Where to Eat Michelin-Star Food in Fort Lauderdale

Where to Eat Michelin-Star Food in Fort Lauderdale

Known for its pristine beaches and luxurious lifestyle, Fort Lauderdale has officially entered a new era one defined not only by sun and sea, but by its rising culinary excellence. With the release of the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Florida, the city has secured its place on the global food map, featuring one MICHELIN-starred restaurant and four MICHELIN-recommended establishments. Here’s everything you need to know about Fort Lauderdale's MICHELIN worthy dining scene.

Fort Lauderdale's First MICHELIN Star: Chef’s Counter at MAASS

Located inside the elegant Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, Chef’s Counter at MAASS marks a historic achievement as the first and only MICHELIN-starred restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Helmed by acclaimed chef Ryan Ratino, who also runs the MICHELIN-starred Bresca and Jont in Washington D.C., MAASS is an intimate tasting counter offering a fusion of French precision and Japanese minimalism with a South Florida twist.

Highlights from the seasonal tasting menu include:

  • Koshihikari rice with maitake mushrooms.
  • Truffle-infused scallops.
  • Dry-aged duck with local citrus glaze.

Each dish is an artful composition, crafted in front of a select number of diners for an ultra-personal experience. MAASS represents the city’s most ambitious and refined gastronomic offering to date.

MICHELIN Guide Recommended Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

While MAASS holds the star, several other restaurants have earned coveted spots in the MICHELIN Guide for their exceptional food, service, and atmosphere.

Evelyn’s (Mediterranean)

Also located in the Four Seasons, Evelyn’s offers elevated Mediterranean cuisine with strong influences from the Levant and Florida’s coastal ingredients. Dishes such as pomegranate-glazed Ora King salmon and cider-braised beef tagine deliver vibrant flavors in an oceanfront setting.

Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse (Steakhouse)

Daniel’s brings timeless steakhouse charm with a focus on local sourcing and fine service. Highlights include wagyu tartare, oysters Rockefeller, and a premium selection of steaks, all served in a warm, polished setting.

Heritage (Italian)

Chef Rino Cerbone’s Heritage is a rustic Italian kitchen best known for its wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and cozy, downtown vibe. It’s an ode to tradition with a modern soul.

Larb Thai-Isan (Thai)

For something off the beaten path, Larb Thai-Isan offers authentic cuisine from Thailand's northeastern Isan region. This family-run restaurant is lauded for its deeply flavorful dishes, including larb, som tum, and perfectly spiced curries.

What This Means for Fort Lauderdale

The inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide is more than a badge of honor—it's a turning point. Fort Lauderdale is now part of an elite group of cities recognized for excellence in dining, placing it alongside Miami, Orlando, and Tampa in Florida’s culinary landscape.

For locals and visitors alike, this signals that Fort Lauderdale is not just a beach destination but a true hotspot for world-class gastronomy.

Whether you're indulging in a multi-course tasting at MAASS or enjoying Thai street food at Larb, Fort Lauderdale offers a rich and diverse food scene backed by MICHELIN recognition. As the city continues to grow, expect even more chefs and restaurateurs to raise the bar, bringing bold flavors and refined techniques to the South Florida coast.

Fort Lauderdale has arrived and it's hungry for more stars!

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