When you think of Florida, what comes to mind first? If you’re a thrill-seeker, maybe it’s the region’s amusement parks and other attractions. For beach enthusiasts, it might be the miles of pristine coastline. But for those who fancy themselves as true “foodies,” Florida should be up on the top of the list.
Not only does the world come together in the Sunshine State, but the culinary offerings are just as diverse and vibrant. From the Florida Panhandle to the Florida Keys, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to satisfy your taste buds in the area.
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Coastal Cuisine — Fresh Seafood Starts Here!
Florida’s extensive coastline means that seafood is a star player in many of the state’s best restaurants. From the Atlantic to the Gulf, each region offers its unique twist on coastal cuisine.
Florida Keys Delights
In the Florida Keys, you’ll find some of the freshest catches, often prepared with a Caribbean flair. Key West, in particular, is known for its Cuban-influenced dishes that blend tropical fruits with savory meats and seafood. Don’t miss out on trying:
- Conch fritters: A local specialty made from the meat of queen conch, mixed with spices and deep-fried to perfection
- Key lime pie: The official state pie of Florida, with a tangy-sweet filling made from Key limes
- Spiny lobster: Also known as Florida lobster, often grilled and served with drawn butter
Gulf Coast Specialties
Moving up the coast to the Gulf, cities like Pensacola, Perdido Key, Destin, and Panama City Beach offer their takes on coastal cuisine. Here, grouper is often the fish of choice, prepared in countless ways from blackened to fried. Some must-try dishes include:
- Grouper sandwich: A local favorite, often served grilled, blackened, or fried on a soft bun with tartar sauce
- Smoked mullet: A regional specialty, often served as a dip or spread
- Oysters Rockefeller: Gulf oysters baked with a rich topping of herbs and butter
For a true Florida dining experience, seek out a waterfront seafood restaurant where you can enjoy your meal with a view of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Our top Panama City Beach restaurants are a great place to start!
Atlantic Coast Offerings
On the Atlantic side, from Jacksonville down to Miami Beach, you’ll find a different, but equally delicious, take on coastal cuisine.
- Shrimp and grits: A Southern classic that’s particularly popular in Northeast Florida
- Stone crab claws: A seasonal delicacy (October to May) that’s especially prized in South Florida
- Mahi-mahi: Often called dolphin (though it’s not related to the mammal), this fish is a staple on many Florida menus.
In St. Augustine, try O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits for a taste of history along with your seafood. This restaurant, housed in a building dating back to 1790, offers beautiful views of the Matanzas River.
Top Places to Dine on the Coastline
Florida’s extensive coastline is dotted with cities and towns that offer unique culinary experiences, blending local flavors with international influences. Here are some of our favorites:
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, naturally excels in Southern and Spanish-inspired cuisine, reflecting its rich history. Many restaurants here are housed in historic buildings, adding to the overall ambiance and dining experience. Don’t miss the St. Augustine Distillery tour, which offers a glimpse into the city’s spirits-making history along with tastings.
- The Floridian: This restaurant offers a modern twist on Southern comfort food, using locally sourced ingredients.
- Michael’s Tasting Room: Enjoy Spanish-inspired tapas and an extensive wine list in a charming historic setting.
- Ice Plant Bar: Located in a former ice plant, this establishment serves craft cocktails and farm-to-table dishes.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach offers more than just racing; it’s home to several excellent seafood spots and casual beach bars perfect for enjoying a cold drink and fresh oysters. For a unique experience, time your visit with the Halifax Oyster Festival, celebrating the area’s oyster heritage.
- Hull’s Seafood Kitchen & Market: A local institution known for its fresh, no-frills seafood.
- Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club: Enjoy live music and fresh seafood with your toes in the sand.
- Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill: Located on Sunglow Pier, this spot offers panoramic ocean views with your meal.
Palm Beach County
West Palm Beach and Boca Raton cater to a more upscale crowd, with numerous fine dining establishments offering elegant American, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine. For a special treat, consider afternoon tea at The Breakers, a luxurious Palm Beach resort with over a century of history.
- Buccan (Palm Beach): Chef Clay Conley’s small plates restaurant offers innovative American cuisine.
