In search of a new favorite Italian spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end Italian restaurants around Fort Lauderdale, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs.
1. Timpano Italian Chophouse
Topping the list is Timpano Italian Chophouse. Located downtown at 450 E. Las Olas Blvd., the steakhouse and cocktail bar is the highest-rated upscale Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, boasting four stars out of 411 reviews on Yelp.
As we previously reported, this popular haunt showcases live music from local artists and offers traditional Italian fare like lobster ravioli served with spinach and tomato concasse; meatball Bolognese prepared with veal and pancetta meatballs, slow-cooked tomato sauce and Italian cheese; and pan-seared chicken or veal piccata served with caper berries and white wine butter.
2. Casa D'Angelo Ristorante
Next up is Casa D'Angelo Ristorante, situated at 1201 N. Federal Highway in Lake Ridge. With four stars out of 313 reviews on Yelp, this joint has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge.
Get ready for Lasagnette Angelo, fresh pasta layers, Bolognese sauce, béchamel and mozzarella; porcini mushrooms served with fresh tomato sauce, basil and truffle cremolata; and grilled jumbo prawns served with arugula and tomato salad.
3. Cafe Vico
Nearby you'll find Cafe Vico, located at 1125 N. Federal Highway. Yelpers give the restaurant four stars out of 307 reviews.
This spot features a piano bar plus a dinner menu that epitomizes old-school Italian with items like veal scallopini, boneless chicken Marsala, seafood risotto, veal chop Milanese, veal Parmesan and Italiano pork chops.
4. Scolapasta Bistro
Scolapasta Bistro, a wine bar with eats on Galt Mile, is another much-loved, pricey go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 91 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3358 N.E. 33rd St. to see for yourself.
On the menu, look for cured meats like prosciutto di parma and wild boar salami served with fancy Italian cheeses like Gorgonzola dolce and fontina. The kitchen features a polenta board and serves entrées like organic fettuccine primavera with seasonal vegetables and pesto; cavatelli with grass-fed beef Bolognese; and lamb shank risotto braised in red wine tomato reduction.
5. Serafina Italian Restaurant & Waterfront Bistro
Over in Victoria Park, check out Serafina Italian Restaurant & Waterfront Bistro, which has earned four stars out of 225 reviews on Yelp. Treat yourself to high-end seafood and Italian fare by heading to 926 N.E. 20th Ave.
The menu here features classic Italian cuisine like linguini piscatore al cartoccio sautéed with slow-cooked clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp and calamari in a light tomato fish stock; pappardelle al Bolognese served with mixed meat ragu; and lasagna layered with fresh ricotta, ground beef and tomato basil sauce.
