Downtown / Urban Core
Tarpon River
16 places
1800 Bistro & Bar
This hotel restaurant near the airport and Port Everglades serves American cuisine with breakfast and dinner service. Perfect for grabbing a meal before your flight or cruise departure.
Askaneli Restaurant & Steakhouse
Fort Lauderdale's most authentic Georgian restaurant serves handcrafted khachapuri and khinkali alongside steakhouse fare. The Tarpon River spot hosts regular karaoke nights and themed events, plus features a 12-foot billiard table for post-dinner entertainment.
Bellagamba's Fine Italian Restaurant
This family-owned Tarpon River spot serves generations-old Italian recipes like Ossobuco alla Milanese and housemade ravioli. Weekday happy hour runs 4-6pm at the bar and patio, with free delivery available.
Big C's Downtown Pizzeria
Big C's Downtown Pizzeria has been slinging New York-style pies in Tarpon River since 1990, using handmade dough and homemade sauce with locally-sourced ingredients. The longtime Fort Lauderdale spot offers customizable pizzas and catering for events.
Café Bastille Fort Lauderdale
French duo Estelle and Ben bring Parisian breakfast and brunch culture to Tarpon River with all-day service. The menu spans sweet pastries and pancakes to benedicts and omelettes, plus specialty coffees and bottomless cocktails.
Kiki’s Restaurant & Bar
This Tarpon River neighborhood spot serves American fare in a welcoming atmosphere that works equally well for solo diners and families. The local crowd keeps coming back to this unpretentious bar and restaurant.
Pie-zan's Home of Frankie Meatballs
Downtown's Pie-zan's serves New York-style thin crust pizza alongside Italian sandwiches and their signature Frankie meatballs. Their House Special loads up pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, roasted peppers, and caramelized onions on that thin crust base.
Piola Italian Restaurant Fort Lauderdale
This Las Olas Riverwalk spot specializes in thin-crust brick-oven pizzas with creative international toppings alongside modern takes on classic Italian dishes. Their house-made pasta sauces and homemade desserts like Nutella pizza set them apart from typical Italian joints.
Pummarola Fort Lauderdale "Pizza Napoletana"
Authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in handcrafted Italian wood-fired ovens using imported plum tomatoes, Italian mozzarella, and Polselli flour. Inspired by Nonna Rosa's recipes, they also serve fresh pastas, sandwiches, and salads with the same dedication to traditional techniques.
Sakana Nikkei
This Tarpon River spot fuses Peruvian and Japanese cuisines, serving everything from vibrant ceviches to precision sushi rolls. The interior blends traditional Peruvian artwork with Japanese minimalism for an atmosphere that's as thoughtfully curated as the menu.
Southport Raw Bar
A no-frills raw bar that's been shucking oysters for over 50 years. Waterway views, cold beer, live music most nights, and a patio that belongs in a different era.
Tarpon River Brewing
This downtown brewery operates from a converted 1929 horse barn between the Tarpon River and New River, crafting their full line of beers on-site. The historic 11,000 square foot space houses both the brewing operation and a beer-inspired food menu.
The Chimney House - Grill & Cafe
Latin American fusion in a restored 1924 historic home in Sailboat Bend, serving traditional recipes from Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Spain and Guatemala. The original chimney anchors the dining room while house sangrias and jalapeño margaritas complement dishes like ceviche, paella and skirt steak.
The Riverside Market Cafe
This Tarpon River craft beer destination showcases an impressive rotating selection from breweries like Dogfish Head, Bell's, and Cigar City. Their featured lineup spans everything from tropical IPAs to oak-aged ales and robust porters.
Tropical Vitality Café
This Tarpon River spot focuses on made-to-order wellness plates featuring honey garlic salmon, ribeye steak, and curry chicken served with rice and vegetables. They also blend organic smoothies, acai bowls, and protein shakes with a 25-30 minute prep guarantee.
YOT Bar & Kitchen
Fort Lauderdale's best-kept secret inside the Lauderdale Marine Center. Waterfront tables, a great bar, and the kind of relaxed vibe that's getting harder to find.