New Restaurants Opening in Fort Lauderdale in 2026

Fort Lauderdale’s restaurant scene is preparing for a massive year in 2026, with an exciting wave of new concepts set to open across the city. From luxury dining destinations like Caviar Club to the highly anticipated return of Pelican Landing, there’s no shortage of major openings on the horizon. The city is also welcoming fresh concepts like Hula Kai Tiki Bar, new waterfront restaurants, upscale Mediterranean spots, and viral favorites expanding into Broward County. Las Olas Boulevard in particular is seeing a major transformation with several ambitious hospitality projects planned over the next year. Whether you’re looking for luxury lounges, waterfront dining, sushi, tiki bars, or elevated steakhouse experiences, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years yet for Fort Lauderdale’s food scene. Let’s take a look at some of the restaurants coming soon.

Sweetwaters, a new full-service restaurant by Specialty Restaurants, is set to open at the newly revamped Huizenga Park in Fall 2026. Located directly along the New River, the concept will offer riverfront dining with sweeping views of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant will feature 6,140 square feet of indoor dining space paired with an additional 3,500 square feet of outdoor seating designed to take advantage of the waterfront setting. 58 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale https://www.sweetwatersrestaurant.com/

Caviar Club is a new 1980s-inspired luxury restaurant concept coming to Las Olas Boulevard in Fall 2026. Created by Falsetto Hospitality, the concept is designed to be unapologetically luxurious and exclusive, featuring a high-end American steakhouse menu, caviar service, and an energetic late-night cocktail lounge atmosphere. The space is being designed by Garrett Singer, known for acclaimed New York spaces like Torrisi and Flyfish Club. 833 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale https://caviarclubftl.com/

La Felicità is a new Italian restaurant coming to Las Olas Boulevard, taking over the former B Square Burgers space. Based on the early renderings, the concept appears heavily inspired by the lush greenery and romantic atmosphere often associated with Italy’s beautiful garden-style dining spaces. The restaurant’s design blends elegant natural elements with a warm upscale aesthetic, creating a space that feels both vibrant and inviting. 1021 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale https://www.instagram.com/lafelicita.us/

NAIA Las Olas is a completely new concept by The Restaurant People set to open on Las Olas Boulevard in October 2026. The restaurant will feature Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influences, centered around shareable plates and a high-end social dining experience. Designed with expansive indoor and outdoor spaces alongside a stunning central bar, the concept aims to bring an energetic yet elevated atmosphere to Fort Lauderdale. 904 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale https://www.instagram.com/naialasolas/

Hula Kai Tiki Bar is a vibrant three-story tiki bar and Polynesian restaurant that blends vintage island charm with a modern tropical atmosphere. Sitting above the restaurant is the Ohana Rooftop Lounge, offering panoramic city views, tiki-inspired bites, and a lively rooftop atmosphere perfect for happy hour, date nights, or nights out with friends. 1075 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale https://www.hulakaitikibar.com/

Skinny Louie is bringing its viral smash burgers to Fort Lauderdale with a new location planned for Las Olas Boulevard. The restaurant is expected to take space in the Las Olas building near Wiseguy Pizza, marking Skinny Louie’s second Broward County location following the recent opening of its Dania Beach restaurant. Known for its popular smash burgers and social media buzz, the concept has quickly gained attention across South Florida. While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the Fort Lauderdale location is expected to arrive sometime in 2026. 401 Las Olas Building, Fort Lauderdale https://www.skinnylouie.com/louiespots

Midorie is opening its first Broward County location this June inside The Arcadian in the historic Sistrunk District. Created by APM Restaurant Group, the sushi and donburi concept has built a strong following in Miami for its approachable omakase, hand rolls, rice bowls, and fresh fish imported daily from Japan. The new location will feature an intimate dining setting focused on high-quality ingredients and a refined yet accessible experience. 640 NW 7th Ave, Fort Lauderdale https://www.midoriemiami.com/

Amal, the stunning Lebanese restaurant from Ink Entertainment Group, is coming to Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale later in 2026. Already a favorite in Miami, the concept is known for its beautiful upscale decor, vibrant atmosphere, and modern Lebanese cuisine. The Fort Lauderdale location is expected to bring the same elegant design and energetic dining experience that made the restaurant so popular in South Florida. 500 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale https://amalmiami.com/

Pelican Landing is officially returning to the waterfront at Pier Sixty-Six in Fall 2026. The laidback dockside eatery will welcome guests arriving by both land and sea, offering a casual retreat for yacht visitors, resort guests, and locals alike. Known for embracing classic South Florida flavors, the restaurant will feature favorites like conch fritters alongside an easygoing waterfront atmosphere designed to capture the spirit of Fort Lauderdale boating culture. Set within the iconic marina resort, Pelican Landing’s return brings back one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront dining experiences. 2301 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale https://piersixtysix.com/

Tonno Nero is a new Mediterranean restaurant taking over the former Tacocraft space in Fort Lauderdale. Created by Chef Joe Anthony and Adrien Falcon, the concept will focus on coast-to-coast Mediterranean cuisine inspired by flavors from across the region. The restaurant aims to blend elevated dining with a vibrant atmosphere while bringing a fresh new identity to the longtime location. 510 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale https://www.tonnonero.com/