Deerfield Beach knows how to party. And as homegrown watering holes and dive bars leave the Bohemian town’s beachside main drag left and right, Cove Brewery has arrived just west of the Intracoastal bridge. Beyond its staple Paddle Out pilsner and Heat Wave American wheat beer with a citrus kick, the brewery regularly host food truck collabs to complement its brews.

From its story to its tacos, it’s hard to not love Talkin’ Tacos. What started as a pandemic-era food truck started by two buddies in Miami has emerged into a rapidly-growing operation now with six Florida locations. Its Coral Springs outpost has quickly become a local go-to, with its carne asada and bang bang shrimp tacos being top orders.

A little bit of Louisiana has arrived in Pompano Beach thanks to South Bar & Kitchen. Tucked in the town’s “Old Town” area – a stone’s throw from Bailey Contemporary Arts – its vibe is sultry with green velvet booths and gold-trimmed lights. Its fare is equally alluring, like a BLT made with pork belly and the Boudin Balls, croquettes stuffed with cajun roasted pork and topped with pepper jelly.

The likes of T. Swift, the Biebs, and even Barack Obama love Emilio’s Ballato in NYC. The executive chef and partner of that spot, Anthony Vitolo, has opened this Italian gem at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach to much fanfare. Order the Vitello Antonio, a center-cut veal chop that easily feeds two, topped with a hearty vodka sauce, crispy prosciutto, and sweet peas. Life will never be the same.

Chef Ryan Ratino has racked up Michelin stars for Jont and Bresca in D.C. Well, he has another star in its own right on Fort Lauderdale Beach with this wood-fired, Japanese/European-infused spot. Nosh on a foie gras macaron or go big with a 32-ounce dry-aged ribeye topped with a kickin’ peppercorn sauce.

Fun fact: This is the second oldest house in all of Fort Lauderdale (only the Stranahan House is older). This historic Downtown Fort Lauderdale spot tucked on the shores of the New River opened in May 2023 under the helm of chef Aedian Reid. His modern take on classic dishes includes a pita-crusted salmon with tangy dill as well as a shrimp and crab squid ink tagliatelle smothered in roasted tomatoes.

This spot is a welcome, nearby distraction from Las Olas Boulevard’s oversaturation of Italian spots. Boasting an Italian-meets-Mediterranean menu, its five-course tasting menu dazzles with homemade tortelli, a curry-dashed grouper, and duck along the way.

The food scene in Hallandale Beach is heating up. Case-and-point, this Argentine restaurant is made of shipping containers. The fare at KAO Bar and Grill is as colorful as its vibe, with murals by artist Falopapas and dishes spanning Patagonian lamb to a 12-ounce grilled branzino.