When visiting a city, food is the most sought-after thing. Experiencing hunger under the warm Florida sun is a common occurrence, particularly when many of the popular activities in the Sunshine State revolve around beachside relaxation, thrilling theme park rides, and engaging in various water sports along the rivers and Intracoastal waterways. That’s where the best restaurants in Florida come in. In Florida, the best restaurants are often found in some of the most unique locations and range in styles.
Here is the list of the 10 finest restaurants you must visit in Florida in no particular order.
Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City, Tampa
Columbia Restaurant is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Florida since 1905. It has since branched out to Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach, and Orlando, but nothing can replace a visit to the original. The restaurant serves authentic Cuban sandwiches, black bean soup, and Cuban coffee. Try the 1905 salad, which is tossed table side and served with Columbia’s signature garlic dressing.
Blue Heaven, Key West
Blue Heaven stands as a legendary symbol of Key West’s culture. Its enchanting ambiance, adorned with folk art, live music, abundant greenery, and freely wandering cats and chickens, adds to its charm. Moreover, Blue Heaven proudly boasts the title of serving the most exceptional Key lime pie on Earth.
Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach
Miami Beach’s most iconic restaurant, Joe’s Stone Crab, has been open since 1913 — making it older than the city it calls home. The restaurant follows a unique schedule, closing during the summer months and operating on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. Anticipate a wait of an hour or more for a table. However, once seated, you’ll experience the elegance of Old World service provided by waiters clad in dinner jackets.
McGuire’s Irish Pub, Pensacola
McGuire Irish Pub is an Irish pub decorated to recall old New York that has become an iconic hot spot in Northwest Florida. McGuire does not just serve up a mean steak in a unique atmosphere; they also make their beer and boast one of the largest restaurant wine cellars in the world.
Satchel’s Pizza, Gainesville
Satchel’s has become very famous in Gainesville and can have wait times of over an hour on the weekends. Not only is the food amazing (everything, not just the pizza), the decoration has a funky junk art vibe. It also has its store (Lightnin’ Salvage) chock-full of weird and fun little knickknacks and gifts.
The Cellar Restaurant, Daytona Beach
The beautiful historic home that houses this restaurant once belonged to President Warren G. Harding. For about two decades, The Cellar Restaurant has been dedicated to creating an exquisite dining affair, offering exceptional Italian cuisine that stands out as the finest in the vicinity of Daytona Beach.
The Ravenous Pig, Winter Park
The Ravenous Pig is one of the most talked about restaurants in Florida and with good reason. The restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to make many of the dishes on the menu, including the house-cured meats on the charcuterie and cheese platter, and the decadent mushroom and gruyere beignets.
Versailles Restaurant, Miami
Versailles is an iconic Cuban restaurant serving traditional fare in a roomy, vintage dining room with chandeliers. Versailles combines all of our favorite things: Good portions, good prices, and good food, all in a lovely setting. It has been in Miami landmark for more than 40 years.
Wine Bar George, Lake Buena Vista
Wine Bar George is the only Master Sommelier-led restaurant in Florida, where everything on the wine menu can be savored by the bottle, ounce, or glass, or even as a hand-picked flight. Complementing the wines, they offer a diverse array of shareable dishes like their signature house-made meatballs and polenta, a refreshing grilled romaine salad accompanied by a creamy dressing, and an assortment of delectable cheese and charcuterie boards.
Restaurant Orsay, Jacksonville
Restaurant Orsay presents a menu influenced by the flavors of the American South, infused with a distinct of French flair. The culinary offerings reflect the seasons, ensuring frequent updates, while still maintaining consistent favorites such as the delectable seared duck breast accompanied by French green lentils, Eden Farms bacon, carrot puree, roasted duck jus, and crispy carrots. An exceptional off-menu item worth mentioning is the noteworthy beef wellington, a delightful dish capable of satisfying the appetites of two to three diners.