Hidden Gems to Try During Dine Out Lauderdale

Rebel Wine Bar

Cozy up with your date or bring your friends to Rebel Wine Bar in Oakland Park, already beloved for being a “new-generation” wine bar with a stacked lineup of weekly specials. Whether you’re a budding connoisseur or an oenophile, there’s something for everyone to discover. Rebel is offering a $45 lunch special for locals and visitors alike. 

What to Order: Wine flight; burrata and fig salad with a triple-cheese plate and smoked caviar blini; sweet-and-savory board and prosciutto panini.

The Cook and the Cork

Tapas and entrees featuring American and global flavors, plus an award-winning wine list, are just the start at The Cook and the Cork in Coral Springs. Enjoy a $60 three-course pre-fixe menu available Wednesday through Saturday at this unpretentious neighborhood spot. Your meal also includes a cocktail, glass of sake, or glass of wine from its Wine Spectator Award-Winning list.

What to Order: Potato pierogies with caramelized onions, sour cream, and applesauce; pappardelle Bolognese with basil ricotta and rosemary focaccia bread; brown butter and mushroom sautéed ramen; seasonal fruit cobbler.

The Ave

From Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., grab a table under twinkling lights at The Ave in downtown Fort Lauderdale for a $45 dinner special. Choose between two glasses of a signature batch cocktail or two glasses of house red, white, or rosé wine. The restaurant is known for its curated wine list and live music and entertainment. 

What to Order: The Ave house salad; The Ave smash burger and fries; grilled steak tacos; slice of decadent chocolate cake.

The Wagyu House By Meat N' Bone

The team behind the nationally acclaimed premium butcher, Meat N’ Bone, in Miami, welcomed The Wagyu House By Meat N' Bone to Hallandale Beach last year. This Dine Out Lauderdale, guests can enjoy the world’s most exclusive wagyu and rare steak selections, served in a Japanese-inspired setting. Choose between a $35 lunch or $60 dinner. 

What to Order: Filet mignon kebabs with rice and greens; wagyu picanha crostini; G1-certified ribeye with mashed potatoes; churros.

Wreck Bar

The iconic Wreck Bar is a shipwreck-themed lounge inside B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, best known for its live underwater mermaid performances. It’s one of those “if you know, you know” spots—and unique to Fort Lauderdale—so book a reservation to try the $60 dinner menu special, which includes a wine pairing. 

What to Order: Tuna ceviche; herb-crusted filet with butternut squash purée and roasted asparagus; cheesecake al fruitti di bosco (berry coulis and fresh berries). 

Wan's Mandarin House

Celebrating 60 years in business, Wan’s Mandarin House is a longtime downtown Fort Lauderdale favorite serving authentic Chinese dishes. This Dine Out Lauderdale, the neighborhood staple is taking the experience beyond the table with special cooking classes. Learn classic Chinese techniques on Aug. 29, followed by a Classic Chinese Seafood class on Sept. 5, offering a hands-on way to experience the flavors and techniques behind the cuisine.

What to Try: Sign up for a Dine Out Lauderdale cooking class to learn classic Chinese cooking techniques firsthand.

The Wagyu House By Meat N' Bone

The team behind the nationally acclaimed premium butcher, Meat N’ Bone, in Miami, welcomed The Wagyu House By Meat N' Bone to Hallandale Beach last year. This Dine Out Lauderdale, guests can enjoy the world’s most exclusive wagyu and rare steak selections, served in a Japanese-inspired setting. Choose between a $35 lunch or $60 dinner. 

What to Order: Filet mignon kebabs with rice and greens; wagyu picanha crostini; G1-certified ribeye with mashed potatoes; churros.

Wreck Bar

The iconic Wreck Bar is a shipwreck-themed lounge inside B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, best known for its live underwater mermaid performances. It’s one of those “if you know, you know” spots—and unique to Fort Lauderdale—so book a reservation to try the $60 dinner menu special, which includes a wine pairing. 

What to Order: Tuna ceviche; herb-crusted filet with butternut squash purée and roasted asparagus; cheesecake al fruitti di bosco (berry coulis and fresh berries). 

Wan's Mandarin House

Celebrating 60 years in business, Wan’s Mandarin House is a longtime downtown Fort Lauderdale favorite serving authentic Chinese dishes. This Dine Out Lauderdale, the neighborhood staple is taking the experience beyond the table with special cooking classes. Learn classic Chinese techniques on Aug. 29, followed by a Classic Chinese Seafood class on Sept. 5, offering a hands-on way to experience the flavors and techniques behind the cuisine.

What to Try: Sign up for a Dine Out Lauderdale cooking class to learn classic Chinese cooking techniques firsthand.

Union Kitchen & Bar

Husband-and-wife duo Roberto Colombi and Christie Tenau blend their Peruvian and northern Italian heritages at Union Kitchen & Bar in Wilton Manors. The quaint neighborhood restaurant with global flair features a four-course dinner special available from Tuesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to close. In addition to an appetizer, main course, and dessert, choose between a mid-course porcini campanelle or black pepper tagliatelle, plus the option to add a wine pairing.  

What to Order: Fried green tomato salad with arugula and goat cheese; chicken agrodolce with cipollini onions, raisins, currants and creamy polenta; roasted summer fruit with sweet ricotta, honey, and hazelnuts.

Serafina Trattoria Italiana

Head to Serafina any day of the week to savor the $45 dinner special. You’ll be right at home sitting on the riverfront terrace overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in Victoria Park at this casual Italian hotspot.

What to Order: Crispy fried mozzarella with marinara sauce; pan-seared salmon in lemon piccata sauce; chicken scallopini (Marsala, piccata or Francese) with mashed potatoes and vegetables; house-made ricotta cheesecake.

Il Mulino Fort Lauderdale

Il Mulino holds court on a bustling street in Fort Lauderdale, and whips up an assortment of Italian dishes from traditional pastas and inventive pizzas to juicy steaks and fresh seafood. Its daily $45 dinner menu comes with a glass of soda, a Tom Martini, or a glass of house wine.

What to Order: Lightly battered shrimp in a scampi butter sauce; petite oven-baked lasagna with Bolognese and bechamel sauce; affogato (vanilla gelato, double espresso, and whipped cream).

Amante's Italian Restaurant

Amante’s has been dishing up Italian cuisine and custom martinis to hungry patrons since 1975. The family-run Deerfield Beach establishment has become a hangout for locals and vacation-goers who enjoy live entertainment and Italian hospitality. Its $45 dinner menu offers something for everyone.

What to Order: Hand-fried mozzarella with marinara sauce; shrimp scampi with fresh linguine; fresh-baked gooey butter cake.