The restaurants have been selected for their good value or exceptional food. These listings
highlight some of the factors that may influence your choice, such as whether you can opt to eat outdoors or if the venue offers live music. Entries are alphabetical within each price category.
THE GOLD AND TREASURE COASTS
BOCA RATON Nestors Gourmet Deli
7050 W Palmetto Park, 33434 Tel (561) 391-0163 Conveniently located in Boca’s shopping center, this deli is a favorite with local patrons. Their portions are very generous and the food is reasonable priced. They have a nice selection of sandwiches and soups, and for dinner they have daily specials. Go early as they are usually packed.
BOCA RATON El Mariachi
1600 N Federal Hwy, 33432 Tel (561) 347-5077
There are almost 100 items on this chain Mexican restaurant’s menu, most of which are of very good quality.Chicken carnitas are tasty, as is the guacamole, but all the offerings beg for repeat visits. The crème caramel, or flan,is a particular specialty. Extremely family-friendly and good value for money.
BOCA RATON Legal Seafoods
6000 W Glades Rd, 33431 Tel (561) 447-2112
This family restaurant located in the Town Center Mall serves fresh fish of all types and does a great New Englandclam chowder. Try the wood-grilled fish and the signature crab cakes. The decor here is classy – wood with anautical theme – with both booths and tables and an open kitchen.
BOCA RATON Max’s Grille
404 Plaza Real, 33432 Tel (561) 368-0080
The place to see and be seen in Boca’s Mizner Memorial Park, where you can also enjoy some excellent regional cuisine in classy surroundings. Favorities include maple glazed salmon and sole dishes. They also have a special kid’s menu. A little bit stuffy, but that seems fine with the many regular repeat diners.
BOCA RATON Bova Ristorante
1450 N Federal Hwy, 33432 Tel (561) 362-7407
Serving gourmet Italian cuisine, this elegant, modern restaurant is a trendy spot if you want to people watch – the long bar is always packed. The food is great, too, with great focaccia from the wood-fired ovens and delicious duck.The white-on-white decor gives a very chic “South Beach” look in Boca.
DANIA Casa Bella
129 N Federal Hwy, 33004 Tel (954) 923-1000
If it’s a romantic dinner for two you’re looking for, this is the place. Set in a historic 1912 house between StirlingRoad and Sheridan Street, this restaurant is quaintly decorated and serves Italian and continental cuisine. The rack of lamb is excellent, as is the osso bucco (shin of veal)
DANIA BEACH Jaxson’s
128 S Federal Hwy, 33004 Tel (954) 923-4445
This old-time ice cream parlor has been a family favorite for generations. Lines form to sit inside, and another for take-out of the plethora of homemade ice cream desserts. The interior is kitsch, fun. Massive portions are capped by the Kitchen Sink, which requires at least four to share.
DAVIE Buca di Beppo
3355 S University Drive, 33324 Tel (954) 577-3287
A fun place to bring the kids, this restaurant serves southern Italian food and has really huge portions, presented family-style with plates on the table for sharing dishes. Lots of photos and objects decorate the walls, adding to the lively atmosphere. Near Broward Mall, it’s a great place to go if you’re hungry!
DEERFIELD Pal’s Charley’s Crab
1755 SE 3 Court, 33441 Tel (954) 427-4000
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Charley’s has different menus for different times of day, but with an everyday emphasis on fresh seafood prepared to order. Ask about the day’s catch as that will often be your best bet, although for years loyal diners have never felt let down.
DEERFIELD BEACH Brooks
500 S Federal Hwy, 33441 Tel (954) 427-9302
Brooks tempts you with Floribbean dishes created from wonderfully fresh ingredients. Prix fixe or à la carte. A local favorite in Deerfield Beach , where dining out tends to be either hit or miss. The menu changes fairly regularly, and reflects both seasonal and regional ingredients. Good value for money.
