When it comes to dining out, hungry customers want options. While Miami’s food scene gets a lot of press for its diverse fare, there are other places in South Florida with just as much variety. One of those places: Hollywood.
Here, there truly is something for everyone. In the mood for some authentic Italian food? Craving some Asian fare? Want mouthwatering Peruvian cuisine? These are just a few of the different influences you can find throughout Hollywood’s restaurant roster. Whatever you want, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it in Hollywood, Florida.
Italian Food
Sometimes, you just want a bowl of pasta or a pizza (and sometimes, you want it all to yourself — we’re not judging). When that craving arises, a quick stroll through Hollywood’s main arteries will have you in carb heaven. Italian restaurants are not lacking, and there’s everything from casual spots to more upscale establishments.
Two local favorites: Il Posto Ristorante and Pesce & Pasta Italian Fusion Cuisine. The former is a more traditional Italian restaurant, with appetizers like burrata, bruschetta and beef carpaccio featured alongside pastas like lobster ravioli and cavatelli tossed with mushrooms and white truffle oil. Seafood and meat dishes are plentiful for those who prefer that over pasta (or those who are feeling extra hungry). Cannoli and tiramisu round out the dessert menu, which is full of decadent concoctions. This is not a place to visit on a diet.
As the name suggests, Pesce & Pasta Italian Fusion Cuisine complements their Italian dishes with international flair, pulling influences from locations like the Mediterranean. You’ll find your standard Italian pastas and entrees plus other less common sights like octopus and Long Island duck. The menu is expansive, but therein lies the restaurant’s charm: You could bring anyone from friends and family for a night out or treat a special someone without worrying about them finding something to eat. They are bound to find something here.
Asian Food
Sushi and other Asian staples are easy to find anywhere, including Hollywood. But late-night spots are a different story. Where do you go after hitting the bars? Enter GoBistro, an unassuming ramen and sushi shop that’s open just as late as your local watering hole. Come in before you start your night or come in after — it doesn’t matter. Appetites big and small are welcome here: Those in the first category can enjoy a piping hot bowl of pork belly ramen with an assortment of accompaniments. The latter patrons can nosh on hot crab or chicken buns or choose something off the maki menu like a salmon skin roll or spicy tuna roll.
U Know Korean Bistro is another low-key business that’s serving up quality Asian cuisine in the area. Don’t let its location fool you; it may be located in a rundown strip mall, but the authentic food speaks for itself. Kimchi pancakes, pan fried dumplings, spicy pork hocks, bibimbap … Korean food fans have many reasons to rejoice. Those not familiar with Korean food may be overwhelmed with the number of options but the descriptions are straightforward, making it easy to narrow down your ideal dish. Best of all, portions are large and prices are reasonable.
Peruvian Food
Runas Peruvian Cuisine is arguably one of Hollywood’s most popular Peruvian restaurants and for good reason: It’s tasty. Seafood abounds here, so expect selections like sea bass, shrimp, octopus, mussels and more. Also, don’t expect anything out of the box; this is traditional Peruvian fare through and through. Lomo saltado, papa a la huancaina, ceviche — all the usual delicious suspects are here for your dining pleasure. Make sure to wash them down with one of the restaurant’s pisco-based libations for good measure.
Not looking forward to a long sit-down meal? J28 Sandwich Bar is a fast-casual Peruvian alternative. The business’s name is deceiving: J28 isn’t just about sandwiches, although they do make up a big chunk of the menu. There are a handful of proteins available like the 11 Spices Chicken and the Chicken Saltado Wok Stir-Fry, and most of them can be enjoyed on a bread roll or in bowl form — your call. There are also cold sandwiches, including the butifarra sandwich with sliced pork shoulder and pickled onions. Whatever you end up ordering, save room for some sweets. The lucuma flan and lucuma smoothie are not to be missed if you’re a fan of the fruit.
These are just three of the many cuisines that curious diners can find throughout the city. The list goes on: Irish food, Middle Eastern food, American food, etc. One thing is for sure: If you decide to dine out in Hollywood, you won’t go hungry. For more information on Hollywood’s hottest spots, head over to The Best in Hollywood’s restaurant listings.
Written by:
Geoffrey Anderson Jr.
Co-Founder
MiamiFoodPug.com