The beauty of an ever-growing destination like Greater Fort Lauderdale is that there are always new places to try, whether it’s your first visit or your 100th. Maybe it’s a smashburger joint with a devoted following, a new hotel dotting the skyline, or a restaurant devoted entirely to caviar, the luxury delicacy taking over menus everywhere. We’re here to guide you through the newest collection of hotspots, from restaurants and art galleries to cocktail clubs, so you know exactly where to go the next time you’re in town.
New & Noteworthy
Omni Fort Lauderdale
One of the city’s most exciting projects to date is the opening of Omni Fort Lauderdale, which marks a new place to call home for visitors to the area. It is especially convenient for those seeking on-site accommodations at the Broward County Convention Center. The hotel sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes from miles of beaches, Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
With over 800 rooms, 82 suites, and seven dining concepts, you could easily spend an entire trip without leaving the property. Highlights include Fair Ketch, a sports bar featuring a state-of-the-art Topgolf Swing Suite; Ibis Sky Lounge, a rooftop social lounge with unparalleled views and craft cocktails; and Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar—the hotel’s signature restaurant showcasing coastal cuisine infused with Caribbean influence. When not out and about, catch some rays on the pool deck or unwind at the new Mokara Spa.
Florida Room at The Fort
If you're an avid pickleball player, you'll probably find yourself at The Fort, Greater Fort Lauderdale's pickleball complex featuring 43 courts at Snyder Park. Inside is Florida Room, a 4,000-square-foot lakeside restaurant. It comes from husband-and-wife duo Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis, alumni of the TV show “Top Chef” and James Beard-nominated chefs who first made waves in Miami with Stiltsville Fish Bar. Their Fort Lauderdale venture features a menu blending Southern comfort and tropical flavors. The space reflects old Florida charm, with sunlight bouncing off the lake and glass walls framing the courts.
G&B Dockside
What happens when Fort Lauderdale favorites Coconuts and G&B Oyster Bar introduce a sister spot? Meet G&B Dockside, a small-plate–driven, seafood-forward restaurant anchored by the premium cold-water oyster program locals already swear by. Tucked inside the Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano Residences, it pairs breezy waterfront views with lunch, dinner, and brunch service. Come for the famous “scoobies”— snow crab claws bathed in garlic chili butter—and stay for the Bell & Evans half-roasted chicken.
Laurie Duncan Art Studio & Gallery
Art lovers and those looking for a distinctly Fort Lauderdale keepsake can visit the Thrive Art District. While there, stop at Laurie Duncan Art Studio & Gallery, a light-filled space showcasing coastal-inspired originals and prints from the Fort Lauderdale-based artist. Her palette of ocean blues, sandy neutrals and warm light captures the feeling of South Florida on canvas. Visitors can make an appointment or stop in during Art Walk on the last Saturday of each month.
W Fort Lauderdale
The beachfront hotel W Fort Lauderdale has refreshed its Living Room lounge and WET Deck. The Living Room features “Golden Hour” cocktails, vinyl DJs, ladies’ nights and Sunday spritzes. Upstairs, the revamped WET Deck, the largest elevated pool deck on Fort Lauderdale beach, now includes VIP cabanas and lounge spaces. In the morning, guests can relax poolside. In the afternoon, Sunchasers programming, held Wednesday through Sunday, brings in DJs and transforms the deck into a lively gathering space.
Skinny Louie
Smash burgers have taken over the South Florida dining scene, and Greater Fort Lauderdale has a new contender: Skinny Louie. The cult favorite serves 100 percent fresh Black Angus beef smash burgers with house-made sauce at its Dania Pointe location in Dania Beach and plans to open a Fort Lauderdale location. The restaurant has drawn lines outside the door since opening. Guests can order burgers with fries and milkshakes in flavors such as cookies and cream, choco brownie or strawberry bliss.
