We absolutely love Italian food and are always on the lookout for great spots. While a lot of places claim to be amazing, not many actually deliver. Last week, though, we found one that did—and it totally lived up to the hype!
We were in Fort Lauderdale for a work convention and had some free time on our hands. So, we spent an afternoon strolling up and down Las Olas Boulevard, checking out all the shops and restaurants. With so many options to choose from, deciding where to eat wasn’t easy. But when in doubt, we always fall back on Italian. That’s how we ended up at Louie Bossi’s, at 1032 East Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
As soon as we walked in, we asked to sit outside, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The weather was great—low 70s, cloudy skies, and a light breeze. We were seated in this booth-style spot with a low-top table, and it felt like the kind of place where you’d want to hang out with friends for drinks and appetizers. Since we weren’t planning on a full meal, it was exactly the vibe we were looking for.
Our waitress was fantastic! She wasn’t from Fort Lauderdale originally but had moved there a few months back after working on a yacht that brought her to the area. She was super friendly, knew the menu inside and out, and took her time answering all our questions. It felt like we were in good hands from the start, and that made the whole experience even better.
We got hooked on Italian food during our trip to Rome for our 20th anniversary a few years ago. What stood out to us most was the way every restaurant embraced outdoor seating, and how their menus were filled with simple yet amazing options like meats, cheeses, breads, and olives. We’d sit outside, soak in the scenery, and nibble on food for what felt like hours. That memory is exactly what we wanted to recreate at Louie Bossi’s.
We started with the Sicilian Olives & Provolone, which were served on a charming two-tier platter that was just the right size for sharing. The bottom tier featured whole black, green, and red olives—something I don’t think I’ve ever tried before. Each one had its own distinct flavor, and honestly, they were all fantastic.
Next, we went for the Coccoli Fritto, a dish that combines light, airy sweet bread puffs with creamy ricotta and thinly sliced prosciutto. The bread was perfectly golden and had just the right amount of crispiness on the outside while staying soft and puffy inside. The ricotta was incredibly smooth and had a delicate, creamy flavor that paired beautifully with the saltiness of the prosciutto.
Our waitress let us in on a cool detail: the chef cures and ages all the prosciutto and salamis right there in the restaurant, which added an extra layer of appreciation to the dish.
Honestly, the only downside was that there wasn’t nearly enough of it. It was so good, we found ourselves wishing for a second plate!
We just happened to visit on a Monday and were thrilled to find out that Louie Bossi’s celebrates Martini Monday every week with half-price martinis all day. It felt like we’d stumbled upon a hidden gem, and we couldn’t resist joining in on the fun.
Their martini menu had 7 or 8 different options to choose from, each one sounding assolutamente sorprendente—absolutely amazing.
The variety ranged from timeless classics to unique, creative blends, making it tough to pick just one.
Thankfully, we didn’t have to. We took the opportunity to try a couple of different ones, and each was fantastic in its own way. Whether you’re a martini connoisseur or just looking for something new to try, I’d wholeheartedly recommend exploring the menu. It’s the perfect way to mix up your Monday!
We took our time and savored each and every dish as it was brought to the table. Knowing we had a big dinner planned with our hosts later that evening, we paced ourselves carefully, not wanting to overdo it. But then, one more item on the menu caught our eye, and we simply couldn’t resist.
Buffalo mozzarella is a rare find in the United States, and there it was, right there on the menu. We didn’t even have to think twice—we ordered the Mozzarella di Bufala, and let me tell you, it turned out to be the highlight of the afternoon.
Our waitress brought it out with warm, crusty bread served alongside olive oil infused with ground red pepper flakes. The mozzarella was incredibly creamy, rich, and fresh—everything you’d hope for in authentic buffalo mozzarella. The olive oil, with just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, elevated the flavors to the next level. Combined with the bread, it was pure magnifico! A perfect ending to our time at Louie Bossi’s.
The best part? This convention is an annual thing, so we already have a reason to return. Next time, we’re making sure to carve out enough time for a full meal so we can dive into their pasta, pizza, and that incredible selection of salamis.
We honestly can’t recommend Louie Bossi’s in Fort Lauderdale enough. It’s easily some of the best Italian food we’ve had outside of Italy. We’re already counting down the days until we can go back next year!
Jonespky Approved – ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️