Following our roundup of most romantic restaurants in Miami, we figured we’d give you the next best thing: where to go for a date night with that special someone in Fort Lauderdale! The city, which neighbors Miami, is a dining mecca all on its own. There’s the option of having sushi on a gondola, dining in complete darkness or cozying up in a lush patio by a lit up tree that doubles as a fire pit.
Whether you live in Fort Lauderdale or want to take that special someone on a super mini getaway, read on to find the most delicious standout destinations:
1. Steak 954
An oceanfront steakhouse is perfect for any occasion, but more specifically if you’re trying to swoon your date. With sweeping beach views during the day and a starlit setting by night, Steak 954 at the W Hotel serves dry-aged prime and American Wagyu beef, locally-caught fish and a global selection of fine wines and spirits.
Find Steak 954 at 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
2. Sushi By Bou
You can never go wrong at a speakeasy. Tucked inside the trendy Salt7 is Sushi By Bou, an intimate restaurant all about the “omakase” method. Chefs serve you directly during 30-minute or 60-minute seatings, guiding you through the meal and providing a truly exclusive experience.
If you really want to spice things up, Dining in the Dark: Sushi “Omakase” Edition is the way to go. You’ll be given a blindfold to navigate your way through a 12-course menu, heightening your senses of taste and smell. We’ve got a feeling you’ll find this multi-sensory experience to be the perfect date idea…
Find Sushi By Bou at 500 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
3. YOLO Restaurant
Love is in the air at You Only Live Once, a downtown Fort Lauderdale hotspot that most notably features “The Burning Tree” at its terrace. The 15-foot tree sculpture is illuminated from the ground up and it’s quite the sight! On its scrumptious menu, the restaurant serves Vegetable Ceviche, Octopus in Ambers, Asiago Salmon and more.
Find YOLO Restaurant at 333 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
4. Casa Sensei
Set along the stunning Las Olas waterfront, Fort Lauderdale’s favorite Pan-Asian eatery with Latin accents is perfect for date night. For couples that like to share, start off with Sushi for Two before delighting in the Korean Steak Chimichurri. If you really want to sweep your S/O off their feet, you can ditch the dinner table and hop aboard a private gondola to dine while you cruise down the Himmarshee Canal.
Find Casa Sensei at 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301.
5. Wine + Garden
The name of this spot speaks for itself. Cheers to amore at this cozy Italian restaurant under a string of lights and indulge in their boutique wines and freshly prepared dishes, from antipasti to pizzas.
Find Wine + Garden at 608 Breakers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
6. No Man’s Land
This intimate, speakeasy-style cocktail parlor and eatery knows how to set the mood. Brass accents light up the space as you make your way past the curtains and Zoltar fortune-telling machine to blue velvet seats. An evening at No Man’s Land includes sipping on creative libations and inventive shareable plates, like their famous Foie Gras “Old Fashioned” complemented by a Raspberry Point cocktail.
Find No Man’s Land at 666 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
7. Burlock Coast
Just steps from the beach, this delightful eatery at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place if you’re after a romantic night out. It’s got ocean views for days while you enjoy refreshing seafood-centric cuisine and rum cocktails.
Find Burlock Coast at 1 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
8. Serafina by the Water
It doesn’t get more intimate than a night at the beautifully romantic Serafina, an Italian restaurant on the river. Its warm and inviting dining room is the perfect setting to enjoy perfectly prepared dishes like Costine Di Manzo (slow-braised short rib), Butterfield Branzino and Pappardelle Al Bolognese.
Find Serafina at 926 NE 20th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
9. Casablanca Cafe
Nothing says romance quite like Mediterranean-American cuisine, beach views, live piano music and a touch of history. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Casablanca Cafe, the site of many dates and proposals throughout the years. The two-story masonry dwelling, originally built in 1927 for its original owner, was the first home constructed on Fort Lauderdale Beach and is its oldest remaining structure. Later converting into a restaurant, Casablanca Cafe has kept the feel of the building’s original Mediterranean Revival style, incorporating the original working fireplace, wooden ceiling beams, spiral staircase and terrazzo floors.
Find Casablanca Cafe at 3049 Alhambra St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
10. Ya Mas!
Why not take a lush escape to the Greek islands? Lovebirds can celebrate a date on the Mediterranean at the new rustic-chic Ya Mas! Taverna, meaning “cheers” in Greek. Choose from hummus and tzatziki, lamb meatballs, mezze platters and much more on their delicious menu.
Note: They have moved from their old location. New location has yet to be announced.
11. Louie Bossi’s
If you’re both lovers of pizza and looking for something with a livelier atmosphere, then Louie Bossi’s is the place for you. Although you can sit and take in the restaurant’s chic interior, there’s a fairy tale-esque garden patio with lots of greenery and giant bird cages that’s perfect for lovebirds.
Find Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria at 1032 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
12. Rivertail
Your one true love is “shore” to be pleased with a special dine at Rivertail. The waterfront restaurant is situated on the New River is perfect for a romantic evening with your boo while taking in the beautiful views. The seafood menu, full of bold flavors and tasty cocktails, is curated by five-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Jose Mendin.
Find Rivertail at 4 W Las Olas Blvd Ste. 120, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
13. Val+tino
If you’re really looking to impress, this newly opened culinary haven with Italian and Mediterranean flavors offers the upscale dining experience you need. There’s a 5-course Chef’s Tasting Menu that’s curated and changed regularly by the chefs, over 125 bottles of wine and a prix–fixe menu that changes seasonally, with standout dishes like the Australian Wagyu Strip and Casoncelli.
Find Val+tino at 620 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.