As you may know from my Instagram, I’ve just spent the last few weeks in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I asked every single person I came into contact with which was their favourite restaurant in the area (I even managed to distract a guy asking me out). I waited for, and chased down, the “lunch wagon” or “roach coach” used by the construction workers on our street. All in search for the delicious. I was dedicated. Out of all the places I ate, here are the best:
Places to Eat in Fort Lauderdale
Real Local
Original Junie’s Restaurant – Miami Gardens
Real Jamaican Food
This is primarily a to-go place recommended by our Jamaican painter. For some of the best meals you’ll for sure have to call ahead (such as the brown stew chicken). My friend Liz and I just showed up here and felt like we were in little Jamaica. I wanted to try everything but the portions are so generous I wasn’t able to try the entire menu! We had the Jerk Chicken (delicious!) and the Curry Chicken.
Also on the menu: Cow Foot, Brown Stew Chicken, Curry Goat, Brown Stew Snapper, Oxtail and Goat Head Soup. All served with rice/beans/peas/steamed veggies.
Food Truck Roundup – Arts Park Hollywood
Every Monday evening from 5:30-9:30
Again, another situation where I found myself at the mercy of indecisiveness! We ended up going for spicy pulled pork sliders from Wholesome Rollers and a burger from Woody’s Burgers. There is a great atmosphere with at least 25 food trucks to choose from. There is everything from fresh pasta to Cuban sandwiches, fish tacos, lobster rolls, pulled pork, gourmet burgers and much more!

With all the international choice I was surprised at myself that I chose a burger and pulled pork! I’ve got my American fix for a while.
Americana
Fork and Balls -Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale
American Style Comfort Food
This place is great- not only for the name or the concept. Make sure you arrive hungry. The food is very rich and filling and the portions are huge! Just the thing for a girl that was missing a bit of home.
Five Guys
Honest American Burger and Peanuts!
Everyone but me seems to know about this place so I had to give it a go. It’s simple and to me is the definition of an honest American burger. Great atmosphere with the servers calling names and people throwing peanut shells everywhere.
Fresh Fish
I cooked lots of tropical fish varieties at home that I can’t get here in France. My favourite, by far, was Wahoo fish. Delicious.
Coconuts Waterside Grill – Fort Lauderdale
Casual Waterside Dining
This restaurant is right on the intercostal and only a block down from Los Olas. Great fresh fish such as: American lobster rolls, pulled pork sashimi Asian salads, and creole cuisine dishes.
15th Street Fisheries – Fort Lauderdale Marina
If you really love your fish…
You can take the water taxi to the dock of this restaurant that is very popular located right on the Fort Lauderdale Marina. I had the “Fruits of the Sea” which included:
Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Calamari, Baby Scallops, Chorizo in a Coconut Saffron Sauce, finished with Basil & Cilantro over Basmati Rice (delicious!)
Most Delicious
Delicious steak and seafood
It isn’t often where you find a restaurant that excels in the preparation of fish and meat. On the water, we sat outside in the humid Florida air while we enjoyed a mix of appetizers, great service, beautiful presentation and a generous main of creole snapper with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, and shrimp.