As my friend Marian and I strolled down the buzzing, energetic strip that is Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, we both felt a little extra fancy, and it’s no surprise that we felt that way.
We were about to step into one of the classiest restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. That’s why. While Las Olas is quite a popular street, one that’s usually filled with people seeking a perfect meal, we were headed straight into one of the city’s iconic gems known as Timpano Las Olas.
With a legacy of bold flavors and theatrical dining, Timpano has long been a staple in the area. Now, under the creative vision of Executive Chef Omar Lorenzana and Vice President of Food & Beverage Michael Ferraro, the restaurant has taken things up a notch. Inside, the Art Deco-inspired jewel-toned interiors and the dreamy Il Giardino patio instantly transported us to a scene out of a classic film, a place where elegance and flavor collide and where diners can expect some eye-catching décor to match the vibe.
The Menu: From Classic to Contemporary
The newly refreshed menu is a celebration of Italian soul with a modern twist, making it easy to see why Timpano remains a go-to for both locals and visitors. Guests can expect beautifully plated dishes crafted with high-quality ingredients and a touch of showmanship. Start with elevated appetizers like the Arancini alla Siciliana, featuring crispy saffron rice filled with mozzarella and meat ragu, or the Italian Crab Cake topped with arugula and spicy tomato sauce. Pasta lovers are in for a treat with standout selections like Truffle Fettuccine Alfredo, flamed tableside in a Parmesan wheel for a dramatic, creamy finish, and Spaghetti al Limone with lump crab and fresh herbs.
For lunch, hearty yet refined offerings like the Calabrian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich and Chicken Parm Sub make for an indulgent midday escape. As dinner rolls in, the menu leans into comfort and luxury, with the rich Mushroom Radiatore bursting with black truffle and king oyster mushrooms, the hearty Chicken Marsala, and the decadent 32-ounce Porterhouse Steak all stealing the show. Timpano doesn’t just serve a meal, but this new menu truly curates and offers the type of dining experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation with new menu items that sit perfectly alongside crowd favorites from the past.
For example, we recommend not leaving without trying out the restaurant’s mussels. We were told that there was no way that Timpano guests would allow that dish to leave, one that has been a favorite forever at the restaurant.
An Elevated Golden Hour
Expect the bar lounge to shift into something out of a Gatsby dream once the restaurant’s Golden Hour hits. Timpano’s stylish take on happy hour offers $10 wine pours, curated rare bourbons, and cocktails like the Sparkling Rosé Sangria, a refreshing one that we highly recommend trying.
For those seeking something refreshing without the buzz, the Cucumber Mint Fizz delivered a zero-proof cocktail with just the right amount of flair. Marian and I also decided to enjoy some drinks recommended by the attentive server. The spin on their Espresso Martini, as well as their smokey Old-Fashioned (expect quite the impressive table-side presentation!) and one of my favorites, the Cosmopolitan, was deliciously balanced. This proves that the spot’s bartenders take pride when it comes to their craft.
Dinner Drama and Tableside Fire
We also recommend checking out the Truffle Fettuccine Alfredo. The restaurant prepares it with dramatic flair inside a flaming Parmesan wheel.
It’s a part of Timpano’s unforgettable Parm to Table experience, and it’s a must-try for those that love the dish. Meanwhile, new dinner favorites like the Chicken Marsala with rosemary potatoes and the decadent Mushroom Radiatore with black truffle proved that every corner of the menu is meant to be savored and that the restaurant prepares and offers a little something for every palate and taste.
A New Standard for Fort Lauderdale
Whether you're looking to treat yourself to brunch, catch up with friends over a stylish cocktail at Golden Hour, or dive into a luxurious dinner, Timpano Las Olas truly sets the standard for elevated dining in Fort Lauderdale. For Marian and me, the experience was more than just delicious, but it was a chance to feel swept away by great food and even greater company. This is a restaurant that merits a visit, not only to celebrate a special occasion, but to treat yourself to a classy day or night of delicious food.
For reservations, menus, and more, visit timpanolasolas.com or follow along @TimpanoLasOlas on Instagram and Facebook.
450 E Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301