LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA. This waterside restaurant offers Caribbean-inspired seafood dishes in a festive environment, with panoramic views of the Intercoastal Waterway from the elegant Art Deco dining room or from the breezy outdoor dock. Upscale dishes include baked prosciutto wrapped brie, shiitake mushroom crusted halibut with wilted Swiss chard, grilled salmon and crab stuffed portobello, or lump crab and corn roasted grouper. Desserts are extravagant. Try the Icky Sticky Caramel Tart with Chunky Monkey ice cream. Reservations requested.

POMPANO BEACH. Cafe Maxx is known for its exquisite menu of Floridian specialties. The restaurant features a fusion of flavors, each served up with an artistic attitude. Innovative combinations include Norwegian salmon, Florida black grouper, or stuffed veal chops. Some entrées also pack a bit of an accent ­ Hunan BBQ grilled quail (on Asian noodle cake and stir fry vegetable, red chili oil) or crispy yucca-scallion Florida grouper (with vanilla rum butter, sweet mash, asparagus & Parisienne vegetables). Consistently awarded as one of the top restaurants in the region, with excellent service and a great wine list. Upscale casual attire. Reservations highly recommended.

NORTH FORT LAUDERDALE. Delicious Mexican fare is cooked Florida-style and served in a casual diner-like setting. Authentic soft tacos, burritos and salads are made to order with refried beans or with the healthier choice of black beans. Wonderful vegetable sides are available as well as tasty desserts. Dine outside on the patio or inside on a rustic wooden bench. You won't be disappointed!

EAST FORT LAUDERDALE. No question about it, this enchanting waterfront steakhouse exudes luxury. Located in the Hyatt, Grill 66 offers balcony dining that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. The menu offers popular appetizers such as crispy shrimp and calamari, filet mignon carpaccio, and a charcuterie platter. Main course offerings include lobster, crab cakes, veal and lamb chops in case a strip steak, filet mignon or porterhouse doesn't do the trick. Artfully prepared potatoes and green veggies provide a satisfying accompaniments to the meat.

LAS OLAS. Extraordinary food prepared by South Florida's renowned culinary chef Mark Militello. As defined by April Witt of the Miami Herald, the food is "new world fusion and Floribbean and often copied around town." Always fresh and often surprisingly assembled with unexpected ingredients from the garden, the food is never dull. Seafood like the Signature Conch, gourmet pizza, chicken and lamb, unusual breads, savory sauces, and delectable desserts make this restaurant worth trying. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended.