Must-see restaurants in Florida

  • Brooklyn's Backyard

    Northeast Florida

    Craft beers and pub grub-y mains – mussels sauteed in hot sauce, brie cheese burgers, full pizzas and shrimp macaroni and cheese – set the tone at this…

  • Sandollar

    Northeast Florida

    This classic waterfront spot does tasty seafood with a view out to the breeze-kissed water. Enjoy a drink and some blackened Mahi or a basket of shrimp,…

  • Cortez Kitchen

    Southwest Gulf Coast

    A casual eatery by the docks and fish-cleaning stations, Cortez Kitchen is the kind of place to sit, drink some beer and feast on fresh grouper sandwiches…

  • Bamboo Fire

    Gold Coast

    On a quiet shopping street a few blocks from the main Delray action, this arty, ultra-casual hole-in-the-wall is a cult favorite for authentic Caribbean…

  • El Tamaulipeco

    Florida Panhandle

    You wouldn't expect to find a Mexican gem in a little town like Quincy, but along comes El Tamaulipeco, with a solid menu of steaks, barbacoa (barbecue)…

  • Bite Me Deli

    Gulf Coast

    While there are a lot of restaurants in Apalachicola, the town was in serious need of a simple sandwich spot. Enter: Bite Me Deli, with its fish tacos,…

  • Dewey Destin's

    Gulf Coast

    Refreshingly human-scale compared to some of the corporate-behemoth restaurants on Destin's main strip, this longtime local favorite serves up simple…

  • Island Cow

    Southwest Gulf Coast

    This colorful island cafe goes heavy on the cow puns, offering a cheery 'at-moo-sphere' and tons of options, from 'cowabunga' breakfast to 'udderly great'…

  • Beached Whale

    Southwest Gulf Coast

    The breezy upstairs deck is a long-standing favorite for a reliable sunset meal with Gulf views; go for either grilled seafood or sticky-sweet barbecue…

  • Squid Lips Overwater Bar & Grill

    Space Coast

    With its outdoor seating, the newest member of the three-restaurant franchise pretty much rules. You cross a moat filled with koi to enter, and the views…

  • Metro Diner

    Northeast Florida

    An excellent breakfast/brunch spot in Jacksonville Beach, this tried-and-true diner has been in business since 1938. These days it's usually packed,…

  • Georgie's Diner

    St Augustine

    On the fringe of the historic downtown area, this shiny silver retro-look diner is best for big breakfasts and hearty Greek meals like gyro, souvlaki and…

  • Leanh's Chinese Restaurant

    Daytona Beach

    Chinese American standards – Szechuan beef, walnut shrimp and Shanghai duck – rule the roost at this South Daytona establishment, which has been one of…

  • South Beach Pavilion Cafe

    Tampa Bay

    Next to the pet beach, this cafe offers basically the same stuff as the Island Cafe up the beach, with a special fish fry at 4pm on Fridays, and pancake…

  • Stewby's Seafood Shanty

    Gulf Coast

    Off the main drag, en route to Eglin base, this unpretentious, predominantly takeout restaurant is famed for its signature sandwiches, fried seafood…

  • Bonnelli's Cafe Italia

    Gulf Coast

    When you've got the Italian urge, Bonnelli's delivers, though not literally. All your favorites are represented: chunky meatballs, cheesy pizzas, creamy…

  • Doug & Lil's Potato Patch

    Northeast Florida

    Country breakfasts and country vibes are the name of the game here – the menu serves up stick-to-your-ribs fare like biscuits and gravy, country fried…

  • Five Guys Burgers and Fries

    Orlando

    Sure, it's a fast-food burger joint chain. Sure, you can find them scattered through Florida and beyond. But this Obama favorite, an easy drive from…

  • La Spada's Original Hoagies

    Gold Coast

    This strip-mall spot is a favorite for American-style, crazy-good Philly-style hoagies and a staff of fun-loving jokers who can toss a slice of turkey…

  • Coney Island Sandwich Shop

    St Petersburg

    Collectors of Americana and hot-dog fanatics: order two delicious chili dogs, slaw and a milkshake and savor the vinyl-booth charm of this authentic,…

  • White Lion Cafe

    Everglades National Park

    There's a comfy cabin vibe to this place near downtown Homestead, with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features American fare along the lines of…

  • Mango Mango's

    St Augustine

    It's hard not to be charmed by this cheery lime-and-coral-colored beach bistro, with its menu of likable Caribbean-fusion fare – crunchy coconut shrimp,…

  • Bella Brava

    St Petersburg

    Anchoring the prime waterfront intersection, Bella Brava draws a noisy crowd of young professionals with its contemporary Italian cooking, pizza menu and…

  • Hurricane

    Florida Keys

    Going strong for over 50 years, the Hurricane is one of Marathon's best-known bars. Aside from live music from time to time, there's a good menu of pub…

  • Daytona Brickyard

    Daytona Beach

    Sit cheek by jowl with bikers and speedway fiends at this beloved grease pit, in a one-of-a-kind A-frame building jammed to the hilt with racing…

  • La Casa del Pane

    Tampa Bay

    With proprietors hailing from Altamura, the bread capital of Italy, it's hardly surprising that this local deli dishes up the best croissants, focaccia…

  • Another Broken Egg Cafe

    Southwest Gulf Coast

    This chain, diner-style breakfast institution on Siesta Key is a social hub each morning. The menu is chock-full of scrumptious and creative breakfast…

  • Bizarro Famous NY Pizza

    Space Coast

    This NY-style pizza joint sits in a majestic spot beside the beach in Indialantic. Service is brusque – think 'the soup Nazi' but for pizza. But the…

  • Gypsy Cab Co

    St Augustine

    Across the bridge from downtown, this arty turquoise-and-purple bistro is a local fave for an eclectic menu spanning Italian pastas, French strip steaks,…

  • Fish House Restaurant

    Gulf Coast

    Best for low-key, family-friendly fish and chips and fry-up breakfasts. You can't go past the killer shrimp basket, overflowing with golden battered…

  • Earl of Sandwich

    Walt Disney World

    Surprisingly good toasted sandwiches ranging from basic to exotic. One of the most satisfying lunches at Disney, with plenty of bang for your buck; but in…

  • River City Brewing Company

    Northeast Florida

    Jax's premier riverfront restaurant is a good place to quaff a microbrew and enjoy some upscale seafood overlooking the water. Prices are reasonable for…

  • Dog House Deli

    Gulf Coast

    For cheap and easy beachfront eats, try this local favorite, in business for more than 35 years, serving a range of signature or build-your-own dogs as…

  • Tony's

    Florida Panhandle

    Creamy, whole-clam-studded clam chowder – Tony's claim to fame – is truly superlative, and a reason to visit this otherwise mediocre seafood restaurant in…

  • Donut Hole Café & Bakery

    Gulf Coast

    This simple bakery-diner is a local favorite, serving sit-down breakfasts, fluffy takeout buttermilk doughnuts and bakery items, including generous wedges…

  • AdaBlue Cafe

    Florida Panhandle

    Ada's is a little blue shack plopped in front of an RV resort that serves up tons of home-cooked barbecue, sides of smothered potatoes and coleslaw, and …

  • Food & Thought

    Naples

    You won't find anything that isn't 100% organic on the shelves of this market or in its ever-busy cafe. Vegetarians will delight in the artfully layered…

  • Bella Bella

    Florida Panhandle

    Come for authentic Italian cuisine in a modern setting. Try the bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms, then move on to creamy pastas or shrimp scampi or…

  • Maude's Classic Café

    Northeast Florida

    This locally owned and operated boho hangout serves tea, coffee and cakes as well as themed sandwiches and salads such as 'When Harry Met Salad:' you get…