- Cafe Boulud (Palm Beach): Experience French-American cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
- Rebel House (Boca Raton): This eclectic eatery offers creative dishes and craft cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, once known primarily for its Florida spring break crowds, has matured into a sophisticated dining destination. Here you’ll find everything from upscale steakhouses to trendy brunch spots.
- YOLO (You Only Live Once): This trendy spot offers a diverse menu and lively bar scene.
- S3 (Sun, Surf, Sand): Enjoy oceanfront dining with a menu that blends global flavors.
- Louie Bossi’s Ristorante: An authentic Italian restaurant known for its house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas.
Sarasota
Sarasota has emerged as a foodie paradise, with a thriving arts scene influencing its culinary offerings. The city excels in fine dining, but also offers excellent casual options, particularly for lovers of Italian cuisine.
- Indigenous: Chef Steve Phelps creates sustainable seafood dishes in a cozy cottage setting.
- Owen’s Fish Camp: This rustic spot offers fresh seafood in an Old Florida atmosphere.
Destin
Destin, in the Florida Panhandle, is another seafood lover’s paradise. Known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin offers some of the freshest catches you’ll find anywhere in the state. Visit during the Destin Seafood Festival to experience the best of local cuisine and culture.
- Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer: Specializes in locally sourced seafood and vegetables.
- Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House: Offers stunning views of the harbor along with excellent seafood.
Urban Culinary Hotspots
Florida’s cities are where culinary innovation truly shines. Each urban center offers its own unique flavor profile and dining experiences, reflecting the diverse cultures and influences that make up the Sunshine State.
Miami
Miami is a true melting pot of flavors, with strong Cuban and Caribbean influences. The city’s Miami Beach area is home to some of the most trending restaurants in the state, offering everything from high-end fine dining to casual beachside eateries. Don’t miss the vibrant food scene in neighborhoods like Wynwood and the Design District, where street art and culinary creativity go hand in hand.
- Cuban cuisine: Try the iconic Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana for authentic Cuban sandwiches and cafecito.
- Fusion fare: KYU in Wynwood blends Asian and American barbecue techniques for a unique dining experience.
- Luxury dining: For a special occasion, visit Stubborn Seed by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, offering innovative American cuisine.
Orlando
In Orlando, theme park cuisine has evolved far beyond typical fast food. Many of the city’s resorts now boast fine dining establishments rivaling big-city restaurants. For a special occasion, consider one of Orlando’s upscale steakhouses, like Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria, where you can indulge in prime cuts and extensive wine lists.
- Disney dining: Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort offers a luxurious multi-course tasting menu.
- Local favorites: The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park is a gastropub known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu.
- International flair: Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road offers a diverse array of cuisines, from Italian at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano to Indian at Tabla.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville, often overlooked in culinary discussions, has a burgeoning food scene that blends Southern comfort food with innovative new concepts. The city’s riverside restaurants offer beautiful views along with their delectable dishes. Don’t miss the Riverside Arts Market on Saturdays, where local food vendors showcase the best of Jacksonville’s culinary scene.
- Southern staples: Maple Street Biscuit Company serves up creative takes on classic biscuit sandwiches.
- Seafood with a view: River & Post offers rooftop dining with panoramic views of the St. Johns River.
- Farm-to-table: Black Sheep Restaurant in the trendy Five Points neighborhood focuses on locally sourced ingredients.
Tampa
Tampa has become known for its diverse culinary offerings, with strong Spanish influences thanks to its historic Ybor City neighborhood. The city also boasts excellent Asian cuisine, particularly in its vibrant food halls and markets.
From upscale fine dining establishments to trendy food halls and markets, Florida’s urban centers offer a diverse and exciting culinary landscape. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Cuban cuisine, innovative fusion dishes, or classic Southern comfort food, you’re sure to find something tasty!
- Spanish heritage: Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant, serves authentic Spanish cuisine in a stunning setting.
- Food halls: Armature Works houses multiple eateries in a restored streetcar warehouse, offering everything from sushi to artisanal ice cream.
- Gulf seafood: Oystercatchers at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay offers fresh seafood with beautiful views of the bay.
Diverse Flavors & Unique Culinary Experiences
Florida’s cultural diversity is reflected in its rich tapestry of cuisines. From traditional ethnic fare to innovative fusion concepts, the state offers a wide array of flavors to explore.
