The restaurant scene in South Florida is constantly evolving. It’s fairly common for your favorite spot to be here today and gone tomorrow! Once such place that has been a hotbed of restaurant turnover is Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. But as quickly as one place shuts, another is lined up to take its place.
Red Door Asian Bistro will be opening April 23rd in the spot formerly occupied by Johnny V at 625 E. Las Olas. Red Door shares ownership with Asian-fusion restaurants located in the tony Hamptons and Long Island. The menu will feature Japanese, Thai, and Chinese as well as hibachi.
The old Whiskey Jack’s will be the new home of The Balcony which will bring a taste of the Big Easy to 1309 E. Las Olas when they open up this spring. The two-story New Orleans themed eatery is owned by former Miami Dolphin Kim Bokamper and will feature rooftop seating.
Del Frisco’s Grille, which used to have a location on Palm Beach island, is set to open in November at 501 E. Las Olas. Del Frisco’s is known for it’s American and steakhouse fare… but one has to wonder if they weren’t successful in Palm Beach, will they make it on Las Olas?
Sushi Shack brings sushi (doh!), sashimi, and saki to 1301 E. Las Olas later this fall. If that address rings a bell, it should. It was the former home of Fork & Balls – the meatball concept restaurant that everyone flocked to but apparently stopped going to after the balls of meat fad quickly came and went. Meatball Room in Boca Raton also suffered the same fate.
Add another Italian restaurant to the Boulevard later this year when Talento opens its doors at 1307 E. Las Olas right down the street from the wildly popular Louie Bossi Ristorante Bar and Pizzeria. Talento is set to offer homemade pasta, bread, and desserts as well as a selection of cured meats imported from Italy.
You’ll have to wait until 2019 if you’re craving European fast-casual, as that’s when Vapiano is set to open at 715 E. Las Olas where you’ll be able to grab a made-to-order pizza, panini or salad.
These new openings follow the successful relaunch of the popular Mangos, the grand opening of El Camino Mexican Restaurant which has been an incredible success on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, and The Boathouse, a restaurant located inside the Riverside Hotel.