Asian fusion is Fort Lauderdale food, and anyone here will tell you that. Since the culinary revolution began, chefs have blended traditions across the Atlantic Coast. As a result, dozens of restaurants now marry flavors from Tokyo to Bangkok with local flair. It’s exhilarating, but it means Fort Lauderdale has become a must-visit city for sushi tacos and kimchi burgers, and we’re thrilled about it.
China lui restaurant
$ | (954) 523-0066 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a cozy corner of Fort Lauderdale, China lui restaurant quietly and modestly serves the best Filipino food in the entire city. The place is so crammed to the gills with the warm aroma of Filipino spices and the friendly chatter of regulars, you almost miss the modest little counter where the owner greets everyone.
Order the must-try fried chicken or the weekend-only ihaw ihaw (bbq) and watch as generous portions of perfectly seasoned dishes are served with steaming fried rice and clear explanations of each Filipino specialty. The best part is this little slice of culinary heaven costs only about $12-15 per dish, cash, so maybe order the chicken adobo, salmon sinigang, and that praised Mongolian beef all at once.
Temple Street Eatery
$ | (754) 701-0976 | WEBSITE
From the folks slurping up ramen broth to the boba pearls dancing in their cups, everyone is digging in at Temple Street Eatery, an Asian fusion spot in Fort Lauderdale. Fusion dishes including pork dumplings and shrimp dumplings are blended with Asian flavors like miso, ginger, chili, and soy.
Dining here feels like wandering through a funky hawker market, where the food counters showcase street-style eats, and everyone is grabbing small plates and ramen bowls like culinary explorers while eagerly snapping photos of the beautifully presented dishes. It may be a little unconventional, but who cares? The food is really, really good.
Sushi Sake
$$ | (954) 870-7337 | WEBSITE
One of the only places where you can get hand-rolled fusion sushi is Sushi Sake in Fort Lauderdale. The modern, casual restaurant serves creative rolls and dishes with your choice of traditional ingredients—the standard tuna and salmon at nearly every sushi spot—or Sushi Sake’s specialty Latin-inspired creations. Plates arrive mere seconds after ordering. The subtle, seared scallop in the Marlin roll tastes light and airy, and the silky soft hamachi is built for savoring.
We suggest getting the Hamachi Roll with a spicy kick if you want to try something with heat, or choose your own fusion adventure with the Calle Ocho.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (954) 565-5877 | WEBSITE
Part of a national chain for years, P.F. Chang’s is one of the reliable Asian fusion spots in Fort Lauderdale. The kitchen is still turning out consistent Chinese-inspired dishes. While it may feel familiar, and it may take a moment for your order to be taken, the experience is satisfying. The warm and authentic dining room holds a treasure trove of popular orange chicken, flavorful shrimp lomen, and hot and sour soup with just the right kick.
Everything arrives carefully presented, as though the staff wants to make your night out special. Settle in for dinner and you’ll see families celebrating right alongside couples on dates, as though you’ve found the go-to spot for any occasion. P.F. Chang’s does feel crafted for a broad audience, but that’s one of the many reasons why it works.
Bombay Darbar Indian Restaurant
$$ | (954) 990-7222 | WEBSITE
Any restaurant that greets you with the warm aroma of fresh-baked naan and the glow of massive chandeliers knows how to set the mood, which makes Bombay Darbar the dinner destination in Fort Lauderdale. The specialty here is tandoori chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, which gets served sizzling hot from the clay oven, hence why the aromas fill the air.
The upscale spot loads up the platter with charred chicken, grilled onions, and lemon wedges, which diners then tear with fluffy naan and dunk into, you guessed it, creamy butter chicken sauce.
Bangkok Bistro Thai & Sushi
$$ | (954) 908-5865 | WEBSITE
Bangkok Bistro Thai & Sushi is all about bold and generous Thai flavors. Get the spicy sausage fried rice, piled high with heat and savory sausage, or try the pad see ew, a comforting stir-fry with wide noodles and tender meat. You expect the dishes to overwhelm you, but they just sort of warmly embrace you, like diving into a flavorful hug. Everything is hearty, yet balanced, served up with fresh ingredients from owners Bob and Kate. We could probably eat here every day.
