Here are the 10 most popular restaurants in Hollywood, Florida, curated based on current ratings, historical significance, and local reputation.
1. Le Tub Saloon
-
Why it’s Unique: Originally a Sunoco gas station built in 1959, this spot is famous for its quirky decor featuring bathtubs, toilets, and driftwood. It became nationally famous after GQ Magazine named its burger the best in America.
-
Popular Menu Items: The Sirloin Burger (13 oz), Seafood Gumbo, and Key Lime Pie.
-
History: Opened in 1975, it has retained its “old Florida” charm and refuses to change its slow-paced, cooked-to-order philosophy despite its fame.
-
Location: 1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019 (Intracoastal).
-
What People Are Saying: “The burger lives up to the hype—huge, juicy, and charred perfectly. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else; it feels like a secret treehouse on the water.”
2. GG’s Waterfront
-
Why it’s Unique: A staple for upscale waterfront dining, GG’s offers stunning views of the Intracoastal waterway, making it a prime spot for watching yachts pass by while dining.
-
Popular Menu Items: Grand Seafood Tower, Stone Crabs (seasonal), and Grilled Branzino.
-
History: Formerly known as Giorgio’s, it was rebranded and renovated to offer a more modern, chic dining experience while maintaining its reputation as a power-lunch and romantic dinner spot.
-
Location: 606 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019.
-
What People Are Saying: “The sunset views here are unbeatable. Perfect for a special occasion. The service is impeccable and the seafood tower is a showstopper.”
3. Billy’s Stone Crab
-
Why it’s Unique: An institution in the seafood world, Billy’s controls its own fisheries in the Florida Keys, ensuring the stone crabs go from trap to table in less than 24 hours.
-
Popular Menu Items: All-You-Can-Eat Stone Crabs (medium size), Key Lime Pie, and Florida Black Grouper.
-
History: Established by Billy Hershey, this two-story restaurant has been a landmark for decades, known for its iconic green lights and direct access for boaters.
-
Location: 400 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019.
-
What People Are Saying: “If you want Stone Crabs, this is the only place to go. It’s expensive but worth every penny for the freshness. A true Florida classic.”
4. Kuro
-
Why it’s Unique: Located inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, Kuro is a new-style Japanese concept that features handcrafted ingredients imported directly from Japan and a trendy, high-energy atmosphere.
-
Popular Menu Items: Wagyu Tacos, Miso Glazed Black Cod, and their extensive Japanese Whisky selection.
-
History: Opened as part of the Hard Rock’s massive expansion, it quickly earned accolades for elevating the hotel dining scene to a culinary destination.
-
Location: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314 (Seminole Hard Rock Hotel).
-
What People Are Saying: “The tasting menu was an experience I’ll never forget. The ambiance is dark and sexy, perfect for a date night. The cocktails are works of art.”
5. The Tipsy Boar
-
Why it’s Unique: A lively gastropub on Hollywood’s Harrison Street that combines a massive craft beer selection (over 40 on tap) with elevated pub food. It has a rock-n-roll vibe with a comfortable patio.
-
Popular Menu Items: The Tipsy Burger, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and wood-fired pizzas.
-
History: A cornerstone of the downtown Hollywood revitalization, it has become the go-to local spot for happy hour and late-night bites.
-
Location: 1906 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020.
-
What People Are Saying: “Great beer selection and the food is surprisingly gourmet for a pub. The vibe on the patio is always fun and energetic.”
6. Runas Peruvian Cuisine
-
Why it’s Unique: Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in the city, Runas blends traditional Peruvian flavors with modern techniques and Japanese influences (Nikkei).
-
Popular Menu Items: Lomo Saltado (steak stir-fry), Ceviche Sampler, and Pisco Sour cocktails.
-
History: Family-owned and operated, Runas started as a hidden gem and grew into a “must-visit” destination for foodies in South Florida due to word-of-mouth praise.
-
Location: 219 N 21st Ave, Hollywood, FL 33020.
-
What People Are Saying: “Hands down the best Peruvian food I have had in Florida. The presentation is beautiful and the flavors are authentic. A true hidden gem.”
7. Diplomat Prime
-
Why it’s Unique: A luxury boutique steakhouse reminiscent of the 1950s swing era, located in the Diplomat Beach Resort. It boasts an award-winning wine list and dry-aged steaks.
-
Popular Menu Items: Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye, Wagyu Skirt Steak, and Truffle Mac & Cheese.
-
History: Part of the historic Diplomat Hotel property, which has hosted celebrities and presidents since the 1950s. The restaurant was redesigned to be the hotel’s crown jewel.
-
Location: 3555 S Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019.
-
What People Are Saying: “The service is white-glove perfection. The steaks melt in your mouth. It is pricey, but for a celebration, it is unmatched in elegance.”
8. J28 Sandwich Bar
-
Why it’s Unique: A fast-casual spot that has gained a cult following for its Peruvian-style sandwiches (Sánguches) made with homemade bread baked fresh daily.
-
Popular Menu Items: Chicharron Sandwich (crispy pork belly with sweet potato), Lomo Saltado Bowl, and their signature spicy sauces.
-
History: Founded by brothers who wanted to bring the street food culture of Lima, Peru, to Hollywood. It gained massive popularity after being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
-
Location: 1854 N Young Cir, Hollywood, FL 33020.
-
What People Are Saying: “Best sandwich I’ve ever eaten. The pork belly is crispy and the bread is soft. Don’t skip the green sauce!”
9. JWB Prime Steak and Seafood
-
Why it’s Unique: Located in the Margaritaville Beach Resort, this is an upscale departure from the usual “cheeseburger in paradise” vibe. It features an open kitchen, a raw bar, and speakeasy aesthetics.
-
Popular Menu Items: JWB Surf & Turf, Spear-Caught Fish (locally sourced), and the Bananas Foster prepared tableside.
-
History: Named after James (Jimmy) William Buffett, it was created to offer a fine dining option within the resort that still honors the laid-back lifestyle of the singer.
-
Location: 1111 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019.
-
What People Are Saying: “A surprisingly sophisticated steakhouse inside a fun resort. The steaks were cooked perfectly and the service was attentive without being stuffy.”
10. Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine
-
Why it’s Unique: One of the few authentic Indonesian restaurants in South Florida. It is a small, cozy spot known for bold spices and home-cooked flavors that you can’t find elsewhere.
-
Popular Menu Items: Beef Rendang (slow-cooked coconut beef), Nasi Goreng (fried rice), and Rijsttafel (a rice table sampler of many dishes).
-
History: Started by Chef John, who began selling his food at the Yellow Green Farmers Market before the overwhelming demand led him to open this brick-and-mortar location in downtown Hollywood.
-
Location: 1910 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33020.
-
What People Are Saying: “Flavor explosion! If you like spicy and savory, this is the place. The owner is incredibly friendly and explains all the dishes.”
