What’s New & Noteworthy in Fort Lauderdale

Cafe Bastille has caused quite the excitement since opening its doors in winter. Bursting with Parisian charm, this lovely eatery encompasses all the essentials for a perfect downtown Fort Lauderdale experience — a captivating dining room, an 80-seat patio with scenic views of the Intracoastal, and an irresistible menu. Savor house-made omelets and benedicts, mouth-watering pancakes, waffles, and stuffed french toast creations, health-conscious lunch options, delightful small bites, specialty coffees, bottomless cocktails, and more.

Emmy Squared Pizza brings its signature Detroit-style pizza, famed Le Big Matt burger, shareable appetizers, and more to the new Fort Lauderdale outpost. Quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite, Emmy Squared is known for its unique square-shaped slices, featuring a fluffy focaccia-like dough and a cheesy 'frico' crust, all baked in custom-made metal from the Motor City. A must-try is The Colony — a perfect blend of red sauce, ezzo pepperoni, pickled jalapeños, and honey, delivering a tantalizing mix of spicy and sweet. Plus, don't miss out on Emmy Squared's brunch, offering bottomless drinks, sandwiches on signature pretzel rolls, and other various tempting delights. 

Craving family-style Japanese tapas for lunch or dinner? Head to Miso Japanese Tapas in Progresso Village. Created by the talented chef duo Thuan Lam and Jay Barashari, Miso blends Lam's Vietnamese roots with Barashari's Filipino heritage. Order the okonomiyaki tots (potato tots, cabbage, okonomiyaki sauce, nori, and bonito), uni pasta with black truffle, squash blossoms crab rangoon, seared scallops with a corn purée, or fresh sushi rolls for the table. An exclusive omakase experience is in the works for the future. Pair your meal with wine, sake, and delicious cocktails, such as the Yuzu Drop and Miso Fresh.

Mamma mia! Did someone say there’s a new, popular Italian restaurant in town? North Italia, the contemporary Italian gem celebrated for its handcrafted delights, seasonal specialties, and artisanal cocktails, has finally set up shop in Flagler Village. A beloved choice for South Floridians, this restaurant puts a modern spin on traditional dishes, leaving visitors and locals clamoring for more. Although we hate to play favorites, we suggest indulging in the cacio e pepe arancini, savoring the fiery delight of the spicy meatball pizza, and treating yourself to the succulent braised short rib lumache.

Bringing the vibrant essence of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Fort Lauderdale, Ol'Days introduces its signature blend of healthy and flavorful cuisine to a new location. Helmed by the talented sister duo Martina and Juliana Fracchia, the restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard showcases their childhood recipes, offering a delightful farm-to-table experience. From the renowned Champ-Pancakes and Wagyu Burger to the nourishing Buddha Bowl, Ol'Days serves up a diverse range of dishes for everyone’s dietary needs. Elevate your meal with refreshing pressed juices and explore their distinguished coffee program. The sisters collaborate closely with Miami coffee roaster María Esther Thome-López, curating unique, high-quality blends sourced from Ethiopia and other coffee regions, ensuring a truly exceptional coffee experience.

This newcomer arrived in the summertime, offering visitors a new rooftop to explore — this one with exceptional waterfront views. Olive & Sea blends bright, fresh flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean into its menu selections, all created by chef Miguel Toro Franco. Take your pick of outdoor seating with Intracoastal views, or settle indoors for a feast of delightful spreads and mezze — think hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, house pickles, quinoa tabbouleh, and more — served alongside warm pita and lavash. Dive into a shared experience with plates ranging from whole grilled branzino to pizzas, or savor the spice of shawarma-seasoned beef skewers.

Savor the flavors of New Orleans at Voodoo Bayou. This Las Olas Boulevard outpost serves up the Southern city's cuisine, enhanced with playful twists. You’ll recognize southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits with some additional mouth-watering delights, including cajun carbonara, fried oysters, and catfish court-bouillon. Enjoy live music weekly, daily specials, and an extensive bourbon and whiskey collection.

Celebrated chef Ryan Ratino, known for his culinary prowess and the brains behind Hive Hospitality's Michelin-starred spots like JONT and Bresca, recently launched his newest creation MAASS at the chic Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale. This spot is all about contemporary wood-fired delights, borrowing flavors from both Europe and Japan. Their seasonal menu boasts top-notch ingredients to create dishes like wagyu beef tartlets, dry-aged duck, and charred avocado with caviar, king crab, and nori cracker. It’s not just about the food; MAASS serves up a killer wine selection and a cocktail menu that pays homage to Fort Lauderdale's “Venice of America” vibe, drawing inspiration from the sleek boats and yachts that define the local culture.

Nestled within Oakland Park’s buzzy new mixed-use development dubbed Oaklyn, two distinct culinary experiences await: La Birra Bar and Imperial Moto Café. They are set to open by April and May respectively. La Birra Bar will serve gourmet burgers and an unparalleled variety of craft beers. Boasting an elevated coffee experience and adopting a "farm-to-cup" approach, Imperial Moto Café plans to offer exceptional brews and a carefully curated selection of themed merchandise. Locals who can’t get enough of Oaklyn in the future can sing praise for when Bondi Sushi opens its doors, rolling out always-fresh omakase bites, delivery combo boxes, and more.