El Tamarindo Cafe — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

I have eaten here quite a number of times over the years and I am usually pleased. They are known for a wonderful chicken dish that was positively reviewed some years back but Anthony Bourdain. It consists of two chicken legs quarters that have been slowly roasted in a wonderful sauce that is a savory Latin blend of herbs and spices. It's served over rice and absolutely melts in your mouth. It pulls apart with only the slightest touch of the fork. It's only available during weekdays, so forget about Saturday or Sunday. Get there during the week... EARLY... It always sells out.

Of course, there are plenty of other things on the menu. I have had their Cuban Breakfast which is basically steak and eggs with a twist. I've also had their ribs and their pulled pork and a few other dishes, too many to remember. The one thing they are NOT good at are burgers. They have an El Tamarindo burger, which I have tried three times. Despite asking for medium rare, it's ALWAYS well done and dry.... Management has always been notified and they have been exemplary at offering something else. Plain and simple, they're just not good at burgers despite being good at everything else. With that said, it occurs to me that there might be a cultural difference at play with how they cook their burgers, but after three failed tries at medium rare, I have permanently given up ordering them.

The fact that burgers are out of their wheelhouse made me stick to the Cuban/Latino offerings they do so well. I mean, that only makes sense. Therefore, it came as a HUGE surprise to me, one day, when I decided to order a pizza and liked it. No, LOVED IT! It was something I had vehemently avoided, since I thought it would not be what I was used to and frankly, given the burger disasters, I was not driven to try. Well, about a month ago, I was curious after avoiding it for years. Yup, YEARS! They don't offer a huge selection of toppings, only a few. I ordered mine plain with extra cheese, but FIRST verified there was sauce.... You never know. Well, it arrived steaming hot and I braved the heat as pizza lovers do. I duly folded a slice and took a bite after blowing on it and WOW... It was a fantastic thin crust with great tasting sauce....and loads of gooey cheese. I was shocked! I wolfed that sucker down like it was the last supper. I have ordered it several times since then. I often end up there after my monthly Saturday rehearsals which are held at a church close by.

So food, I rate at 4 stars because of the burger thing. I LOVE a good burger and sometimes they overcook the steak on my Cuban breakfast. They had a spell while breaking in a new chef a couple years ago...

Service is also 4 stars but only because language can be an issue "sometimes" and things can unintentionally get lost in translation. They have a huge Latin/Cuban following, so obviously Spanish is fairly dominant over English, which they speak of course, but certain expressions we take for granted are not common to others.

The atmosphere is a 5 because they're always trying to improve the space. The space is fairly intimate. The decor is tasteful, especially the massive floral arrangement on their full service bar. It's particularly nice at night. The ambiance at night is great and makes for a nice evening out with someone special.

I strongly recommend El Tamarindo. Be brave and try new things. It's not all about meat and potatoes. There are styles of cuisine that will make your taste buds sing and please note that not everything Latin/Cuban is spicy hot. That's a myth, plus you can always ask if you're unsure. Yes, you can ask questions and make special requests. They'll accommodate you if they can. They'll go out of their way to please you and always with a smile. Also, be proactive and use your phone to GOOGLE the dishes or the ingredients that you know nothing about as you go through their menu, or ANY menu for that matter. I can never remember what ingredients and dishes are what... It's not native to me, but I'm so glad I have been somewhat...

A Hidden Gem in SoFlo: El Tamarindo Cafe Delights with Phenomenal Food and Exceptional Service

Thanks to my MIL, I have just discovered El Tamarindo Cafe today, and I can confidently say that I have found my new favorite dining spot in SoFlo. Despite passing by the restaurant numerous times, its unassuming exterior never caught my attention. However, upon stepping inside, I was blown away by the incredible food and warm hospitality.

The moment I walked in, the friendly and attentive staff greeted me. Our server, Victor, was an absolute delight. He not only provided excellent service but also took the time to explain the various food choices, ensuring that we had a memorable dining experience.

The highlight of my visit was the Mariscada Soup. It was a true symphony of flavors, with an abundance of shrimp, squid, and clams in every spoonful. The soup had that elusive umami quality, making it the perfect comfort food in my opinion. Even when I was halfway through the bowl, I couldn't resist taking another bite. It was simply sensational.

To satisfy my sweet tooth, I indulged in the flan, and it exceeded all expectations. This version of the classic custard dish was exceptional, perfectly balanced in its sweetness and texture. Each spoonful was a heavenly delight that left me craving for more.

As for the main course, I opted for the red trout, and it was a palate-pleasing revelation. The savory flavors combined with the delicate texture of the fish created a harmonious symphony in my mouth. It was a dish that truly showcased the culinary expertise of El Tamarindo's chef.

Beyond the remarkable food, the ambiance of the restaurant was captivating. The uncanny beauty of each member of the staff added an unexpected charm to the dining experience. The attention to detail in the décor and the warm atmosphere made me feel right at home.

I was amazed to learn that El Tamarindo has been a hidden gem in SoFlo for over 20 years. I am grateful that the secret is finally out, as this restaurant deserves all the praise it receives. Whether you are a local or a visitor, El Tamarindo is a must-visit if you want to treat your taste buds to the finest flavors of SoFlo. Additionally, its proximity to the airport makes it a perfect spot to introduce visitors to the vibrant culinary scene of the area. Trust me, every morsel you savor here will leave you craving for more.

El Tamarindo has won me over with its phenomenal food, exceptional service, and inviting ambiance. It is a hidden gem that I will cherish as my go-to dining spot for years to come. Don't miss out on this culinary treasure; you won't be...

I’ve been a long time patron of El Tamarindo. I don’t leave reviews often and honestly, I should’ve done this sooner, being that we are regulars here. We know the owner, Alex, and many of the staff. Victor in particular is someone who we can always count on seeing on the weekends. He is a true gentleman and the epitome of good service.

Let me just start by saying this place is a hidden gem. If you want incredibly delicious, consistent meals, and friendly, attentive staff in a comfortable setting, then looking further. I consider myself a foodie, and I love trying new places - fine dining, trendy spots, dive bars, etc.

I’m not a regular in any establishment, besides this place. We live close by and whenever I don’t know what I’m in the mood for, I go to El Tamarindo. If you go here, you’re always well taken care of. Hands-down, they make some of the best Mojitos in my opinion. I don’t often order Mojitos when I go places because I am always disappointed, but whenever I come here, that’s my drink of choice.

Everything on their menu is delicious and the plates are huge - well worth the price of everything, and honestly, the prices are very reasonable. The menu is Latin fusion, it’s very heavily inspired by Latin culture, but they also have some random things which they still execute so well. For example, we absolutely love their focaccia and their pizzas here. You honestly can’t go wrong with anything that you order. Another stand out for us is the ceviche. It outshines many other places that have more of a reputation. We are pescatarian, so we have not really indulged in the meat on the menu, which there is much of, but I don’t need to… Based on what I know about their food and their consistency, as well as friends that dine here, their meat is also incredible. It looks and smells amazing.

In a nutshell, I simply love this place, and I have nothing negative to say about it. I encourage anyone to come here, you will be delighted by the service, the drinks, and the delicious food. Don’t question it,...