Cucina Moderna Fort Lauderdale — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

On the last leg of our girls trip to Florida we decided to visit Cucina Moderna Restaurant at 721 N Federal Fort Lauderdale after a simple Google search “food near me Italian”. I understand it’s recently (a few weeks) opened location, not sure if it’s the only one.

Parked in the paid parking garage and walked across the street to a fun looking restaurant within what looks like a strip mall of sorts. Immediately I enjoyed the ambience! We were welcomed as we walked in and were seated right away. It was about 7pm on a Saturday. It seemed appropriately busy for a new restaurant/location. We sat outside. Perfect for the November weather. Our server Nataly was so awesome! We loved her enthusiasm, energy, knowledge, menu recommendations but mostly the connection she made with us! I loved that she gave us recommendations on where to visit within the city and shared some personal experiences of the town.

We ordered the lasagna, cheese ravioli with alla vodka sauce (it was slightly over salted in my opinion but my sister thought it was perfect) and the baked ziti.

Nataly recommended a salad for the table - the house salad was delicious. Also! The table bread was focaccia. Mmmm 😋 with oil and vinegar! Looked baked in house. I’m excited for the extras we took with us. Well take Nataly’s recommendation on serving it for breakfast with a nice fried egg atop!

There was a little hiccup with the order; Nataly inquired right away and fixed it immediately! The manager (?) did hover in the corner and also inquired after overhearing our table talk conversation. We told him the issue & he did comp that plate. It wasn’t necessary but we very much appreciated that!! It did make us feel a tad uncomfortable that he blamed Nataly (even if it was her fault- it makes it awkward when you as the customer feel like you’ve gotten someone into trouble for a human mistake) instead of simply apologizing and letting us know he’d help get the situation resolved quickly. I’m not sure of this, but we had a new staff person serve us after until I asked for Nataly back. I thought that was an odd decision for management to make.

We ended the night with some delicious dessert! We couldn’t decide so we ordered the tiramisu, coconut cream pie & the cannoli! All three were delicious!!

Also, the team was generous enough to validate our parking. And we appreciated the extra hour! We were ultimately treated very kindly & left feeling like we were important to them.

I would go back, if I’m in Florida again, and...

I have dined at NUMEROUS exquisite 5-star restaurants over the years before visiting the Newly Opened Cuchina Moderna in Fort Lauderdale, yet I found myself exclaiming out loud , “Oh my goodness, this is all so delicious! Oh my goodness, this food!” and then ordering seconds and thirds.

We indulged in the Mussels three times, the Shrimp Bruschetta, the Penne Alla Vodka twice (sorry to burst any bubbles this pasta was better then il Mulino pasta) , the healthy nut salad (which was the best salad I’ve ever had), soup, fried ravioli, truffle fries, Paso Robles wine, and lava cake with gelato.

We honestly would have eaten more but had actually eaten a late lunch forgetting at first of our dinner plan. Regardless, our four year old and two year old children devoured all of these dishes along with us and absolutely loved them.

We actually ordered extra pasta to take home for the next day it was that good.

Not to mention the immaculate vibes, gorgeous dining room, beautifully done bar and wonderful staff.

This place deserves a spot on my weekly rotation for sure! There is also great outdoor seating which is where we dined as the inside was packed when we arrived. I’ve already planned my next visit for lunch. I’ll get a filet salad at the bar maybe share a pasta and watch a game with my husband over some drinks. Perhaps I’ll try out the brunch another day with some girlfriends.

The only thing I wish went differently is that I took the time out from eating to take some better photos!

Overall 10/10 5...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding Experience at Cucina Moderna

We had an incredible night at Cucina Moderna. The food and drinks were absolutely excellent from start to finish. Nichole was a fantastic bartender—friendly, attentive, and made some of the best drinks we’ve had in a long time. The light-up bar top added such a fun and unique vibe to the atmosphere.

We started with the RUSTIC BRUSCHETTA SCAMPI and FORK & KNIFE MEATBALLS appetizers, and both were top notch—bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. For our entrees, the MEDITERRANEAN SEAFOOD PASTA BOWL and RISOTTO AL FRUITTI DI MARE were nothing short of amazing. Perfectly cooked, fresh seafood, and rich, delicious sauces that tied everything together.

If you’re looking for a place with incredible food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, Cucina Moderna is a must-visit....