A neighborhood tradition since 1993
Tucked inside a modest shopping plaza on North University Drive, Fra Diavolo Ristorante Italiano has welcomed South-Florida diners with the warmth of a family dining room for more than three decades. Opened in 1993, the restaurant was founded on a simple promise that still guides us today: serve honest Southern-Italian food, prepared from scratch, and treat every guest like an old friend. MapQuest
Our Story
What began as a small, 80-seat trattoria has grown into a beloved local institution. Carol and Raul Oliveros—together with Executive Chef Diego Cruz—built Fra Diavolo around the recipes they grew up with: slow-simmered sauces, hand-rolled pastas, and desserts baked fresh each morning. Over the years, our team has remained almost entirely family-run, and many of our servers and line cooks have been with us for well over a decade.
The Kitchen Philosophy
Chef Cruz’s menu celebrates the bright, coastal flavors of Campania and Calabria while honoring seasonal Florida produce. Seafood arrives daily from local docks; veal is pounded to order for our melt-in-your-mouth Vitello; and Carol still pipes the ricotta into every cannoli herself. Of course, no visit is complete without our namesake Shrimp Fra Diavolo—jumbo shrimp and shell-on mussels tossed in a fiery tomato-basil sauce that inspired our restaurant’s name.
Meet the Team
- Carol Oliveros – Pastry Chef & Co-Owner
Oversees all desserts and bread service, ensuring each meal ends on a sweet note. - Raul Oliveros – General Manager & Co-Owner
The friendly face at the host stand, Raúl keeps our dining room humming and our wine racks well stocked. - Diego Cruz – Executive Chef
Trained in both classic French technique and regional Italian cookery, Chef Diego marries precision with rustic soul.
What Makes Us Different
| Our Promise | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Hand-crafted, never rushed | Pasta sauces simmer for eight hours; you’ll never feel hurried at your table. |
| Locally minded | We source Florida seafood and herbs from nearby growers whenever possible. |
| Family hospitality | Expect staff who remember your name—and your favorite wine. |
| Transparent value | Prix-fixe “Dinner for Two” menus and early-evening specials make fine dining approachable. |
Giving Back
Fra Diavolo partners with local schools, churches, and the Lauderhill Police Athletic League, donating gift certificates and hosting pasta-night fundraisers throughout the year. When emergencies strike—whether a hurricane or a neighbor in need—we open our kitchen to provide hot meals for first responders and families.
Visit Us
Address: 5444 N. University Dr., Lauderhill, FL 33351
Phone: (999) 756-0913
Hours:
- Tue–Thu 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Fri 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Sat 4:30 p.m.–11 p.m.
- Sun 11:00 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Closed Mondays
Whether you join us for a lingering Sunday lunch or a celebratory bottle of Chianti at supper, we invite you to slow down, pass the bread, and savor the flavors of southern Italy—right here in Lauderhill.
Buon appetito, and welcome to the Fra Diavolo family.