At one time, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s culinary accolades didn’t extend much farther than beachside dives. But as more food lovers have taken note of the area’s laid-back appeal, the region’s restaurant scene has shifted dramatically — leaving the notion of a cold beer and not much else firmly in the rearview mirror.
Today, Greater Fort Lauderdale has transformed into a serious culinary contender. With one restaurant earning its first Michelin star and another receiving the esteemed Bib Gourmand (great eats for great value) nod this year, the region’s rising food scene is officially on the map. Here’s where to dine, according to the Michelin Guide.
MAASS: 1 Michelin Star
Photos: Scott Wild / Matador Network
Grab a spot at the chef’s counter for a front-row view of the culinary magic helmed by Chef-Owner Ryan Ratino and his team at MAASS. With only 14 seats, the Seasonal Tasting Menu (nine courses for $145 per person) feels more like a dinner party hosted by artists than a typical night out. Chef David Brito leads the experience with thoughtful precision and energy.
Located within the elegant Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, the restaurant offers more than just a feast — it’s a performance. Sip on one of the signature cocktails, each named after a luxurious Four Seasons destination (like the Mumbai, crafted with cardamom-infused gin) while watching a team of chefs move in perfect sync inside the open kitchen.
The meal opens with four simultaneous small bites: a plump shrimp topped with tomato gel; a Wellfleet oyster crowned with finely diced green apple, celery, and herb oil; beef tartare nestled on a truffle-infused crispy potato square; and the signature foie gras macaron — a flamingo-pink shell filled with velvety foie gras cream. It’s a whimsical yet refined overture to a menu that blends French technique with Japanese finesse and South Florida flair.
Standout dishes include the smoked soy yellowtail crudo, lobster agnolotti with wild mushrooms, and Japanese A5 Wagyu bavette (a $60 supplement) served with black garlic, onion, and a luxurious bordelaise. Save space for the brioche pull-apart, which arrives piping hot toward the end of the meal, accompanied by an irresistible honey butter.
Wrap things up with a slender chocolate-caramel tart topped with coconut ice cream — just the right amount of richness without being overwhelming. And for oenophiles, the wine pairing is a smart — and rewarding — choice.
Heritage: Bib Gourmand
Photos: Scott Wild / Matador Network
The expression “less is more” pays off in big numbers at Heritage. Owner and chef Rino Cerbone (also lead singer for the bands Stellar Revival and Westview) keeps things simple, serving mostly pizza and a handful of pastas — all of which are prepared exceptionally well. And while the traditional favorites (like margherita and funghi) score high marks, pies like squash blossoms with cold-pulled burrata showcase the creativity and confidence that keep the crowds coming.
But it’s not all dough and sauce. Starters such as the sweet long peppers — stuffed with Wagyu beef, fontina, provolone, peas, and rice, then finished with seasoned breadcrumbs and sherry marinara — set the tone early. Pastas like the mafaldine Bolognese, rich and deeply savory, hold their own against any red-sauce joint north of here.
Don’t expect a quiet, romantic Italian dinner at Heritage. The buzzy eatery, tucked into the heart of trendy Flagler Village, feels more like crashing one of Cerbone’s band parties — only this time, the headliner is the food.
Evelyn’s: Recommended
Named after Evelyn Bartlett — artist, preservationist, and longtime Fort Lauderdale resident — this breezy oceanfront restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale is a tribute to the city’s cultural and culinary heritage. (She and her husband, Frederic, once lived at the nearby Bonnet House, now a historic landmark and museum.) Evelyn’s also happens to be the sister restaurant to MAASS, Fort Lauderdale’s only Michelin-starred dining destination, making the Four Seasons a serious two-for-one for discerning diners.
Plush navy banquettes, polished wood trim, and brass fixtures create a warm, yacht-like vibe that nods to Fort Lauderdale’s nautical spirit. The white walls keep things airy, letting the ocean view — and the food — do most of the talking. Executive Chef Brandon Salomon’s Mediterranean-inspired menu delivers unexpected takes on familiar flavors: labne (thick, soft-cheese-like yogurt) topped with oat-maple crumble and za’atar; yellowfin tuna kibbe; Florida swordfish with green amba, passion fruit, and local mango; and Australian Wagyu beef glazed in smoky-sweet date barbecue.
Those craving a fuller picture of the kitchen’s range can opt for the newly introduced $125 tasting menu. It includes standouts like silky hummus with pine nuts and sumac, pomegranate-glazed Ora King salmon, and Evelyn’s signature chicken shawarma wrap. Dessert — coconut-orange blossom rice pudding with pomegranate reduction — feels like the perfect Floridian finish.
Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse: Recommended
Photo: The Louis Collection / Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse
Daniel’s came charging out of the gate, earning Michelin praise just six months after opening — and quickly winning over Greater Fort Lauderdale’s steakhouse crowd.
Helmed by Culinary Director Daniel Ganem, this stylish newcomer channels the kind of spot Don Draper might have favored: old-school polish, a little swagger, and a deep commitment to top-quality ingredients. As the name implies, there’s a strong focus on Florida-sourced products — think beef from ranches in North and Central Florida, fish from the Keys, and produce from Homestead farms.
Picture a classic steakhouse menu, then elevate it with a regional spin. The “Caviar & Snacks” section includes caviar with house-made potato chips, caramelized onion, Florida sour cream, and chives. Starters like the seafood chowder and blue crab cake (topped with crème fraîche, Meyer lemon, and caviar) pay further tribute to that Greater Fort Lauderdale vibe. Steaks span the spectrum — from filet mignon to a 35-day-aged prime cowboy ribeye to a Wagyu tomahawk — all of which can be taken over the top with seared foie gras, truffle butter, or exotic peppercorn blends. True to steakhouse tradition, sides abound; the rosemary fries and corn pudding are standouts.
This is the kind of place that slows down time and makes everyone feel like they’re the star of the show. So, order a Daniel’s martini, settle in, and enjoy a steakhouse experience that’s both classic and distinctly local.
Larb Thai-Isan: Recommended
Photo: Larb Thai-Isan
This no-frills gem tucked inside an otherwise forgettable Greater Fort Lauderdale strip mall has none of the bells and whistles found at many South Florida restaurants. What it delivers instead is authenticity — flavorful Northern Thai dishes made from longtime family recipes.
Standouts include a refreshing papaya salad; mok nho mai, a banana leaf-steamed bundle of shredded bamboo and pork belly; rich duck curry; and of course, the namesake larb — a spicy minced chicken or pork salad tossed with fresh Thai herbs and roasted rice powder. There are no reservations, so be prepared to wait — a perfect excuse to sip on a chilled Thai beer.
Whether you’re craving a chef-driven tasting menu or a no-frills feast, Greater Fort Lauderdale has a wide range of options proving it’s more than just a pretty stretch of sand — it’s a delicious destination. Come hungry and see for yourself why the area’s food scene is finally getting the Michelin love it deserves. 