Miami New Times | October 14, 2025
Fort Lauderdale’s sushi game has never been stronger, y’all. What was once a sleepy landscape of mom-and-pop roll joints has transformed into a vibrant, world-class scene — with even ten brand-new openings — where craftsmanship meets coastal cool. The city now boasts an eclectic mix of omakase lounges led by master chefs, Nikkei-style restaurants that marry Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors, and inventive fusion kitchens that push boundaries in ways that feel both elevated and effortlessly fun. From intimate counters where every slice of toro is treated like a work of art to sleek waterfront dining rooms pairing sashimi flights with panoramic ocean views, Fort Lauderdale has become a bona fide destination for sushi lovers.
Whether you’re grabbing a crisp tempura roll between happy hour rounds or settling in for a multi-course omakase with sake pairings, this city has a spot for every craving and occasion. The 11 restaurants featured here, listed alphabetically, represent the pinnacle of Fort Lauderdale’s sushi evolution. Spanning Las Olas Boulevard to nearby Wilton Drive, these kitchens capture the city’s unique blend of global sophistication and laid-back, only-in-Laudy charm. Fort Lauderdale’s sushi scene has officially arrived.
Short for “Sun Surf Sand,” S3 lives up to its name with a sleek beachfront setting inside the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Expect coastal sophistication with a sushi bar that rivals any in the region. Rolls like the Neo Tokyo, featuring spicy bluefin toro and Asian pear, or the A5 Surf & Turf Roll topped with Wagyu beef, highlight the restaurant’s commitment to premium stuff, y’all. 505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-523-7873; s3restaurant.com
