The 2 Best Dinner Tours in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is known for its scenic waterways, lively nightlife, and an eclectic mix of restaurants that reflect its rich cultural blend. When it comes to dining experiences, the city shines with options designed for those eager to sample local flavors while exploring its vibrant streets. Whether you prefer a relaxed walk with tastings or a spirited bar crawl with drinks included, Fort Lauderdale offers memorable ways to enjoy dinner beyond just sitting down at a restaurant. These tours blend culinary discovery with storytelling, making them ideal for travelers who want to eat well and learn about the city’s character.
In this guide, we highlight the best dinner tours in Fort Lauderdale. We’ve chosen options that stand out for their quality, uniqueness, and value, whether you’re after a cultural walk along Las Olas or an evening of drinks and bites in the downtown area. Read on to find the best fit for your evening plans.
Quick Overview of Fort Lauderdale Dinner Tours
The list below features two top-rated dinner tours. The first is a walking food and drinks tour on Las Olas Boulevard, emphasizing local cuisine, art, and neighborhood charm. The second is a craft cocktail and food tasting tour, perfect for those who want a lively night exploring Fort Lauderdale’s bar scene. Both tours include enough food and drinks to satisfy a proper dinner, making them convenient and fun options for a night out.
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour
At number one, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour offers an immersive walk through the city’s most dynamic neighborhood. This tour showcases local, inspired cuisine with tastings that highlight South Florida’s fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s designed to give you a taste of the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and spontaneous vibe.
Over approximately 2.5 hours, you’ll visit several stops along Las Olas Boulevard, a street whose name means “The Waves” in Spanish. The tour starts at SALT7500 E Las Olas Blvd and ends at Even Keel Las Olas, with multiple delicious stops in between. Each venue is carefully selected to reflect the best of local offerings. As you stroll, your guide shares stories about the area’s history and its thriving dining scene. The tour includes stops at popular spots like El Camino, renowned for its creative dishes, and features tastings that range from sliders to seafood.
Guests consistently appreciate the personalized experience, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and quality of food. One reviewer shared, “Anthony was incredibly friendly and made us feel like locals. The food and drinks were fantastic, and the atmosphere was lively.” For around $114, this tour provides a relaxed way to enjoy local culture, food, and drinks without the hassle of planning.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for food lovers who want an authentic neighborhood experience coupled with excellent tastings and storytelling. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy walking, local ambiance, and an intimate setting.
2. Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour
Ranking second, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour offers a lively, social experience focused on exploring craft bars and hidden local restaurants. Priced at $109 per person, this tour covers about 2.5 hours of fun, with enough food for a full dinner plus three alcoholic beverages included.
This tour is great for travelers who want to combine eating and drinking in a single evening. You’ll meet your guide downtown and visit several carefully selected venues with a mix of craft cocktails, local brews, and tasty bites. The emphasis is on small, personalized venues that offer an authentic taste of Fort Lauderdale’s bar scene. The tour is designed for socializing, making it perfect for meeting new friends while enjoying the city’s best drinks and bites.
Although it’s a shorter tour, the inclusion of three alcoholic beverages ensures a satisfying experience. Reviewers highlight the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to discover Fort Lauderdale’s bar culture. One said, “It’s a fun way to experience the city’s nightlife and meet new people—all while eating well.”
Bottom line: If you prefer a more spirited night with drinks included, this tour fits the bill, especially for those who enjoy craft cocktails and a social vibe. It’s ideal for solo travelers or small groups wanting an energetic evening.
How to Choose Your Perfect Dinner Tour
When deciding between these two options, consider your budget, interests, and preferred pace. If you love walking through neighborhoods, tasting local dishes, and learning about Fort Lauderdale’s culture, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour offers a memorable, relaxed experience. For a more lively, drinks-focused evening that includes enough food for dinner, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour provides a great social outing.
Think about timing as well—both tours typically run in the evening, but checking availability and booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. For those who enjoy a walk combined with tastings, the first tour is ideal. If mingling over drinks and bites at multiple bars appeals more, the second is a perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
Fort Lauderdale’s dinner tours offer a wonderful way to experience the city’s culinary scene without the stress of planning individual reservations. The Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour is perfect for those who love a relaxed walk with tastings, while the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour caters to travelers seeking a lively, social evening with enough food and drinks to satisfy a full dinner.
For travelers on a budget or those craving a deeper dive into local flavors, the first tour provides excellent value with its focus on neighborhood charm and authentic bites. For those looking for a more energetic, bar-hopping experience, the second offers a lively, drink-inclusive option that makes for an engaging night out.
Booking early is always wise, especially during busy seasons. Whichever you choose, these tours promise an enjoyable way to sample Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant dining scene while making new friends and creating memorable moments.