Here are 10 of the most popular and unique restaurants in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. This list highlights the city’s rich Caribbean and Asian culinary influence, featuring everything from authentic roti and dim sum to creative soul food fusion.
1. Singh’s Roti Delight
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Cuisine: Indo-Trinidadian
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Location: 4301 N State Rd 7
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What Makes It Unique: A long-standing local institution, Singh’s is widely considered one of the best spots in South Florida for authentic Trinidadian “Doubles” (curried chickpeas in fried flatbread) and Roti. It is a casual, counter-serve spot that draws long lines for a reason.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Doubles: The absolute must-try snack.
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Roti: Wrapped with curry duck, goat, or chicken.
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Saheena: A savory fried spinach and dough fritter.
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Customer Review: “The best doubles I’ve had in South Florida! True Trinidadian style. Top it all off with a cold banana solo and you’re in food heaven.”
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Website: singhsrotidelight.com
2. Kirin Restaurant (formerly Silver Pond)
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Cuisine: Chinese / Dim Sum
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Location: 4285 FL-7
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What Makes It Unique: For years, this location was the legendary “Silver Pond.” Now operating as Kirin, it retains the same authentic Cantonese spirit and—crucially for locals—the traditional Dim Sum carts that roll around the dining room during lunch hours.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Dim Sum: Shrimp dumplings (Har Gow), Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao), and Chicken Feet.
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Roast Duck: Hanging in the window and chopped to order.
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Honey Garlic Chicken: A local favorite.
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Customer Review: “Kirin has breathed new life into what was once Silver Pond… The menu has remained largely the same, which is a huge win for longtime fans.”
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Website: kirinlauderdalelakes.com
3. The Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant
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Cuisine: Jamaican
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Location: 2484 N State Rd 7
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History: The Dutch Pot story began in 1998 in a backyard with a single burner stove. Today, it is a beloved South Florida chain known for authentic “yard style” cooking.
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What Makes It Unique: It’s the go-to spot for comfort food with huge portions. The “Dutch Pot” refers to the heavy cast-iron pot used in Jamaica to slow-cook stews to perfection.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Oxtail: Tender and rich with gravy.
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Brown Stew Chicken: Deeply marinated and slow-cooked.
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Cornmeal Porridge: A breakfast staple.
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Customer Review: “The oxtails are delicious and they don’t skimp on the portions or act like extra gravy is a sin.”
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Website: dutchpotrestaurants.com
4. Carl’s Seafood / Little Ochi
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Cuisine: Jamaican Seafood
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Location: 2934 N State Rd 7
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What Makes It Unique: Modeled after the famous “Little Ochi” seafood spots in Jamaica, this restaurant specializes in fresh fish cooked to order (steamed, fried, or brown stewed). It feels like a trip to the island coast.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Curry Goat: Often cited as some of the best in the area.
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Fried Snapper: Topped with spicy pickled vegetables (Escovitch).
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Jerk Chicken: Spicy and smoky.
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Customer Review: “If you’re craving real Jamaican seafood, Carl’s is the place to be! The portions are generous and the vibe is warm.”
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Website: carls-seafood.shop
5. Crabby Craigs Kitchen
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Cuisine: Seafood Boils / Cajun
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Location: 4850 W Oakland Park Blvd (Open late, often until 4 AM)
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What Makes It Unique: A late-night gem perfect for seafood lovers. They are famous for their “Crab Cake Sauce” and massive seafood boil trays that feed a crowd.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Cajun Alfredo Pasta: Creamy, spicy, and loaded with shrimp or chicken.
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Seafood Boil: Shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage in signature butter sauce.
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Customer Review: “The food was fantastic! I ordered the gumbo, and it was absolutely delicious. The portions were generous and well worth the money.”
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Website: crabbycraigs.com
6. World Famous
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Cuisine: Soul Food / Fusion
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Location: 3684 W Oakland Park Blvd
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What Makes It Unique: This spot is famous for its creative Egg Rolls. They take entire meals—like Philly Cheesesteaks, Soul Food dinners, or Seafood boils—and stuff them inside crispy egg roll wrappers.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Seafood Deluxe Egg Roll: Stuffed with shrimp, crab, and lobster.
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Soul Food Egg Roll: Chicken, collard greens, and mac & cheese inside a roll.
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Red Velvet Waffles & Chicken: A colorful twist on the classic.
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Customer Review: “Top tier taste and portion size for the price… The seafood deluxe eggrolls are amazing.”
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Website: eatwf.com
7. Island Vybz Fusion Grill
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Cuisine: Caribbean Fusion
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Location: 2566 N State Rd 7
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What Makes It Unique: They blend traditional Caribbean flavors with modern presentation. It’s a bit more polished than a typical takeout spot, offering “fusion” dishes that mix Italian pasta with jerk spices.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Jerk Chicken Pasta: Creamy alfredo with a spicy kick.
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Pineapple BBQ Salmon: Grilled salmon with a sweet and tangy glaze.
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Customer Review: “Jerk Chicken combo came with 2 large skewers of juicy, spicy and really well cooked chicken… highly recommend.”
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Order Link: Island Vybz on Toast
8. Gou Lou Cheong BBQ Restaurant
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Cuisine: Traditional Chinese BBQ
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Location: 4139 FL-7
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What Makes It Unique: A no-frills, cash-only spot that feels like a Hong Kong BBQ shop. You see the roasted meats hanging in the window, and you order by the pound. It is renowned for having the best crispy pork belly in the area.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Crispy Pork (Siu Yuk): Crackling skin and tender meat.
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Roast Duck: Flavorful and juicy.
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Char Siu: Honey BBQ pork.
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Customer Review: “A true hidden gem… stand out dishes like crispy pork and BBQ duck deliver rich flavors that remind me of traditional Chinese cuisine.”
9. Montego Bay Grille & Cafe
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Cuisine: Jamaican
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Location: 4395 N State Rd 7
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What Makes It Unique: A cozy, welcoming café vibe that separates it from the many takeout-only counters in the area. It’s known for fresh fish and a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
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Popular Menu Items:
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Fresh Snapper Escovitch: Sourced fresh and cooked perfectly.
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Jerk Pork: Spicy and tender.
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Customer Review: “Tucked away in a clean, unassuming strip mall… the jerk chicken ranks among the very best I’ve ever tasted.”
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Menu: Montego Bay Menu
10. Mon Desir Restaurant
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Cuisine: Haitian
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Location: 3413 W Oakland Park Blvd
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What Makes It Unique: A “hidden gem” for authentic Haitian cuisine. It’s praised for its affordability and deep, authentic flavors, particularly the fried pork (Griot).
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Popular Menu Items:
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Griot: Marinated, fried pork chunks.
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Tassot: Fried goat or beef.
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Ragout: Rich meat stews.
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Customer Review: “Food is always hot and authentic to Haiti. They never are shy with the portions.”
