Tucked away amidst the shops, restaurants and spas of Las Olas Boulevard, The Las Olas Café offers a sense of warmth and hospitality that is felt from afar, even before entering the charming European-esque establishment. The family-owned restaurant marks its 18th anniversary this year, and in that time it has grown from a struggling one-man show to a place where regulars gather and tourists return year after year.

As you enter The Las Olas Café from the Boulevard, you step back in time through a quaint courtyard, complete with foliage, twinkling lights and romantic outdoor dining options. Inside, you'll find old-school wooden chairs and tables outfitted with floral and grape-print tablecloths. The lovely and intimate décor is, however, almost impossibly overshadowed by a menu of eclectic continental cuisine. The signature dish is a walnut crusted Mahi Mahi topped with caramelized onions and Granny Smith apples, a consistent pleaser. Another eye-opener is the center-cut pork chop, served with a sun-dried cherry sauce. This crowd favorite is set to be featured in The Sun-Sentinel's "You Asked For It" column soon, and the inside scoop on this recipe will finally be revealed.

The Las Olas Café's history and presence in the community strikes a special chord with patrons and locals. Paula Pace co-owns the dinner-only restaurant with her sister, Diane Myers. They inherited the spot from their father, Nick Derosa, who transplanted his family from Connecticut and opened the restaurant in 1990. Back then, Las Olas Boulevard was not the bustling consumer destination it is today. Derosa found himself wearing multiple hats - chef, manager and marketer - to make ends meet. He recruited both his daughters as waitresses, making it a true family affair. With heart and soul they labored diligently, seeking to realize their father's vision for the business.

"Originally, if we had 15 dinners served on a Saturday evening, we thought it was a success," says Paula. Today, their Saturday night average is up to a bustling 130. Paula attributes the restaurant's growth to its fabulous fare, but equally important is the premier service guests find there. The restaurant's staff is comprised of seasoned, knowledgeable hospitality professionals. Little to no staff turnover guarantees a consistency in service. A dedicated staff, coupled with their heart-warming smiles and a strong sense of familial coziness, makes guests feel immediately welcome.

Reservations are recommended on the weekends, but not required. Call 954-524-4300.

Price: $$$

Fare: *** (three diamond)

Attire: Casual, Elegant

Hours:
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Monday - Thursday)
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (Friday - Saturday)
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Sunday)

Address:
922 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Website: http://www.lasolascafe.com