Aruba Beach Café
1 E. Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL, USA
Phone: 954/776-0001
Under $20
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Cafes

This is your best bet at the pier. A big beachside barn of a place - very casual, always crowded, always fun - it serves large portions of Caribbean conch chowder, Cuban black-bean soup, fresh tropical salads, burgers, sandwiches, and seafood. A reggae/jazz band performs Friday and Sunday 2-6. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Blue Moon Fish Company
4405 W. Tradewinds Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/267-9888
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
Seafood

The setting, on the Intracoastal Waterway, is superb; virtually every table has a lovely water view. But the real magic is in the kitchen, where chefs Baron Skorish and Bryce Statham create some of the region's best seafood dishes. Favorites include pan-seared snapper with asparagus, sea bass fillet crusted with macadamia nuts, and rare-charred tuna. Appetizers feature choices from the raw bar, including a sushi sampler, plus tasty crab and crawfish cakes and charred Portobello mushrooms. On Saturday night, a blues band performs. AE, MC, V.

Burt & Jack's
Berth 23, Port Everglades, FL, USA
Phone: 954/522-2878 or 954/525-5225
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
American

At the far end and most scenic lookout of Port Everglades, this local favorite has been operated by veteran restaurateur Jack Jackson and actor Burt Reynolds since 1984. Behind the heavy mission doors and bougainvillea, guests are presented with Maine lobster, steaks, and chops, and the waitstaff displays the main ingredients in the raw before orders are taken. The two-story gallery of hacienda-like dining rooms surrounded by glass has views of both Port Everglades and John U. Lloyd Beach State Recreation Area. Come for cocktails in early evening on Saturday or Sunday and watch the cruise ships steam out. Jacket required. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

By Word of Mouth
3200 N. E. 12th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/564-3663
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
Contemporary

This unassuming but outstanding restaurant never advertises, hence its name. But word has gotten around, because locals consistently put it at the top of "reader's choice" restaurant polls. There is no menu. Patrons are shown the day's specials and then make their choice. There's usually a good selection of fish, fowl, beef, pasta, and vegetarian entrées. A salad is served with each entrée. There's also a good selection of appetizers and desserts. AE, MC, V.

Cafe Maxx
2601 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL, USA
Phone: 954/782-0606
$35 to $50
Pompano Beach
Eclectic

New-wave epicurean dining had its South Florida start here in the early 1980s, and Cafe Maxx remains popular among regional food lovers. The menu changes nightly but always showcases foods from the tropics: jumbo stone-crab claws with honey-lime mustard sauce and black-bean and banana-pepper chili with Florida avocado. Appetizer favorites include a delightful duck and smoked mozzarella ravioli. Desserts also reflect a tropical theme, from praline macadamia mousse over chocolate cake with butterscotch sauce to candied ginger with pears. More than 200 wines are offered by the bottle, another 20 by the glass. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Canyon
1818 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/765-1950
Under $35
Fort Lauderdale
Southwestern

Adventurous Southwestern cuisine helps you escape the ordinary at this small but very popular spot. Take, for example, the ostrich skewers, smoked salmon tostada, Brie and wild-mushroom quesadilla, and marvelous Chilean sea bass. Free-range chicken and brook trout are served with a tempting crabmeat salsa. Many guests like to start off with Canyon's famous prickly-pear margaritas, or choose from a well-rounded wine list or selection of beers, including many microbrews. AE, MC, V. No lunch.

Casa D'Angelo
1201 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/564-1234
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
Italian

Owner-chef Angelo Elia has re-created his former Café D'Angelo into a gem of a Tuscan-style restaurant. Almost everything is created from scratch, and the oak oven turns out some marvelous seafood and beef dishes. The pappardelle with porcini mushrooms takes pasta to a new level. Another favorite from the pasta menu is linguini with arugula, shrimp and scallops. Be sure to ask about the oven-roasted fish of the day. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

The Caves
2205 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/561-4622
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
American

You get your very own cave, softened by pillows and mats, at this unique eatery, where the waitstaff wears animal-print garb. The menu's options include steaks, chops, and selections of fresh seafood. If you get the Maine lobster, you can eat with your fingers and feel like a cave-person, too. AE, D, MC, V. No lunch.

Charley's Crab
3000 N.E. 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/561-4800
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
Seafood

At this local favorite, you can sit outdoors on a covered patio overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway or inside among the ornate lamps and seascape paintings. The macadamia-crusted dolphin (mahimahi) and citrus-rum glazed grouper are house specialties, but the menu has a full range of seafood options, including crab legs and lobster. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Eduardo de San Angel
2822 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/772-4731
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
Mexican

Forget tacos and burritos, which aren't even available here, and try the classic dishes served in true Mexican style. Authentic chilies, spices, and herbs enhance an array of seafood, meat, and poultry dishes. Typical specialties are beef tenderloin tips sautéed with Portobello mushrooms and onions with a chipotle chili sauce, and a marvelous mesquite-grilled red snapper flavored with jalapeños and mango salsa. The gourmet dishes are matched by a sophisticated setting. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch.

Evangeline
211 S. Atlantic Blvd. (Rte. A1A), Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/522-7001
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
Cajun/Creole

Set inside and out on the ocean drive, Evangeline celebrates Acadian Louisiana in decor and food. The mood is created by paneled wainscoting and plank floors highlighted by verses from Longfellow's poem inscribed along the turn of the ceiling. Traditional favorites include smoked rabbit gumbo with andouille sausage, a crawfish Caesar salad, jambalaya (clams, mussels, shrimp, and chicken andouille with a creole sauce), sautéed alligator in a meunière sauce topped with flash-fried oysters, and crisp roasted duckling with poached plums and prunelle brandy. There's music nightly, and a Dixieland band plays weekends, including Sunday afternoon. AE, MC, V.

Floridian
1410 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/463-4041
Under $20
Fort Lauderdale
American/Casual

This Las Olas landmark has been around for as long as anyone can remember, and it still serves up one of the best breakfasts in the downtown area. Locals and visitors flock here on weekend mornings for oversized omelets, sausage, bacon, and biscuits. Servers can be a bit brusque, but it's all part of the atmosphere. Open 24 hours, the restaurant also serves sandwiches and hot platters for lunch and dinner. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

French Quarter
215 S.E. 8th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/463-8000
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
French

The 1920s French-style architecture has a touch of New Orleans, and the food captures both creole and traditional French elements. Interior rooms are small and intimate, watched over by the friendly, excellent waitstaff. Among the favorites are shrimp maison (large shrimp sautéed with carrots and mushrooms in beurre blanc), bouillabaisse, crab cakes, and escargot appetizers. French baking is done on site, and fresh bread and all pastry desserts are made daily. A prix-fixe three-course pre-theater dinner ($18.95) is served until 6:30. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Gibby's
2900 N.E. 12th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/565-2929
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
Steak

Set among much greenery, this one-story brick and wood building has the appearance of an old Colonial mansion. The menu offers primarily steaks and chops, with some seafood selections. Especially popular are the rack of lamb and prime rib. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Indigo
620 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/467-0045
Under $35
Fort Lauderdale
Pan-Asian

This is the more casual of the two restaurants at the Riverside Hotel, located along the New River in Fort Lauderdale's historic district. The focus here is on Southeast Asian cuisine - dishes like siap mepang gang (coconut-grilled chicken) and Indonesian snapper baked on banana leaves and topped with shallots. Breakfast is also available. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

La Coquille
1619 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/467-3030
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
French

Although this French restaurant sits at the edge of busy Sunrise Boulevard, it seems worlds away thanks to a new art deco look, along with paintings of the sea and a tropical garden. The friendly and helpful service comes with a delightful French accent, and the cuisine is equally authentic: Dubonnet and vermouth cassis aperitifs are a prelude to seared sea scallops with spring vegetables, honey-glazed duckling with lingonberry sauce and wild rice, sweetbreads in a morel and truffle sauce, or veal with shallots and sweet bell peppers. There's always a soufflé among the desserts as well as a multicourse dinner special most nights. AE, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch Sat.-Thurs.

La Tavernetta
926 N.E. 20th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/463-2566
Under $35
Fort Lauderdale
Italian

Only the finest ingredients are used by the owner/chef at this charming bistro, where the fountains, imported ceramics, and soft Italian music make you feel as if you were dining in Italy. Seafood dishes are given northern Italian touches. Try the swordfish Ischia, in a light white wine tomato sauce over a bed of fettuccine, served with mussels and scallops. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sept. and Sun.-Mon. No lunch.

Louie, Louie
1103 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/524-5200
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
Italian

Some of the best pasta dishes on Las Olas are served at this friendly, tavern-style establishment. The menu is varied: You can order individual pizza, sandwiches, or complete dinners. Fresh fish specials are offered daily. Sea bass, for example, is cooked to perfection. Prices are reasonable, and while waiting for a table you can sample one of the large selection of beers on tap. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Mai-Kai
3599 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/563-3272
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
Eclectic

Decorated as a Polynesian village, this restaurant has tiki torches and wooden statues to spare. Cantonese, Polynesian, and American influences combine to flavor the steak and seafood dishes such as lobster Pango Pango (Maine lobster and sliced pork tenderloin sautéed in a mushroom-lobster sauce, served over linguine). The nightly Polynesian Revue is full of dance and theatrics. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Mark's Las Olas
1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/463-1000
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
Contemporary

Mark Militello, a star among South Florida chefs, is in command at this popular restaurant, where he wows a loyal following with his Florida-style blend of flavors from Caribbean, Southwestern, and Mediterranean cuisines. Entrées change daily, but typical choices include gulf shrimp, dolphinfish, yellowtail snapper, grouper, swordfish, Florida lobster, and callaloo (a West Indian spinach), chayote (cho-cho on Mark's menu), ginger, jicama, and plantain, all brilliantly presented and combined in sauces that tend to be low-fat. Pastas and full-size dinner pizzas are thoughtful offerings. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Primavera
830 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/564-6363
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
Italian

