Fort Lauderdale, often called the “Venice of America,” transforms into a foodie paradise every summer with **Dine Out Lauderdale**, a premier culinary event running from **August 1 to September 30, 2025**. With over 140 restaurants offering specially curated prix-fixe menus, this two-month celebration showcases the diverse and vibrant dining scene of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is your chance to explore new flavors, revisit old favorites, and indulge in unforgettable meals at unbeatable prices. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Dine Out Lauderdale 2025!
What is Dine Out Lauderdale?
Dine Out Lauderdale is Greater Fort Lauderdale’s annual restaurant months, organized by **Visit Lauderdale**, the area’s official destination marketing organization. From August 1 to September 30, participating restaurants across Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Dania Beach, and beyond offer three-course prix-fixe menus at budget-friendly price points: **$35 for lunch**, and **$45, $60, or $75 for dinner**. Some spots even throw in extras like discounted desserts, happy hour deals, or unique culinary experiences like cooking classes.
This year’s event is bigger than ever, with a lineup that includes Michelin-recognized restaurants, oceanfront gems, and hidden neighborhood favorites. From fresh seafood and sizzling steaks to global cuisines like Greek, Italian, Mexican, and Japanese, there’s something to tantalize every palate.
Why You Should Dive Into Dine Out Lauderdale
1. **Affordable Fine Dining**: Dine Out Lauderdale makes high-end dining accessible. For example, you can enjoy a Michelin-starred experience at **MAASS** at the Four Seasons for a fraction of the usual cost, with its $145 tasting menu reduced to a luxe $75 option.
2. **Explore Diverse Cuisines**: Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is a melting pot of flavors. Savor Latin-Asian fusion at **Casa Sensei**, Mediterranean dishes at **Evelyn’s**, or Japanese smokehouse specialties at **Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse**, where an eight-course tasting menu is just $60 (compared to $139 à la carte).
3. **Discover New Spots**: With over 140 participating restaurants, you can try trendy newcomers like **Daniel’s A Florida Steakhouse** or revisit classics like **Louie Bossi’s Ristorante** and **Aruba Beach Café**.
4. **Waterfront Vibes**: Fort Lauderdale’s canals and beaches make it a prime spot for dining with a view. Restaurants like **Boatyard** and **OCEAN2000** offer stunning waterfront settings alongside dishes like pan-roasted Scottish salmon or grilled seafood paella.
5. **Culinary Experiences**: Beyond meals, Dine Out Lauderdale offers interactive events like dumpling-making classes at **Temple Street Eatery** or a “food as medicine” dinner at **Evelyn’s**.
Top Restaurant Picks for Dine Out Lauderdale 2025
Here are some standout spots to add to your must-visit list, based on recent reviews and Michelin Guide recognition:
– **MAASS (Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale)**: This Michelin-starred gem offers a contemporary American menu with open-fire cooking. Try the $195 Chef’s Counter experience for a seven-course feast featuring foie gras macarons and black truffle gnocchi. Perfect for a special occasion.
– **Evelyn’s (Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale)**: Known for its Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with coastal flair, Evelyn’s serves dishes like pomegranate-glazed ora king salmon and cider-braised beef tagine. The canal views and chic ambiance make it a romantic pick.
– **Casa Sensei**: A Las Olas favorite for Pan-Asian and Latin fusion. Their $35 or $45 menus include crowd-pleasers like Ahi Poke, Truffle Butter Brunch Roll, and Mongolian Beef with jasmine rice.
– **Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse**: For a unique twist, this spot blends Texas barbecue with Japanese flavors. Their $60 eight-course menu includes crispy squid, wagyu skewers, and yakiniku-style baby back ribs—a steal compared to the $139 à la carte price.
– **Daniel’s A Florida Steakhouse**: A new downtown favorite, Daniel’s offers a luxe $75 menu with pastrami bao buns and prime filet, plus optional caviar and wagyu add-ons for a true indulgence.
– **Bistro Mezzaluna**: A local staple for Italian fare, offering veal scallopini saltimbocca and lobster mac & cheese with truffle oil. Ideal for a cozy, upscale dinner.
– **Southport Raw Bar**: For a casual, old-school seafood vibe, this waterfront spot serves fried seafood platters and frozen rum rummers with a nautical charm.
Tips for Making the Most of Dine Out Lauderdale
1. **Book Early**: Popular spots like MAASS and Heritage fill up fast, especially since some have earned Michelin accolades. Use platforms like **OpenTable** to secure reservations.
2. **Check Menus**: Some restaurants offer limited Dine Out menus, so call ahead or check online to ensure your favorite dishes are included.
3. **Explore Neighborhoods**: Venture beyond downtown to places like Lauderdale-by-the-Sea or Wilton Manors for hidden gems like **Larb Thai-Isan**, a strip-mall spot serving some of South Florida’s best Thai dishes.
4. **Share Your Experience**: Use the hashtag **#DineOutLauderdale** to share your culinary adventures on Instagram, especially if you’re posting today at peak times like **9 AM, 11 AM, or 6–9 PM** for maximum engagement.
5. **Combine with Activities**: Pair your meal with a Fort Lauderdale outing, like a stroll along Las Olas Boulevard, a visit to the NSU Art Museum, or a boat tour of the city’s canals.
Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene is thriving, with recent Michelin Guide recognition putting it on the map as a must-visit foodie destination. The city’s 24 miles of beaches, 300+ miles of navigable waterways, and diverse communities create a unique backdrop for dining. Whether you’re craving oceanfront elegance or a cozy neighborhood eatery, Dine Out Lauderdale lets you experience it all at a fraction of the cost.
Dine Out Lauderdale 2025 is your ticket to exploring Greater Fort Lauderdale’s rich culinary tapestry, from Michelin-starred fine dining to laid-back seafood shacks. With prix-fixe menus starting at just $35, it’s the perfect time to indulge in new flavors, support local restaurants, and make every meal a celebration. Check the full list of participating restaurants at **visitlauderdale.com** and start planning your culinary adventure today. Let’s Save America!
Share your Dine Out Lauderdale moments with #DineOutLauderdaleand join the foodie conversation!