Three Awards, One Hole-in-the-Wall Spot: Why Il Paesano Is Fort Lauderdale's Best-Kept Italian Secret

Il Paesano, a true hole-in-the-wall Italian spot tucked away off Oakland in Fort Lauderdale, just swept three categories in this year's Fort Lauderdale Magazine awards: Best Italian Restaurant, Best Deli, and Best Wine Shop.

I'm Joe Vairo — a 2x eXp ICON Agent, ranked the #3 real estate agent in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine, and founder of the Vairo Group, ranked the #3 real estate team in Fort Lauderdale. Part of knowing a neighborhood well is knowing where the best local spots are, and Il Paesano is exactly the kind of place I like to point clients toward when they ask where to eat. Here is the full breakdown.

What Il Paesano Just Won, and Why It Matters

This year alone, Il Paesano took home three separate honors from Fort Lauderdale Magazine: Best Italian Restaurant, Best Deli, and Best Wine Shop. Winning one category in a local magazine's awards is a strong signal. Winning three in the same year, across three different parts of the business, means the kitchen, the deli counter, and the wine selection are all operating at the same high level. That's a rare combination for a spot that's described as a true hole-in-the-wall rather than a big-name destination restaurant.

What It Feels Like to Walk Through the Door

The minute you step inside, it feels like walking into Sunday dinner at your grandma's house. That's not just atmosphere — the owners are actually working there themselves, greeting guests and making sure the experience lives up to that feeling. In a city with no shortage of restaurants chasing trends, a family-run spot where the owners are present night after night is part of what separates a place that wins one-off awards from one that wins three in a single year.

Is the Wine Room Worth the Hype?

Yes — the wine room is a full, dedicated space, and it's part of why Il Paesano earned the Best Wine Shop title alongside its food awards. If you're a wine aficionado, or you're looking for a solid date-night spot, this is the kind of detail that makes the visit worth it on its own. The wine that came recommended was well received at the table, which lines up with the award it just picked up.

The Food That Backs Up the Awards

The menu delivers across the board, from the antipasto and octopus starters to the pasta, the branzino, and the short rib, which stood out as a personal favorite. Dessert holds up too: the tiramisu is solid, and the pistachio cheesecake was the standout of the visit. When a restaurant can win Best Italian Restaurant and Best Deli in the same year, it usually means there's real depth on the menu beyond just one or two signature dishes, and that tracks with what came out of the kitchen here.

What This Means for Fort Lauderdale's Food Scene

A hole-in-the-wall spot sweeping three Fort Lauderdale Magazine categories in one year is a reminder that some of the best dining in this city isn't found on the busiest strips — it's tucked into corners of neighborhoods like the area off Oakland. For anyone relocating to Fort Lauderdale or already living here, it's worth knowing that the food scene rewards spots with real substance, not just visibility, and locals clearly know where to find them.

Am I Recommending Il Paesano?

Yes. Between the three awards, the family-run feel, the wine room, and dishes like the short rib and pistachio cheesecake standing out, this is the kind of spot I'd send friends, clients, or anyone new to Fort Lauderdale to check out for themselves.

FAQ

What awards did Il Paesano win this year?

Il Paesano won Best Italian Restaurant, Best Deli, and Best Wine Shop, all ranked by Fort Lauderdale Magazine.

Where is Il Paesano located?

It's a hole-in-the-wall Italian spot located off of Oakland in Fort Lauderdale.

What should I order at Il Paesano?

Standouts include the antipasto and octopus to start, the pasta, branzino, and short rib for entrees, and the pistachio cheesecake for dessert.

Does Il Paesano have a wine selection worth trying?

Yes — it has a dedicated wine room and won Fort Lauderdale Magazine's Best Wine Shop award this year, making it a strong pick for wine lovers.

Want to Talk Through the Fort Lauderdale Living Opportunity?

I'm Joe Vairo with the Vairo Group. If you want an honest, current conversation about living in Fort Lauderdale — the neighborhoods, the local spots like Il Paesano, and the real estate market that comes with it — reach out.

📲 Text or call me at 954-830-1126

📩 Email me at [email protected] anytime — I respond personally

Joe Vairo is a 2x eXp ICON Agent, South Florida real estate agent, and Fort Lauderdale Magazine's #3 ranked agent in Fort Lauderdale. The Vairo Group, ranked the #3 real estate team in Fort Lauderdale, specializes in waterfront properties and luxury relocation in the $1M+ market.

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