Library All-Nighter
TORO Latin Kitchen & Tequila Library, 1825 Griffin Rd. (inside Le Méridien Dania Beach), 954.686.1200, torodaniabeach.com
Chef and international restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s menu includes “gaucho-style” steaks, a ceviche section and specialties that combine pan-Latin flair with Asian influences – check the seared salmon with braised bok choy, morita bacon jam, Peruvian potatoes, crispy mushroom and achiote ponzu. The wine list includes lesser known labels and focuses on Peru, Argentina, Spain and Portugal. Then there’s la biblioteca de tequila, a cozy bar that offers a regulars’ “library card” that can be presented for access to your private tequila locker stash and, for another $10, housemade sour mix, sangrita, salt and a shaker for some DIY happy hour.
The Village Bodega
Santiago’s Bodega, 445 NE 4th St, 954.999.5488, santiagosbodega.com
The fourth iteration of eclectically decorated Santiago’s Bodega – there are two in central Florida and the original in Key West – breathes bohemian air into Flagler Village while also offering some killer tapas. A menu that swerves between Mediterranean and Latin offers options that everybody at the table will want – get tucked into the carpaccio (beef or smoked salmon), croquetas, saganaki, shrimp and chorizo, yellowfin tuna ceviche and beef tenderloin with bleu cheese butter, and you’ll still have plenty of new things to try next time you come back. The Saturday and Sunday tapas-style brunch features breakfast items, prime rib, fritatta, a “sweet tapas” dessert menu and bottomless red and white wine, sparkling sangria and mimosas.
Morea Is Most
MORÉA, 701 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd (inside the Paramount), 954.306.3064 moreadining.com
Bright, modern art gallery vibes hit your senses first at this oceanfront Mediterranean restaurant where passed plates are also a big part of the experience. Share plates of yellowtail crudo, Moroccan beef skewers, chilled octopus salad, oysters (chilled or roasted), bacon-wrapped dates or more. Main courses include a Mediterranean-inspired salad menu and dishes ranging from whole-roasted branzino to fig and Gorgonzola dolce flatbread to grilled rack of lamb. Choose between the art gallery-esque dining room or the oceanfront patio.
