Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel Introduces a New Executive Chef and New Dining Concepts

November 26, 2025

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel is gearing up for its late 2025 debut with a distinctive culinary program led by Broward County native Cristian Mosquera as executive chef, according to a press release. From Mosquera’s locally inspired vision for seven new dining concepts to the hotel’s donation to Feeding South Florida, the property is setting the tone for an opening rooted in flavor, purpose, and a strong sense of home. The hotel’s culinary offerings will continue to expand in 2026 with the launch of an Italian chophouse.

With more than a decade of expertise, Executive Chef Cristian Mosquera returns to his hometown of Fort Lauderdale to orchestrate the culinary identity across the hotel’s collection of restaurants. Mosquera has crafted menus that pay homage to native Florida flavors and locally sourced ingredients.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Mosquera to the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel team,” said General Manager Gayla Guyse. “His deep connection to the local community, paired with his global perspective, makes him the ideal leader to bring our culinary vision to life.”

A Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef, Mosquera’s culinary style is rooted in his Colombian heritage, Southern influences, and a respect for classical technique.

Mosquera brings extensive experience from within Omni Hotels & Resorts, including assisting with the opening of Omni Louisville and Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, as well as contributing to the culinary teams at Omni Nashville and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa.

“It’s an incredible honor to help launch Omni Fort Lauderdale and shape a food and beverage program that delivers experiences far beyond the plate,” Mosquera said. “Each concept is a tribute to the beauty of South Florida, brought to life through multi-sensory moments infused with the creative flavors and cultural perspectives of our diverse and highly talented team.”

The new dining concepts at the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel include:

• Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar — The hotel’s signature restaurant, the menu celebrates the region’s bounty with coastal dishes such as wood-roasted heritage pork and Florida grouper.
• Fair Ketch — Reimagining the sports bar experience with an Everglades-inspired twist.
• Leeward Market — Offering fresh-brewed artisan coffee, breakfast selections, and lunch bites for guests on the move. Leeward Market is anchored by a co-partnership with Panther Coffee, a cornerstone of South Florida’s specialty coffee scene.
• Hidden Key — The lobby bar will feature a menu including blue crab dip and almond-blueberry cake paired with drinks like the tequila-forward Coconut Water and the espresso martini-style Espress Yourself.
• High Tide (exclusive to registered hotel guests only) — The hotel’s rooftop poolside bar and restaurant will be complete with luxury cabanas and specialty VIP service.
• Ibis Sky Lounge — Exclusively for guests 21 and older, Ibis Sky Lounge crowns the Omni Fort Lauderdale rooftop with an indoor-outdoor space with city and ocean views.

As Omni Fort Lauderdale approaches its debut, the hotel is honoring Omni Hotels & Resorts’ company-wide commitment to Say Goodnight to Hunger. Through this initiative, Omni partners with local food banks to help alleviate hunger in the communities where its hotels operate. Omni Fort Lauderdale will make a special pledge to Feeding South Florida that will provide 8,000 meals across Broward County. This contribution marks the first of many touchpoints where Omni Fort Lauderdale intends to invest in the place it calls home — supporting local organizations, championing neighborhood connections, and fostering meaningful impact throughout Broward County and the surrounding region.

Connected to the newly expanded Broward County Convention Center and adjacent to Port Everglades, Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel features 801 guest rooms and suites, expansive meeting and event spaces, seven dining venues (with the addition of an Italian chophouse opening in 2026), a rooftop pool, and a full-service Mokara Spa with signature Hammam rituals.