Sweetwaters Will Open in Huizenga Park on October 12
The new restaurant will offer riverfront and parkside seating in central Fort Lauderdale.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Dining Out
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Specialty Restaurants is set to open Sweetwaters at 58 East Las Olas Blvd on October 12, 2026. The new venue is located within the recently renovated Huizenga Park.
Why it matters
The restaurant occupies a prominent spot in the neighborhood, chosen specifically to capitalize on the high foot traffic following the park's recent $15 million renovation.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot facility features a 12-seat bar, a 90-seat riverfront patio, and a 44-seat terrace overlooking Huizenga Park.
The players
Nicco V. Salanitro
He serves as the executive chef responsible for developing the restaurant's menu.
Matthieu Godard
He is the culinary director who worked alongside the executive chef to create the menu.
Specialty Restaurants
This is the parent restaurant group that owns and manages the new establishment.
The details
Designed by JVB Architect with interiors by ICRAVE, the space brings a new dining option to the New River area. The menu was developed by executive chef Nicco V. Salanitro and culinary director Matthieu Godard.
Timeline
Huizenga Park reopened in January 2026.
Sweetwaters is scheduled to open on October 12, 2026.
Roadmap
The arrival of Sweetwaters highlights the ongoing trend of upscale hospitality groups securing prime real estate near newly revitalized public urban spaces. This development mirrors similar efforts in other major Florida cities to integrate fine dining directly into modernized community park projects.
Residents and visitors can expect a new dining destination with outdoor options that take advantage of the park's riverfront views. The venue provides additional seating capacity for those frequenting the downtown area near the New River.
The takeaway
The addition of this restaurant underscores the economic potential of integrating commercial hospitality into municipal park projects. Diners looking for a park-side atmosphere should note the specific seating capacities for the patio and terrace when planning visits.
Further reading
For more on the latest restaurant openings in the city, visit the Dining Out section.
More information
Find menu information and reservation details on the Sweetwaters restaurant official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami Herald.
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Do you believe adding upscale dining to public parks improves your community's outdoor space?
