Hi Frank,
I am going to give you some suggestions here, that are some of my favorites, but not really food guide food. I do love Sublime if you like vegan. I am assuming you will be happy to drive for good food, so these are all over the place.
This is a Miami chain of Cuban food, with just a few locations in Broward County (where Fort Lauderdale is). Excellent Cuban American food. Try the huge combo's to try a few things at once.
La Carreta Restaurant
http://www.lacarreta.com301 North University Drive
Pembroke Pines, FL
(954) 966-8161
This is a local seafood place specializing in Garlic Crabs. EG Crabs poached in Garlic Butter. Get an outside table and watch the boats come up. On a small tributary of the intercoastal waterway in an un-inspiring area by the airport.
Rustic Inn
http://www.rusticinn.com4331 Anglers Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 584-1637
This one is kind of a dumpy old 70's style seafood house, but they have the cheapest and best AYCE Stone Crab deal in town. $49 AYCE. Ignore the wonderful hot but space-stealing fresh hushpuppies they bring to the table. You can check their website the day off to be sure they have enough crabs (Oct - May).
Catfish Deweys
http://www.catfishdeweys.com4003 North Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 566-5333
My favorite Rodizio, Brazilian steakhouse where they bring the meat around on skewers. Excellent quaility beef, reasonable prices. About 30 mins south of Fort Lauderdale:
Area code 55
http://www.areacode55.com16375 Biscayne Boulevard
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(305) 947-6202
Another rodizio - very good, closer to Fort Lauderdale, more expensive. In case spending beats driving:
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
http://www.chima.cc2400 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 712-0580
A local sushi joint in a strip mall in Sunrise, they will let you buy a whole fish and have the sushi chef & regular chef make you meal of different preparations of your fresh fish. Very good.
Marumi Sushi
http://marumisushi.net8271 W Sunrise Blvd
Plantation, FL 33322
(954) 318-4455
Great Peruvian food is all over South Florida, but this Miami outpost has the best cerviche. Parking is a pain though. I recommend the valet.
CVI.CHE 105
http://www.ceviche105.com105 N.E. 3rd Ave. Miami, FL 33132
(305) 577-3454
And, just so you have one that is in a pleasant beach front area instead of a dingy strip mall, visit this place for a nice drink and some uncomplicated Floridabbean food. Loud music on the weekends, but the Friday happy hour is great, with a roasted pig in attendance.
Aruba Beach Cafe
http://www.arubabeachcafe.com1 Commercial Boulevard
Lauderdale By The Sea, FL 33308
(954) 776-0001
Have a great visit. Bring sunblock and an umbrella. If you would like to meet for dinner one night, send me a PM and we will be glad to meet you for dinner.
--Lisa