11 Must-Try Restaurants In Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood, Florida, might be smaller than its California namesake, but it packs just as much flavor.
Here you can dig into tender lobster at a breezy dockside eatery, share a piping-hot pie at a neighborhood pizza joint, or discover a hole-in-the-wall serving flavors you’ll dream about long after you leave.
These 11 restaurants prove that this laid-back beach town knows how to satisfy every appetite.
1. Sardelli’s Italian Steakhouse
Family-owned since 2012, this four-story steakhouse feels like dining in someone’s elegant home. The kitchen crafts homemade pasta alongside premium cuts of beef that practically melt in your mouth.
The wine cellar boasts over 600 selections, making it a perfect spot for special occasions. Reservations are absolutely necessary, as locals book this gem weeks in advance.
2. Le Tub
Housed in a former gas station with quirky bathtub decorations, Le Tub serves what GQ once named the best burger in America.
The waterfront setting along the Intracoastal adds to its unique charm. Don’t come in a hurry – service moves at a relaxed Florida pace.
The outdoor seating area offers prime views of passing yachts while you wait for your perfectly charred burger topped with Swiss cheese.
3. Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant & Market
Stone crabs are a Florida treasure, and Billy’s has been serving them since 1975, with the Hollywood waterfront location open since 1995.
Watching the sunset over the Intracoastal while cracking into these sweet claws is a quintessential South Florida experience.
My grandmother used to bring me here as a child, teaching me the proper technique for extracting every morsel of meat.
Beyond crabs, their yellowtail snapper is locally caught and prepared with simple perfection.
4. Diplomat Prime
Temporarily closed for renovations through August 17, 2025. Tucked inside The Diplomat Beach Resort, this upscale steakhouse elevates dining to an art form.
The dry-aged steaks develop intense flavor through a meticulous aging process that the staff will happily explain. The seafood tower makes a spectacular starter for groups.
While prices reflect the luxury experience, the attentive service and ocean-adjacent setting justify splurging for milestone celebrations or impressing out-of-town guests.
5. JWB Prime Steak & Seafood
Named after Jimmy Buffett himself (James William Buffett), this restaurant inside Margaritaville Resort balances upscale dining with laid-back Florida vibes.
The spear-caught fish program features whatever local fishermen brought in that morning. I celebrated my anniversary here last year, and the staff created a custom dessert with “Happy Anniversary” written in chocolate.
The tableside preparation of certain dishes adds theatrical flair to an already memorable meal.
6. GG’s Waterfront
History and harbor views combine at GG’s, once a hangout for the Rat Pack in its previous incarnation. The sprawling waterfront patio offers unobstructed views of the Intracoastal Waterway, where boats parade by during dinner.
The seafood-centric menu shines with local catches prepared simply. Happy hour draws locals who know to arrive early for the coveted outdoor tables where dolphins occasionally make surprise appearances.
7. Taco Beach Shack
Beach vibes meet street tacos at this casual outdoor eatery where sand literally covers the floor. Colorful picnic tables set the scene for affordable yet flavorful Mexican-inspired fare that tastes even better after a day at the beach.
The Korean short rib tacos represent their creative take on fusion cuisine. During my college days, we would gather here weekly for their Taco Tuesday specials, making memories over margaritas and guacamole made tableside.
8. Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine
Authentic Indonesian flavors make this family-owned spot a hidden gem among Hollywood’s dining scene. The rendang beef slowly simmers for hours in coconut milk and spices until fork-tender.
First-timers should try the rijsttafel, a Dutch-Indonesian “rice table” featuring numerous small dishes that showcase the cuisine’s complex flavors.
When I brought my Indonesian colleague here, she nearly cried at how perfectly the dishes captured the tastes of her homeland.
9. The Tipsy Boar
Craft beer enthusiasts flock to this gastropub featuring 40+ rotating taps from local Florida breweries and beyond. The kitchen elevates pub fare with house-smoked meats and creative twists on comfort classics.
Their mac and cheese gets topped with pulled pork and crispy onions for an indulgent upgrade. The industrial-chic interior with exposed brick creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can sample several beer flights while debating which small plate to order next.
10. The Greek Joint Kitchen & Bar
Blue and white decor instantly transports diners to the Mediterranean at this family-run taverna. The saganaki arrives flaming at your table with a traditional cry of “Opa!” that never fails to delight first-time visitors.
Generous portions of classics like moussaka and souvlaki satisfy hearty appetites. Weekend nights feature live bouzouki music and spontaneous dancing between tables, creating an authentic Greek island atmosphere right in the heart of Hollywood.
11. Mauro’s Pizza
New York transplants claim this no-frills pizzeria serves the most authentic slice outside the Big Apple. The thin, foldable crust achieves that perfect balance of crisp exterior and chewy interior that pizza purists demand.
The owner, Mauro himself, still tosses dough behind the counter most days. During high school, my friends and I would pool our lunch money for their massive 26-inch pies, which somehow tasted even better the next morning as cold leftovers.