Broward County's Fine Dining Comes of Age
For years, South Florida's fine dining conversation centered almost exclusively on Miami. Broward County was seen as a casual dining destination, a place for beachside fish tacos rather than white tablecloth experiences. That narrative has fundamentally shifted. Today, Broward County is home to some of the region's most ambitious and accomplished restaurants. Chefs who trained in New York, Paris, and Tokyo have set up kitchens in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and surrounding communities. The result is a fine dining scene that offers world-class cuisine with a distinctly South Florida personality, often at prices significantly more reasonable than their Miami counterparts.
Blu' Steakhouse: Hollywood's Crown Jewel
At the forefront of Broward's fine dining evolution stands Blu' Steakhouse, located at 1900 Harrison St in Hollywood. Chef Javi Cano has built a menu that bridges classic American steakhouse tradition with modern luxury. USDA Prime dry-aged steaks form the backbone, with the NY Strip at $65 and Filet Mignon at $55 representing exceptional quality at fair prices. The A5 Japanese Wagyu program elevates the experience further, offering the Wagyu Ribcap at $85, Wagyu Manhattan Cut at $100, and the extraordinary Wagyu Tomahawk at $500. The blue velvet and brass interior, wine cellar, and private dining rooms for 8 to 24 guests create a complete fine dining package.
Fort Lauderdale's Waterfront Fine Dining
Fort Lauderdale contributes several excellent fine dining options to Broward's culinary portfolio. Along the Intracoastal and Las Olas Boulevard, restaurants offer tasting menus and chef-driven experiences with water views. Several newer establishments on Las Olas have earned recognition for their innovative approaches to New American cuisine, incorporating local ingredients and global techniques. The waterfront fine dining scene in Fort Lauderdale tends toward seafood-forward menus, which makes sense given the proximity to the Atlantic. For diners seeking the highest quality proteins, however, a dedicated steakhouse like Blu' Steakhouse remains the benchmark for Broward County's finest cuts.
What Defines Fine Dining in South Florida
South Florida fine dining carries its own character. Unlike the rigid formality of northeastern establishments, the best upscale restaurants in Broward County balance sophistication with warmth. Dress codes lean smart casual rather than jacket-required. Service is attentive but not hovering. Menus celebrate both local ingredients and imported luxuries. At Blu' Steakhouse, this translates to starters like Wagyu Carpaccio at $24 and Truffle Fries at $12 alongside show-stopping entrees. The wine cellar supports serious pairing conversations without pretension. This accessible approach to fine dining has helped Broward County attract diners who might feel intimidated by more formal establishments.
Emerging Fine Dining Neighborhoods
Beyond the established corridors of Las Olas and downtown Hollywood, new fine dining pockets are developing across Broward County. Pompano Beach has seen several upscale openings near its revitalized pier district. Plantation and Weston are attracting chef-driven concepts that serve the western suburbs. Even Dania Beach, traditionally known for antiques and casual seafood, has welcomed more ambitious restaurants. This geographic expansion means fine dining in Broward County is becoming more accessible to residents across the county, not just those living near the coast. The trend suggests that Broward's culinary ambition is still growing and has room to develop further.
Planning Your Fine Dining Experience
To fully appreciate Broward County's best restaurants, plan ahead. Reservations at Blu' Steakhouse can be made by calling 754-260-5189, and weekend tables should be booked at least a week in advance. Consider starting with their Lobster Bisque at $16 or French Onion Soup at $13 before progressing to a premium steak or the Glacier Sea Bass at $45. Explore the wine cellar offerings for a pairing that complements your selections. For the complete Broward fine dining experience, visit different restaurants across multiple evenings to appreciate the range. Each neighborhood brings its own personality, but the standard of quality across the county's best establishments is remarkably consistent.
Ready to Experience Blu' Steakhouse?
Open Wednesday–Saturday from 5 PM. Located at 1900 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020.