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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in S. Fort Lauderdale

Authentic spots

Made for those who have no patience for watered-down versions of a cultureโ€™s cuisine.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Bellagamba's Fine Italian Restaurant image 1
Bellagamba's Fine Italian Restaurant image 2
Bellagamba's Fine Italian Restaurant image 3
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Intimate Italian spot offers authentic flavor with dishes made from scratch. Cozy, romantic vibe shines through brick walls and tile floors. Inviting outdoor seating adds a quiet evening charm.

Food comes from scratch with authentic Italian flavor and home-cooked taste. Dishes deliver a delicious and memorable experience.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and made from scratch."

"The owner's hospitality makes this a perfect spot for a date."

"I found the Italian food here to be truly authentic and made from scratch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features half-price martinis and all-you-can-eat gnocchi on Tuesdays.

2

Wine bottles are 50% off on Wednesdays.

3

Happy hour drinks are available at the bar with great prices.

02
Pummarola Fort Lauderdale "Pizza Napoletana" image 1

Open kitchen with pizza oven offers a lively, family-friendly vibe. Neapolitan pizzas deliver authentic flavors true to tradition. Decor with Fiat 500 themes adds unique Italian charm, making dining both fun and genuine.

Pizza follows Neapolitan tradition with authentic flavors and textures. Italian dishes serve authentic cuisine that reflects traditional recipes and tastes.

People are saying

"I learned so much making this amazing pizza."

"The pizza making class was an amazing fun activity with a great instructor."

"I found the pizza here to be authentic Neapolitan style."

Good to know

1

On Mondays, the margherita pizzas cost $6.

2

Wednesday night pasta costs $6.

3

The pizza making classes are fun and great for celebrating children's birthdays.

03
Guatemala Restaurant image 1
Guatemalan restaurant

Cozy space with colorful decor and a lively outdoor patio feels like home. Authentic Guatemalan dishes like Pepiรกn and tamales offer true flavors. Soft marimba music adds to the genuine vibe and friendly energy.

Authentic Guatemalan dishes like Pepiรกn, Jocรณn, and flavorful tamales feature prominently on the menu. Ingredients and flavors stay true to traditional recipes, delivering a genuine taste experience.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be so tasty and fresh."

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious."

"It's a small but very cozy place."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect a small seating area; reservations are not accepted.

3

Prices may vary from what is advertised, so confirm before ordering.

04
E41 image 1
Restaurant

Modern space offers elegant design and a full Latin-style atmosphere with lively music by an excellent DJ. Food delivers authentic Peruvian flavor with dishes like anticucho octopus and golden potatoes. Service by Adriana adds to the genuine experience.

Food bursts with authentic Peruvian flavor, fresh and colorful. Anticucho octopus comes with golden potatoes and corn, capturing true street food taste. Service by Adriana enhances the authentic dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is absolutely amazing and top-notch."

"The Peruvian food here is so authentic, it's like eating it in Lima."

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and genuinely helpful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great deals on drinks.

2

Any happy hour items must be ordered at the bar only.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

05
Las Olas Pizza Company image 1
Pizza restaurant

Family-owned spot serves authentic NYC-style pizza with true 18-inch pies. Warm, family-friendly atmosphere invites diners to enjoy multiple toppings. Limited hours and challenging parking require planning but reward with high-quality, flavorful slices.

Family owned and operated spot serves authentic NYC-style pizza with a true 18-inch pie that captures the classic New York taste.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be the best I've had."

"I thought the food was amazing and delicious."

"I found the most authentic NYC-style pizza here."

Good to know

1

Pizza by the slice is available with multiple topping options.

2

A slice of pizza costs over $5, which is reasonable for the quality.

3

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

06
Emily's Garden image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor garden space creates a cozy vintage vibe with live music enhancing the mood. Authentic thin-crust Italian pizza uses freshest ingredients and Neapolitan dishes shine. Several stations offer artisanal beers and gelato, perfect for families and groups.

Authentic thin-crust Italian pizza features freshest ingredients and Neapolitan dishes made with care. Sides with fish complement the genuine Italian flavors throughout the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and super fresh."

"The outdoor seating here is so cute and inviting."

"The pizza here is so authentic, just like Napoli."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events and busy weekends.

2

The yoga class is held every first Sunday of the month.

3

Wine tasting events occur regularly, featuring rotating selections.

07
El Tiesto Cafe Fort Lauderdale image 1
Latin American restaurant

Industrial-style space with neon accents and artwork blends Dominican and Japanese culture. Authentic Dominican dishes offer homemade taste with filling portions. Live DJ spins Latinx genres, creating an energetic vibe and mini club atmosphere after dinner.

Authentic Dominican dishes offer a homemade taste with filling portions. The menu presents a delightful array that keeps the food genuinely true to its roots.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are super good."

"The dinner spots blend Dominican and Japanese flavors, like the La Chapi Roll."

"I thought the food was genuinely authentic, like homemade."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7pm with half-price drinks and appetizers.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy 2-for-1 sushi specials.

