You Can Literally Dock and Dine in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Here’s Where.

Twenty-four miles of pristine beaches and more than 300 miles of navigable waterways have earned Greater Fort Lauderdale two apt nicknames: the “Venice of America” and the “Yachting Capital of the World.” Boats glide past palm-lined canals, seagulls loop above marinas, and locals think nothing of tying up for lunch.

With so much life happening on the water, it’s no surprise waterfront dining is one of the area’s biggest draws. In Greater Fort Lauderdale, the best tables in town come with dock space — and a sea breeze. Here’s where to dig in.

Shooters Waterfront

Photo: Scott Wild / Matador Network

Shooters Waterfront: 3033 NE 32nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Touted as the largest waterfront restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Shooters has more than 350 feet of private dock space and 35,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor dining, which means plenty of room to drop anchor and unwind. Three bars help keep the energy high, while sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway seal in the vacation state of mind.

It’s a great spot for brunch, with top choices like the blue crab Benedict, huevos rancheros skillet, and sticky house-made cinnamon buns. But the appeal goes well beyond the morning crowd — the menu is broad enough to please everyone, even the family dog, thanks to a canine-approved menu featuring dishes like Bahia beef (USDA ground beef, whole wheat macaroni, butternut squash, organic carrots, apples, kale, pumpkin seed oil, and a blend of essential nutrients).

YOT Bar & Kitchen

YOT Bar & Kitchen: 2015 SW 20th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Tucked inside Safe Harbor Lauderdale, this chic spot is all about serving classic American fare that’s elevated a notch. Sweeping marina views and polished nautical vibes set the tone, while diners can choose from dishes like an ahi tuna tower, wasabi shrimp Caesar salad, and swordfish with mint chimichurri.

The kitchen also caters to landlubber carnivores, serving up one of the best burgers in town — a Monday special for just $12 all day. If money is no object, pair it with a Millionaire Martini (Beluga Gold Line Vodka, caviar, gold flakes, fresh oyster, lemon, blue cheese olives). There’s also a solid cocktail menu and an extensive wine list.

Coconuts

Photos: Scott Wild / Matador Network

Coconuts: 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

This casual dockside staple calls itself a restaurant “even your mother-in-law will love.” With its fresh seafood and scenic Intracoastal views, you can assume it delivers. Begin with the restaurant’s legendary Scoobies — blue crab fried in enough garlic to keep the vampires (and possibly your dinner date) at bay — then move on to staples like the local mahi mahi sandwich, crab cake with creole sauce, coconut shrimp, or catch of the day.

Not into seafood? No problem. The daily steak preparation, oven-roasted chicken, and seasonal veggie plate have seafood skeptics covered.

The Southport Raw Bar

The Southport Raw Bar: 1536 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Where else can you find a bumper sticker that reads: “Eat Fish Live Longer, Eat Oysters Love Longer, Eat Clams Last Longer”? Started by two New Yorkers fleeing the cold more than 50 years ago, this bustling, no-frills Fort Lauderdale spot has earned its status as a local legend. As the name (and sticker) suggest, oysters and clams are the main event, but there’s plenty more to pair with a tropical cocktail or ice-cold beer, including a full hoagie section in case the craving for a Philly cheesesteak hits.

15th Street Fisheries

Photos: Scott Wild / Matador Network

15th Street Fisheries: 1900 SE 15th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Locals profess that a visit to Greater Fort Lauderdale isn’t complete without a stop here. Housed inside one of Fort Lauderdale’s nautical landmarks, the Lauderdale Marina, this two-story eatery features two distinct dining experiences. Upstairs, the elevated, white-tablecloth dinner service is ideal for a special occasion or waterfront date night. Downstairs is all about shorts, flip-flops, and no reservations needed, with live music adding to the laid-back vibe.

No matter where you sit, seafood reigns supreme. Menu standouts include smoked fish dip, red snapper with coconut pineapple rice, and baked seafood pasta.

