Casablanca Cafe — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

3/19/25—-Slowly, the Vrbo rental fiasco—where we had to flee by the second day—is becoming a distant memory. Things are looking up at the W in Fort Lauderdale.

This morning, I woke up craving a salad. After days of eating out, I’m over restaurant food. But somehow, a salad still sounds like a good idea. Maybe my body is begging for mercy.

Anyhow, I walked to a few restaurants but didn’t quite find the salad that called to me—until I remembered Casablanca. A quick check of their menu online revealed a Greek salad. That was it, my brain declared. So, off I went.

When I arrived, the hostess directed me to the bar to place my order. This place is always busy. I took a seat at the bar, where a bartender with beautiful, flowing jet-black hair took my order. While waiting, I decided to take a stroll upstairs—I’d always been curious about the inside of this building. The upper level was just as beautiful, with a great view and a much quieter atmosphere. For a moment, I felt transported to Spain, surrounded by the restaurant’s architecture, the red Spanish roofing , and that timeless Mediterranean charm. Every time I walk or drive by, this building is a pleasure to look at.

In the end, I took my Greek salad with chicken to go—plus a side of French fries, because balance. Back at my hotel, I enjoyed my meal in comfort. There I was, sitting outside in the balcony looking out to the beach with my dog, enjoying my Greek salad and French fries like a true culinary diplomat, when suddenly—La Isla Bonita started playing in the distance.

Ah, Madonna, the honorary ambassador of all things vaguely Spanish. Only she could make a song about a dreamy island romance while sprinkling in just enough Español to make it feel authentic. She’s been out here rolling her R’s and serenading us about San Pedro for decades, and honestly? We let her. Because let’s be real—no one else could turn a few scattered Spanish words into an international hit and convince half the world they suddenly needed a red rose, a flamenco dress, and a dramatic sunset to twirl under.

In that moment, as I sat there with my salad, I too felt like I was on La Isla Bonita—except instead of dancing in the sand, I was eating feta cheese in my hotel balcony at the W....

We returned to Casablanca after many years (my wife, son, daughter, grandma and I).

We were hopeful that the food was as eclectic and exceptional as we remembered. We returned for two consecutive nights the first time our concierge helped us discover this gem years ago…and specifically organized our departure for this meal stop.

We arrived around 2pm as we had to be at the airport for 5pm (heading home to Toronto). We asked if we could order from the dinner menu.

Derek, the manager, took the time to come over and explain that the dinner items were literally in the process of being prepared. He explained the commitment to top quality and freshness in the preparation of all menu items. Despite this reality, he still offered to try to accommodate us and brought us a dinner menu.

We asked on the current best sellers - Derek recommended:

1/ mussels in white wine and blue cheese - simply incredible and the blue cheese is amazing complement; 2/ onion soup - perfect in its proportions of onions, broth, bread and cheese; 3/ hot honey chicken sandwich - perfectly cooked, melt in your mouth texture; 4/ truffle macaroni - wow; 5/ bloody Maria ceviche - seafood cured in a spicy tomato base - one of the best quantity, quality, seafood mix and taste that we’ve ever had; 6/ birria beef quesadilla - perfectly splendid braised short rib.

Derek checked in on us no less than 5 times, explained the intriguing history of this first building on the strip, brought us coasters and postcards, and was exemplary in his engagement and drive to ensure we felt welcome and appreciated as patrons. Isn’t this what it’s all about?

The food did not disappoint but Detek made our experience extraordinary - and we have high expectations for service. What an asset to Casablanca!

Shout out also to Andrew, our server, who was polite and attentive in his service. He was awesome.

Strongly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for eclectic and a culinary tasting experience. Everything on the menu is so unique in its ingredients and concoctions!

We will be back again and often in future. We hope Derek is still there on our return!

Keep up the outstanding...

Casablanca cafe and restaurant on a warm breezy Wednesday night in July. This restaurant holds a historical significance as the first home constructed on Fort Lauderdale Beach, in 1927. We Wendy on a Wednesday night, later than expected, and located the restaurant on the corner but we had trouble finding parking. The public garages are a bit far for us and we were worried the place would close at the advertised time, 10:00pm. Luckily we found street metered parking just south about two blocks on Birch. It was about 9:10pm at this time and parking ran about $1.00 per 20 minutes. We walked the short distance north to find the restaurant full of people and lively music from the piano bar. We were seated instantly and the waiter was friendly and professional with a very upbeat vibe. The music was mid-level, coming from the inside and we chose outside seats to feel the breeze and enjoy the view. At night the streets are dimly lit so there wasn’t too much to see. There is the occasional car or loud motorcycle that passes by but that’s part of the beach street ambiance. We chose salmon and Mahi-mahi which came out in only 15-20 minutes. The food looked and smelled amazing and was the right temperature. We enjoyed drinks that were mixed right to our liking. We could see through the windows that the inside bar area was packed and there were a lot of people smiling and having a good time. Outside was a little quieter and darker, tables lit by glowing adornments. Definitely more intimate and romantic on the outside seating. Prices are moderate, with our entrees and drinks costing $85. But everything on the beach is expensive. Afterwards we walked across the street to the beach and watched the lights from the passing ships. It’s dark on the beach so be careful and use your phone light. Then just a short walk south and back to the street there is a cluster of restaurants and bars for people watching. Overall the Casablanca Cafe and restaurant was an enjoyable experience and is located close enough to walk to the...