DELRAY BEACH Caffe Luna Rosa
34 S Ocean Blvd, 33483 Tel (561) 247-9404
Overlooking the ocean from its beach location, this Italian restaurant offers spectacular views. Dinner entrées include farm cheese ravioli tossed with caramelized prosciutto, fresh sage in Parmesan cream reduction, and New Zealand lamb chops. Don’t miss their signature dessert, New York cheesecake.
DELRAY BEACH De La Tierra Restaurant at Sundy House
106 S Swinton Ave, 33444 Tel (561) 272-5678
This hidden treasure serves Floribbean and Continental cuisine in a beautiful tropical garden setting. Gazebos available. A very romantic spot favored by locals for special occasions. Considered one of Delray Beach’s better restaurants. Families are welcome but the atmosphere is intimate.
FORT LAUDERDALE Rosie’s Bar & Grill
2449 Wilton Drive, 33305 Tel (954) 563-0123
Popular with South Florida’s gay community, this unusually friendly site is best for people-watching in Wilton Manors. It also happens to serve good burgers, excellent hot dogs, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. But it is mostly about the atmosphere and people.
FORT LAUDERDALE Himmarshee Bar & Grille
210 SW 2nd St, 33301 Tel (954) 524-1818
Popular with the young and fashionable Fort Lauderdale crowd, Himmarshee Bar is usually packed, particularly on weekends. A wasabi-encrusted salmon and similar creative takes on American cuisine define the menu. Great bar and wine list. They also have a lovely outside seating area. Regulars rave about the charming service.
FORT LAUDERDALE Limoncello Trattoria Pizzeria
208 SW 2nd St, 33312 Tel (954) 525-7656 Road map F4
Although it is the pizza that many find most appealing here, pastas and items from the grill are also very good. Stuffed sandwiches make for good lunch selections. Family-friendly and great value for money. More of a lunch destination than dinner, though take-out is very popular.
FORT LAUDERDALE The Floridian Restaurant
1410 E Las Olas Blvd, 33301 Tel (954) 463-4041
Sunday mornings are particularly busy at this trendy neighborhood meeting place, when devotees enjoy three-egg omelets, buttermilk pancakes, and steak. Lunches and dinners are also reasonable. Open 24 hours. Great for people-watching and eclectic local color.
FORT LAUDERDALE 15th Street Fisheries
1900 SE 15th St, 33316 Tel (954) 763-2777
Apart from the incredible seafood, which has drawn generations of customers, this restaurant also offers unusual meats, such as kangaroo and alligator. It also offers great views of the waterfront. A special occasion restaurant for many in the area, it is busiest in the winter and spring. Reservations recommended.
FORT LAUDERDALE Creolina’s
209 SW 2nd St, 33301 Tel (954) 524-2003
Authentic Louisiana Low Country cooking is the star at this popular Riverwalk eatery. Jambalaya and crawfish étouffée are particularly coveted. Freshly squeezed lemonade adds to the southern feel. A fun and friendly place to stop at if in the area, or if you are in the mood for this unique cuisine.
FORT LAUDERDALE Japanese Village Hibachi Steak
350 E Las Olas Blvd, 33301 Tel (954) 525-8386
Although there are numerous standard Japanese items on the menu, the real draw here are the hibachi barbecue items, seared to perfection to seal the flavors. Good service and setting accentuate the dining experience and the whole family is made welcome.
FORT LAUDERDALE Le Café de Paris
715 E Las Olas Blvd, 33301 Tel (954) 467-2900
This well-established family restaurant offers good-value French cuisine. Set menus include an excellent escargot appetizer followed by a gourmet dinner. Make sure to leave room for tantalizing desserts. Good value for the price, with freshness abounding.
FORT LAUDERDALE River House Restaurant
301 SW 3rd Ave, 33312 Tel (954) 525-7661
A well appointed and comfortable restaurant featuring American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal seafood. But it is the mammoth Sunday brunch that makes it very popular. The encrusted salmon with wasabi, mashed potatoes, and bok choy is great. Regulars say that menu is relatively pricey but that the food is consistently good.