S3 (Sun Surf Sand)
$$$ | (954) 523-7873 | WEBSITE
One thing is certain: S3 has the oceanfront vote. There are usually diners marveling at breathtaking views over fresh, innovative plates of dragon rolls and unwrapped tuna tataki. Everything is impressively fresh, like carefully prepared works of art. The dishes are tender and complex with Ora King salmon and quinoa, and shibuya tempura rolls. This culinary wonder is conveniently disguised as a beachfront restaurant, and we’re happy to be in the know.
Christina Wan’s
$$ | (954) 527-0228 | WEBSITE
Christina Wan’s is a reliable Chinese restaurant in Broward County that’s earned its reputation thanks to one standout: the signature sauce that diners try to replicate at home. The rich, savory sauce coats every dish—and it’s worth building your entire meal around. Order the generous Sunset Dinner Menu with its hot soups and crispy egg rolls, but make sure not to leave without tasting that unforgettable sauce.
Yumbo Poke
$ | (954) 870-5633 | WEBSITE
The first bite of a poke bowl at Yumbo Poke changes you, and so does the second—just go with it. The fresh, vibrant fish is so tender and flavorful, with a perfect texture and a clean taste that shines wonderfully. Every inch of the bowl is generously topped with crisp vegetables and savory sauces, and the signature Salmon Breeze is bright with ginger. So if you’re around Fort Lauderdale and need to grab a quick lunch, get a poke bowl at Yumbo.
Ilios
$$ | (954) 414-2222 | WEBSITE
If you only have 15 minutes for breakfast, you can rely on Ilios. The Fort Lauderdale location is the type of place you go to eat breakfast alone in peace. Ocean views stretch out softly through the windows in this beautifully lit restaurant. The food comes out pleasantly quick. Waitresses like Twanna will talk to you (just enough). The food may not dazzle you like some of the other places on this list, but it’s satisfying. Plus, Ilios offers a lovely atmosphere for a meal.
Red Door Asian Bistro & Hibachi
$$ | (954) 870-7090 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a prime spot on Las Olas is Red Door Asian Bistro & Hibachi, a restaurant specializing in Asian fusion. Even better than the consistently delicious mix of happy hour items and main courses happening here is sitting at the outdoor front deck and watching the lively downtown scene materialize right in front of you.
Hibachi grills get fired up by the talented chef Sean, layered with fresh fish and sushi rolls, and the food sizzles until the flavors get rich and complex, transforming into a better-than-any-Hibachi meal. Ah, the magic of dining alchemy.
Bōl Hollywood
$$ | (954) 585-5104 | WEBSITE
The go-to spot for Asian fusion in Fort Lauderdale is Bōl Hollywood at the Hard Rock. It’s a destination. It’s our collective pre-concert ritual. The seating may be a little standard, and the service slightly brisk, but the food is really f*cking good. The chicken wings are crispy, the house fried rice is smoky, and the Vietnamese spring rolls are some kind of magical, fresh, vibrant creation that does things that normal appetizers don’t do.
Bōl is usually pretty busy before shows, and it’s always slammed with take-out orders. But despite all the hustle, the food comes out fast, hot, and bursting with flavor, especially the entrees (but you should definitely order the fried rice).
KUBO Asian fusion and bar -Ft. lauderdale
$$ | (954) 533-9017 | WEBSITE
The only thing more vibrant than the menu at KUBO is the atmosphere, which is a sleek blend of industrial concrete walls, warm Edison bulb lighting, and minimalist bamboo accents that feel straight out of a Tokyo alleyway. We’re not sure who dreamed up this space, but we’re completely charmed by it. Order the crispy tuna or chicken katsu curry and soak it all in.
Casa Sensei
$$$ | (954) 530-4176 | WEBSITE
Casa Sensei in Fort Lauderdale is a reliable destination for a memorable dinner, essentially South Florida’s take on an upscale Asian fusion spot. It’s the kind of polished, waterfront establishment you instantly appreciate and feel relaxed in. All the dishes, from the fresh sushi to the octopus, are excellent, and everything arrives with attentive service and thoughtful presentation.
One item you’ll probably notice on many tables is the playful Kimchi butter popcorn, a generous bowl of savory-snack perfection that comes with extra seasoning for dipping. While it’s fun to share, you can also devour a bowl solo if you have some cravings to satisfy. You should also try the cotton candy—a whimsical finale of airy sugar spun into colorful clouds.