The 17 best hidden gems in Fort Lauderdale are Quvo Tacos, Osteria Acqua E Farina, Nour Thai, Il Paesano, Gem Eatery, Etna Rosso, Le Patio.
Billy Jack’s photo
Fort Lauderdale is having a moment. With splashy new restaurant openings, brand new chef-driven restaurants with PR machines the size of small countries, and swanky new rooftop bars, the city is having a moment in the spotlight. Cool, cool. However, this list isn’t about the places blowing up your Instagram explore page. This is about the spots that locals perhaps quietly love — the hidden gems tucked into strip plazas, old buildings, and corners that don’t scream for attention, but slowly earn loyalty.
To compile this list of our favorite hidden gems in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area (Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea), we looked at little spots that don’t have a marketing budget but absolutely deliver. Whether it’s the chicken parm you crave weekly, the Thai spot you don’t tell coworkers about, or the coffee shop that somehow still feels like a secret.
And if your first instinct is to say, “Meh, I know all these places,” congrats — you’ve officially qualified to make your own damn list. With that, presented diplomatically (a.k.a., alphabetically), here are the 17 best hidden gems to go out and support in Fort Lauderdale.
Alegria Taco is a hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale
Alegria Taco
This spot nestled off Andrews Avenue is proof that authenticity absolutely doesn’t need neon signs or a TikTok strategy. The room is simple; the welcome is warm, and the food does exactly what it’s supposed to do. Regulars know what’s up with the al pastor tacos, carved juicy, deeply seasoned, and properly balanced with pineapple and spice. 3801 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-563-7170; instagram.com/alegriatacos.
Beans-n-Dough Cookie Company is one of our favorite spots in Fort Lauderdale
Beans-n-Dough Cookie Company photo
Beans-n-Dough Cookie Company
Community is at the core of this intimate Oakland Park operation. You’ll find Michael Sichenzia out and about at all the community happenings – street fairs to the improv nights hosted at his shop. He sources his coffee directly from Colombia, and my goodness, those guava-loaded cookies at the forefront of his counter’s showcase? Swoon. You’ll never want another Crumbl stop again, folks. 4530 N Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park; 954-682-0522; beansndough.com.
Big Dog Station is a hidden gem in Oakland Park
Big Dog Station
Nestled near the northeast corner of where Oakland Park Boulevard and Dixie Highway intersect, this gem is in plain sight. It’s unassuming, non-pretentious in its pinnacle with a quick beer menu, strong cocktails, and, yes, scratch-off lotto and pull-tab machines. The service and bar food here are truly a bar above. Take one bite of its piled-high Cajun turkey club with ever-crispy tots, and you’ll get it. 3148 NE 12th Ave., Oakland Park; 954-561-4304; facebook.com/BigDogStationFL.
Billy Jack’s is a hidden gem in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Billy Jack’s
Billy Jack’s Shack is beach-day fuel done with personality. Born from a Harrisonburg, Va. original, this laid-back Lauderdale-by-the-Sea outpost thrives on messy burgers, creative comfort food, and an after-surf energy that slaps just right. The Mac n’ Cheese Steak is indulgent bliss, while the El Chupacabra Burger balances goat cheese, chili bacon jam, and arugula like a pro. Add craft beer and cocktails, and you’ve got a post-beach ritual locals protect fiercely. 218 FL-870, Ste. 102, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea; 954-990-8671; billyjacksshack.com.
Camille’s Pizzeria & Ristorante is a hidden gem in Oakland Park for Italian food
Camille’s Pizzeria & Ristorante photo
Camille’s Pizzeria & Ristorante
Camille’s Pizzeria & Ristorante is a true Italian gem, serving fresh, flavor-packed dishes in a warm, inviting space where the staff makes you feel like family. From homemade, tender pasta and fork-soft meatballs to an excellent pepperoni pizza, fantastic scungilli appetizer, and a classic tiramisu, every plate reflects a focused menu built on quality rather than excess. With fair prices, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and only a slightly loud soundtrack as a minor drawback, it’s a breath of fresh air in the local Italian dining scene and well worth a return visit. 4165 N. Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park; 954-765-6496; camillesftlauderdale.com.
Chez Vincent is a hidden gem for wine and charcuterie
Chez Vincent
Chez Vincent Wine Bar is a little piece of Europe tucked into the heart of Fort Lauderdale, offering thoughtfully curated charcuterie and cheese boards alongside French, Italian, and Spanish wines, plus live music that makes the evening feel effortlessly romantic. From the moment you walk in, the owners welcome you like family, guiding you through the wine list (even sharing insights worthy of Château Margaux) and encouraging you to slow down and truly savor the experience. With high-quality ingredients, no rush to turn tables, and a warm, intimate atmosphere, it’s a true gem that feels more like a night in France than a stop along the water taxi route. 3312 NE 32nd St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-530-7301; vincefrenchwinebar.com.
Dal Contadino Trattoria is a wonderful restaurant in Fort Lauderdale
Dal Contadino Trattoria photo
Dal Contadino Trattoria
Dal Contadino Trattoria delivers classic Italian warmth with just enough flair to keep things interesting. Handmade pastas steal the show, especially the four-cheese gnocchi that locals won’t stop talking about, while daily specials keep regulars guessing. When the short rib pops up, don’t hesitate. Add live piano bar vibes, a strong wine list, and polished service, and you’ve got a spot that’s quietly celebratory without ever tipping into pretentious territory. 2775 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-900-2714; contadinotrattoria.com.
