Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Guide: Denison Brokers Share Their Tips

With the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show quickly approaching, we’ve gathered Denison yacht brokers’ tips on how to fully enjoy the “Yachting Capital of the World”. Our team has had a large presence at FLIBS for years; it is our hometown, after all.

With recommendations from a number of our local brokers based out of Denison’s South Florida offices–including Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Miami, and Palm Beach–these recommendations for what to do at and around the boat show are indispensable. Read on to discover what each of our featured brokers suggests for your visit to Fort Lauderdale.

Taste the Mediterranean at This Restaurant Recommendation

Having just recently returned from the Monaco Yacht Show, superyacht broker Alex G. Clarke seems to have left his taste buds on the Mediterranean. And who can blame him? With some of the best food in the world, it’s no wonder that so many restaurants offer this cuisine. His go-to around the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is “the restaurant Evelyn’s, located at the new Four Seasons Hotel. It is a Lebanese restaurant on the pool level, which has become my go-to for date night dinners with my wife Natalia. Highly recommended for the excellent service, food–and the wine list is fantastic. Be sure to ask for sommelier Christian for recommendations.”

Location: 525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Brunch at This Fort Lauderdale Staple

Sidney Ambroise knows the ins and outs of virtually every boat show, with a strong presence at all the big ones. A South Florida native, Fort Lauderdale is part of his turf. His number one recommendation is O-B House for brunch–one of his favorite spots, which he sometimes frequents with Bob Denison. This place is so good it usually has a line that wraps around the building, even on uneventful weekends. Get stuck in that line during one of the busiest weekends of the year? Call Sidney–he knows the owner (no surprise there!). For dinner, he is a big fan of Chima Steakhouse, another Fort Lauderdale classic. Craving Italian? Cafe Martorano is also high on his list.

Locations: O-B House: 333 Himmarshee St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Chima Steakhouse: 2400 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Cafe Martorano: 3343 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

See Boats at C Dock

One of our freshest brokers, Connor Bradley says while at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show this year, C Dock is a must-visit, where SŌLACE Boats will be on display. When asked why attendees should not miss Denison’s new partner SŌLACE, he proudly shares that these boats are “the most versatile center consoles money can buy.” Not sure where C Dock is? Check out our FLIBS map to pinpoint exactly where to head, and look for Connor at the SŌLACE booth if you need assistance while you’re there!

Location: C Dock at South Gate Entrance: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Go (Coco)Nuts for This Seafood Spot

When it comes to a restaurant with a fun vibe and delicious food, Fort Lauderdale local Brian Nobles suggests going no further than Coconuts. This laid-back spot is situated right on the Intracoastal–Florida’s infamous and breathtaking waterway which runs parallel to the beach. These waters are constantly filled with every type of watercraft possible: other than the obvious boats and yachts, there are jet skis, kayaks, and even paddle boards floating by! Come for the quintessential Florida water views; stay for the positively scrumptious seafood.

Location: 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Take in the View at These Rooftop Bars–and Restaurants

Miami-based yacht broker Juno Prudhomm is a well-known face every year at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. For the perfect place to grab a drink and a bite–the breathtaking views of the city are just a bonus–he suggests Rooftop and Sparrow. For a full-blown flavorful meal, Louie Bossi’s is a great Italian option that locals love, and Lobster Bar Sea Grille–you guessed it–is an absolutely delectable choice for seafood.

Locations: Sparrow: 299 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Rooftop @1WLO: 1 W Las Olas Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante: 1032 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Lobster Bar Sea Grille: 450 E Las Olas Blvd Suite 190, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

For help getting around or understanding the relative location of different points, keep our map of the boat show handy:

Still feeling unprepared for the upcoming Fort Lauderdale Boat Show? Get some more guidance by reading about what not to do at a boat show, here.

Interested in touring one of our vessels? Schedule a private showing at FLIBS by filling out the form here.