Picture this: You’re at a sun-drenched patio table, just spacious enough for your key lime pie observations. No highway hum interrupts your crucial assessment of stone crab claws. Instead of humidity, chilled mojitos course through your veins. Instead of strip malls, only other satisfied diners dot the landscape. Are you in some coastal fantasy? No. You’re right here in Pembroke Pines, at one of these twenty exceptional spots.
McDonald’s
$ | (954) 432-5150 | WEBSITE
McDonald’s is a classic fast food spot where we’ve historically enjoyed crispy fries fresh from the fryer. Bring a few friends to this renovated store’s counter to try the Mocha Frappe, a sweet blended drink that some regulars say has changed over time. The young staff member who greeted us and brought our drink while our food was being prepared showed excellent energy and efficiency, keeping things moving even during a busy Friday evening when the drive-thru line was long.
While it may not be a top recommendation for every item, the wheelchair-accessible location helps you grab those fries that are best consumed immediately.
Cebiche-Bar
$$ | (954) 433-7003 | WEBSITE
This Pembroke Pines spot is all about authentic Peruvian flavors. Meaning their standout ceviche comes in generous portions with incredibly fresh seafood, and their signature passion fruit sangria is a must-try. Each visit delivers outstanding service from the cheerful, welcoming staff who expertly guide you through the authentic dishes.
Plus, while enjoying the nice, quiet atmosphere, you can savor things like perfectly balanced ceviche, traditional Peruvian plates, and that incredible sangria—all at an excellent price that makes every bite worth it.
Outback Steakhouse
$$ | (954) 981-5300 | WEBSITE
Steak in the middle of Pembroke Pines sounds like the kind of reliable dinner we all crave after a long day. And, if you’re on Pines Blvd, Outback Steakhouse is where you should settle in. They serve consistently hot, delicious food, along with kid-friendly options and dishes you can enjoy together. Come for a family meal or stop by for a lively night out and order something extra spicy from the bar.
Denny’s
$ | (954) 432-8900 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for somewhere with lots of space for a weekend meal in Pembroke Pines, Denny’s indoor setup is a great option. While the signature Grand Slam breakfast here is enjoyable (especially for around $10), our favorite dishes at this spot are the fluffy pancakes with maple syrup and the hearty omelets served with hash browns.
Patria Boricua
$ | (954) 999-6839 | WEBSITE
Patria Boricua’s dining room feels like a cozy family kitchen with warm lighting and about ten or so tables. During busy evenings, though, this beloved Puerto Rican spot fills every seat right in the heart of Pembroke Pines. Patria Boricua’s authentic Puerto Rican food – like generous mofongo, queso frito with fresh guava sauce, and creamy Nutella desserts that any sweet tooth would fall for – make it one of the best restaurants in the city.
China Pavilion (Chifa Lung Wha)
$$ | (954) 431-2299 | WEBSITE
If you like the idea of eating authentic Peruvian-Chinese fusion, indulging in fresh dim sum, and ending the meal with hot tea in the middle of Pembroke Pines, have lunch at China Pavilion. A general rule of thumb while you’re dining at this classic Chifa spot is to order whatever the dim sum specials are that day, the Tallarin con Pollo en Trozo, and a fresh and simple Arroz Chaufa de Pollo. We’d also recommend going out on a limb and trying any of the daily vegetarian options.
TGI Fridays
$$ | (954) 436-4716 | WEBSITE
This Pembroke Pines restaurant on the corner of a bustling shopping plaza benefits from not just a family-friendly menu but a genuinely warm atmosphere, making it possibly the most reliably welcoming spot in the entire area. Every visit, you can settle into a comfortable booth in the middle of the dining room and enjoy plates of flavorful ribs and shrimp or the famous Cajun shrimp pasta served just right and really hot.
Plus, they feature attentive staff like Alison who know their stuff and a manager, Adrian, who adds a personal touch by thanking customers. Also important: all of their signature drinks like the hurricane are currently strong and effective. We’re not kidding.
Seoul Chikin (Korean Fried Chicken)
$ | WEBSITE
While Seoul Chikin isn’t currently serving their full menu like they typically do, you can still get their excellent Korean fried chicken until 10pm every day. That, and the little peach kimchi that comes with the rest of your banchan.
C C Chinese Cooking
$ | (954) 985-1010 | WEBSITE
At C C Chinese Cooking, you’ll find Chinese dishes like bourbon chicken, egg rolls, and about a dozen other tasty options. Stop by their take-out counter on a weeknight when there’s absolutely no line, and grab some hot and fresh meals while you’re at it.
Cali Coffee
$ | (754) 232-1109 | WEBSITE
If you’re in the business of finding a drive-thru that feels like family, consider Cali Coffee. They serve things like the Blondie, frozen Cosmo, and smooth espresso, all with lightning-fast service and friendly baristas who take the time to chat.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (954) 433-7272 | WEBSITE
Pulling up to this Pembroke Pines spot’s convenient, well-lit parking lot will only feel more satisfying with the ease of quick pick-up on busy nights. The Stuff Crust pizza is all but essential, and we also like the classic Pepperoni pizza that melts in your mouth like the first slice you ever tried as a kid. No matter what you decide to order, get a side of those tasty BBQ wings.