The Etna Rosso is a hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale
The Etna Rosso Ristorante
The Etna Rosso Ristorante is the kind of Sicilian neighborhood gem you dream of finding, where Luca’s warm, genuine hospitality sets the tone for an evening defined by impeccable pacing, polished service, and food made with unmistakable pride. From silky prosciutto and fresh burrata to perfectly cooked Tagliolini allo Scoglio brimming with tender seafood, plus a beautifully prepared swordfish with squid ink linguine, every dish delivers authentic, ingredient-driven Sicilian flavor that feels both elegant and soulful. Paired with a classic Nero d’Avola and a stunning, transportive atmosphere, it’s one of the most special Italian dining experiences in Florida and absolutely worth the drive. 3354 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-530-7910; theetnarosso.com.
The Gem Eatery is a hidden gem in Margate
The Gem Eatery
The Gem Eatery truly lives up to its name: a mom-and-pop spot in Margate serving fresh, homemade comfort food with heart, hustle, and serious attention to detail. From fluffy, gooey Cinnamon buns and scratch-made English muffins to hearty omelettes loaded with fresh veggies and thoughtful touches like house-baked toast, every bite reflects the love poured into this cozy, welcoming dining room. Whether you’re stopping in for a comforting breakfast during a difficult time or simply craving a from-scratch meal done right, this well-oiled, family-run gem delivers warmth, flavor, and service that keeps guests coming back. 1043 FL-7, Margate; 954-971-7520; gemeatery.com.
Kan’s Thai Kitchen is a hidden gem for authentic Thai food
Kan’s Thai Kitchen photo
Kan’s Thai Kitchen
Kan’s Thai Kitchen is an absolute find, delivering authentic Thai flavors in a vibrant space that quickly filled up as word spread. From smoky, wok hei–kissed Pad Thai and Pad See Ew to crispy duck with basil sauce, pineapple fried rice, and flavorful starters like moo ping and pork dumplings, every dish arrived hot, perfectly seasoned, and deeply satisfying. With warm service (even the chef stepping out to deliver plates) plus standout mango sticky rice to finish, it’s the kind of spot you’ll happily detour for again and again. 4838 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954) 626-0851; kansthaikitchen.com.
Il Paesano is a wonderful restaurant
Il Paesano
Il Paesano doesn’t feel like a restaurant so much as an invitation into someone’s home. Recipes rotate with the seasons, ingredients are imported from Italy, and the vibe is deeply personal. The lobster ravioli earns its reputation when it appears, but part of the magic is trusting whatever’s coming out of the kitchen that week. Between the deli, market, and dining room nooks, Il Paesano rewards curiosity and repeat visits in the most comforting way possible. 2645 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-396-1700; ilpaesanomarket.com.
People love Le Patio in Wilton Manors
Le Patio
Le Patio in Wilton Manors is one of those rare, transportive spots that instantly whisk you away with its New Orleans–inspired courtyard, twinkling string lights, and cozy, romantic charm. The French cuisine is exceptional, from outstanding mussels to beautifully balanced, made-to-order dishes, all paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list and warm, attentive service that never rushes the experience. Small in size but big on heart, Le Patio is well worth the drive for an intimate, relaxed dinner that feels miles away from the Miami pace. 2401 NE 11th Ave., Wilton Manors; 954-530-4641; lepatiowiltonmanors.com.
Nour Thai is a hidden gem
Nour Thai
Nour Thai operates at a different level, blending modern presentation with deeply rooted tradition. One of only 143 restaurants worldwide recognized with a Thai Select Two-Star certification, it delivers authenticity with finesse all week long. Standouts like the jewel-like Chor Muang dumplings and rich Chiang Mai noodles showcase balance and technique, while the cocktail list adds playful flair. This is Thai cuisine treated as art, y’all. 3554 NE 12th Ave., Oakland Park; 954-533-0569; nourthai.com.
Osteria Acqua E Farina is a beloved Italian spot
Osteria Acqua E Farina photo
Osteria Acqua E Farina
This is a hidden gem serving authentic Italian cuisine in a quaint, intimate setting where hospitality and warmth shine from the moment you walk in. From antipasto misto and flavorful meatballs to homemade pastas like gnocchi and Pasta alla Norma, plus excellent wood-fired pizzas, every dish is crafted with care and backed by friendly, knowledgeable service. It’s the kind of no-frills local favorite where regulars chat across tables, the ambiance feels effortlessly welcoming, and you leave already planning your next visit. 1145 Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-523-1115; osteriaacquaefarina.com.
Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer photo
Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer
This spot feels personal because it is. Built on family recipes passed down through generations, the Mexican food here is scratch-made, soulful, and consistent. The tacos hit with real depth, while the rotating craft beer lineup, curated by a true enthusiast, keeps things fresh for repeat visits. Add sangria, a welcoming room, and owners who clearly care, and Quvo is the spot you recommend quietly, knowing it’ll speak for itself. 4354 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-368-3664; quvotacos.com.
Spud’s Coffee is a local favorite
Spud’s Coffee
Spud’s Coffee beautifully blends craft and community into a deeply inviting, bright space. The coffee menu, with regular roasts from Miami’s Golden Bush and North Carolina’s Black & White Roasters, is top-tier. And there’s great food, which is hard to find in a specialty coffee shop landscape that’s becoming growingly “here’s our one pastry offering”-esque by the day. Everything is made from scratch, from baked goods to shakshuka. 3301 NE 32nd St., Fort Lauderdale; 754-212-3732; spudscoffee.com.
Union Kitchen & Bar is a hidden gem
Union Kitchen & Bar photo
Union Kitchen & Bar
Union Kitchen & Bar nails what a neighborhood spot should be: warm service, thoughtful food, and a wine list that rewards curiosity. The menu evolves seasonally, but staples like deviled eggs and pork belly tacos anchor things with confidence. The emphasis on local ingredients and smaller wineries gives it personality without a snobby ego. 2309 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors; 754-216-0143; unionkb.com.