Northern Italian food is the specialty at this lovely find in the middle of an ordinary shopping plaza. Elegant floral arrangements enhance the fine dining experience. In addition to interesting pasta and risotto entrées, there is a wide variety of creative fish, poultry, veal, and beef dinners. One of chef-owner Giacomo Dresseno's favorites is veal chop boscaiola (with shallots, wild mushrooms, and bordelaise sauce). Primavera is renowned for its spectacular assortment of both appetizers and desserts. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Rainbow Palace
2787 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/565-5652
Over $20
Fort Lauderdale
Chinese

Marble floors and walls punctuated by bursts of flowers set an elegant tone for this restaurant, where traditional dishes are given innovative and surprising twists. Try sea bass in lemon sauce or lobster-filled dumplings. The smaller dining room is hand-painted, and has a jungle theme. Reservations are a necessity on weekends. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch Sat.-Wed.

Rustic Inn Crabhouse
4331 Ravenswood Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/584-1637
Under $35
Fort Lauderdale
Seafood

Wayne McDonald started with a cozy one-room roadhouse in 1955, when this was a remote service road just west of the little airport. Now, the plain, rustic place is huge. Steamed crabs seasoned with garlic and herbs, spices, and oil are opened with mallets on tables covered with newspapers; peel-and-eat shrimp are served either with garlic and butter or steamed and spiced with Old Bay seasoning. The big menu includes other seafood items as well. Pies and cheesecakes are offered for dessert. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Sea Watch
6002 N. Ocean Blvd. (Rte. A1A), Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/781-2200
$20 to $35
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Seafood

It's set back from the road and easy to miss, but after 25 years this nautical-theme beachfront restaurant stays packed during lunch and dinner. Appetizers include oysters Rockefeller, gulf shrimp, clams casino, and Bahamian conch fritters. Typical daily specials might be sautéed yellowtail snapper, oat-crusted with roasted red bell pepper sauce and basil, or a charbroiled dolphin fillet marinated with soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, and lemon juice. Desserts include a cappuccino brownie and strawberries Romanoff. Good early-bird specials are offered off-season. AE, MC, V.

Sheffield's
Marriott's Harbor Beach Resort, 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/525-4000
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
Contemporary

You might expect dishes like beef Wellington, chateaubriand, and rack of lamb at this formal oceanfront restaurant in Fort Lauderdale's most upscale luxury hotel, but skillful preparation keeps them from becoming Continental clichés. An extensive seafood selection includes salmon, grouper, swordfish, tuna, tilapia, red snapper, dolphinfish, and lobster; all can be ordered sautéed, grilled, blackened, poached, or broiled. A curried mango glaze and fresh raisin butter are possible toppings, and the symphony of shellfish, made with lobster, shrimp, and scallops, is excellent eating. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Shirttail Charlie's
400 S.W. 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/463-3474
Under $35
Fort Lauderdale
Seafood

Diners look out on the New River from the outdoor deck or upstairs dining room of this restaurant, named for a yesteryear Seminole Indian who wore his shirttails out. A free 30-minute after-dinner cruise on Shirttail Charlie's Express chugs upriver past an alleged Al Capone speakeasy. Charlie's is built to look old, with a 1920s tile floor that leans toward the water. Florida-style seafood includes conch served four ways, crab balls, blackened tuna with Dijon mustard sauce, crunchy coconut shrimp with a not-too-sweet piña colada sauce, and three fresh catches nightly. AE, MC, V. Closed Mon. June-Sept.

Shula's on the Beach
Sheraton Yankee Trader, 321 N. Atlantic Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/355-4000
$20 to $50
Fort Lauderdale
Steak

It's only to be expected that Don Shula, the legendary coach in the rough and tough world of pro football, should have a steak house. The good news for steak - and sports - fans is that the staff here turns out winners. The meat is cut thick and grilled over a superhot fire (for quick charring). This is a pure steak house, so don't look for many other menu choices. Appetizers are adequate though unexciting; you'll probably want to go straight to the porterhouse. Outside tables give you a delightful view of sand and ocean. Inside, a spacious bar is decorated with sports memorabilia and large-screen TVs so you can watch your favorite game. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Tropical Acres
2500 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/989-2500
$20 to $35
Fort Lauderdale
Steak

This popular family-owned restaurant has been serving up sizzling steaks from a fireplace grill since 1949 - a millennium by South Florida standards. There are more than 40 other entrée items to choose from, including excellent seafood dishes. Scrod is the best choice for fish. The waitstaff has been here for many years, and it shows in its friendly service. Locals and visitors are also drawn to some of the best early-bird specials around. The wine list is slim, but the prices are moderate. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Yesterday's
3001 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Phone: 954/561-4400
Under $35
Fort Lauderdale
American

Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, this popular restaurant offers terrific views from every table, especially those dockside. The menu includes steaks, burgers, pastas, and, of course, seafood. Try the snapper Pontchartrain - pan-seared American snapper topped with shrimp and crabmeat in a lemon-lime beurre blanc with toasted almonds. AE, D, MC, V. No lunch Apr.-Sept.