Step inside Olive & Sea and you’ll feel like you just boarded a luxury yacht. Fort Lauderdale’s newest rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean-style dishes that embrace family-style sharable meals in a maritime-like setting.
The restaurant is located just northwest of the 17th Street Causeway Bridge and the decor is inspired by the area’s marina lifestyle. It is decorated in sandy colors. The light fixtures are made with woven rope and the main dining room features a bright green palm tree mural bringing the outdoors inside. The outdoor waterfront seating is the perfect place to watch the yachts go by.
Inspired by Chef Miguel Toro Franco, the lunch and dinner menu offers dips, appetizers and breads that are made in the family-owned and operated Pita Pan Bakery.
The main menu includes a variety of plates such as the Whole Branzino Al Ha’esh with Charred Onion, Couscous and Smoked Orange Butter; Chicken Schnitzel with Red Pepper Relish, Israeli Salad and Za’atar Fries; as well as skewers such as Fennel Dusted Swordfish, Shawarma Spiced Filet Mignon, Za’atar Spiced-Chicken and Lamb Meatballs.
If you’re looking to host a private get-together there’s a 12-person dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the Intracoastal as well as the open kitchen where you can watch your meal being prepared.
The bar serves as the centerpiece and the drinks are just as exotic as the meals with offerings that include a taste of the Mediterranean. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
There are plans to launch a weekend brunch.
Olive & Sea is located at 1881 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit oliveandseaftl.com.
Photos by Will-Pryce