Florida might be known for its sunshine and theme parks, but when it comes to fine dining, South Florida also offers a treasury of culinary delights. We round up eight of the most fabulous and diverse eateries in the area below!
Tsukuro
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Tsukuro offers diners delights that include a raw bar from which guests can choose Gulf or East Coast oysters to sample. Raw main dishes of Hamachi Carpaccio, Tropical Ceviche, and Smoked Salmon sit on the menu alongside a range of premium caviars, sushi, and sashimi.
As well as the fresh ocean fare, Tsukuro also features items like Chinese Style Roast Duck, Slow Braised Oxtail Spring Rolls, and Korean Style ribs on its menu, with many dishes served on large sharing plates if desired.
The bar offers a selection of drinks, including a range of wines, cocktails, tea, and sake. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, as well as a private dining room that can host up to twelve guests.
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Joseph’s on the Water
Found on Boynton Beach, Joseph’s on the Water is open from 5pm to 10pm, Wednesday to Saturday. The restaurant specializes in seafood-inspired pasta dishes, such as Mussels Marinara and Pasta Primavera, and the menu also offers a range of salads and appetizers. Guests may choose to be seated at restaurant booths either inside or outside, on the terrace.
The waterside view is spectacular, the customer service is frequently reviewed as being outstanding, and the portion sizes are cited as being extremely generous; Joseph’s is also known as being one of the most romantic places to eat in the area.
Joseph’s on the Water has been run by the Maggi family for three generations, and continues to offer diners a unique and welcoming fine dining experience.
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Cielo Restaurant
The salads at Cielo are phenomenal and bring diners back to this restaurant again and again. Found on Sanibel Island, it’s considered to be one of the best fine dining eateries in the region. The artisan green salads on offer feature goats’ cheese, pear, toasted almonds, and a ginger white balsamic vinaigrette, while other menu highlights include mussels in a fennel broth and grouper with bluefin crab meat.
This restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and top-quality food. It hosts regular Latin dancing evenings, too, so that diners can enjoy some after-dinner fun!
Spazio
This Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale invites guests to ‘dine, delight, and discover’ and is popular with local residents and tourists alike – which is always a good sign. As well as lunch and evening fare, Spazio’s is open seven days a week for breakfast and Sunday brunch, offering early-bird diners the chance to enjoy traditional Italian frittatas, French toast, waffles, and a range of specialty egg dishes.
Spazio’s offers an ocean-view patio or indoor seating; guests may also choose to sit at the bar, perhaps with a cocktail and one of the restaurant’s signature sharing platters. This venue also offers take-out and is fully wheelchair accessible.
Madras Exotic Indian Restaurant
Diners can find Madras on Pompano Beach, in the Cypress Bend area. The restaurant opens every day from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm for a lunch buffet and offers evening dining between the hours of 5 pm and 10 pm.
Diner reviews note that this establishment is a good choice for families, offers fantastic service, high-quality food, and has a great atmosphere. The restaurant is also cited as being particularly Vegetarian-friendly.
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Cote Gourmet
Offering diners a fusion of Mediterranean, French, Italian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisine, Cote Gourmet offers guests a wide-ranging and delectable menu that includes appetizers such as Foie Gras Festival, and Vegan Tartrate. The menu features main courses such as Beef Bourguignon, Duck Confit, and Domoda – a sweet and sour tomato stew served with red snapper, vegetables, and jasmine rice. Other highlights are the Grilled Octopus, marinated in garlic, and the Sauteed Scallops that are served with a zingy wasabi puree.
Cote Gourmet can be found in the Miami Shores area and is open every day apart from Monday. A kid’s menu is available, featuring child-friendly options such as Mac and Cheese, MeatBall Pasta, and Fish and Chips. Outdoor seating is a feature of Cote Gourmet, too, and this venue also offers a bike parking facility. Food, service, overall ambience and value for money are all rated highly by past visitors to this establishment.
Seaspice
In business for the last seven years, Seaspice, located in Miami, gives guests spectacular waterfront dining and a selection of delicious seafood specialty dishes. Entrees include fresh Dover sole, and grilled Florida lobster, while the mains menu offers tempting treats such as Mussels Mariniere, Filet Mignon, and Pappardelle. Reservations are currently being taken for Seaspice’s gastro cuisine three-course lunch menu, and booking is highly recommended as availability may be limited.
The restaurant is open every day apart from Monday and requests that diners dress smartly to visit.
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Harvest Moon Gourmet Bistro
Best known for its gourmet salads, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s Middle Eastern Salad, which is served with garbanzo beans, feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves, and sweet Vidalia dressing; or sample the salsa-spiked Southwestern Salad, comprising field greens, grilled red onions, diced chicken breast, and tortilla chips.
Find Harvest Moon Gourmet Bistro in Miami Springs, on the Curtiss Parkway. Visitors should note that this establishment does not serve alcohol and only accepts cash payments.