During these challenging times, it is much safer to dine outdoors, and thankfully, Florida’s year-round sunshine will allow you to do just that! As a local, I certainly know some of the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale. Below you’ll find a list of not only safe, outdoor dining options, but restaurants that offer great food and great views of the water as well!

1. Casa Sensei

Open for: Lunch, Dinner and Brunch

You can enjoy the best of two culinary worlds at Casa Sensei with their Latin American and Pan-Asian cuisine with a full Omakase ‘free-style’ sushi bar. Casa Sensei is located off of the charming Las Olas boulevard, and situated perfectly along the waterfront with great outdoor seating options. In fact, it is possible to arrive to this restaurant via gondola! That being said, it is the perfect ambiance for a date night or any special occasion!

Food Recommendations: Lobster Guacamole, Red Shrimp Ceviche, Korean Grilled Steak Chimichurri with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Pad Thai, or anything from the Sushi Bar

2. Kaluz Restaurant 

Open for: Lunch, Happy Hour and Dinner

Located less than a mile from the beach, Kaluz Restaurant is perfectly situated along the water in the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. While you’re dining in this modern and airy restaurant, you can admire the boats passing by. Their patio offers a peaceful ambiance, serving scrumptious New American cuisine.

Food Recommendations: Kaluz Chilean Sea Bass, Colorado Lamb Burger, Barrel-Cut Filet Mignon, Going Bananas Cake, and Key Lime Pie

3. Blue Moon Fish Company

Open for: Happy Hour, Dinner, and Brunch

Blue Moon Fish Company is located right across the waterway from Kaluz Restaurant, so you don’t need to wander far to find more great food! Fort Lauderdale foodies flock here because this is some of the freshest seafood in the city thanks to both of the chef-owners who’ve created a fusion of Louisiana flavors and Florida’s freshest catch. Blue Moon Fish Company has been around for over 20 years, and they’ve received numerous awards like “Best Waterfront Dining in Fort Lauderdale” by Zagat and OpenTable.

Food Recommendations: Prosciutto Wrapped Brie, Blacked Local Mahi-Mahi, Blue Crab & Corn Roasted Grouper, Key Lime Pie

4. Casablanca Cafe

Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Casablanca Cafe is housed in a charming, historic former residence complete with ocean views. This building dates back to 1927 and is the oldest remaining structure on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Both locals and tourists love Casablanca Cafe’s Mediterranean-American dishes, charming atmosphere with live piano music, and friendly staff. They were also voted Fort Lauderdale’s most romantic restaurant!

Food Recommendations: Walnut Chicken, Chili Dusted Scallops, Deep Sea Linguine

5. OCEAN2000

Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch

Dining right on the beach is what you can expect at OCEAN2000 located at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort. This is perfect for a romantic dinner date or special occasion, with its dreamy ocean views from the veranda or tables even closer to the water by the sand. With plenty of space, social distancing while dining is certainly not a problem here.

Food Recommendations: Oyster Rockefeller, Creamy Burrata, Cedar Plank Salmon, Wagyu Ribeye Steak

6. Burlock Coast 

Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner, and Brunch

Inspired by the Prohibition era, Burlock Coast is another gorgeous waterfront eatery located at the Ritz-Carlton, so you know you’re in good hands. Here they focus on fresh seafood, local ingredients, and delicious rum-focused cocktails. So if you desire a five-star meal or cocktail on the water, Burlock Coast is the perfect place for you.

Food Recommendations: Very seasonal so often changing but their seafood is always fabulous.

7. Steak 954

Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch

Steak 954 is more than just your average steakhouse, as it’s open for every meal of the day! This contemporary restaurant featuring exotic decor and ocean views can be found at the trendy W Fort Lauderdale Hotel. Their sweeping views will draw you in, but Steak 954’s creative dishes will keep you coming back for more. I always love seeing their impressive centerpiece reef aquarium with live jellyfish.

Food Recommendations: French Onion Soup, Foie Gras Tacos, any of their Wagyu Selections

8. S3-Sun Surf Sand 

Open for: Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner, and Brunch

S3-Sun Surf Sand at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort takes oceanfront dining to a whole new level with their unique fusion of steak, seafood, and sushi dishes. You can expect an upscale, casual-chic vibe with breathtaking views of Fort Lauderdale Beach. S3’s sushi bar is one-one-a-kind and their menu is always locally-sourced with seasonal offerings.

Food Recommendations: Goat Cheese Croquettes, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Dragon Roll, Bavette Steak

9. Takato

Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Happy Hour and Dinner

You can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale Beach at Takato, formerly known as Terra Mare. The Conrad’s beautiful hotel restaurant has an expansive tiered patio that’s perfect for enjoying one of their signature handcrafted cocktails or shared plates. Their food is a beautiful Japanese and Korean fusion by Executive Chef Taek Lee who invites diners on a culinary journey through his Asian heritage.

Food Recommendations: Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Angry Chicken, Chilean Sea Bass, Shrimp Fried Rice, or any of their Sushi selections

10. Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery

Open for: Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch

This is the Atlantic Hotel’s casual restaurant which offers a chic boardwalk dining experience. Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery is true to its name thanks to the panoramic views and charming beachside ambiance. Locals and tourists enough their eclectic menu, especially for their popular weekend brunch. Their food is deliciously creative and never disappoints!

Food Recommendations: Eggplant Stack, Spaghetti Squash Bolognese, Drunken Shrimp Penne, Chicken Parmesan Stack

11. Serafina Italian Restaurant

Open for: Dinner and Brunch

Last but certainly not least is the one of the best gourmet restaurants in Fort Lauderdale: Serafina Italian Restaurant. This is a romantic spot with a riverfront terrace, serving polished Italian cuisine. You can enjoy a candlelit trattoria nestled in Victoria Park with great views of the Middle River. The ambiance, while casual, is very charming and perfect for a date night. Their Mediterranean flavors keep me coming back for more, and I can’t wait to try their weekend brunch soon!

Food Recommendations: Fresh Chilean Sea Bass, Osso Bucco D’Angello, Tiramisu

12. Casa del Mare Ristorante

Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Casa del Mare Ristorante is an authentic Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale with beautiful water views; also, fairly new to the Sea Club Resort. Their award-winning Chef Fabio Vaccarella was born and raised in Palermo, Sicily, so you can expect traditional Italian dishes. If you’re a fan of primarily fish-based menus, then Casa del Mare Ristorante is the place for you.

Food Recommendations: Prosciutto di Parma, Branzino al Carciofini, any of their Pastas with Seafood