Check out these restaurants before your cruise from Fort Lauderdale
By: Sonia Mendes
Cruisers leaving from Fort Lauderdale will discover that Port Everglades is a hectic place; it's the third busiest cruise port in the world, behind Miami and Port Canaveral. By having your dining options in hand, you can ensure that you make the most of your time in Fort Lauderdale – and get your vacation off on the right foot.
Here are the best dining options before your cruise, whether you're looking to stay close to the port, have a young family in tow, or want to splurge on a more decadent experience. Three of the restaurants – Luigi's Tuscan Grill, Oku by Takako and MAASS – have received Diamond designations from CAA and AAA, meaning they each scored well in food, service and decor.
Close to cruise port/Family-friendly: Kelly's Landing New England Seafood
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFVtdPwy8zI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Where: 1305 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Price: $$
Distance from port: Nine-minute drive
If time is of the essence, Kelly's Landing is a solid choice for lunch or dinner before your cruise. A local favourite for New England seafood and local beer, this restaurant caters to families in a casual atmosphere.
Enjoy a classic New England clam chowder, or choose from daily specials like seafood chili and lobster bisque. Enjoy a beef burger or a softshell crab Po' Boy sandwich – or indulge in lobster sourced from Maine. The little ones will be thrilled to choose kid-friendly options like chicken fingers, hot dogs, grilled cheese or fish and chips.
Best on a budget: Luigi's Tuscan Grill
Where: 1105 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Price: $$
Distance from port: 14-minute drive
Serving up dishes from northern Italy, Luigi's Tuscan Grill is nestled in the heart of the bustling Las Olas Boulevard. Settle inside the quaint restaurant or dine al fresco next to the canal. Known for its friendly service, Tuscan dinner specials are created by chef Luigi Di Meo.
Diners can choose from veal, free-range chicken, New York strip steaks, homemade pizzas, pastas, and sauces. Be sure to save room for the homemade tiramisu for dessert – then cap your meal with a shot of limoncello for an authentic end to your experience. Luigi's Tuscan Grill has a one-diamond designation from CAA and AAA and was the recipient of Wine Spectator magazine's award of excellence.
Best for indulging: Oku by Takako
Where: 551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Price: $$$$
Distance from port: 23-minute drive
Takako brings Japanese and Korean fusion to Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, where diners can enjoy beautiful ocean views on the elevated patio. Those looking for a decadent culinary experience will love the flavourful dishes from Executive Chef Taek Lee, such as short rib kimchi tacos, duck bao buns and upscale sushi options such as otoro nigiri.
The restaurant also offers a private, 10-seat lounge, Oku by Takako, which translates to "on the side" – accessible through a hidden entrance. Inside, guests take a culinary journey of more than 15 courses, with many ingredients flown in from Japan and Korea. Oku by Takako has a three-diamond designation from CAA and AAA. Reservations are highly recommended.
Best scoops: Razzleberry's Ice Cream & Coffee
Where: 1499 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Price: $
Distance from port: 7-minute drive
Craving a refreshing treat before boarding the ship? Razzleberry's Ice Cream & Coffee has you covered with over 30 flavours of ice cream, made fresh every morning with 14 per cent butterfat. A local institution since 1991, the shop's biggest complaint is that serving sizes are too large!
The shop also serves espresso and affogato, an Italian dessert comprising a scoop of gelato topped with espresso.
Best fixed menus: MAASS
Where: 525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Price: $$$$
Distance from port: 22-minute drive
Opened in 2023 in the casually elegant Four Seasons Hotel, MAASS is a contemporary American restaurant led by Chef Ryan Ratino and Executive Chef Jonathan Kaiser.
MAASS offers a choice of à la carte dining or a seasonal tasting menu, serving inventive dishes like foie gras macarons, diver scallops over a truffle purée, and 72-hour short ribs. However, the most coveted 14 seats in the restaurant are at the Chef's Counter, which offers a front-row, immersive experience where guests can witness chefs in action in the kitchen. The Chef's Counter provides a fixed, multi-course tasting menu, which earned a Michelin star in April 2025 – a first for Fort Lauderdale. MAASS also holds a three-diamond designation from CAA and AAA.
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