Eat Local, Be Coastal: Guide to Dining during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
The hustle and bustle of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show can work up quite the appetite. Thankfully, Fort Lauderdale is a haven for decadent dishes. With options ranging from casual to upscale, seafood-centric to traditional Italian and waterfront to city strip, Northrop & Johnson has curated a master list of fantastic and renowned restaurant options.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood $$$$
Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood draws its guests in with its stylish, charismatic vibe and the finest seafood and steaks. Enjoy live jazz in the V lounge or grab one of the signature cocktails at the bar. Some notable dishes include the jumbo lump crab cake, Chilean sea bass and bananas foster butter cake. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
T: 954-468-3583
Rustic Inn Crabhouse $$$
This South Florida staple is nestled on the banks of the Dania Cutt-Off Canal and welcomes locals and visitors to its dock for exotic crustaceans. Its World-Famous Garlic Crabs have gained a reputation and keep seafood fanatics coming back for more. With a hole-in-the-wall vibe and family-owned history, Rustic Inn’s unique character is the ideal choice for casual dining with a twist. Reservations are not accepted.
T: 954-842-2804
Steak 954 $$$$
Located at the waterfront W Hotel along A1A, Steak 954 features unbeatable beach views and an expansive menu sure to impress steak and seafood aficionados alike. Its sleek, luxury design draws in inspiration from the ocean for a clean and nautical feel. A notable design element is the reef aquarium in the restaurant’s center that is home to jellyfish. Some of Steak 954’s most mentioned dishes are the beef short ribs, filet mignon and caviar service. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
T: 954-414-8333
Shooters Waterfront $$
Situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, Shooters Waterfront is one of South Florida’s premier on-the-water restaurants. Shooters has become a classic go-to for South Florida locals and visitors, featuring unobstructed views, a new American seafood menu and a weekend live music schedule. The ambiance can be described as friendly and laid-back, without sacrificing top-notch service. A few of its most popular dishes include coconut shrimp, shrimp and scallop risotto and key lime baked Alaska. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted (we recommend requesting a spot in the “bird cage” on the outdoor patio).
T: 954-566-2855
Kaluz Restaurant $$$
Kaluz Restaurant is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best upscale new American dining options. People rave about its modern, swanky interior and expertly curated menu -not to mention the unbeatable views of the Intracoastal. Truffle lobster mac and maple leaf duck confit stand out among the expansive list of entrees and can be paired with one of Kaluz’s signature hand-crafted cocktails. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
T: 954-772-2209
Chima Steakhouse $$$
Chima Steakhouse is located on Las Olas Boulevard, just minutes away from the beach. Its dining experience is serene and exotic with a touch of exclusivity. The beautifully lit banyan tree can be seen from the street, giving a touch of warmth to Chima’s sleek exterior. Traditional Brazilian rodizio and unparalleled hospitality are combined to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
T: 954-712-0580
Boatyard $$$
Boatyard is cleverly positioned in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, right on the water. It offers an upscale, nautical-chic vibe that embraces the city’s yachting culture. The menu features fresh daily catches of the finest seafood options, an impressive raw bar and premium cuts of meat. Boatyard’s dockside patio provides unmatched views of the Intracoastal and features a mature gumbo limo tree in the heart of the spacious seating area. It is the crème de la crème of waterfront dining. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
T: 954-525-7400
Lobster Bar Sea Grille $$$$
Lobster Bar Sea Grille takes fine dining to a new level in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Executive Chef Jeff Pfeiffer’s philosophy is “stripped down simplicity”-allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves. Pristine seafood, live lobsters and prime steaks are served to guests in a modern-nautical atmosphere, leaving guests feeling like they have just dined aboard a luxury yacht. The main dining room is covered by beautifully tiled archways and brilliant lighting for the ultimate dining experience. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
T: 954-772-2675
SALT7 $$$
SALT7 is the new face of trendy dining and nightlife in Fort Lauderdale. With its second location located on Las Olas Boulevard on the Riverwalk, SALT7’s expansive menu and creative cocktails have made it a go-to spot for Fort Lauderdale locals. Their truffle lobster mac & cheese, Australian lamb lollipop appetizer and appealing raw bar are just a few noteworthy dishes that make SALT7 extra special. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
T: 954-751-7258
Anthony’s Runway 84 $$$
Anthony’s Runway 84 is the hidden gem of Fort Lauderdale dining. Its family-owned history and traditional Italian fare have made it a local favorite. Anthony’s “begin and end with the feeling of family” motto can be felt from the moment guests walk in. Sounds ranging from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to Billy Joel and The Beatles flow across the restaurant while large family-style plates of Italian delights are being served. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
T: 954-467-8484
If you are interested in attending the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, please contact your preferred Northrop & Johnson Yacht Broker or Charter Broker for tickets.
