UPDATE:  NOW Open in Fort Lauderdale at the new ultra-luxury rental Icon Las Olas at 500 East Las Olas Blvd in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

As a resident of North Dade county, I’m a big proponent of venturing into Broward for good eats. Located steps from the sand on Hallandale beach, ETARU is a neighborhood restaurant with an expansive menu and beachfront vibes.

If you’ve read any of my blog posts before, then you may know that I’m quite a fan of the classic old fashioned.  So much so, that it’s become sort of like a self imposed tradition to try as many variations as possible. The Umi Old Fashioned from ETARU features Suntory tori whisky, nori, and kokuto. We also sampled the Akabana Spritz, because I think it’s required to have a fizzy cocktail by the ocean, right? With Aperol, hibiscus, yuzu, and sparkling wine, this drink served as a refreshing cocktail and the start to an excellent meal.

The meal began with an expertly prepared yellowtail hamachi, with hints of truffle and a arugula salad. The first course also included classic edamame with sea salt. A surprising hit of the first course was definitely the salad. The grilled baby gem salad with soya aioli, crispy bacon, and soft egg is reminiscent of an Asian inspired Caesar with a twist.

From the robata kitchen, we sampled the spicy beef with shishito peppers and sansho. We also tried the rock shrimp with wasabi pea seasoning and chili mayo, which was incredibly addicting. I think the trick is to order both the skewer and the rock shrimp,  and go to town.
The main course included cedar roasted baby chicken with chili miso, another re-imagination of an American classic done right at ETARU.

Salmon teriyaki with sansho salt and lemon is served in a banana leaf, adding another layer of depth and dimension to the dish. And another surprise, the grilled sweetcorn with wasabi lime butter and shichimi— the perfect complement to both the chicken and the salmon.

The dessert platter is absolutely show-stopping, and perfect for the restaurant’s waterfront
setting. Light and refreshing, the platter is interactive and a great end to a truly imaginative
meal.

So, with the cooler weather this week in South Florida, take advantage and drive up to
Hallandale. Sit on the terrace right above the sand, order a fizzy cocktail, and take in all ETARU has to offer.

As if ETARU didn't already have enough reasons for you to go, they are now offering a Happy Hour menu. It's the perfect hangout post-work or after a lazy day on the beach. Specially priced libations include Whispering Angel rose – a mainstay at ETARU’s popular Sunday brunch, at $10 per glass, $40 per bottle.  Also available, ETARU’s thirst-quenching Vodka lemonade, $8 per glass, $20 pitcher. For those who want to enjoy an up-market version of the old “bucket of beers,” enjoy 5 Sapporo Lights for $20.

Light bites from the robata and sushi kitchen are also available – both Japanese fried chicken and the mini rock shrimp sub are priced at $5, while smoked chicken wing drumettes with spicy yakitori sauce are available at $2 each.  A nice Maki selection includes 2 pieces each of cucumber, salmon and spicy tuna maki for $10.  Those in the mood for something sweet can snack on mochi – assorted flavors at $2 each.

ETARU Hallendale

111 S Surf Rd

Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

954 271 3222