LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA. This waterside restaurant offers Caribbean-inspired seafood dishes in a festive environment, with panoramic views of the Intercoastal Waterway from the elegant Art Deco dining room or from the breezy outdoor dock. Upscale dishes include baked prosciutto wrapped brie, shiitake mushroom crusted halibut with wilted Swiss chard, grilled salmon and crab stuffed portobello, or lump crab and corn roasted grouper. Desserts are extravagant. Try the Icky Sticky Caramel Tart with Chunky Monkey ice cream. Reservations requested.

LAS OLAS. If you're starting your morning out a little late, stop by here for a great, light breakfast (outstanding pastries from the bakery case, 9am-11am) and coffee to get you going before hitting the shops on Las Olas Boulevard. They've got great pastries and sandwiches, along with a convenient central location, making this a popular place to gather with friends. You'll feel like you're inside a European café, with tables scattered about, plenty of outdoor seating and 39 flavors of cappuccino! They're open late, and there's always a great crowd. No reservations. Casual dress.

DOWNTOWN-HISTORIC DISTRICT. Located along the New River in a historic early 20th century home, this restaurant features a two-story balcony and patio across the front of the house. While the picturesque waterfront setting's the primary attraction, diners also enjoy noteworthy New American cuisine. Crawfish potpie and wild mushroom tartlet highlight the appetizers while main course offerings include Thai pork chops with pistachio wild rice, coconut-mushroom sauce and stir fry vegetables. Sunday brunch includes a buffet, omelet and meat carving stations, raw bar and fabulous Bloody Marys. Prix-fixe and pre-theatre menus are available in the summer. Live music is featured Thursday-Saturday nights, and brunch during the summer months includes live jazz.