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Greater Fort Lauderdale is bursting with newness everywhere you look. Neighborhoods are becoming increasingly irresistible to both out-of-towners and locals alike, thanks to a vibrant mix of creative, in-demand restaurants and exciting spots to hang out with friends and family.
Explore Fort Lauderdale's newest and most drool-worthy destinations with this curated collection of must-visit hotspots, offering a definitive guide to what's fresh and noteworthy in town.
Get ready to crack into something special on Las Olas Boulevard with the opening of Catch & Cut. This two-story restaurant features fresh seafood, sushi, and USDA prime steaks from Allen Brothers, helmed by former Joe’s Stone Crab chef André Bienvenu. On the first floor, you’ll find the main dining room, while the second floor features a central lounge, ideal for a happy hour cocktail.
Dig into the rich, buttery sweetness of fresh Florida stone crabs served with house Dijon mustard and Alaskan king crab with garlic chive butter. For land lovers, options include the chef’s Wagyu cut of the day and a prime bone-in ribeye. There’s also the New England hot pot with lobster, clams, shrimp, corn, sausage, potatoes, and clam broth.
Experience Mediterranean flavors inspired by Greek, French, North African, and Middle Eastern cuisines at Elba Las Olas. It’s the perfect spot for date night, a girls’ night out, or weekend brunch.
Sample from a carefully crafted menu featuring favorites like Pomodoro Stracciatella pasta, made with bucatini and house cherry tomato sauce, or the lamb shank tagine with semolina and green ratatouille. There’s also an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails, including the Vesuvio, made with Fiero habanero tequila.
While food takes center stage in Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Fort, adds a whole new level of fun to the mix. The city’s newest 10-acre pickleball hangout features 43 professional regulation courts and the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium, making it a state-of-the-art facility perfect for both casual and competitive players. With 14 all-weather-covered courts, it provides the ideal backdrop for a day of food, drinks, and friendly competition.
Whether you’re here to break a sweat on vacation or soak in the relaxed social scene, there’s something for everyone in your group. Opt for grab-and-go food options after a game, or book a dinner reservation at the on-site restaurant Lake House to enjoy fine dining paired with bocce, cornhole, and a dart room.
If your crew loves high-energy live music bars, you won’t want to miss the new Howl at the Moon near Las Olas Boulevard. Talented musicians keep the crowd entertained, performing fan favorites and taking song requests for an unforgettable, interactive nightlife experience. The indoor-outdoor space is perfect for enjoying a local pour or indulging in the haunt’s famous 86-ounce bucket drinks.
Everyone loves a good Publix sub for their Fort Lauderdale beach outing, but you might want to try ordering to-go from downtown’s newest hoagie spot: Johnny's Hungry Hoagies. Start your day with breakfast classics like bagel and croissant sandwiches, or dig into hearty specialties, including Johnny’s Italian Special, stacked with thinly sliced ham, salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni. Don’t leave without grabbing an order of Johnny’s fresh waffle fries.
Greater Fort Lauderdale celebrates the return of a cherished landmark with the reopening of the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. Following an extensive renovation to restore and enhance its historic charm, the Mai-Kai has reopened with updated interiors and refreshed menus while preserving the magic and nostalgia that have made it a must-visit destination for nearly 70 years.
Dock, drink, dine and dance at Marina Village, a new open-air food hall along the scenic waterways just steps from Fort Lauderdale beach. The Promenade features eight culinary kiosks, while The Mainland Bar offers craft cocktails. At the center of Marina Village is The Shorely, a 500-person ferry transformed into a lounge and entertainment venue. With curated entertainment, signature cocktails and premium bottle service, Marina Village sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Imagine layers of buttery dough fried on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. If this visual has you drooling, keep an eye out for the arrival of Parlor Donuts in Flagler Village and its famous layered doughnuts. They’re perfect for breakfast or an anytime sweet treat. Choose from more than 20 flavors daily—like French Toast and Coconut Cream—and pair your selection with a warm cup of coffee.
The city’s famed Pier Sixty-Six resort is making waves with a massive multibillion-dollar expansion that’ll bring 12 restaurants and bars to life this year, with many already open. Among the standout spots are three waterfront signature venues—Pier Top, Calusso, and Sotogrande—alongside numerous new and reborn gathering spots celebrating international flavors.
For an unforgettable dinner on vacation, book a table at the legendary Pier Top, the iconic 17th-floor lounge perched above the resort’s spire-crowned tower, featuring 360-degree views of the Fort Lauderdale skyline. You’ll also find outposts like The Nectar Room, Garni, and Pelican Landing, each offering a distinctive vibe and menu.
Calling all oenophiles! You’ll feel right at home with Sixty Vines’ innovative wine-on-tap system, featuring 60 global varieties, when it opens in March 2025. The expansive new two-floor Las Olas hotspot will offer a vineyard-inspired menu with shareable plates, including wood-fired pizzas, build-your-own charcuterie boards, and fresh seasonal dishes—think wood-grilled bavette steak or a double cabernet burger.
Pair your meal with a wine flight, a glass, or a bottle shared with friends, and you’ve found the perfect spot to unwind, sip, and savor after a long day in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Miami’s award-winning speakeasy-style bar and lounge has finally brought its magic north to Greater Fort Lauderdale, and trust us—this isn’t your average bar stop. Step inside downtown’s Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery to experience a stunning blend of vintage charm and modern style, where white marble, rich wood accents, and burgundy touches set the scene for cocktail perfection.
Sample a mix of classic and contemporary cocktails featuring spirit-forward creations and tropical-inspired drinks. Not sure what to order? Locals love the “Besame Mucho,” made with San Zanj white rum, The Lost Explorer mezcal, and Benedictine, rolled with hibiscus water, fresh lime juice, and habanero tincture.
Fort Lauderdale’s downtown waterfront is already a hub of great eats and good vibes, but it’s about to get even more exciting when TIMBR opens on Las Olas in February 2025. The modern American restaurant blends rustic charm with contemporary sophistication in a grand space featuring two stunning dining rooms and an upstairs lounge described as “sensuous and seductive.”
Dine in The Parc, with soaring trees, or The Atrium, adorned with flowers and crowned by a glass pyramid atop the 33-foot ceiling. The menu spans modern American favorites and European classics, complemented by an extensive wine list and craft cocktail offerings.
Melissa Puppo is a lifestyle writer and editor who has covered South Florida for over seven years. She previously was managing editor of Fort Lauderdale Illustrated and Aventura Magazine, and now contributes to regional and national publications.