Casa Sensei is a Pan-Asian Latin Fusion restaurant located on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, offering a unique dining experience by blending Pan-Asian and Japanese flavors with the dynamic culinary traditions of Latin America.
What Makes It Unique
The defining feature of Casa Sensei is its unique Latin-Asian fusion menu, which brilliantly mixes and matches global flavors. Additionally, its waterfront location on the Himmarshee Canal offers an unforgettable atmosphere with dockside al fresco dining.
A truly distinct offering is the Gondola dining option, a partnership with Riverfront Gondola Tours, where guests can enjoy a private dinner cruise on the canals while dining on the restaurant’s food.
History
Casa Sensei was opened in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, taking over the former Bao Bar and Asian Kitchen location. The restaurant hosted its grand opening on Friday, November 30th, with the owners Victor H. Diaz, Patricia Lara, and Executive Chef and owner Richard Huant. The name “sensei,” a Japanese word expressing reverence to someone who has achieved mastery in their art, reflects the philosophy of Executive Chef Richard Huang, who was born in Thailand. The co-owners, the Diazes, encouraged Chef Huang to open the eatery after dining at his other restaurant, Kiko.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback often highlights the delicious food, excellent service, and beautiful waterfront atmosphere.
- Diners frequently describe the food as “delicious,” “perfectly cooked,” and “full of flavor,” with some calling it “impECCABLE.”
- Service is noted as “outstanding,” with servers being “magnificent,” “super nice,” and “attentive.”
- The atmosphere is praised as “warm,” “welcoming,” and “perfect for a warm summer night,” especially with tables overlooking the canal and views of the gondolas.
- The restaurant is a popular choice for celebrating events, with one review mentioning a top-notch experience for catering a large birthday party.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu offers a blend of authentic Pan-Asian comfort food and Latin dishes, often with a fusion twist.
- Fusion Specialties: Lobster Guacamole (served with flame-grilled lobster tails on skewers and Asian taro chips), Red Shrimp Ceviche, Korean Grilled Steak Chimichurri (pairing Argentine chimichurri with Korean-style skirt steak and Wasabi Mashed Potatoes), and the El Diablo roll.
- Pan-Asian Comfort Dishes & Sushi: Pad Thai, Lo Mein, Kimchi Fried Rice, Bulgogi, Bao Buns, an Omakase ‘free-style’ sushi bar, and rolls like the Red Dragon, Las Olas Roll, and the Komodo Lobster specialty roll.
- Latin-Influenced Dishes: Mojo-Marinated Lechón, Grilled Picanha, and Charred Octopus (served with papaya and mango salad and basil vinaigrette).
Significant Events
- Grand Opening: The restaurant celebrated its grand opening on Friday, November 30th, with a sunset soiree for VIPs, media, and city officials. The event featured a 10-foot sushi boat.
- Rock n’ Roll Brunch: A recurring weekend event held Saturdays & Sundays from 11:30 AM – 4 PM in partnership with Rock ‘N Roll Tequila.
- Happy Hour: A regularly scheduled event, held Monday – Friday from 2 PM – 6 PM.
- Catering and Private Events: The restaurant caters and hosts various events, including birthday parties, bridal showers, anniversary parties, corporate events, baby showers, and office holiday parties. The venue offers two private dining rooms and a private VIP space.
Contact Information and Links
- Address: 1200 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
- Phone Number: 954-530-4176.
- Website: http://www.casasensei.com
- Social Media: The restaurant has a Facebook social feed.