Rustic Inn Crabhouse

Rustic Inn Crabhouse: 4331 Anglers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

It’s hard to believe this sprawling seafood destination once began as a modest roadhouse saloon. A lot can change in 70 years, but the inviting water views, signature garlic crabs, and loyal regulars have remained constant. Diners are handed plastic bibs and wooden mallets before diving into the trademarked “World Famous Garlic Crabs.” (Note: Get ready for some noise and join in the tradition as patrons are encouraged to bang those mallets on their table!) There’s also a plethora of less messy dishes — including fried alligator, for those looking to cross that one off the bucket list.

Casablanca Cafe

Photo: Scott Wild / Matador Network

Casablanca Cafe: 3049 Alhambra St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Hugged by the city’s modern skyscrapers, this popular date-night spot serves up picturesque oceanfront views from the patio of a historic two-story home (built in 1927) with a gorgeous winding staircase. The food lives up to the romantic, old-world name, with dishes like phyllo-wrapped baked brie with blueberry chutney, Moroccan lamb meatballs, filet mignon with red wine sauce and blue cheese potato gratin, and blue crab-crusted mahi mahi with beurre blanc. Truffle lobster mac and cheese beckons as a side, and you won’t want to skip dessert — chocolate lava cake with dulce de leche gelato or key lime pie are worthy indulgences.

Boathouse at the Riverside

Boathouse at the Riverside: 620 SE 4th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Set along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this breezy spot with American-meets-Mediterranean fare makes for a perfect pitstop during a leisurely day on the water. Whether craving lighter dishes like the Boathouse crab cake, mahi tacklebox tacos, and Greek salad, or heartier fare like Mediterranean grilled salmon and shawarma grilled lamb chops, the waterfront setting is hard to beat. Ending with the five-layer chocolate cake is a no-brainer.

Marina Village

Photo: Marina Village

Marina Village: 849 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

This open-air waterfront food hall offers eight culinary options with an ocean view. Craving dim sum? Head to YIP, where traditional favorites like shrimp and chive dumplings and steamed barbecue pork buns share the menu with playful twists like pepperoni pizza and chicken parmesan dumplings. Sushi Song offers an extensive selection of rolls and specials like the Poke Cup (choice of fish with house sauce, cucumbers, carrots, edamame, sushi rice, and seaweed salad served in a cup) and kimchi and shrimp fried rice crowned with a quail egg and fried onions. Fresh Garden Bowls keeps things light, while Burgers & Shakes is made for indulgence.

Stick around for sunset and claim a seat at the sleek 44-seat bar, where snacks and cocktails come with a front-row view of the sky’s nightly show. From there, move on to The Shorely, a 500-person ferry turned luxurious lounge and entertainment venue. For the quintessential Greater Fort Lauderdale experience, arrive and dock by boat, so long as it’s under 30 feet.

Casa Sensei

Casa Sensei: 1200 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

The only thing better than enjoying bold Latin and Asian flavors is doing it from a gondola. While most dock-and-dine spots invite you to tie up and head inside, this buzzy Las Olas favorite takes a different approach — serving up dinner right on the water via private gondola. Diners can book a ride that glides through the canals, complete with stargazing and slow cruises past Greater Fort Lauderdale’s most jaw-dropping waterfront homes — part meal, part real estate fantasy.

Start the ride with appetizers like charred octopus with mango-papaya salad and blue crab rangoon, followed by dim sum and entrees such as Mongolian duck, miso-marinated sea bass, and Korean steak with chimichurri. The “Latino” section of the menu brings the heat with Cuban tostones with shrimp, tuna guacamole, and Argentine beef empanadas. Sushi lovers can’t go wrong with any of the Sensei Specialty Rolls — or go all-in on the Million Dollar Roll, topped with lobster, scallops, foie gras, caviar, gold flakes, and truffle oil.

In Greater Fort Lauderdale, you never have to choose between a great meal, a beautiful view, and a day spent outside. Embrace the area’s dock-and-dine lifestyle, and you can have it all.