Best Romantic Restaurant


Important: This article was last updated on September 21, 2005. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.

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Readers' picks

Best Breakfast
 The Original Pancake House, various locations

Best Cheap Eats
 Taco Bell, various locations

Best Chain Restaurant (Tie)
 The Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden, various locations

Best Barbecue
 Tom Jenkins B-B-Q, Fort Lauderdale

Best Mexican
 La Bamba, various locations

Best Chinese
 Toa Toa, Sunrise

Best Thai
 Siam House, Fort Lauderdale

Best Mall Food Court
 Aventura Mall

Best Pizza
 Downtown Pizza, Fort Lauderdale

Best Hamburger
 Cheeburger Cheeburger, various locations

Best Diner
 Lester's Diner, Fort Lauderdale

Best Romantic Restaurant
 The Melting Pot, various locations

Best Italian
 Il Mulino, Fort Lauderdale
 
Café Vico
1125 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954/565-9681, www.cafevico.com

 Although the French would probably have something to say about it, we'll stick by the assertion that Italian is the cuisine d'amoré. And when it's served in a place as laid-back and intimate as Café Vico -- by an all-Italian wait staff, no less -- well, all we suggest is you settle your bill in a hurry and move on to, um, dessert. White linen adorns the tables in three charming dining rooms, each of which seats fewer than 50 diners. The lemon color of the walls matches the linen napkins and contrasts with deep-blue water goblets on the tables. But it's the lovingly prepared food that truly provides the sensuous experience, whether you order from Vico's variety of mouthwatering and succulent veal, chicken, seafood or pasta dishes. The wine list contains more than 250 selections, so you're sure to find something to suit your palate and your wallet. Just be sure you and your dining companion partake equally of the crusty Italian loaf and habit-forming olive oil dip; it's loaded with fresh garlic.