Top 5 Restaurants Near FLIBS 2020 [Boat Show Guide]

Dig in to Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene with the best restaurants to visit near FLIBS 2020.

The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020 was given the go-ahead by Broward County Commissioners and is scheduled to take place from October 28 to November 1. The five-day event will include exclusive boat displays and exhibits, informational seminars, culinary experiences, and a superyacht village. FLIBS 2020 will implement Informa’s new AllSecure health and safety measures to create the best experience for everyone in attendance.

The boat show is an excellent opportunity to participate in the best of Fort Lauderdale’s lifestyle, which includes the culinary scene. We scoped out the top 5 restaurants near FLIBS 2020 so that you can refuel, recap, and relax after the event.

5. Lona Cocina Tequileria

Best for outdoor seating with oceanfront views.

Lona is a new modern Mexican restaurant on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The menu is filled with flavorful ceviches, tostadas, and tacos, plus 300 different tequilas and mezcals. The outdoor patio hosts a lively atmosphere with an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Pablo Salas showcases homemade Mexican food with top-quality ingredients.

Bonus: Lona is part of Water Taxi’s Cruise & Save Program. Take the water taxi from the boat show to stop 6. Show your ticket to a Lona server, and you’ll receive complimentary guacamole with an entree. Win, win.

What to order: Lona is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. If you make a reservation for dinner, order the “drunken grouper” and never look back. The pan-seared grouper doused in a Mexican beer glaze, lime, and cilantro may just send you to Cloud 9. Pair this with one of Lona’s famous margaritas to relax after an eventful day at FLIBS 2020.

COVID protocol: Reservations recommended. Mask and social distancing required.

Location: 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

4. 15th Street Fisheries

Best for families or groups who traveled to FLIBS by water taxi.

The 15th Street Fisheries is a staple in Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene. The dockside restaurant and marina are located on the intercoastal waterway. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with uninterrupted boat views (there’s a dock cam for a quick preview). Expect casual dining with an extensive menu full of chowders, fish sandwiches, and burgers. Kids are easily entertained by feeding the giant tarpon from the dock while waiting for the water taxi, which stops at the marina hourly.

What to order: 15th Street Fisheries is one of the best casual seafood restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. The blackened Mahi-Mahi sandwich is a big fan favorite.

COVID protocol: Not seating parties larger than 10 people. Walk-ins are welcomed. Facial coverings and social distancing required.

Location: 1900 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

3. Coconuts

Best for recapping your day at FLIBS without fighting through post-show traffic.

Coconuts is your best bet for an excellent meal if you’re famished immediately after the boat show. It’s walking distance from FLIBS so you can pop over there to enjoy food and drinks with a waterfront view. The restaurant hosts a lively and fun atmosphere while being the perfect spot to catch up with mates to recap your favorite exhibits and displays from the show.

What to order: Start with a half dozen (go on, make it a dozen) raw oysters from the oyster bar. Don’t leave without ordering the coconut shrimp.

COVID protocol: Seating at 50% capacity, so it’s recommended to make a reservation ahead of time. Masks and social distancing required.

Location: 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

2. Asia Bay

Best for date night in Fort Lauderdale.

It’s easy to miss Asia Bay when you’re looking for somewhere to eat on Las Olas. There’s not a big sign out front, and it’s hidden behind a bridge and next to a canal that stems from the New River. Expect to be blown away by a menu full of creative Asian fusion dishes that are perfect for sharing during date night after FLIBS.

What to order: An incredible menu of sushi rolls, noodles, and Thai mains will make it hard to choose one thing. The spider roll is a crowd-pleaser, as is the teriyaki twin lobster tails and the pad thai. Order a little bit of everything so you don’t miss out.

COVID protocols: Indoor/outdoor seating at six feet apart. Reservations highly recommended. Facial coverings required.

Location: 1111 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

1. Steak 954

Best for a hearty meal and strong cocktail after a day on your feet.

Steak 954 is located in the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. It’s a modern steakhouse that takes advantage of prime real estate with sweeping ocean views. Steak 954 has a decadent, sophisticated, and intimate ambiance that might be what you need after a busy day on your feet at FLIBS 2020.

What to order: The menu is loaded with signature steaks and fresh seafood. You can’t go wrong with the jumbo shrimp cocktail to start, followed by the 22 OZ. prime dry-aged ribeye.

COVID protocols: Reservation recommended. Masks required.

Location: 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is sure to be an exciting and busy event. Take advantage of these best Fort Lauderdale restaurants to experience the city’s diverse culinary scene. Denison is excited to meet you at FLIBS 2020. For more information about the show and our virtual boat show experience, check out our information page.