Fine Dining Italian Restaurant

For anyone eating out on a budget, the pasta dishes were exceptionally reasonable. I selected the Eggplant Rollatini for my appetizer, and the veal marsala cutlet with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce.

Also a side of pasta with a marinara sauce. It was the largest pasta side dish I have ever been served. The eggplant was delicious, and three nice sized slices of veal were so tender you could break them with your fork.

I forgot to mention the tables had a nice light tan first table cloth, topped with another white linen top table cloth, and of course real linen napkins. Service was just perfect, where you were not rushed, and you leisurely enjoy the appetizer, before the entree and pasta were served.

They had a nice selection of Italian house wines by the glass, and the prices were at least half of what you would normally pay in a fine dining Italian restaurant.

Best Italian Restaurant

This is the best italian restaurant right in my home town Fort Lauderdale. Best little hidden gem. I recommend everyone to come in!! It’s a fantastic family restaurant where everyday the owner will great you and recommend a great meal just for you. Five stars for sure!!!

Yelp user Bree B.

Classici Menu

Order from “Classici Menu” between 4:45-6pm daily & receive 25% off (normal prices*)


Lasagna Bolognese $14.25 ($19*)

delicate layers of fresh pasta coated in a luxurious mix of hearty ragù bolognese and creamy béchamel

Spaghetti Carbonara $18 ($24*)

spaghetti with crispy pancetta, egg yolk, generous parmigiano & black pepper

Penne alla Vodka $17.25 ($23*)

penne pasta infused with flavorful vodka sauce

Eggplant Parmigiana $16.5 ($22*)

layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella & parmigiano

Spaghetti Marinara $12.75 ($17*)

a simple classic with our homemade sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes

Chicken Marsala $17.25 ($23*)

sautéed in a light marsala sauce with mushroom

Spaghetti Bolognese $14.25 ($19*)

a delicious simple classic with our homemade sauce and meat

Spaghetti Meatballs $17.25 ($23*)

spaghetti with meatballs slowly cooked in homemade marinara sauce

Swordfish Benefits

Swordfish Red Peppers | Pescespada Con Peperoni In Agrodolce

Swordfish Red Peppers. Swordfish Provides An Excellent Source Of Selenium, A Micronutrient That Offers Important Cancer-Fighting And Heart Health Benefits.

Swordfish provides an excellent source of selenium, a micronutrient that offers important cancer-fighting and heart health benefits. It is protein-rich and loaded with niacin, vitamin B12, zinc and Omega-3. Best of all, it’s low in fat and calories. Swordfish is also a guilt-free choice. Try our Swordfish Cafe Italia with Red Peppers. We only cook with EVOO.

You will be happy to know that it contains a wealth of nutrients that benefit many important body functions. Its unsaturated fats and vitamin E content protect your heart, while its B vitamins help your body metabolize food. It provides phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D, which play a role in keeping your bones and teeth healthy.

Penne alla Vodka! Try It.

Penne Alla Vodka Was Invented at Dante, A Restaurant In Bologna, Italy. Try our Penne Alla Vodka @ Cafe Italia in Fort Lauderdale.

We make Penne alla Vodka by flambe! When you flambe the sauce, it adds a nice smokey flavor to the sauce. Penne all vodka is made with penne pasta and a vodka sauce. The vodka sauce is usually made of vodka

Translated from Italian alla vodka means with vodka. So when talking about penne alla vodka it means penne pasta served with a sauce that contains vodka.

Classic pasta alla vodka consists of pasta tossed in a smooth tomato and cream-based sauce that has been laced with vodka. The alcohol serves to add a peppery depth of flavor to the sauce. It also softens the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the vodka infused cream.

Lamb Chops Cafe Italia

There was no leg of lamb prepared when we visited, so we took solace in the four gorgeous seared lamb chops Lapi recommended instead. Bathed in oil and garlic, the meat was nearly soft enough to cut with a fork. Chicken Marsala brought a plateful of boneless breasts with plenty of mushrooms in a sauce edging to the sweet and oily side, but the flavors were terrific.

The ossobuco aficionado at our table thought was reasonable for the quality and quantity of tender veal slow-cooked in tomato sauce with celery, onions, carrots and red wine — and so did everyone who sampled it.

Visit Cafe Italia for Italian Lamb Chops with Green Beans

Cafe Italia Ristorante on Federal Highway continues to be a family gem for authentic Italian cooking. The owner is always present with a gracious smile greeting people.

The food is home cooked pleasure pleasing. The menu has a good variety and the portion size is adequate.

There seem to be changes over the past year which from memory would say there used to be a side or small salad that came with the entrée but not now as everything is a la carte. The bar is limited to wine and beer only.

My favorite item on the menu is the lemon sorbet — a wonderful palate finish to a good meal.

Penne Vodka. What is it?

Penne alla vodka or just Penne Vodka is a pasta dish made with vodka and penne pasta, usually made with heavy cream, crushed fresh tomatoes, cooked onions, and sometimes sausage, pancetta or peas or addijg salmon. The recipe became very popular in Italy and in the United States around the 1980s, when it was offered to discotheque customers.

Cafe Italia also prepares Penne alla Vodka in my favorite way – by flambe! When you flambe the sauce, it adds a nice smokey flavor to the sauce.

What is Penne Vodka?

Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka or just Penne Vodka is a pasta dish made with vodka and penne pasta, usually made with heavy cream, crushed fresh tomatoes, cooked onions, and sometimes sausage, pancetta or peas or adding salmon. The recipe became very popular in Italy and in the United States around the 1980s, when it was offered to discotheque customers.


