In Greater Fort Lauderdale, culinary discovery is never far from the water—and always worth the trip.
From MICHELIN-star tasting menus to laid-back dock-and-dine gems, Greater Fort Lauderdale is redefining what a foodie getaway can be. With more than 4,000 restaurants—and a culinary scene shaped by coastal energy—it’s a place where every meal comes with a story and a view.
Fresh seafood is just the beginning. Influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia converge in kitchens across the destination, making it easy for clients to explore the world without ever leaving the waterfront. Think snapper ceviche by the marina, handmade pastas in a stylish bistro, or an immersive Middle Eastern dinner steps from the sand.
Some of the country’s most respected culinary voices are here in Greater Fort Lauderdale —including Chef Ryan Ratino, whose MICHELIN-starred Chef’s Counter at MAASS at the Four Seasons offers an elegant blend of French technique and Japanese precision. Other MICHELIN-recognized favorites include Evelyn’s, where Chef Brandon Salomon brings bold Mediterranean flavours to Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Heritage, a modern Italian hotspot praised for its handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Daniel’s, a Florida Steakhouse, takes a refined approach to surf-and-turf with locally sourced ingredients, while Larb Thai-Isan delivers deeply flavourful Thai dishes in a cozy, casual space.
Dining here is immersive. Visitors can join walking food tours through lively neighborhoods, enjoy hands-on experiences like chef-led tastings or cooking classes, or grab a table at one of the 65+ waterfront restaurants that invite diners to arrive by boat. From the Intracoastal to the New River, water isn’t just the backdrop—it’s part of the experience.
Culinary events also bring energy and excitement. The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is a major highlight, gathering top chefs, mixologists, and food lovers from around the country for a week of curated tastings, beachfront dinners, and interactive workshops. Rooftop bars, artisan bakeries, craft breweries, and neighborhood cafés add even more variety to every itinerary.
It’s also an easy destination to sell. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is just minutes from the beach, and Port Everglades is under a mile from many of the area’s top restaurants. Whether your clients are planning a full culinary escape or a pre-cruise indulgence, you can help them experience it all—without the stress of long transfers or complicated connections.
Whether it’s a romantic weekend, a foodie friend trip, or a cruise extension, Greater Fort Lauderdale serves up something unforgettable for every palate—and every kind of traveler. Your clients will have access to all of this and more when you sign up for Lauderdale Loyalist, where insider perks, planning tools, and destination insights help you deliver the very best.
Sign up for the program at LauderdaleLoyalist.com to learn more and book a trip for your clients
