Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront just gained a new reason to linger. Omni Fort Lauderdale has opened Barchetta, a new coastal Italian chophouse overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
Barchetta sits at 1880 SE 17th St. on the waterfront plaza adjacent to the hotel and Broward County Convention Center. The restaurant draws from the traditions of coastal Italy with a modern take, pairing imported Italian ingredients with South Florida influences throughout its menu, cocktail program and design.
On the Menu
Executive Chef David Caceres leads the kitchen, turning out handmade pastas, premium seafood and prime steak selections. Diners can share the Bistecca Fiorentina, a prime T-bone for two, or dig into the Frutti di Mare, a mixed seafood dish with Florida black grouper and Kaluga caviar. Pasta lovers will want the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, a handmade pasta finished with black truffle.
“This is the kind of food I love — great ingredients, bold flavors and dishes with a lot of character,” Caceres said. “We’ve created a menu that celebrates all of those things, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team is bringing to the Fort Lauderdale culinary scene.”
Behind the Bar
Barchetta’s cocktail program takes a playful approach to Italian classics and aperitivo culture, weaving South Florida flavor throughout. The Pomodoro Negroni puts Barchetta’s spin on the classic Italian cocktail, pairing tomato-basil-washed gin with Campari and sweet vermouth.
The bar also pours J.F. Haden’s Lychee Liqueur from Miami-based Tropical Distillery, which Florida natives and former NFL players Mike and Maurkice Pouncey own. The liqueur stars in the Day Drift, a refreshing combination of Prosecco, lemon juice and St-Germain. Bartenders also mix J.F. Haden’s craft liqueurs into cocktails throughout Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel. Rounding out the list: spritzes, Italian wines and classic pours.
What’s in a Name
Barchetta, Italian for “little boat,” takes its name from the small, open boats found speeding along Italy’s coast. The term later came to describe the lightweight, open-top sports cars that became synonymous with chic Italian design. Both meanings bring the restaurant’s identity to life, pairing the ease of coastal living with the effortless sophistication of vintage automotive design.
Inside, warm red tones, wood, stone, leather and layered textures create an inviting sense of depth. Clean lines, contemporary details and bright Italian-inspired artwork reflect the energy and movement of Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront.
A Growing Waterfront Destination
Barchetta joins the collection of restaurants and bars at the Broward County-owned Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, including Reef 76 Kitchen + Bar, Fair Ketch, Ibis Sky Lounge, Hidden Key, Tide Coastal Kitchen and Leeward Market. The opening brings approximately 52 jobs to the area and expands Broward County’s growing hospitality and tourism district.
“Since the hotel opened last December, we have envisioned Omni Fort Lauderdale as a place that would become part of the fabric of this community,” said Gayla Guyse, General Manager of Omni Fort Lauderdale. “Barchetta is an important part of that vision. It gives our local community, convention attendees and visitors a new reason to experience the waterfront and reflects the continued momentum we’re seeing across Broward County.”
Plan Your Visit
Barchetta now welcomes guests six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant serves dinner from 5–11 p.m. and stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The kitchen closes nightly at 10 p.m.
Book a table through OpenTable. For menus and more information, visit barchettafll.com or follow the restaurant on Instagram @BarchettaFLL.