Santorini by Georgios

Grilled octopus, whole branzino, and a meze platter built for passing around: this is Downtown Fort Lauderdale doing Greek and Mediterranean seafood with a patio and a water view to match. The menu runs long, from spreads and salads to kebabs, pastas, and a raw bar moment with big eye tuna crudo, but the through line is coastal Greek cooking meant for sharing, ideally outside with the fans on and something live playing in the background. Word around town is that the flavors land harder than expected, with more than one review calling the food some of the best Greek they've had, in Fort Lauderdale or otherwise. The outdoor patio comes up often, along with the warm welcome at the door and a lively room that sometimes includes live entertainment. Service gets singled out too, guests mention feeling taken care of from the first minute, which matters for a menu this large and a room built for celebrations. This is a date night and group dinner spot in equal measure, helped along by outdoor seating and live music that give it a bit of occasion no matter the night of the week. At $$$, it's not a cheap dinner, but the happy hour windows (weekday afternoons, weekend early evenings) offer a real discount on wine, cocktails, beer, and a shareable bites list, making it easier to drop in without committing to the full kebab-and-lobster-linguini spread. Between the water views, the crowd energy, and the range on the menu, Santorini reads as a place built for return visits, whether that's a quick happy hour or a full night out. Menu items, prices, and hours may have changed since this was written.