Eat Local, Be Coastal: Guide to Dining During the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Posted September 24, 2021 in Lifestyle by Ashleigh King

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.

Coconuts $$

Coconuts view of the dock and restaurant
Coconuts, brought to you by the be nice Restaurant Group, epitomizes Fort Lauderdale’s charm. With its prime waterfront location offering uninterrupted views of the Intracoastal waterways, Coconuts is the go-to spot for watching boats pass by as the sun sets. It offers an upscale dining experience in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Located just steps away from the docks of FLIBS, discover Fort Lauderdale’s essence at Coconuts. Open seven days a week, including delightful Sunday Brunch.

T: 954-525-2421

Takato $$$$

Takato restaurant inside dining area

Situated just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach, you’ll find Takato at the Conrad Hotel. This unique Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant seamlessly combines the best of traditional sushi and Umami flavors with contemporary culinary creations, promising a dining experience you won’t forget. The restaurant boasts a striking 26-foot sushi bar that’s sure to impress, as well as a spacious outdoor patio for al fresco dining. Headed by Chef Taek Lee, the thoughtfully curated menu features a wide array of delectable options, ranging from Duck Bao Buns and Wagyu Galbi Sliders to Shrimp Fried Rice, along with an extensive selection of Nigiri, Sashimi, and Sushi.

T: 954-414-5160

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood $$$$

Eddie V's bananas foster butter cake

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

Moxies $$

Moxies alfresco fort lauderdale dining in the heart of fort lauderdale with modern furniture

Inspired by his culinary journey through a Michelin-recognized restaurant and the honor of designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson brings his commitment to culinary excellence to life at Moxies. With a personal mantra that insists, “If it isn’t perfect, it doesn’t leave the kitchen,” Chef Brandon has curated an entire menu of meticulously crafted, fresh flavors that are exclusive to Moxies. Its dedicated team is committed to ensuring that Moxies becomes the highlight of your day, offering a captivating atmosphere with two indoor-outdoor bars, lounge and dining areas and inviting covered patios. Reservations are accepted.

T: 954-666-6861

Lona Cocina Tequileria $$

Lona presents a modern interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine, evident in every dish meticulously crafted to delight your palate. The extensive menu at Lona boasts a wide array of appetizers, entrees, and a diverse selection of tequilas, showcasing delights like the Ahi Tuna Tostada and their innovative creation, the Lobster Quesadilla. And let’s not forget, the restaurant’s location just steps from the beach, nestled within the Westin Hotel, adds an extra touch of coastal charm to your dining experience.

T: 954-245-3069

Steak 954 $$$$

Steak 954 steak entree

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 which 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 $$

Shooters waterfront birdcage

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 exterior

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 exterior

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 restaurant interior

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

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 and Sushi by Bou $$$

Salt7 exterior

SALT7, situated on Las Olas Boulevard along the Riverwalk, is the epitome of trendy dining and nightlife in Fort Lauderdale. This vibrant establishment offers an expansive menu and inventive cocktails, earning it the status of a local favorite. Notable dishes like their truffle lobster mac & cheese, Australian lamb lollipop appetizer, and tempting raw bar elevate SALT7’s appeal. You can conveniently enjoy valet parking and make reservations.

Adding to Fort Lauderdale’s sushi scene is Sushi by Bou, located within Salt 7 on the New River. Here, you’ll discover a remarkable addition to the city’s culinary offerings. Their signature 17-course omakase experience is a must for sushi enthusiasts, enveloping you in an ambiance of dazzling lights, vibrant colors, and lively disco music. This hour-long chef’s choice journey guarantees the finest cuts in an intimate, private setting. While savoring these melt-in-your-mouth delicacies, you can complement your experience with craft cocktails and imported sake.

T: 954-751-7258

Anthony’s Runway 84 $$$

inside bar of anthony's runway 84 swanky old-school style bar

Since 1982, Anthony’s Runway 84 has been an iconic Italian-American Restaurant and Supper Club in South Florida, offering New York-style red sauce classics and nightly live entertainment. With prime meats, fresh fish, and a focus on Italian-American favorites, complemented by an extensive wine list and beverage selection, Anthony’s Runway 84 is perfect for a memorable date night or celebration. The motto is “never just dinner.” Its completely revamped Fort Lauderdale Supper Club is reminiscent of the Copacabana from Goodfellas. You’ll be surrounded by rich jewel tones, elegant table lamps, iconic photos of Italian Americans and a live entertainment stage. The menu features tableside Caesar salads, mouthwatering chicken parmesan, truffle-infused twice-baked potatoes and flavorful cacio e pepe sauce. Dress up and savor the experience.

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.

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