FORT LAUDERDALE Tarpon Bend
200 SW 2nd Ave, 33301 Tel (954) 523-3233
Extremely fresh fish and seafood are delivered daily at this well-known restaurant. Raw bar oysters are shucked to order and the house special, smoked fish dip, is extremely good. A steamed clambake is extraordinary. Excellent quality for the money as local fans also agree.
FORT LAUDERDALE Grill Room on Las Olas
620 E Las Olas Blvd, 33301 Tel (954) 467-2555
This elegant restaurant in the Riverside Hotel (see p315) is grandly decorated to resemble a British officer’s club. Stodgy compared to more trendy local eateries, but with amazing food. The grilled steaks, rack of lamb, and chateaubriand are excellent. Good wine list as well.
FORT LAUDERDALE Mark’s Las Olas
1032 E Las Olas Blvd, 33301 Tel (954) 463-1000
A gorgeous swirling flagstone foyer greets patrons to chef Mark Militello’s Fort Lauderdale addition to his empire. Tasty New Florida cuisine, such as the signature lobster brûleé. The menu changes daily, but is always innovative. Reservations strongly suggested.
FORT LAUDERDALE Blue Moon Fish Co.
4405 W Tradewinds Ave, 33308 Tel (954) 267-9888
This restaurant is superbly located on the Intracoastal Waterway. There is as much attention paid to the exceptional seafood as there is to the equally delightful ambience. Good service enhances the experience. Good family location for special occasions. Somewhat pricey. Ask about locally caught fish.
FORT LAUDERDALE Trina
611 N Fort Lauderale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33304 Tel (954) 779-8070 Road map F4
Conveniently located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, this is a sophisticated restaurant serving delicious Continental cuisine. Specials include rack of lamb and seafood dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. They also have a large bar featuring dynamic beverages. Trina is a particularly good place for people-watching.
FORT PIERCE Mangrove Mattie’s
1640 Seaway Drive, 34949 Tel (772) 466-1044
Delicious seafood, including pasta sauces, is the mainstay at this pleasant restaurant. Meaty steaks and ribs are also available. Fun and friendly with good service, this is an outstanding place for the entire family. One of Fort Pierce’s more popular restaurants with a deserved reputation for consistency.
HOLLYWOOD Bavarian Village
1401 N Federal Hwy, 33020 Tel (954) 922-7321
This welcoming restaurant is definitely for those with a hearty appetite and a desire for German food. Traditional American dishes, such as steak and fish, are also on the menu. Schnitzels are very good, as is the duck and the cabbage. Reasonable priced. A warm and family-friendly place.
HOLLYWOOD Taverna Opa
410 N Ocean Drive, 33019 Tel (954) 929-4010
Fun, energetic, family-oriented Greek restaurant on Hollywood Beach. Good preparations of specialties such as moussaka soufflé, pastitsio (Greek pasta dish), and, of course, plenty of ouzo (Greek liqueur) and dancing on the tables. A twin Maine lobster offering on the menu is usually a terrific deal.
HUTCHINSON ISLAND Baha Grille
555 NE Ocean Blvd, 34996 Tel (772) 225-6818 Road map F3
Situated in the Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort, this charming restaurant offers Floribbean cuisine with an emphasis on local ocean bounty such as yellowfin tuna and a terrific baked red snapper. Not for those families on a budget, but it is worth the money for special occasions.
PALM BEACH Chuck & Harold’s
207 Royal Poinciana Way, 33480 Tel (561) 659-1500
The porch tables are the best for celebrity-spotting while you enjoy dishes such as conch chowder or one of the very good, changing blackboard specials. A reasonable, fun, and family-friendly place. Entertainment also livens up the restaurant, but outside, you can always carry on a conversation.
