Il Mulino

I have have been to Il Mulino many times in the past eleven years and I have always experienced fabulous food and outstanding service.

The first time I visited Il Mulino I brought my parents who were visiting from out-of-town, and it’s been a favorite ever since.

Il Mulino has a wide variety of Italian dishes that are very satisfying and affordable. A lot of people (in my experience) think of “italian” as mostly pasta and such. And while Il Mulino certainly has these things, I much prefer their ever-changing specials.

Situated on the fork of Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway (US-1), Il Mulino is easy to spot with its bright red sign, but also easy to miss if you’re not familiar with the roads. Inside, the restaurant is well-lit and open with a definite modern, contemporary feel. Tables are spaced well apart so it’s easy to navigate around other diners on your way to the restrooms.

Like all great restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Il Mulino gets busy quickly. They don’t take reservations, so if you don’t like to wait (or you’re dining with kids), get there by 6pm so you’ll be seated and served promptly. Any later and you’re looking at a minimum 20 minute wait. Of course, even when the restaurant is busy, you can still hear yourself think and even hold a conversation with your dining partner(s). This is one of the things that makes Il Mulino a haven for families and couples of all orientations.

Another thing that makes Il Mulino a favorite is their friendly and attentive staff. No one forgets you here and you’re free to relax and take your time enjoying the food and atmosphere.

Prices are very reasonable considering portion size and quality (large and high, respectively). Dinner for 2 adults (appetizers, wine, entrees, and dessert) generally runs around $40-$60 depending on what’s ordered.

If you’re dining with kids, note that there is no kids menu at Il Mulino. However, even the pickiest eaters will find something to please (for example, margherita pizza, plain spaghetti with butter, fried cheese sticks). Of course, kids with broader palates will have an easier time. Still, portions are huge, even for adults, so be sure to ask for a small plate so you can portion the entree accordingly so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed. (I don’t know about your kids, but my daughter won’t eat hardly at all when faced with a mound of food that’s bigger than she is.)

Parking for Il Mulino is in back of the restaurant, in two small (free) lots that it shares with Canyon, the club next door. There are also metered parking and pay lots in the general vicinity. Another reason to get here early—the free lots fill up fast.