Italian Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale to Visit for Delicious Cuisine 

Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful Florida city known for its warm and sunny weather, exciting nightlife, and distinct dining options. If you’re planning to stay at one of our fabulous Fort Lauderdale rentals and love Italian cuisine, then you’re in luck. The city is home to several fantastic Italian restaurants that offer delicious and authentic dishes.

These restaurants have something for everyone, from traditional pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas. No matter which Italian restaurant you choose, you will have a memorable dining experience during your Fort Lauderdale vacation. 

Continue reading for our guide to some of the best Italian restaurants Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

Louie Bossi’s Italian Ristorante

After some fun in the sun at one of Fort Lauderdale’s amazing beaches, nothing hits the spot quite like some Italian food. And any quest for the best Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale wouldn’t be complete with a visit to Louie Bossi’s Italian Ristorante. This restaurant offers a diverse selection of traditional Italian dishes with a modern and upscale twist, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The dedication to traditional techniques and authentic flavors distinguishes Louie Bossi’s from other Italian restaurants in the area. Every dish, from handmade pasta to wood-fired pizza, is prepared with care and attention to detail. This culminates in a gratifying and unforgettable dining experience.

Aside from the cuisine, the ambiance at Louie Bossi’s is warm and inviting, with an open kitchen and bustling bar area, making it ideal for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner with a loved one. 

Serafina Italian Restaurant & Waterfront Bistro

Woman eating pasta
Photo from Shutterstock

The restaurant has a unique location on the water, providing diners with stunning ocean views while they enjoy their meal. The outdoor patio seating area is pleasant, and offers diners picturesque water views for a special occasion or a casual dinner with friends.

In addition to the great food and atmosphere, the friendly and happy staff at Serafina provide excellent service that makes diners feel welcome and comfortable. 

The attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience is astounding. From the presentation of the dishes to the restaurant’s decor, it is clear that Serafina is committed to providing a high-quality experience for its guests, making it one of the best Italian restaurants Fort Lauderdale has to offer. 

La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita is a family-owned Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its warm and inviting ambiance makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists looking for an authentic Italian dining experience.

The elegant decor is the first thing that strikes you as you enter the restaurant. The dining area is elegantly furnished with typical Italian accents, such as wrought-iron chandeliers, exposed masonry walls, and white linen-draped wooden tables. The dim lighting creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

The menu at La Dolce Vita is extensive, offering a variety of classic Italian dishes made from scratch using fresh and high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, seafood, or meat, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

The chefs are also happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, making the restaurant an excellent choice for vegetarians and those with gluten-free diets.

The Etna Rosso

The flavors of Sicily heavily influence Etna Rosso’s menu which includes various dishes inspired by the region. The restaurant’s signature dishes include homemade pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara, seafood linguine, and eggplant parmesan, prepared with traditional cooking techniques and the freshest ingredients available. The restaurant also serves a variety of beverages and traditional Italian cocktails.

The warm ambiance of The Etna Rosso makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The lighting and decor create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that welcomes every guest. 

The Etna Rosso also offers outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy the Florida sunshine while indulging in a delicious meal.

IL Mulino

Dish of gnocchi
Photo from Shutterstock

Il Mulino is one of the best Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. This restaurant is well-known for its outstanding cuisine, friendly service, and elegant ambiance.

The menu at Il Mulino is a fusion of classic Italian dishes and modern culinary techniques. The menu features various pasta dishes, including homemade gnocchi, seafood risotto, and spaghetti bolognese. The restaurant also serves delicious meat and seafood dishes, including veal chop, grilled octopus, and lobster ravioli.

The service here is top-notch. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that every diner has a fantastic experience.

Dal Contadino Trattoria

Dal Contadino Trattoria is a family-owned business, perfect for a cozy dinner with friends and family.

The menu at Dal Contadino Trattoria features a wide range of classic Italian dishes. This eatery has something for everyone, from handmade pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo and lasagna to delicious meat and seafood dishes like veal marsala and grilled salmon. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines and cocktails to complement the cuisine.

Dal Contadino Trattoria has a cozy and welcoming environment. The decor is simple yet exquisite, with a rustic appeal that compliments the delectable cuisine.

Heritage

While Heritage is not an Italian restaurant, it is undoubtedly one of the best Fort Lauderdale restaurants. Heritage, located in the city’s center, serves modern American cuisine, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavors.

While the Heritage menu is not exclusively Italian, it does feature several meals inspired by Italian food. The dry-aged ribeye, for example, is served with a truffle parmesan aioli, while the blackened shrimp tacos come with a spicy marinara sauce.

Aside from the cuisine, Heritage has a fantastic cocktail selection with inventive and unusual cocktails prepared with house-made syrups, bitters, and infusions. 

The ambiance at Heritage is modern and sleek, with an open kitchen that allows diners to see the chefs at work. The restaurant also has a large outdoor patio with comfortable seating and lovely views of the surrounding area, perfect for al fresco dining.

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Zuckarello’s

Zuckarello’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale that offers a unique dining experience.

The menu at Zuckarello’s features classic Italian dishes such as spaghetti carbonara, chicken parmesan, and linguine with clam sauce. The restaurant also offers a variety of pizzas, including Margherita, pepperoni, and specialty pizzas like the “Zuck Special” with Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella.

Zuckarello’s is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale that offers delicious food, a warm atmosphere, and excellent service. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pasta dish or a delicious pizza, this restaurant will satisfy your cravings for authentic Italian cuisine.

Stay with Newman Hospitality

For a comfortable and convenient stay, choose Newman Hospitality for your Fort Lauderdale vacation rental needs. The properties are carefully selected for their prime locations and top-notch amenities, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay in the city. From luxurious villas to cozy apartments, a wide range of Fort Lauderdale vacation rentals suit all budgets and preferences. View our availability calendar to pick your ideal vacation dates today and experience the best Fort Lauderdale offers!