Greek Cuisine in Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs, known for its large Greek-American population, is a haven for Greek cuisine lovers. Don’t miss the chance to watch sponge divers at work before enjoying a traditional Greek meal.
- Hellas Restaurant & Bakery: Famous for its extensive menu of Greek specialties and decadent pastries.
- Dimitri’s on the Water: Offers fresh seafood with a Greek twist and beautiful views of the Anclote River.
Indian Cuisine Across Florida
Indian restaurants can be found in most major cities, particularly in areas with large South Asian communities. Look for regional Indian festivals throughout the year, which often feature food stalls offering authentic street food and sweets.
- Bombay Darbar (Miami): Known for its flavorful curries and tandoori dishes
- Tamarind Indian Cuisine (Orlando): Serves a wide range of North and South Indian dishes in an elegant setting
Mexican & Tex-Mex Flavors
Mexican cuisine is popular throughout the state, with many restaurants offering fusion dishes that blend traditional Mexican flavors with local Florida ingredients. For a unique experience, visit during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in cities like Tampa or Orlando.
- Bodega (St. Petersburg): Known for its Cuban-Mexican fusion and vibrant atmosphere
- Rocco’s Tacos (multiple locations): Offers a lively atmosphere and over 400 varieties of tequila
- Coyo Taco (Miami): Serves creative tacos with locally sourced ingredients
Caribbean Influences
Florida’s proximity to the Caribbean means you’ll find plenty of Caribbean flavors throughout the state. Don’t miss the annual Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival, celebrating Bahamian culture and cuisine.
- Ortanique on the Mile (Coral Gables): Offers “Cuisine of the Sun,” a fusion of Caribbean and global flavors.
- Jerk Machine (Fort Lauderdale): Serves authentic Jamaican jerk dishes.
Asian Fusion & Pan-Asian Cuisine
Florida’s Asian cuisine scene goes beyond traditional Chinese and Japanese restaurants, offering a variety of fusion and pan-Asian concepts.
- Komoon Thai Sushi & Ceviche (Naples): Uniquely combines Thai, Japanese, and Peruvian cuisines
- Hawkers Asian Street Fare (multiple locations): Serves a variety of Asian street food-inspired dishes.
Tiki Culture & Tropical Drinks
Florida’s coastal areas are home to numerous tiki-themed establishments that combine tropical drinks with seafood and island-inspired cuisine. These spots often offer a fun, casual atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach.
In Fort Lauderdale, Cafe Martorano’s offers a unique blend of Italian cuisine with Florida seafood, all served in a lively, tiki-inspired setting. Time your visit with The Hukilau, an annual celebration of tiki culture.
- Mai-Kai Restaurant (Fort Lauderdale): A historic tiki restaurant offering Polynesian cuisine and nightly shows
- Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (Orlando): Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, it offers a whimsical tiki experience
Special Dining Experiences
For a truly memorable dining experience, consider one of Florida’s many special occasion restaurants.
- Victoria & Albert’s (Orlando): Located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, this AAA Five Diamond restaurant offers a luxurious multi-course tasting menu.
- Bern’s Steak House (Tampa): Known for its extensive wine cellar and dedicated dessert room
- Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami Beach): A Miami institution famous for its stone crab claws and key lime pie
Sustainable Seafood Initiatives
Many Florida restaurants are now focusing on sustainable seafood practices. Look for restaurants that participate in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s FishSmart program, which promotes responsible fishing and seafood consumption.
For a true Florida dining experience, seek out restaurants that source their seafood locally and sustainably. Not only will you be supporting local fishermen and Florida ecosystems, but you’ll also be tasting some of the freshest seafood available.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual beachside meal or indulging in fine dining, Florida’s coastal cuisine offers something for every palate. From the Florida Keys to the Panhandle, each region’s unique flavors and preparations showcase the best of what the state’s waters have to offer.
Where Will You Dine in Florida?
There’s truly no end to the dining options in Florida, where every corner of the state offers a unique culinary experience. It doesn’t matter if you are planning to spend your time at the beach or trying to find a unique date spot, Florida has it all.
After your day dining in Florida, why not make your home at a Florida CFY vacation rental? Our luxury properties offer stunning views and top-of-the-line amenities to make your stay in Florida even more unforgettable. Browse our lineup of Florida vacation rentals today and start planning your trip! We can’t wait to welcome you to Florida – a true foodie haven.
