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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Lauderdale by the Sea

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Uptown Keese`s Greek Cuisine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(99)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Lauderdale by the Sea
Booked 3 times today
Uptown Keese's Greek Cuisine is a delightful blend of Contemporary American and authentic Greek flavors, capturing the hearts of diners in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Under the culinary expertise of Chef Konstantinos Manakos, the restaurant has earned acclaim for its “Simply Delicious” award-winning American Classics. Diners rave about the impeccable service and the exceptional quality of each dish, stating, "Food is excellent whether it's appetizer or entre." The restaurant's inviting ambiance and charming outdoor seating make it a perfect spot for savoring a delicious meal, ensuring guests feel like they're on a "Mediterranean escape" right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.
A photo of Nubé Rooftop restaurant
4.5
Awesome(475)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Central Beach
Booked 34 times today
Nubé Rooftop in Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale, stands out as a prime destination for authentic American cuisine. This sky-high gem fuses "elevated American flavors" with unparalleled ocean views, creating a dining experience that is both visually and gastronomically delightful. Guests rave about the "delicious and truly satisfying" dishes, such as the wagyu steak and truffle fries, and the "superb" service that makes every visit memorable. The setting effortlessly combines a chic atmosphere with an "amazing vibe" of music and ambiance. Perfectly crafted cocktails and exceptional service ensure that each visit feels like a special occasion, making Nubé a must-visit for American cuisine lovers.
A photo of DUNE By Laurent Tourondel restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3974)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Lauderdale Beach
Booked 55 times today
DUNE By Laurent Tourondel in Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, offers an unparalleled seafood dining experience that epitomizes quality and authenticity. Renowned as the "2022 Best Restaurant" by Miami New Times, the venue pairs exquisite ocean views with a menu that showcases the finest seafood. Guests rave about dishes like the special Frutti di Mare, which one diner described as "fantastic." The culinary creations are expertly prepared, ensuring that every bite bursts with fresh, oceanic flavors. With friendly and attentive service, DUNE promises a remarkable meal where "the food matched the ambiance," making it a must-visit for seafood aficionados.
A photo of Shooters Waterfront restaurant
4.4
Awesome(7657)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Lauderdale Beach
Booked 136 times today
Shooters Waterfront in Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional dishes with a fresh, modern twist. This iconic spot, nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, offers not just a meal, but an experience. Diners rave about the "phenomenal service" and "absolutely amazing" food, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. The energetic ambiance, combined with breathtaking waterfront views, creates a perfect setting for any occasion. Shooters Waterfront is celebrated for its diverse menu, featuring standout dishes like the Cajun shrimp pasta and classic American brunch buffets with "bottomless mimosas."
A photo of South Bar & Kitchen restaurant
4.3
Awesome(308)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Pompano Beach
Booked 41 times today
South Bar & Kitchen in Downtown Pompano Beach is a delightful embodiment of Contemporary Southern cuisine, celebrated for its authentic Louisiana flavors with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "outstanding" dishes like shrimp and grits and the flavorful Craw Daddy, which showcase the skillful blend of Cajun and Creole influences. The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by live music and a stunning community patio, creating an inviting, bustling vibe. Guests consistently praise the "amazing food and great service," making it a go-to destination for anyone eager to savor the rich, comforting flavors of the South in a sophisticated and lively setting.
A photo of American Tapas Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(356)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Lauderdale by the Sea
Booked 15 times today
American Tapas Bar in Lauderdale by the Sea offers a fresh and innovative take on Contemporary American cuisine. With an array of small, sharable plates like pot roast, filet mignon sliders, and chicken and waffles, this restaurant allows diners to experience a variety of flavors in one sitting. "The food was delicious, and the service was great!" rave patrons, praising the flavorful dishes and attentive staff. The ambiance is enriched by live music, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. This unique blend of culinary creativity and entertainment makes American Tapas Bar a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in Fort Lauderdale.
A photo of MAASS restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(336)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Central Beach
Booked 39 times today
MAASS in Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale, is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a culinary journey that celebrates the ocean's bounty with finesse and passion. Helmed by a MICHELIN-accoladed team, the restaurant impresses with its exceptional seafood dishes, each crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from the finest markets. Diners rave about "the perfectly seared scallops with velvety truffle foam" and the "huge, flavorful oysters" that exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. The open-fire hearth enhances the authenticity and flavor of the seafood, while the warm hospitality ensures a memorable dining experience that "delights all the senses."
A photo of Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5773)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Central Beach
Booked 37 times today
Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale is a culinary gem that masterfully showcases Contemporary American cuisine with a distinctive flair. Positioned right on Central Beach in Fort Lauderdale, this modern boutique steakhouse is renowned for its superb selection of dry-aged prime beef and authentic Kobe beef, a rarity in the U.S. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in the rave reviews celebrating its "phenomenal steaks" and "outstanding service," making every visit an unforgettable experience. Guests are enchanted by the ocean views and the elegant ambiance, creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying the exquisite flavors that Steak 954 consistently delivers.
