding a fun twist during this year’s Dine Out by offering cake decorating classes. Have fun working your magic, creating the latest international cake trend, the Antigravity Canvas Cake, and enjoy tasty treats along the way. 

Whether you're discovering a new neighborhood favorite or finally trying that hidden gem on your list, Dine Out Lauderdale is your ticket to unforgettable flavors. Ready to plan your next bite? See all participating restaurants here.