Eat Your Way Around the World Without Leaving Greater Fort Lauderdale

The nearly perfect weather in Greater Fort Lauderdale — 77°F year-round and more than 3,000 hours of sunshine — does more than lure snowbirds from up north. It attracts people from all over the world. Residents of this sun-drenched coastal area hail from 170 countries and speak 147 languages, creating a cultural mosaic that resonates in the vibrant food scene. From food halls to restaurants with menu items that read like passport stamps, here’s where to embrace Greater Fort Lauderdale’s global eats.

Sistrunk Marketplace

Photos: Scott Wild / Matador Network

Sistrunk Marketplace: 115 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

This hip food hall in Fort Lauderdale has it all. The 40,000-square-foot multi-use complex is home to a variety of eateries highlighting cuisines ranging from Jamaican to Japanese. Whether you’re craving authentic street tacos, a Southern honey butter chicken biscuit sandwich that’s better than grandma’s, or macarons with serious French flair, Sistrunk delivers.

Beyond the food, there’s no shortage of entertainment, making it a solid pick for date night or a night out with friends. Three bars serve an enticing array of craft cocktails and beers. For those needing to let off some steam, there’s axe-throwing at Chops + Hops, alongside retro arcade games, dart boards, and karaoke nights. Newcomer Strokes ‘N’ Drivers brings three golf simulators and a chic lounge to the mix, perfect for channeling your inner Tiger Woods with a cocktail in hand.

At Shady Distillery, visitors can tour the facility, sample small-batch spirits, and learn about the distilling process. Wired Sound Academy, a full-scale DJ and production school, keeps the creative energy high with live sets and student showcases. And an on-site boutique holds curated finds for those in the mood to do some shopping between bites. At Sistrunk, food is just the beginning.

Block 40 Food Hall

Photos: Scott Wild / Matador Network

Block 40: 1820 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33020

The quirky beachside energy of Hollywood, Florida, spills into Block 40, a vibrant food hall across from the city’s iconic Young Circle. Once the site of the Great Southern Hotel in the 1920s, this nearly 15,000-square-foot hangout buzzes from brunch through late-night, anchored by communal tables, craft-beer taps, specialty cocktails, and screens tuned to live sports.

Fans of Peruvian fare will want to check out Uchutacos, which blends bold South American flavors with handheld favorites. Think tacos made with grilled Maine lobster marinated in aji amarillo escabeche (chili pepper) sauce and short rib tacos drizzled in huancaina (Peru’s signature cheese sauce, traditionally served over potatoes). Other standouts include MAD Pizza, Vons Asian Kitchen, Hangry Joe’s, plus donut and ice cream venues to end on a sweetly decadent note. The patio is dog-friendly; the music provides a fun, party vibe; and the crowd is a mix of locals and in-the-know visitors. If you’re looking to grab and go instead, every vendor offers takeout and most are available for delivery.

Block 40 also doubles as an event space, with live music, art-walk pop-ups, and sports watch parties. Whether it’s a dish, a DJ, or a special celebration, there’s always something new in rotation, and more than one reason to stay a little longer.

Mai-Kai Restaurant

Photo: Mai-Kai

Mai-Kai: 3599 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Don’t miss this dinner-and-a-show Polynesian landmark, captivating guests since 1956. Mai-Kai reopened in 2024 after a four-year, $20 million renovation that refreshed everything from the signature thatched roofs to the outdoor Bora Bora bar, along with its Instagram-worthy tiki garden complete with waterfalls and tropical plants.

Twice-nightly dance performances pay homage to Pacific Island traditions. Originally choreographed by co-owner Mireille Thornton in 1961, the show features dancers in traditional Tahitian, Samoan, and Hawaiian costumes, with twirling fire knives and graceful hula adding extra flair. The Polynesian menu remains a highlight, with iconic dishes like the pupu platter, luau smoked baby back ribs, and a whole suckling pig meant for sharing. And if there’s ever a place for tiki cocktails, this is it. Sip classic Mai Tais, potent Zombies, or crowd-favorite Scorpion Bowls while soaking in the festive, island-inspired vibe.

An official National Register of Historic Places site, this Fort Lauderdale tropical paradise is more than dinner — it’s a spectacle of sight, sound, and taste that aims to transport you straight to the heart of Polynesia.

The Katherine

The Katherine: 3599 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Three-time James Beard-nominated chef Timon Balloo left a celebrated Miami career to return to his Fort Lauderdale roots and open this downtown gem. Named in honor of his wife, Marissa Katherine, the 58-seat restaurant reflects their shared journey, from teenage sweethearts in West Broward to proud parents, through a menu that blends heirloom flavors with global inspiration.

The cozy space feels both worldly and personal, with Marissa often greeting diners as they enter while Timon runs the kitchen in the back. Dishes like clam chowder fries, sherry-roasted carrots with pistachios and dukkah labneh, and mom’s Trini oxtail with coconut rice and Haitian pikliz (pickled relish) draw from their family recipes and travels together. The Thai red curry yellowtail earned national acclaim when The New York Times crowned it as one of the best American dishes in 2023. A thoughtful natural wine list and standout desserts make an extraordinary experience exceptional.

Here, every plate feels like a page from Balloo and Katherine’s story — one rooted in love, shaped by travel, and served with the kind of hospitality that keeps locals and visitors coming back. Whether you’re catching up with friends at one of the cozy tables or enjoying a quiet solo dinner at the bar, The Katherine always feels like coming home to family.

From the bold spices of the Caribbean, to the refined flavors of Asia, to fusion dishes that tell a personal story, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s global dining scene has a seat for you at every table. Add in endless sunshine and a come-as-you-are vibe, and you’ve got more than a vacation — you’ve got a delicious adventure.