Italian Restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Nowhere is there more water-sports activity than in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, known as the Venice of the United States. With sunny days seemingly 350 days a year, swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, and sailing are all favorites of locals and visitors. With rental boats, fishing charters and boat tours plentiful, the millionaire's mansions along the canals are not to be missed--there are yachts parked alongside that cost more than most houses. At sunset, try one of these Italian restaurants.

Casa D'Angelo

Casa D'Angelo consistently gets rave reviews by local papers and also has been listed in Zagat's America's Top Restaurants. The Chef and Owner, Angelo Elia, has experience with restaurants he opened himself: Prezzo and H2O, in South Florida. He also has experience at New York's Four Seasons and at the family's La Cisterna. The draw to Casa D'Angelo is both the Tuscan dishes and also the wood-burning-oven specialties such as steaks and pork loin. The wine list is both extensive and sophisticated. Using the freshest and best quality foods available, Chef Angelo melds simple combinations of flavors and textures, and that has made his restaurant a favorite with locals and visitors. Pricing in 2010 is moderate.

Casa D'Angelo Ristorante
1201 North Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 564-1234
casa-d-angelo.com

Serafina

Serafina is a waterfront trattoria with elegant Tuscan decor. Nestled in Victoria Park with a view of the Middle River, the doors often remain open to the charming and candlelit interior and wafting aromas of Mediterranean flavors melded together by a chef with 35 years of experience in Italian cooking and roots in Napoli. The menu contains all the classic Italian dishes, and the pasta and risotto dishes are perfectly prepared. Also on the menu are more hearty fare, such chicken breast stuffed with spinach and goat cheese, and grilled rack of lamb encrusted with rosemary and garlic. The wine list is filled with mostly Italian wines, with some Napa Valley varieties and Australian Shiraz representations among them, and several available by the glass. In 2010, pricing is moderate. Serafina is a good restaurant for a romantic evening.

Serafina
926 Northeast 20th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954)463-2566
serabythewater.com

Cafe Del Mar

Cafe Del Mar is located directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, facing the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day in an eclectic setting, it also has a lively bar scene and live entertainment every night of the week. The menu is Mediterranean with a decided Italian flair and features many fresh seafood dishes, prime chops and steaks, pasta specialties and homemade soups among other selections. With a full bar and generous happy hour, Cafe Del Mar is a local favorite for the food, the drinks and the setting across from the beach, and in 2010 the pricing is inexpensive.

Cafe Del Mar
213 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954)767-8233
cafedelmarfl.com

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Article Written By Denise Gabbard

Denise Gabbard has been a writer as well as a SEO and social media professional since 2006. Her blog helps writers earn a living with their skills and she works with small businesses to create and enhance their online presence. As an empty nester, she is tackling completion of her B.A. in business at Columbia College.

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