PALM BEACH Bice Ristorante
313 1/2 Worth Ave, 33480 Tel (561) 835-1600
Seriously good Italian food is served in this romantic formal restaurant. The dress code matches the elegant decor. Despite formality, it is not very stuffy or pretentious. The excellent service staff are helpful. Definitely enquire about the daily specials. Reservations are strongly recommended.
PALM BEACH Café Boulud
301 Australian Ave, 33480 Tel (561) 655-6060
You will definitely need reservations at chef Daniel Boulud’s “extension” to his popular New York southern French restaurant located in the Brazilian Court Hotel. The pricey but elegant menu is broken down into four categories and you cannot go wrong. Frequented by the somewhat conservative if entertaining socialites.
PALM BEACH L’Escalier
1 S County Rd, 33480 Tel (561) 659-8480
The elegant dining room at the Breakers Hotel offers a memorable formal restaurant experience. French cuisine, always being refined, is featured with dishes such as seared foie gras, Colorado lamb, and Dover sole meunière. A dress code applies. Expensive but conservatism does not extend to the food, which is stellar.
PALM BEACH Renato’s
87 Via Mizner, 33480 Tel (561) 655-9752
Tucked away in one of Palm Beach’s alleys, Renato’s offers European Continental dishes such as risotto with lobster and crab meat, carefully prepared and flawlessly served. A dress code applies. Costly, but repeat diners say the consistency is worth that and more. Hours change by season, and it is also a good romantic getaway.
POMPANO BEACH Flaming Pit
1150 N Federal Hwy, 33062 Tel (954) 943-3484
Locals flock here for the prime rib and steak, great chicken, and the salad bar, which comes with all the trimmings. The prices are low and the service friendly. It is definitely family-friendly with an “old Florida” look and feel to it. It is worth stopping here for the value and quality if you are in the area.
VERO BEACH Ocean Grill
1050 Beachland Blvd, 32963 Tel (772) 231-5409
Decorated with antiques, this 1940s waterfront restaurant offers flavorful seafood and meat dishes such as Indian River crab cakes and roast duckling. The gorgeous setting creates the mood for ultimate romantic dining experience. A special occasion destination for the atmosphere alone. The menu changes regularly.
WEST PALM BEACH Colombino Bakery
4439 Forest Hill Blvd, 33406 Tel (561) 642-4544
A tiny Italian deli and bakery serving hot bread fresh from the oven and upstate New York-style pizzas. They also do great stuffed bread with pepperoni and cheese, and great value sandwiches from $3 to $5. Look out for the small storefront near Palm Beach County Main Library.
WEST PALM BEACH Aleyda’s Tex Mex
1890 Okeechobee Blvd, 33409 Tel (561) 688-9033
This is one of the rare places in Palm Beach County where you can sink your teeth into good old-fashioned Tex-Mex food such as tacos, fajitas, and tamales. The weekday buffet lunch is great value and tastes good as well. Popular with locals and visiting families in the mood for a little spice.
WEST PALM BEACH Mark’s City Place
700 S Rosemary Ave, 33401 Tel (561) 514-0770
Mark Militello’s operation in this bustling part of West Palm is known for its designer pizzas made in a wood-burning oven. Paired with sushi selections, it seems a bit unusual. Florida-influenced staples such as a peppercorn-crusted, seared yellowfin tuna are top-notch.
WESTON Lucille’s American Café
2250 Weston Rd, 33326 Tel (954) 384-9007
Reminiscent of a 1940s diner, but more upscale, Lucille’s specialties are sandwiches, huge salads, good soups, and a daily lunch special. Extremely inviting and friendly, the service is great, the food cheap, and anyone and everyone is made to feel welcome.
WILTON MANORS Stork’s Bakery and Coffeehouse
2505 NE 15th Ave, 33305 Tel (954) 567-3220
This locals’ favorite is a popular meeting place, where one can chat over good coffee and tea, delicious baked goods, and a few salads and sandwiches. Everything is made on the premises. Stork’s Bakery and Coffeehouse is a nice option for people-watching or chatting.
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