Discover Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Flavourful Summer

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A Rising Culinary Star: Discover Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Flavorful Summer

Greater Fort Lauderdale has long been celebrated for its sun-drenched beaches, winding waterways, and vibrant arts and culture scene. But this summer, the destination is earning well-deserved recognition for something new: its culinary excellence.

With its debut in the prestigious Michelin Guide this year, Greater Fort Lauderdale officially joined the ranks of the world’s most respected gastronomic destinations. For international travelers with an appetite for both discovery and indulgence, there’s never been a better time to eat your way through South Florida’s newest food capital.

The Michelin Milestone

In a historic first for the region, five Greater Fort Lauderdale restaurants were honored in the 2025 Florida Michelin Guide, including the destination’s first-ever Michelin Star.

Chef’s Counter at MAASS, located inside the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach, earned one Michelin Star for its intimate 14-seat tasting experience. Helmed by Chef Ryan Ratino and Executive Chef David Brito, the restaurant impressed inspectors with its imaginative menu that fuses French technique, Japanese ingredients, and Florida-sourced products—all served over a custom wood-fired hearth. For culinary travelers seeking an elevated, exclusive experience, this is a must-visit.

Heritage, a stylish eatery in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village, was awarded a Bib Gourmand—Michelin’s designation for restaurants offering high-quality food at great value. Chef Rino Cerbone’s menu of wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and inventive small plates brings contemporary Italian-American comfort food to life in a laid-back setting.

Three other establishments received the Michelin Guide’s “Recommended” nod:

  • Daniel’s – A Florida Steakhouse, a modern chophouse concept led by Chef Daniel Ganem in Fort Lauderdale, celebrated for its refined cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and commitment to local sourcing.
  • Evelyn’s, the signature restaurant of the Four Seasons, offers vibrant coastal Mediterranean cuisine crafted by Chef Brandon Salomon, with sweeping ocean views that enhance the experience.
  • Larb Thai-Isan in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a hidden gem known for authentic Northern Thai flavors. The Michelin Guide praised the restaurant’s bold, well-balanced dishes and dedication to traditional techniques.

For global travelers familiar with following the Michelin Guide from Tokyo to Paris, this new South Florida inclusion offers the rare opportunity to experience world-class dining within a laid-back beach setting.

Dine Out Lauderdale: Taste More, Spend Less

Another reason to explore the region this summer is the return of Dine Out Lauderdale—an annual celebration of the destination’s diverse culinary offerings. Running August through September, this initiative features special prix-fixe menus at a wide range of participating restaurants, from fine dining to casual favorites. Guests can enjoy curated three-course meals at set prices starting at $35 for lunch and $45, $60 and $75 for dinner, often highlighting local ingredients and chef specialties.

It’s an ideal way for visitors to try multiple restaurants without breaking the bank and to get a sense of the region’s unique flavor profile, which spans Caribbean, Latin American, Asian, Mediterranean, and classic American cuisines.

Dock-and-Dine: A Waterfront Dining Culture

One of the most unique Fort Lauderdale dining experiences is its dock-and-dine culture. With over 300 miles of navigable waterways, it’s easy to enjoy a day on the water and then pull up to a waterfront restaurant for a meal, no valet required.

Popular spots include 15th Street Fisheries, an iconic seafood restaurant known for its dockside tarpon feedings and fresh Florida seafood. Boatyard offers elegant coastal fare with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Intracoastal. For a more relaxed experience, Coconuts is where visitors can enjoy “serious food in a not-so-serious place,” right next to the water.

Whether arriving by boat or enjoying the view from shore, dining by the water is quintessential to the Greater Fort Lauderdale experience.

Global Flavors, Local Culture

What makes this destination truly special is its diversity, both in its people and its palate. Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to communities from across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, resulting in a culinary scene that reflects the world.

In the same day, visitors can enjoy Jamaican jerk chicken in Lauderhill, Peruvian ceviche in Hollywood, sushi in Fort Lauderdale Beach, and French bistro fare in Pompano Beach. Chefs throughout the region are blending heritage and innovation, creating menus that feel both deeply personal and globally relevant.

From Sunrise to Sunset: More Than a Meal

For culinary travelers who want more than just dinner, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers immersive experiences that elevate food into art. Take a cooking class with a local chef, join a sunset yacht cruise, or visit a local brewery like Funky Buddha or Tarpon River Brewing for a flight of craft beers infused with tropical flavors.

And for dessert? Don’t miss a stop at Kilwins Ice Cream on Las Olas Boulevard or a handcrafted treat from Parlor Donuts.

Plan Your Culinary Getaway

Greater Fort Lauderdale is rapidly rising on the international culinary map, and with good reason. With its combination of Michelin-recognized restaurants, diverse dining experiences, scenic dockside eateries, and annual programs like Dine Out Lauderdale, the destination offers a flavorful escape that satisfies every appetite.

Whether you’re planning a romantic beach vacation, a family foodie tour, or a solo tasting journey, this sun-soaked stretch of South Florida now promises world-class flavor with a tropical twist.

Click here to find out more about dining out in Lauderdale.