Fall is Bringing New Flavors to Huizenga Park
October 5, 2026
Since reopening, Huizenga Park has grown into a destination where community, culture, recreation, and events come together in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
This fall marks another exciting chapter in that story with the opening of two new park partners: Ophelia and Sweetwaters. Together, they bring fresh energy to the waterfront and create even more opportunities to enjoy the park throughout the day, whether you're starting your morning with a coffee, meeting friends for lunch, or gathering for dinner overlooking the river.
Your New Morning Stop in Huizenga Park
Ophelia is officially open in Huizenga Park! Created by husband-and-wife chefs Ana De Sa Martins and Juan Vieira, the bakery and café first built a loyal following in Coconut Grove with its vintage-inspired mobile concept. Now, the duo is bringing their first Broward County location to Huizenga Park.
What makes Ophelia so special is the care behind it. Breads, pastries, syrups, and cold foams are all made in-house, from the English muffin that anchors Ophelia’s signature bacon, egg, and cheese to the coffee-glazed cinnamon rolls and the brown sugar cinnamon latte with vanilla cold foam that may even draw a line before opening.
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ophelia offers coffee, matcha, pastries, and light lunch fare, creating a welcoming place to start your morning, catch up with friends, or simply take a break in the heart of downtown. We're thrilled to welcome Ana, Juan, and the entire Ophelia team to the park and look forward to seeing this unique concept become part of so many everyday moments in Huizenga Park.
A Seat Along the New River
Huizenga Park is excited to officially introduce Sweetwaters to Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
As a cornerstone of the park's long-term vision, Sweetwaters was designed to complement the surrounding park space, creating a place where guests can gather, connect, and enjoy the New River from a different perspective.
Behind the restaurant is the team from Specialty Restaurants Corporation, the family-owned restaurant group behind celebrated destinations like Miami’s Rusty Pelican. Led by a culinary team focused on the coastal-inspired cuisine that reflects South Florida's waterfront lifestyle, the Sweetwaters menu features fresh seafood, premium steaks, a raw bar, sushi, handcrafted cocktails, and shareable favorites that feel equally at home during a casual happy hour or a special night out. Designed as an extension of the park itself, Sweetwaters features a dramatic double-height dining room, an open kitchen, and outdoor patios overlooking both the New River and Huizenga Park. Guests visiting with their four-legged companions can even enjoy a dedicated pup menu.
What makes Sweetwaters especially exciting is how naturally it fits into the park experience. A stroll along the Riverwalk can turn into drinks by the water. An evening downtown can begin with happy hour on the patio and end with dinner overlooking the river. Families, friends, and visitors now have another reason to slow down, stay awhile, and enjoy everything the park has to offer.
As an important part of the reimagined Huizenga Park, Sweetwaters helps activate the waterfront and extend the park's energy well beyond daytime hours. We're excited to welcome the Sweetwaters team and look forward to seeing the restaurant become part of countless gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments along the New River.
Reservations are now open, so be sure to save your seat and experience Downtown Fort Lauderdale's newest waterfront destination.
About the Author
The team behind Huizenga Park is guided by a shared commitment to fostering community, creating lasting memories, and building an exceptional park experience.
This post was written by Alex Saiz, FTLDDA's Design & Construction Director, who oversaw the planning, design, and construction of the reimagined Huizenga Park and continues to oversee the park's day-to-day operations and maintenance.
