When you think of Florida’s best food scenes, hotspots like Miami and Fort Lauderdale might take center stage. But for Davie locals in the know, Pine Island Ridge Country Club and its surrounding neighborhood quietly offer one of Broward County’s most flavorful—and underrated—dining experiences. Whether you live here, visit to play a round of golf, or simply love discovering neighborhood gems, Pine Island Ridge’s food scene is a mouthwatering mix of cozy cafés, inventive bakeries, vibrant food trucks, and top-notch restaurants. Here’s where to eat, what to order, and why you’ll fall in love with this charming Davie enclave.
Where the Locals Gather: Standout Restaurants
The culinary heartbeat of Pine Island Ridge can be traced to spots along Pine Island Road, State Road 84, and the cozy Pine Island Plaza. Here, you’ll find everything from elegant golf course fare to no-frills comfort food.
- The Clubhouse Grille at Pine Island Ridge Country Club
9400 Pine Ridge Dr
Affectionately called “the Grille” by members, this airy, sunlit restaurant is the neighborhood’s go-to for classic American lunch and dinner with a Florida twist. Take a seat overlooking the fairways and enjoy crowd favorites like their blackened mahi sandwich ($15) or crisp cobb salad ($13). On Friday nights, the prime rib dinner is a can’t-miss local tradition—arrive early, as they often sell out!
- Shangri-La Chinese Restaurant
8900 W State Road 84, Pine Island Plaza
A cornerstone of comfort for nearby residents, this family-run spot offers a blend of Cantonese and Americanized classics. Think honey-garlic chicken ($12), steaming hot-and-sour soup, and crispy egg rolls that always hit the spot. Affordable prices and friendly service make this a staple for dine-in or takeout.
- Little Java’s Family Café
280 S University Dr, just north of State Road 84
Just a skip from Pine Island Ridge, this neighborhood favorite blends excellent coffee, French pastries, and a relaxed, kid-friendly environment. Their ham-and-Gruyère croissants ($7) and Nutella-stuffed crêpes ($8) have a loyal following. The café’s mini indoor playground draws family crowds, while the strong, smooth café au lait keeps caffeine seekers coming back.
Sweets, Treats, and Sips: Bakeries & Coffee Shops
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Pine Island Ridge will not disappoint. The area hosts bakeries specializing in both American and Latin-inspired favorites, as well as specialty coffee nooks.
- Pine Island Bakery
8844 W State Road 84
Blink and you might miss this hidden gem tucked in the corner of Pine Island Plaza. Step inside for impossibly flaky pastelitos (try the guava cheese for $2) and daily-baked Cuban bread. Locals come for the café con leche and linger over informal, lively chats in both English and Spanish.
- The Alchemist Café (Davie location)
2853 S University Dr, a quick drive north
Known for their “funky” espresso bar and reclaimed-wood interiors, The Alchemist is where creatives and students fuel up. Their signature nitro cold brew, luscious avocado toast ($9), and rotating vegan pastries make it worth the trip. Weekend mornings can get packed, but the chill vibe and friendly baristas are worth the wait.
The Food Truck Fix
Unlike Miami’s massive food truck bazaars, Pine Island Ridge’s food truck scene is endearing and neighborly. Trucks often rotate appearances at the Pine Island Ridge Saturday Market or park near the country club for special events.
- Cali Arepas
This family-operated Venezuelan food truck has locals lining up for stuffed arepas (under $10) loaded with shredded beef, black beans, and fried plantains. Track their weekly schedule via Facebook—they’re usually found at country club events Fridays and select weekend evenings near the Pine Island Ridge clubhouse.
- Davie Dogs Gourmet Hot Dogs & More
When you crave comfort, look for Davie Dogs’ classic cart on Saturday afternoons near Pine Ridge Drive and Pine Island Road. Try the bacon-wrapped dog with chipotle mayo for an affordable treat, or sample their rotating specialty sausages. It’s a Pine Island Ridge weekend tradition for kids after Little League or golfers in need of a snack.
Hidden Gems & Global Eats
Beyond the obvious crowd-pleasers, Pine Island Ridge also offers quieter gems that reward intrepid foodies and regulars with memorable meals.
- Angelo’s Italian Market & Deli
8943 W State Road 84
This old-school Italian market is part deli, part grocer, and all heart. Order a monster-sized meatball sub ($11), grab a cannoli to-go, or stock up on imported olive oil and house-cured meats. At lunchtime, the deli counter is buzzing—locals swear by the chicken parm sandwich and fresh mozzarella salad.
- Gourmet Garden Thai
8990 W State Road 84
Tucked behind unassuming storefronts, Gourmet Garden delivers robust, fragrant Thai flavors at wallet-friendly prices. Pad Thai ($13), spicy basil fried rice, and creamy coconut curries are all standouts, but their mango sticky rice dessert draws sweet-lovers from across Davie.
- Tijuana Taxi Co.
4400 S University Dr, a quick drive from the neighborhood
Known for their lively atmosphere and colorful décor, Tijuana Taxi has become a go-to for group dinners or happy hour. Indulge in sizzling fajitas, giant margaritas, and fresh guacamole made tableside. The vibe is festive, prices moderate, and portions generous—no wonder locals keep coming back.
Food Traditions and Neighborhood Favorites
What truly sets Pine Island Ridge apart isn’t just its variety—it’s the way food is entwined with community. From holiday feasts at the country club to the friendly rivalry between “favorite sub shops” at neighborhood block parties, dining here is as much about connection as it is about flavor.
- Every fall, the Clubhouse Grille hosts a chili cook-off, drawing amateur chefs and spice fiends from all over the development.
- Seasonal farmers' markets bring local produce and food trucks right to the golf course parking lot on select Saturdays.
- Morning walks along Pine Ridge Drive inevitably end with a café treat at Pine Island Bakery or Little Java's.
Plan Your Pine Island Ridge Food Adventure
The Pine Island Ridge Country Club neighborhood may be small, but its dining scene offers a vibrant cross-section of Davie’s rich culinary tapestry—perfect for foodies eager to explore beyond the mainstream. Bring friends for a laid-back dinner, caffeinate at a cozy café, hunt for food truck gems, or sweeten your mood with a sundrenched bakery pastry. Wherever you choose, you’ll experience the distinctive welcome and unhurried charm that makes this corner of Davie special—one delicious bite at a time.