Rice Mediterranean Kitchen
$ | (305) 944-4899 | WEBSITE
Rice Mediterranean Kitchen serves the best Mediterranean food in Pembroke Pines. Even when the service feels a bit scattered and the wait times stretch longer than you’d like, digging into a fresh bowl, a crisp salad with that amazing dressing, and a cool drink here provides the comfort of a familiar favorite or a reliable escape. If you want to ensure a smooth visit during peak hours, consider ordering the simpler, assembled-in-front-of-you options and maybe calling ahead.
Mezes Greek Taverna
$$ | (954) 430-1725 | WEBSITE
The Pembroke Pines location of this Greek taverna is open for indoor dining for lunch and dinner. Stop by for dishes like lamb chops, shrimps saganaki, and our personal favorite, lemon chicken. For $18, you get a generous portion with meat that tastes like it’s been marinated in citrus and herbs, and for another $6, you can and should add a side of traditional Greek salad with calamari. If you’re looking for somewhere to bring your whole family for a festive dinner, this is the place.
Los Verdes Pembroke Pines
$ | (954) 589-0816 | WEBSITE
Food enthusiasts, please formally introduce yourself to Los Verdes Pembroke Pines, a cozy spot in Pembroke Pines with a huge selection of satisfying meals. A lot of people come here for quick, hearty dinners, so you’ll notice people ordering everything from the Cachapa to the BBQ burger to the arepa with beef and chicharrones, all noted for their amazing flavor and generous portions.
But, when you’re in the mood for something special, they serve up those arepas with chicharrones you can enjoy sitting at one of their simple wooden tables in the warm, inviting dining room.
Piacere Wood Fired Pizza Pines
$ | (954) 404-9070 | WEBSITE
Pembroke Pines has plenty of pizza places with quick delivery and convenient locations (most of which offer decent options for a casual meal), but very few of them work for a cozy dinner with a date you want to impress, or for a fun night out with friends. Piacere Wood Fired Pizza Pines – a spot we’ve been recommending for years – is an exception.
We like starting our meals here with garlic bread and margherita pizza, and then ordering the personal pan Hawaiian pizza, as well as lasagna served in a bread bowl. Dining in the super cute atmosphere is advised as well, so try some Nutella pizza or a drink (we especially like the friendly service and helpful staff).
JERSEYS Wings Sports Bar & Grill Pembroke Pines
$$ | (954) 450-2133 | WEBSITE
JERSEYS Wings Sports Bar & Grill is the sort of place where the game always seems to be on and wings make little sense without an accompanying basket of curly fries. The sports bar menu here has everything from buffalo shrimp and burgers to fish sliders and boneless wings. They stay open for casual dining until late and you can call ahead to check on the daily lunch specials.
Diced- Pembroke Pines
$ | (954) 419-5950 | WEBSITE
It’s possible you know Diced as the spot where you grabbed a quick lunch while running errands at the Pembroke Pines shopping center. In addition to their signature bowls, they’ve been serving a fresh selection of salads and wraps with perfectly seasoned proteins. This is a good option if you’re looking for a weekday place in the neighborhood with a clean, inviting space to eat. During peak hours, they keep their Chipotle-like counter flowing smoothly.
Think healthy fast-casual, but with groups of fitness enthusiasts and office workers grabbing nourishing meals.
La Granja Pembroke Pines East
$ | (954) 447-9661 | WEBSITE
As much as we have enjoyed the lively Latin American spots around town, we also suggest experiencing this cuisine without the usual bustling crowds and loud music. Like La Granja Pembroke Pines East, this restaurant has the benefit of a comfortable atmosphere, where the whole space feels like a cozy dining room with warm lighting and simple decor.
Uchutacos Peruvian Craft Tacos
$ | (954) 789-5157 | WEBSITE
This Pembroke Pines spot makes exceptional Peruvian craft tacos, along with a ton of other fresh, flavorful dishes that are perfect for a big, casual family meal. Dipping Uchutacos’ homemade chips into their exceptional salsa tastes like summer decided to throw itself a fiesta. So we recommend coming during their weekday lunch rush, and loading up on tacos like the Mahi Mahi and Octopus varieties, and lucuma tiramisu laden with creamy sweetness and satisfying texture.
Nori Tori Japanese Buffet
$$ | (954) 538-9696 | WEBSITE
This Japanese buffet serves everything from clearly labeled sushi rolls and standout coconut shrimp to make-to-order stir fry and impressively varied seafood. Which is just another way of saying you can rely on Nori Tori for a full family dinner or just stop by for a casual lunch. In addition to their kid-friendly section inside, Nori Tori also has a relaxed atmosphere that’s best described as clean and attentive.
They even keep everything replenished and provide wheelchair accessibility throughout.