Atlantic Village
Hallandale Beach’s Atlantic Village is a vibrant mixed-use lifestyle destination that continues welcoming new openings to its roster. Murano by Ferraro is a polished take on coastal Italian, pairing premium cuts and ocean-driven dishes with a strong wine and cocktail program, while The Wagyu House by Meat N’ Bone leans into special-occasion dining with expertly sourced Japanese, Australian and domestic wagyu.
This spring, check out Tee Box’s high-tech indoor golf training with simulators and personalized coaching. OakBerry will soon offer its beloved organic açaí bowls and smoothies. The Lab Vitality Club (coming summer 2026) introduces a longevity-focused fitness concept designed to help adults 50-plus build strength and stay independent.
Worthwyld
Eating well while traveling does not have to mean sacrificing flavor. Worthwyld on Las Olas Boulevard operates as a scratch kitchen, preparing food to order with organic and responsibly sourced ingredients. The menu includes organic açaí bowls and smoothies in the morning, along with bison burgers and whole grain bowls later in the day. The restaurant also offers cocktails during happy hour.
Lola's On The Water
Pompano Beach's cheerful new waterfront restaurant, Lola's On The Water, sits right on the dock at Sands Harbor Resort & Marina. The indoor-outdoor space has a breezy, almost European feel, where you can settle in for lunch, dinner, or brunch while watching yachts glide by. Order the Lola's Bathtub cocktail, a tart-sweet mix of pineapple, orange, lemon, and vodka, served in an Insta-worthy bathtub glass; or go all in at brunch with the espresso whiskey-battered French toast. The best part is that you can arrive by car, boat, or even the Water Taxi.
Bar Betty Speakeasy & Lounge
Upstairs from Sunness Supper Club is Fort Lauderdale’s newest speakeasy, Bar Betty. Enter through a hidden interior staircase, passing a foyer filled with Far East-inspired touches, including red lanterns and a stone Buddha rescued from the building's former life as Jade Palace, a once well-known Chinese restaurant. The vibe shifts to full Gatsby-era, with moody lighting, Art Deco wallpaper, and nightly entertainment ranging from torch singers to a weekly burlesque show. Sip on creative libations and even a few non-alcoholic options for those keeping it mellow.
Worth the Wait
Amal Las Olas
Later this year, Amal Fort Lauderdale will bring the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of Lebanese cuisine to one of the city’s most walkable dining and shopping districts. Enjoy colorful mezze, herb-forward small plates, grilled specialties, and fresh seafood designed for sharing, perfect after a day at the beach or an afternoon exploring downtown. By night, the restaurant comes alive as a communal destination where Lebanese wines, bold spices, and spirited conversation take center stage.
Caviar Club
Caviar has officially entered its main-character era. What used to feel reserved for white-tablecloth celebrations is now popping up everywhere, and come fall, Las Olas will have a restaurant that leans all the way in. Dubbed Caviar Club, this hotspot is all about indulgence. Expect dry-aged and Wagyu steaks carved tableside, seafood towers with dramatic flair, French dips served in Baccarat crystal, and yes, plenty of caviar woven throughout the menu in playful, over-the-top ways. The space is said to channel bold 1980s glamour, making it the perfect setting for date nights, anniversaries, or girls' nights out when you're in town.
Sweetwaters
Fort Lauderdale debuted the revamped Huizenga Park downtown, and it's nothing short of stunning. Among its highlights is Sweetwaters, a new waterfront restaurant slated to open in the fall. It will anchor the park with full-service dining overlooking the river. Stop by for a long lunch, a sunset dinner, or a spot to linger after exploring downtown.
A few more openings are in the works across Greater Fort Lauderdale:
- Pelican Landing - A new concept expected to debut at Pier Sixty-Six, bringing fresh energy to the landmark waterfront property.
- La Felicita - This forthcoming Italian concept on Las Olas Boulevard promises classic Italian cuisine and a lively downtown atmosphere.