Sampling is one of the best ways to catch the flavor of your destination. South Floridaâs Wilton Manors in Fort Lauderdale is no exception. This bright, off-beat beachside boasts a host of different cuisines. From rustic Italian to French bistro to quirky brunch comfort food, these are the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale as an LGBTQ+ traveler.
With so many delicacies to try, one could easily be overwhelmed by options, but lucky for you, we have the inside track on some of the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale – many of which are LGBTQ+ owned. For more on where to eat, what to do and where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, make sure you check out .
Apt 9F Drinking Den and Social Eatery
Apt 9F is a hip eatery with a feel like youâre eating over at your best friend’s apartment, just with a big, luxurious bar. Owned by spouses Carol Moran and Nancy Goldwin, Apartment 9F was named after their Washington Heights apartment, you guessed it 9F. Upon moving to South Florida, Carol and Nancy took their furniture from their NYC apartment and put it in a restaurant.
With bites designed to share, Apt 9F features upscale passables like charcuterie boards, baked goat cheese, and steak bruschetta. Donât forget to try their signature LGBTQ+ themed cocktails, like the Lavender Lady, for sweet sips in the SoFlo sunshine. Apartment 9F is the place to go for an ultra cool night-at-home feeling out of the house.
Visit at 2163 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Bona Italian Restaurant & Pizza
A 50 year institution, Bona Italian brings the taste of Italy to Fort Lauderdale. If youâre in the mood for Italian, this is the place to be. Kick back with a glass of wine and floor to ceiling windows overlooking Wilton Manors Drive and all the hubbub of the happening gayborhood.
Bonaâs menu features Italian classics, like Chicken Parmesan or Manicotti, or an original recipe, like Fazzoletti, pasta purses filled with truffles, Italian cheeses in a carbonara sauce. Or our original Chicken Cyriac, blackened chicken in a creamy garlic sauce over penne pasta with roasted almonds.
Visit at 2468 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Le Patio
Le Patio is the tiniest, cutest restaurant in South Florida. This pint-sized bistro boasts an intimate atmosphere, complete with a laid-back garden vibe, and a menu stacked with European comfort food favorites all cooked up by wives and co-owners.
Donât let the size fool you. Le Patio may be small, but is big on flavor. Known for their house Lasagna, their menu offers an eclectic mix of recognizable comforts and twists on the classics like Escargot & Mac nâ Cheese. Feta Fingers, fresh salads, French and Californian wine, thereâs a little something for everyone in this little, yet mighty restaurant.
Visit at 2401 NE 11th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Rosieâs Bar & Grill
A Fort Lauderdale staple, Rosieâs is the place to be for LGBTQ+ brunch. A bright festive patio gives lots of room to enjoy mimosas and brunch favorites. This menu is verbose. Craving a salad? A burger? Pretty much anything that you might want, youâll find on Rosieâs menu.
Perhaps the most notable thing on the menu are the puns! Sure, you can get a burger, but how much better is a burger named Rhoda Cowboy or Miley Highclub? The puns and atmosphere all bring the fun for what for sure will be an unforgettable experience whether dining solo or with your best good Judy’s.
Visit at 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305 US
Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery
What does have food hall, brewery, and marketplace have in common? Sistrunk. A palateâs playground, Sistrunk is home to cuisines all across the board. From poke to pizza to chicken sandwiches, Sistrunk has it all. Under one roof! Each stand is like a mini foodtruck, for whatever strikes your fancy.
Not only is the food amazing, Sistrunk is also a distillery. Catch a tour of the facilities and see how they make their house house label Shady Vodka and Rum (tasting cocktails are included!). Take a pass through SistrunKollective to check out local wears from local artisans.
Visit at 115 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Wilton Creamery
Beat the South Florida heat with a sweet treat. Wilton Creamery is not your average ice cream shop. Flavors at Wilton Creamery are chef curated, with seasonal rotating flavors in vegan/Gluten-Free/Non-Dairy options. With small batch ice cream flavors released every Friday, thereâs always something new for everyone. You can even get a dollop of cannoli cream atop of your cone!
Ice cream not your vibe? Not to worry. There are plenty of shakes, coffees, and bubble teas to tickle your fancies. Plus, it’s LGBTQ+ owned!
Visit at 2301 Wilton Dr STE C4, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Have a favorite place to eat in Fort Lauderdale that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can check it out on our next trip!