A photo of Cafe Maxx restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1721)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Pompano Beach
Booked 11 times today
Cafe Maxx in Pompano Beach is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary American cuisine. For nearly four decades, it has consistently delighted diners with its "exceptional" dishes and "impeccable" service. The restaurant's vibrant energy, combined with its stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, draws South Florida's gourmands and power brokers. Signature dishes such as the onion-crusted snapper and tuna sashimi pizza have been hailed as "the best in South Florida," showcasing the restaurant's innovative flair and dedication to quality. With a diverse menu that changes daily, Cafe Maxx remains as fresh and exciting as when it first opened, making every visit a culinary celebration.
A photo of The Federal Bar & Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(64)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Victoria Park
Booked 4 times today
The Federal Bar & Restaurant, nestled in Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale, serves as a top-notch destination for authentic Gastro Pub cuisine. This vibrant eatery offers "fantastic food and great service," making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. With a menu that boasts fresh ingredients and rich flavors, each dish is "beautifully presented and bursting with flavor." The second-story patio provides picturesque views overlooking Holiday Park, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Ideal for family dinners or casual outings, The Federal is praised as "a must-visit" for its lively atmosphere and welcoming staff.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MarleneVIP
    Northwest Florida •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Beautiful space. Sat outdoor. Windy night but heat lamps helped. Super friendly and attentive service staff. Great food and drinks. Loved the spicy margarita and Branzino entree. Will definitely come back next time we are in Fort Lauderdale!
    More info
    DUNE By Laurent TourondelPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lauderdale Beach
    4.3
  • Sandino
    Fort Lauderdale •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food and drink were good. Everything was great. I loved it. The vibe was amazing. I absolutely love the music; it's so good! 10 out of 10, I will definitely be coming back again.
    More info
    Nubé RooftopPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Central Beach
    4.5
  • Cindy
    Fort Lauderdale •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 23 Dec 2024
    The service was amazing. The food was amazing. I had the shrimp and scallop risotto. It’s always excellent and we share the dessert of the crème brûlée bread pudding. It was the best I’ve ever had.
    More info
    Shooters WaterfrontPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Lauderdale Beach
    4.4
  • TomVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 22 Dec 2024
    Cozy and intimate spot with excellent service and with deliciously fresh food. Perfect spot to linger and savor the wonderful food and enjoy the company you are with
    More info
    Uptown Keese`s Greek CuisinePrice: Moderate• Greek• Lauderdale by the Sea
    4.5
  • SandraVIP
    Fort Lauderdale •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 9 Dec 2024
    I feel awful for not remembering our server’s name as he played a major role in making our night here a very memorable one. We had reservations for 2 but sat at a booth because we planned on ordering a few tapas. The vibe was just right, there was live music being sang by a guy with his guitar and his partner on the piano. For drinks we kept it simple with a few shots of tequila and some margaritas. For tapas we had: -Pot Roast. This dish was warm, savory and succulent. The beef was braised to perfection and the veggies were well cooked. -Peel n Eat Shrimp. The butter sauce has old bay seasoning in it which gave it a nice kick! The herb garlic bread was wonderfully toasted, not too hard and soaked up the butter sauce nicely. -Bacon Wrapped Dates. The sweetness from the dates paired well with the bacon. The blue cheese on the inside was well melted and added a creaminess to each bite. -Filet Mignon Slider. No comment, my husband swallowed the slider whole. He says it was a 10/10. I believed him because he liked his fingers to get up the bit of aioli left on it. -Lamb Chops. Perfectly grilled. Nice grill marks on the outside and juicy on the inside. -Chicken n Waffles. Cooked to order. The waffle was still warm when it got to our table. The chicken breast tenders had a nice crunchy well seasoned batter on them. -Pork Belly. Wish they fried it a bit more but you could taste the marinade on the meat. The glaze was also a nice touch. -BBQ Ribs. The ribs were definitely fall off the bone. Only thing I would recommend is to get a good broil on the bbq sauce so it’s not too messy . We will definitely be back & have already told our friends to check this place out.
    More info
    American Tapas BarPrice: Moderate• American• Lauderdale by the Sea
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Lauderdale by the Sea

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Fort Lauderdale East, Lauderdale by the Sea, where the contemporary American cuisine takes center stage. This area is renowned for its eclectic mix of restaurants that masterfully blend modern American flavors with local culinary traditions, offering a unique dining experience for every palate. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on innovative menus that feature everything from farm-to-table freshness to creative tapas-style dishes, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Patrons can expect not only a feast for their taste buds but also an inviting ambiance that ranges from casual chic to upscale sophistication. The commitment to quality service and the exceptional culinary skill displayed at these establishments make Lauderdale by the Sea a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking contemporary American delights. Whether you're in the mood for a light, flavorful meal or a full-course feast, the area's dining options are designed to satisfy diverse preferences and create memorable dining experiences.

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