Unearth The Voyage
Hollywood, Florida is more than just beautiful beaches and sunny skies, it’s a food lover’s paradise waiting to be explored. From fresh-caught stone crabs to perfectly grilled steaks and flavors from around the world, this coastal city serves up something delicious for every craving. Whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite spot or a visitor wanting to taste the real Hollywood, these restaurants will show you exactly where the best bites are hiding.
1. GG’s Waterfront — Upscale seafood right on the Intracoastal (great brunch & happy hour)
Waterside dining reaches new heights at this elegant restaurant where the Intracoastal views rival the incredible seafood on your plate. Floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating put you right next to the shimmering water, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
Their chilled seafood tower is a showstopper—piled high with oysters, shrimp, and crab that tastes like it was pulled from the ocean moments ago. The lobster tail is butter-poached to perfection, tender and sweet in every bite. Weekend brunch draws crowds for good reason, and happy hour offers quality dishes at prices that won’t sink your budget.
Smart-casual attire fits the vibe perfectly here.
2. Billy’s Stone Crab — Iconic for Florida stone crab (own fishery; market + dining)
Few restaurants can claim they catch what they serve, but Billy’s owns its own stone crab fishery, guaranteeing the freshest claws in South Florida. Walking into this local institution feels like stepping into a piece of Florida history—generations of families have cracked crab claws at these tables.
Order the stone crab claws served chilled with tangy mustard sauce, and you’ll understand why people drive from counties away just for a taste. Each claw is meaty, sweet, and worth every messy finger. Save room for their legendary Key lime pie—tart, creamy, and topped with real whipped cream.
The attached market lets you take premium seafood home too.
3. Sardelli’s Italian Steakhouse — White-tablecloth Italian & steaks in a sleek townhouse setting
Romance and refined dining come together in this beautifully restored townhouse where every detail whispers sophistication. Candlelit tables, crisp white linens, and attentive service create an atmosphere perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or any night you want to feel fancy.
The menu marries classic Italian recipes with prime cuts of beef—think tender filet mignon alongside house-made pasta that melts on your tongue. Wine pairings are spot-on, and the sommelier genuinely loves helping you find the perfect bottle. Reservations fill up fast, especially on weekends, so plan ahead.
Smart-casual dress shows respect for the elegant setting and enhances your experience.
4. JWB Prime Steak & Seafood (Margaritaville Resort) — Laid-back luxe steaks, raw bar, and a strong wine list
Luxury doesn’t have to mean stuffy, and this resort steakhouse proves it with a relaxed elegance that feels uniquely South Florida. Just steps from the Broadwalk, it combines serious culinary chops with a breezy coastal attitude that puts everyone at ease.
Prime steaks are aged to perfection and seared with a crust that crackles under your knife, while the raw bar showcases oysters and shellfish so fresh they taste like the ocean. The wine list runs deep, offering both familiar favorites and interesting discoveries. Portions are generous without being overwhelming.
It’s fancy enough for a celebration but comfortable enough that you won’t feel out of place in nice resort wear.
5. LandShark Bar & Grill (Margaritaville Resort) — Casual, beachy spot for burgers, tacos, and drinks
Flip-flops, sandy toes, and ocean breezes—this is beach dining at its most carefree and delicious. Perched where you can practically feel the spray from the waves, LandShark captures that perfect vacation vibe even if you’re just escaping for lunch.
Juicy burgers stacked high with toppings, fish tacos bursting with flavor, and tropical drinks that taste like sunshine keep the menu fun and satisfying. Nothing here is trying too hard; it’s just good food served with a smile and a view that makes everything taste better. Families love it for the relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids.
Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe stay for one more margarita while watching the sunset.
6. Taco Beach Shack — Open-air taco garden near the beach; house-made shells and signature hot sauces
Hidden like a delicious secret, this open-air garden transforms taco night into a tropical adventure. String lights twinkle overhead, plants surround your table, and the smell of fresh-made tortillas fills the air with an irresistible invitation.
House-made shells give every taco a foundation that’s crispy, warm, and way better than anything from a box. Korean short-rib tacos blend sweet, spicy, and savory in ways that’ll make your taste buds dance, while lobster tacos feel fancy without the uptight attitude. Their signature hot sauces range from mild to “are you sure?” levels of heat.
Casual, colorful, and completely unique, it’s worth the hunt to find this gem.
7. The Tipsy Boar — Downtown gastropub with 40 rotating taps and creative comfort food
Craft beer lovers practically make pilgrimages to this downtown hotspot where 40 rotating taps promise something new with every visit. Exposed brick, communal tables, and a buzz of conversation create energy that makes solo diners and big groups equally welcome.
The menu takes comfort food seriously—think gourmet takes on mac and cheese, burgers that require two hands, and loaded fries that could be a meal themselves. Chefs aren’t afraid to experiment, so you’ll find unexpected flavor combinations that somehow just work. Beer pairings are thoughtfully suggested, and the staff actually knows their hops from their lagers.
Perfect for game day, date night, or just Tuesday when you need good food and better beer.
8. Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine — Cozy, family-run Indonesian; order beef rendang or nasi goreng
Authentic Indonesian flavors are rare treasures in South Florida, making this family-run gem a passport to Southeast Asia without the airfare. Warm hospitality greets you at the door, and the aromatic spices transport you before you even take a bite.
Beef rendang is the star—meat so tender it falls apart, simmered for hours in coconut milk and a complex blend of spices that layer flavor upon flavor. Nasi goreng, the beloved Indonesian fried rice, arrives fragrant and satisfying with a perfectly fried egg on top. Portions are generous, and prices are gentle on your wallet.
It’s the kind of place where the owners remember your name and your favorite dish after just one visit.
9. Oaxaka (Mexican + Asian Fusion) — Fun mash-up (bowls, tacos, sushi-inspired bites) in Downtown Hollywood
When Mexican meets Asian, magic happens—at least that’s the delicious theory this downtown fusion spot proves with every creative dish. Bold colors, modern design, and an adventurous menu attract diners ready to try something completely different.
Bowls combine rice, fresh vegetables, and proteins with sauces that borrow from both culinary traditions, creating flavor profiles that surprise and satisfy. Tacos get unexpected fillings inspired by Asian street food, while sushi-inspired bites add raw fish to the mix in creative ways. Everything feels playful and experimental without sacrificing actual taste.
Vegetarians and meat-lovers both find plenty to love here. It’s proof that breaking the rules in the kitchen can lead to seriously tasty results.
10. Go Gai — Casual Thai street-food staples (Bangkok hot chicken sandwiches, khao soi) on Hollywood Blvd
Street food from Bangkok comes to Hollywood Boulevard with all the bold, spicy, tangy flavors that make Thai cuisine so addictive. The vibe is fast-casual and friendly—order at the counter, grab a seat, and prepare for a flavor explosion.
Bangkok hot chicken sandwiches bring serious heat balanced with cooling slaw, all tucked into a soft bun that barely contains the juicy, crispy chicken. Khao soi, the northern Thai curry noodle soup, arrives steaming with tender meat, crispy noodles on top, and a broth so complex you’ll be sipping every last drop. Spice levels are customizable, but don’t be shy—authentic Thai heat is part of the experience.
Quick, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
11. Kuro (Seminole Hard Rock) — Modern Japanese with pristine sushi, wagyu, & charcoal-grilled plates
Special occasions deserve spectacular settings, and Kuro delivers with sleek Japanese design and cuisine that borders on art. Everything from the plating to the presentation shows a reverence for ingredients and technique that serious food lovers appreciate.
Sushi is pristine—each piece showcases fish so fresh it practically shimmers, with rice seasoned to perfection and balanced flavor in every bite. Wagyu beef melts on your tongue with rich, buttery flavor, while charcoal-grilled plates add smoky depth to seafood and vegetables. The chef’s omakase tasting menu is worth every penny for those ready to splurge.
Reservations are smart, and dressing up adds to the refined experience. It’s expensive, yes, but worth it for meals you’ll remember.
12. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood (Seminole Hard Rock) — Prime steaks, in-house butcher & dry-aging room
Not many steakhouses can walk you past their dry-aging room where your dinner is literally hanging and developing flavor, but Council Oak isn’t like other steakhouses. The in-house butcher program means ultimate control over quality, aging, and cuts—serious carnivores notice the difference immediately.
Prime steaks arrive perfectly cooked with a caramelized crust and tender, juicy interiors that need little more than salt and butter. Seafood options balance the menu beautifully, and sides like creamed spinach and loaded potatoes are hearty enough to share. The wine list runs impressively deep, with knowledgeable sommeliers ready to guide your selection.
Prices reflect the premium quality, making this a celebration-worthy destination where every bite justifies the splurge.
13. Diplomat Prime (The Diplomat Beach Resort) — Boutique steakhouse; recently refreshed; premium cuts & seafood
Boutique elegance meets beachside luxury at this recently refreshed steakhouse where every detail has been reconsidered and elevated. The intimate space feels both sophisticated and welcoming, with ocean breezes reminding you that you’re dining in paradise.
Premium cuts are sourced with care and cooked with precision—whether you prefer your ribeye rare or your filet medium, it arrives exactly as ordered. Seafood selections complement the beef beautifully, offering lighter options without sacrificing flavor or quality. The refreshed menu and decor breathe new life into this resort classic, attracting both longtime fans and curious newcomers.
Service is polished but never pretentious. It’s the kind of meal that makes any night feel like a special occasion worth celebrating.
