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Why Fort Lauderdale Is the Ultimate Vacation Spot for Foodies in 2025

Written on April 30, 2025. Posted in Uncategorized.

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A Culinary Renaissance on the Coast

Fort Lauderdale, once best known for its sun-drenched beaches and boating lifestyle, has quickly evolved into a serious foodie destination. With the arrival of world-class chefs, award-winning restaurants, and the city’s very first Michelin-starred establishment, 2025 marks a new chapter in the city’s culinary identity. Whether you’re a sophisticated gourmand, a fan of fresh-caught seafood, or someone who simply plans trips around your next meal, Fort Lauderdale has something on the menu for you.

Michelin Recognition Arrives: Chef’s Counter at MAASS

Leading this culinary wave is Chef’s Counter at MAASS, the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Located inside the glamorous Four Seasons Hotel, this exclusive dining experience is helmed by Chef Ryan Ratino and Chef David Brito. It features an ever-changing tasting menu that fuses French technique, Japanese precision, and locally-sourced South Florida ingredients.

Website: https://www.maassftl.com/chefs-counter/

The Rise of Next-Level Newcomers

Big news brunch lovers were cracking into sundays. Catch cut now opens at noon every sunday with a brunch lineup thats anything but basic—think fresh seafood sushi and chef curated favorites. Sip on 1

Catch & Cut: A nautical-chic seafood spot serving up daily catches and bold flavor combinations on Las Olas Boulevard.
Website: https://catchandcut.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catchandcut/

Timbr: For fans of fire-roasted goodness and gourmet comfort food, Timbr reimagines American classics with wood-fired flavor and cool, modern decor.
Website: https://www.timbr-restaurant.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timbr_restaurant/

Sixty Vines: Where the wine is on tap and each dish is curated to complement a perfectly poured glass.
Website: https://www.sixtyvines.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixtyvines/

Daniel’s Steakhouse: A love letter to Florida’s agricultural heritage.
Website: https://www.danielssteak.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielssteakhouse/

Florida steakhouse

Waterfront Wonders at Marina Village & Pier Sixty-Six

Marina Village is a sleek open-air food hall and social hub on the waterfront. Also on the rise is Pier Sixty-Six, home to:

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Sotogrande: rustic Spanish tapas and wine.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotogranderestaurant/

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Calusso: upscale Mediterranean fare.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calussorestaurant/

Vacation spot for foodies

Pier Top: rooftop cocktails with 360-degree views.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piertoplounge/

Newly Opened: Ocean Prime Las Olas

Opened in April 2025, Ocean Prime is bringing its renowned seafood, prime cuts, and classic cocktails to Las Olas Circle.

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Website: https://ocean-prime.com/locations-menus/fort-lauderdale

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanprimefortlauderdale/

The Vibe: Chic, Casual, and Deliciously Diverse

What makes Fort Lauderdale such a unique foodie destination? It’s the vibe — upscale yet unpretentious, tropical yet cosmopolitan. In a single day, you can enjoy: brunch on the beach, global street food by the water, and an evening tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Combine that with year-round warm weather and vibrant cultural fusion, and you’ve got a city that feeds the soul and the stomach.

Foodie Tip: Where to Stay

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Pair your dining adventures with luxury accommodations. Book a villa or upscale condo resort with Luxury Vacation Stays and stay steps from the beach, top restaurants, and nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale, Luxury Vacation Rentals, Luxury Vacation Stays, South Florida