Here's what restaurants are coming soon to Fort Lauderdale
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You can put: Amal is taking over Sushi Garage's former space on Las Olas. Photo: Naomi Feinstein/Axios
Fort Lauderdale is emerging as South Florida's next dining destination with several new restaurant openings on the horizon.
Why it matters: The city's rapid redevelopment is attracting major hospitality groups and restaurant brands.
- From Miami hot spots to your next go-to smashburger joint, here's what's opening in Fort Lauderdale this fall and winter.
Caviar Club: Marc Falsetto's 1980s-inspired luxury steakhouse, restaurant, and cocktail lounge will offer an upscale version of American classics.
- It is slated to open sometime in the fall.
Sweetwaters: This fall, the owners of Miami institution Rusty Pelican are opening Sweetwaters, a three-story waterfront restaurant in the newly renovated Huizenga Park.
Peppi's Pizza: The popular cheesesteak and pizza spot in the Miami Design District is opening off Sunrise Boulevard this September.
Pizza Queen: Falsetto Hospitality, the group behind Caviar Club, is doubling down on Fort Lauderdale with the debut of a New York-style slice shop at the former site of Dammiano's Cafe and Bistro, according to Miami New Times.
- Falsetto told New Times that he was inspired by New York hot spots L'Industrie and Mama's Too.
- Opening this winter.
Amal: Popular Coconut Grove Lebanese restaurant Amal, known for its mezze dishes, will be opening on Las Olas in late 2026, Miami New Times reported.
NAIA: The restaurant group behind YOLO, Boatyard and S3 will open NAIA at the former home of Mango's on Las Olas in October.
- The menu will feature Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influences, The Restaurant People wrote on Instagram.
Skinny Louie: The smashburger spot, which first opened in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood, is opening on Las Olas later this year.
- It was named Miami's best burger at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in 2025.
La Felicità: Las Olas is getting a new Italian restaurant in what was once B Square Burgers.
Whit's Frozen Custard: The frozen custard shop is opening in Oakland Park this fall, according to WhatNow.
- Whits is best known for the "Whitser," frozen custard blended with your choice of toppings.
- Custards include vanilla, chocolate, and a rotating weekly flavor (or sometimes a daily flavor).