Food & Drink in Pompano Beach

Dried blossoms lean against crystal vases on white tablecloths; ornate chandeliers bathe the high-ceilinged hall in an amber glow; and scents of fenugreek, cumin, and other spices from northern and southern Indian recipes waft from Madras Cafe's kitchen. The cooking staff bakes tandoori chicken, lamb, and vegetables in an authentic clay tandoor oven, and trains vegetables to assume formations atop flavored basmati-rice platters in the biryani tradition. Chefs also prepare meals to halal standards, and craft additional culinary fusions with Desi Chinese dishes. The culinary crew can pair mains with an array of sides such as six varieties of fresh-baked naan and other breads, and serve desserts in brass, footed vessels for a more delicious finale than samosa-shaped fireworks. Chefs lay out a wider range of their creations at Sunday buffets, when heated chrome containers perched atop linen-draped tables hold steaming meats, seafood, and vegetarian stews.

Restaurateur Pat Galuppi and his son Grant bring their experience working at a tavern and sports bar to their current stint helming Galuppi's, the restaurant for a neighboring Pompano Beach golf course. Next to a sparkling lake marked by fountains and views of the course, the restaurant is well poised to delight at least two senses—in the foreground of that resplendent scenery, a menu of steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and salads presents taste buds with many savory options. Additionally, the eatery's Sunday brunch offers a meat-carving station, waffles, and maple-syrup sprinklers, though corresponding maple-syrup slip 'n' slides don't work so well. Meanwhile, a legion of 11 high-definition TVs broadcasts various sporting affairs from the bar, whereas 10 LCD screens accompany the outdoor patio. A holiday schedule catalogs occasion-specific revelries.

The smell of freshly brewing coffee mingles with aromas of Lighthouse Kitchen’s signature dish—buttery crepes that sizzle in a hot pan until they’re golden brown. These airy wonders bridge the gap between dinner and dessert by showcasing sweet ingredients such as Nutella and cinnamon, as well as savory fillers of chicken, ham, or spinach. In addition to these delicate French-style pancakes, the café’s culinary team whirs up fresh-fruit smoothies alongside made-to-order egg breakfasts, homemade soups, and sandwiches layered on your choice of half a dozen breads. Patrons can also perch atop lime-green stools while attempting to learn the secret barista handshake via the café’s free WiFi.

For more than three decades, Cypress Nook Restaurant's owners Isle Wenttengel and Michael Gerike haven't changed much. Adhering to old-world traditions with a menu of rustic Bavarian cuisine, they still maintain their restaurant inside an old stucco house, exemplifying the kind of cozy familiarity apparent everywhere, from lacey curtains to plates of frankfurters. During evenings, the dinner menu catalogs handcrafted spaetzle, knockwurst with German potato salad and kraut, and slices of homemade key lime pie.

Rocket Pizza and Pasta’s dedicated dough slingers zap away hunger pangs with an extensive menu of Italian favorites. Diners can go it alone with a pasta entree such as jumbo stuffed shells with marinara and mozzarella ($9.99) or bribe an entire quintet of space mercenaries with a family-size carryout portion of spaghetti and meatballs, served with a large dinner salad and cheesy bread ($31.99). Weary rocketeers fuel up with the tuscan steak—a tender filet mignon grilled with olive oil and black pepper, smothered beneath a mushroom brandy sauce and parmesan cheese ($14.99 for a single portion)—as choosy chewers craft the perfect pie, selecting from three crusts, three sauces, seven cheeses, and 22 toppings, including sliced steak and fresh spinach ($10.99 for a large cheese; $1.75 for each additional topping).