Named in honor of local pioneering educator Ivy Stranahan, Ivy's will open in early 2027.
Credit: We Care Hospitality
A new waterfront restaurant with a familiar Fort Lauderdale namesake is headed to Las Olas Boulevard.
Ivy’s, from the family behind Hollywood favorites GG’s Waterfront, Tiki Tiki and Le Tub, is targeting a first-quarter 2027 opening at 500 East Las Olas Boulevard. The restaurant will sit along the New River next door to the historic Stranahan House, with a name honoring educator and civic leader Ivy Stranahan.
We Care Hospitality managing partner Alex Serafini co-owns and operates the group with his parents, Dan and Lise-Anne. For the family, Ivy’s represents an opportunity to build a restaurant from the ground up while honoring its neighbor’s namesake.
“Ivy’s will feel like a place that belongs in Fort Lauderdale and would be out of place anywhere else,” Alex says. “There’s so much history and character along this stretch of the river, and we want to embrace that while creating something genuine, fresh, and exciting. To us, that means great food, a fun atmosphere, and the kind of hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable.”
In details provided to Browardist, We Care Hospitality shared its pick for executive chef, a first look at a dish in development and its vision for the restaurant’s design.
Executive chef Dan Siegelman will lead the kitchen, bringing experience from Bottega in Napa Valley, Point Royal, and Miami restaurants Le Zoo and Upland. His coastal American menu will highlight Florida seafood, locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes, with a raw bar, handmade pastas and grilled meats in the mix.
One early attention-getter and menu tease is “Around the Campfire.” It’ll be a shareable dish featuring a miniature tabletop charcoal grill. Skewers of chicken, steak, shrimp and eggplant will be accompanied by lettuce cups, fresh herbs and sauces. Behind the bar, expect craft cocktails made with seasonal juices, house-made syrups and Florida spirits. The wine selection will highlight family-owned producers.
Design firm Urban Robot is bringing rich wood accents, vintage-inspired furnishings and tropical touches to the space. An outdoor dining area and bar will overlook the New River, while the indoor dining room will offer a more intimate setting.
For updates as opening day approaches, visit ivysfortlauderdale.com.
