The Oceanfront Restaurant Fort Lauderdale Actually Needed
Newcomer Del Mar delivers Mediterranean comfort food, fire pits, and a view that finally lives up to the hype
Del Mar isn’t subtle about what it wants to be. It’s grand, photogenic, and built to impress. You enter through a long hallway lined with flowing curtains before stepping into a dining room that could fit what feels like half of Fort Lauderdale. The indoor space alone can seat almost 500, and it still feels warm anyway. The greenery filling the room helps. So does the lighting.
The Space: It's easy to see why Del Mar is already packed. Mediterranean meets South Florida beach club. Green tile, wicker accents, natural wood. There's even a retractable roof. It's dog-friendly, which feels fitting for Fort Lauderdale.
In standard Ft Lauderdale fashion, there are still plenty of spots to catch the game. Two bars (one inside, one outside) with plenty of TVs playing football games when we arrived, and people actually having a good time. The vibe worked.
Still, the move is the patio. It’s huge - seating another 200ish people- and opens directly to the ocean. One of the few spots on Fort Lauderdale beach that is actually on the beach, located on the east side of US1 vs the west side. The vibe is beachy boho chic, complete with fire pits for the evening and umbrellas for daytime sun coverage.
What to Eat & Drink: The menu is huge, but the stand-outs are clear. You should start with the open fire roasted shellfish platter, a dish that everyone claims is a must-order, and that sentiment is very true. It is a massive spread of South African lobster tail, scallops, and prawns, all perfectly cooked and swimming in this buttery sauce, but be warned that a small order is more than enough for two to three people.
The charred octopus is also worth your time. It carries a heavy hit of smoke from the fire and tastes almost barbecued, served with a bell pepper vinaigrette and a little sweetness from the onions. Another must-try is the loaded hummus with pomegranate-braised lamb, which is layered and balanced with cinnamon and citrus. For the mains, the lobster spaghetti is indulgent without being heavy, and the snapper with roasted garlic and eggplant delivers a clean, bright flavor. Overall the food was really solid - especially given its location and view. The food is nothing groundbreaking, but you'll leave happy.
Don't Miss: The charred octopus, loaded hummus, and lobster spaghetti.
Perfect For: Date night by the water. Happy hour crowds. Big groups who want good food and plenty of space.
Expect to Pay: Around $90 to $120 per person with drinks.
How's the parking? Valet is $20 and is essentially your only option. Be sure to call for your car with plenty of time when you’re ready to leave, as you might find yourself waiting around 30 minutes for it to arrive.
@delmarfortlauderdale // Auberge Beach Residences, 2200 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale