Da Campo Osteria : Fort Lauderdale Restaurants

Although there are quite a few decent restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Da Campo Osteria is one of the rare venues that you will find here from a celebrated nationally known chef.

Every country’s cuisine from Argentina to Thailand is well represented in South Florida and you can easily hop up to Boca, West Palm, or down to Miami for dinner any night of the week.

However, if you're in the mood for something special and don't feel like driving, then Todd English's Da Campo Osteria situated in the Il Lugano hotel is a great option. They offer authentic regional Italian cuisine and the dining room, with it's views on the canal makes it the perfect place for an elegant meal or romantic evening.

We originally heard about it from some friends and decided to take some very discerning guests for dinner. We were really excited by one of their appetizers: fresh mozzarella, prepared (actually created) table-side and served with various accoutrements, such as roasted figs, balsamic reduction and prosciutto, which is what we ordered.


It's just something that shouldn't be missed even if you only end up there for appetizers and a drink. It really is amazing to watch and delicious to eat.

Here's how it goes:
A waiter scoots a table over, pours water over cheese curds in a bowl:

Soon, the curds turn into strings of soon-to-be delicious cheesiness:

And before you know it...

He adds your accoutrement of choice and just like a magic trick... presents you with a beautiful plate!

Incredible! Bravo! Best food trick ever! Our guests that night were so impressed that they even wanted to bring the waiter to NYC to perform his cheesy prestidigitation for the big-city folk. We've been back several other times, and have told everyone we know in Fort Lauderdale about it. And none of them have been disappointed by the show.

The other food they serve is just ok in comparison. We realize that Todd English isn't actually there checking the food--he is probably swimming in his money somewhere.
The deep fried asparagus is simply not right, the spicy rapini was overcooked but they did prepare an asparagus-Parmesan risotto that was perfect.

The waiter bemoaned that everyone pretty much comes for the mozzarella trick. We told him to be grateful they came in for something, and told him what one of our wise mentors used to say about loyalty, "You have to dance with the one that brung you."

Since they are right on the Intercoastal, we recommend that you request one of the window-facing tables to enjoy the show outside as well. Not only will you enjoy the parade of boats and yachts that sail by, but the hotel itself has done a great job in designing the landing dock that sits outside the restaurant.
You should call them to see when they are open – they aren't open seven days a week in the slower summer months.

Hungry yet? Keep coming back, because we will be posting more details about Da campo Osteria and other restaurants as we get the time.

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