Found it online. Read the reviews and fell in love with the quaint little place. Everyone was friendly. I love it when the owners speak with their customers. The chicken marsala was amazing! (Actually the whole dinner was from start to finish).

Specials & Dinner Events

Reserve our space for private parties, custom menu. Book your Event/Party at Cafe Italia! We will prepare special menu entrees and items per your request.

Host your next private party or event (doors closed to public) with us & enjoy the most authentic Italian cuisine, fine select low sulfite, organic wine & music at Cafe Italia. Since 1993.

Fort Lauderdale Italian Restaurant Cafe Italia
Cafe Italia Fort Lauderdale Italian Restaurant

Luncheons

Cocktail Parties

Wine Tastings

Weddings

Holiday Parties

Receptions

Conference Meetings

Dinner Parties

Baby Showers

Engagement Parties

Brand Launching Events

Risotto Porcini

Build Muscles

Packed with Vitamin A and C, arborio rice will give you about 12% of your daily dose of vitamins. Its Vitamin C content helps protect your teeth and bones. What’s more, a cup full of arborio rice, fulfills about 45% of your daily requirement of essential nutrients.

A one cup of arborio or risotto rice contains about 100 to 110 grams of carbohydrates, the perfect amount to help you build muscles and stay healthy.

Cafe Italia serves various risotto dishes, Risotto Porcini, Risotto Asparagus.

Arborio Rice

The simple carbs in refined Arborio rice do have fewer vitamins and minerals than whole grains, but they provide quick energy for the body when converted into glucose. Plus, seafood risotto has healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

What is Bocciamatta?

Bocciamatta Sparkling Rosé masterfully captures the delightful flavors of Rosé and accents them with fine bubbles for a refreshing, easy-drinking pour. This organic, dry wine hails from Veneto, an Italian region that is popular for its sparklers.

Bocciamatta Prosecco D.O.C. is from a certified organic winery in Italy’s Veneto region. Dry in flavor, this sparkling white wine is lighthearted in spirit, adding fizzy fun to both casual and celebratory occasions. Elegant aromas of acacia flower first capture attention, leading into fresh apple notes. The palate is pleasant and harmonious with excellent persistence. Prosecco is Italy’s most famous sparkling wine, and it is exclusively produced in regions in the Northeastern part of the country, including Veneto. This sparkler is from Corvezzo Winery, an award-winning winery with 100% organic grape production.

Specializing in Prosecco and white wine, Corvezzo Winery has more than half a century of winemaking tradition. For the last decade, their team has been dedicated to sustainable viticulture, converting all of the family vineyards to be organic. The winery’s green philosophy translates from vineyard to cellar, using natural corks and recycled paper for labels and packaging. Enjoy Bocciamatta Prosecco D.O.C. on its own or as an aperitif. This sparkler also complements antipasto and charcuterie. Best served cold.

Linguini Aglio Olio

Linguini Aglio Olio

Want an Aglio Olio dish? CAFE ITALIA can make Aglio Olio the Sicilian way! If you prefer we can add capers, and real hot peppers, not the crushed red peppers! Put a little crispy bread crumbs on top and your in Aglio Olio Heaven!

Want an Entire Dish?
Let us know you want it with Real Hot Peppers, Capers, Mushrooms and Anchovies; and the side dish will turn Grande!

Order Italian Food from Cafe Italia Fort Lauderdale Lasagna, Chicken Marsala, Linguini, Veal, Risotto, Spaghetti Carbonara and more Authentic Italian Cuisine. Order Linguini Aglio Olio Online or call 954-681-3716

Garlic Contains Antioxidants That Protect Against Cell Damage. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps Brain Health.

Italian Event Space

Host your next party with us and enjoy the most authentic Italian cuisine

Four weeks ago I had walked passed, and evidently the owner noticed my reviewing the menu in the window. A nice, polite, mature Gentleman asking if I had any questions. I advised I was just looking. Well over these past several weeks, I could not forget the impression he had left with me.

So on Saturday, I decided to go back and pay the Cafe Italia a visit. As he explained to me when leaving in an apology, he had just had an operation, and walking was difficult, so thus difficult to personally greet myself at the table. I reminded him of my previous time there, looking, and my promise to return. It’s a small but very comfortable restaurant located in the Roselli Building.

There were about seven of the square tables, two round tables for five and an oblong table for eight. Immediately after the presentation of the menu and the wine list, a plate of house made bread with butter was presented, together with a plate of provolone cheese and a round metal cup of Italian Olives. Everything was very tasty.

For anyone eating out on a budget, the pasta dishes were exceptionally reasonable. I selected the Eggplant Rollatini for my appetizer, and the veal cutlet with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce. Also a side of pasta with a marinara sauce. It was the largest pasta side dish I have ever been served. The eggplant was delicious, and three nice sized slices of veal were so tender you could break them with your fork. They had a nice selection of Italian house wines by the glass, and the prices were at least half of what you would normally pay in a Ristoranti. I forgot to mention the tables had a nice light tan first table cloth, topped with another white linen top table cloth, and of course real linen napkins. Service was just perfect, where you were not rushed, and you leisurely enjoy the appetizer, before the entree and pasta were served.

While there, a group of six arrived and selected the round table in the front by the window and adjacent to the table for eight, and they were not over-crowded.

Would I return. YES, in a heartbeat. I enjoyed my short conversation with the owner who was seated at an outside table when I was leaving. A wonderful way to spend a Saturday evening.