3

Free shots are offered every hour during happy hour.

08
Taqueria El Paisa Food Truck image 1

Food truck serves authentic Mexican tacos with tasty salsa and excellent burritos. Clean setup offers a casual dining experience. Menu highlights include beef tongue and chorizo tacos.

Mexican tacos stand out for their authentic flavor and traditional preparation. The food truck serves delicious, authentic Mexican meals that capture genuine tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were the best I ever had."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing and delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were so authentic."

Good to know

1

The menu lists tacos at $3 each.

2

The food truck maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

3

Customer service is noted to be excellent.

09
Las Carnitas Latin Food image 1
Latin American restaurant

Multiple screens show sports games, creating a lively setting with heavy Latin music and a live DJ. Food offers authentic Mexican and Honduran flavors with fresh ingredients. Friendly, family-oriented vibe transports guests to Honduras with beef tacos and Tamarindo drink.

Food delivers authentic Mexican and Honduran flavors with fresh ingredients and care in every bite. Dishes like beef tacos and Tamarindo drink showcase genuine Latin taste and vibrant presentation.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and great."

"The seafood soup here has excellent flavor and a good portion size."

"The food here is so authentic and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $1.99 tacos all day.

2

Karaoke happens on Friday nights with a lively atmosphere.

3

The restaurant hosts events during football games and professional fights.

10
Gran Forno Pronto image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy rustic decor and soft Italian music create a warm, family vibe. Authentic Italian dishes deliver rich flavors that feel like nonna's cooking. Outdoor seating with live music adds lively energy to every meal.

Rich, authentic flavors bring a true taste of Italy. The menu offers authentic Italian cuisine and breakfast that feels genuine and traditional.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and super tasty."

"I thought the pizza here was wonderful and delicious."

"I found the Italian food here to be rich, authentic, and transporting."

Good to know

1

On Fridays and Saturdays, Nino Mora, an international musician, performs live music.

2

They offer a 30% discount on the food bill from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

3

A mandatory 18% tip is added to the bill.

11
Antojitos Mexicanos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant furnishings and a cheery soundtrack create an authentic Mexican festival vibe. Thick corn tortillas and exceptional bocadillos offer incredibly authentic flavors. Plenty of parking ensures easy access, but loud music means it's not ideal for families.

Vibrant furnishings and a cheery soundtrack create an authentic Mexican festival vibe. The food matches this with its incredibly authentic flavors and presentation.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and authentic."

"It's got a great authentic feel and vibe."

"I loved the Mexican food, especially the Michelada."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available.

2

The food is very affordable.

3

Antojitos Mexicanos offers a gourmet tour into the heart of Mexico.

12
Osteria Acqua E Farina image 1
Italian restaurant

Wood-fired ovens craft authentic Italian pizzas like Napoli and Diavola in a cozy, intimate setting. Friendly staff speak Italian, adding to the warm, family-run vibe. Tables sit close, creating a genuine neighborhood charm that feels like home.

Wood-fired and brick ovens create authentic Italian pizzas like Napoli and Diavola. The setting is quaint and intimate, serving delicious traditional dishes that evoke old Italian flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic wood-fired pizza with its thin, crispy crust."

"The Chicken Parmigiana here is excellent and huge."

"I found authentic Italian food in a quaint, intimate setting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high customer volume.

2

The restaurant is located minutes from FLL Airport, ideal for travelers.

3

Expect busy times, especially during dinner hours; arrive early.

13
Askaneli Restaurant & Steakhouse image 1

Georgian restaurant offers authentic flavors and live music on weekends. Cozy, home-like vibe blends with an outdoor terrace featuring hookah and river views. Perfect for a relaxing meal with genuine tastes and scenic sights.

Dishes come with authentic Georgian flavors that taste fresh and homemade. The atmosphere includes authentic music and a cozy, relaxing vibe that matches the food.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and thoughtfully prepared."

"The outdoor seating offers beautiful river views and nice breezes."

"The Georgian food here is authentic and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Wednesday night, adding a fun twist to the experience.

2

Themed evenings on Thursdays vary each week, offering different entertainment.

3

Live music is featured three times a week, including karaoke on Thursdays.

14
Pan'e Dolci Italian Bakery image 1

Rustic decor and warm lighting create a cozy vibe. Enjoy authentic Italian pastries and bold espresso that capture true tradition. Small space with limited seating keeps it intimate despite occasional loud music.

Authentic Italian pastries and gelati stand out here, with rich, bold espresso brewed expertly. The bakery offers a solid selection of sweet and savory treats true to Italian tradition.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the excellent Italian coffee here."

"You have to try the authentic Italian cannoli and gelato at this bakery."

"The authentic Italian gelato here is creamy and amazing."

Good to know

1

Gelato prices start at $11 for a small cup, which is considered high.

2

All gelato bases contain nuts except for fruit flavors; no allergen signs are posted.

3

The bakery serves only refrigerated drinks after 11pm, despite coffee hours until 1am.

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South Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale

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