Must-see restaurants in Florida

  • Tarks of Dania Beach

    Gold Coast

    This jaunty clam stand has been going strong since 1966 and is now a local landmark. Most of the tiny, very fuggy interior is taken up with the cooking…

  • Tucker Duke's Lunchbox

    Gold Coast

    Superior burgers and southern comfort food made from local, seasonal ingredients. The brain behind the brand (yes, it's a chain) is Florida native and…

  • Dandelion Communitea Café

    Orlando

    Unabashedly crunchy and definitively organic, this pillar of the sprouts and tempeh and green-tea dining scene serves up creative and excellent plant…

  • Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen

    Walt Disney World

    This adventure-themed spot harks back to days of boat exploration. It has three delightful areas based around boat skippers' tropical headquarters. Enjoy…

  • East End Market

    Orlando

    Look for the raised vegetable beds and picnic tables outside this hip, earthy little organic collection of locally sourced places to eat and markets.

  • El Camino

    Gold Coast

    It's hard to know what's better: the industrial-chic fitout in this former car garage (complete with original hoists), the new-age interpretation and…

  • Boma

    Walt Disney World

    Several steps above Disney's usual buffet options, this African-inspired eatery offers wood-roasted meats, interesting soups such as coconut curried…

  • Tutto Gusto

    Walt Disney World

    Full marks for this authentic Italian brasserie and wine bar. It oozes style and serves up excellent small plates, including meats and cheeses. Definitely…

  • Present Moment Cafe

    St Augustine

    Dishing up 'Kind Cuisine,' this folksy restaurant serves only vegan cooked, dehydrated, or raw food. To the delight (and surprise) of many patrons, the…

  • Flying Biscuit Cafe

    Northeast Florida

    Great all-around breakfast spot done in tropical colors, with counters and floors clean enough to eat from. Though it's a franchise, you'd never know…

  • Sweet Melissa's Cafe

    Southwest Gulf Coast

    From menu to mood, Sweet Melissa's offers well-balanced, relaxed refinement. Dishes are ever-changing, but may include things like farro fettuccine,…

  • Mediterranean Market & Deli

    West Palm Beach

    Don't be put off by the nondescript warehouse exterior – this Middle Eastern deli serves up some of the most flavorful lunches in town. Fresh-baked pita…

  • Slate

    Orlando

    One of Orlando's newest and trendiest places, it's buzzy, noisy and draws a chatty crowd after crusty pizza (straight from the large, copper oven) or…

  • Sanaa

    Walt Disney World

    Lovely cafe with Savannah views – giraffes, ostriches and zebras graze outside the window. You almost forget you're in Florida, but, hey, that's Disney…

  • California Grill

    Walt Disney World

    Earning consistent oohs and aahs from locals and repeat Disney guests, this rooftop classic boasts magnificent views of Magic Kingdom fireworks and offers…

  • Jupiter Donut Factory

    Treasure Coast

    These fresh-baked doughnuts are what doughnuts dream of being, so get here early so you don't miss out. Doughnuts are usually greedily polished off by mid…

  • Patio Place

    Northeast Florida

    Tables named by country not numbers, international music, distressed wood, lots of outdoor seating, and pleasant service make this a joy to dine at. Known…

  • Frontera Cocina

    Walt Disney World

    A smart, trendy version of modern Mexico where, thanks to Chef Rick Bayless, corn, chili and salsa are whipped up into contemporary tastes in a…

  • Prato

    Greater Orlando

    A hopping go-to spot with high ceilings, exposed beams and a bar expanding the length of the room. Offers inspired interpretations of classic Italian…

  • Three Broomsticks

    Greater Orlando

    Fast-food-styled British fare inspired by Harry Potter, with cottage (shepherd's) pie and Cornish pasties, and rustic wooden bench seating. There's plenty…

  • Stardust Video & Coffee

    Orlando

    'Don't use the word hipster to describe this place,' says Tess, the server. She prefers 'weirdo eclectic.' Whatever you call it, you get the picture. This…

  • McGuire's

    Gulf Coast

    This enormous Irish-pub-microbrewery-steakhouse is a Panhandle institution; despite it's size, it always seems to be packed to the gills. There's a reason…

  • Mill

    St Petersburg

    After opening in 2015, the Mill and its barnyard-chic interior design quickly became St Pete's it restaurant, particularly at brunch. The walls are…

  • Rooster & the Till

    Tampa

    With an impressive culinary pedigree – and a recent Best Chef South nomination from the James Beard Foundation – Ferrell Alvarez and Ty Rodriguez are…

  • Oxford Exchange

    Tampa

    Built in 1891 as a stable for the Plant hotel, the reimagined Oxford Exchange takes its inspiration from the venerable Wolseley in London. The American…

  • No Name Pub

    Florida Keys

    The No Name’s one of those off-the-track places that everyone seems to know about. Despite the isolated location, folks come from all over to this divey…

  • Nitally's Thai-Mex Cuisine

    St Petersburg

    Owned by a Thai-Mexican couple, this delicious fusion concept worked its way up from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar establishment. Items like Thai…

  • Salty Donut

    Wynwood & the Design District

    Although 'artisanal doughnuts' sounds pretentious, no one can deny the merits of these artfully designed creations featuring seasonal ingredients –…

  • Square Grouper

    Florida Keys

    One of the most talked-about restaurants in the Keys, Square Grouper hits all the right notes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, innovative recipes…

  • Coyo Taco

    Wynwood & the Design District

    If you're in Wynwood and craving tacos, this is the place to be. You'll have to contend with lines day or night, but those beautifully turned-out tacos…

  • Orsay

    Northeast Florida

    This minimalist bistro in Riverside merges traditional French fare with Southern intuition, leading to a menu chock-full of rich and vibrant dishes, most…

  • Panther Coffee

    Wynwood & the Design District

    Miami's best independent coffee shop specializes in single-origin, small-batch roasts, fired up to perfection. Aside from sipping on a zesty brewed-to…

  • Manna Life Food

    Downtown Miami

    This airy, stylish eatery has wowed diners with its plant-based menu loaded with superfoods. Filling 'life bowls,' arepas (corn cakes) and noritos (like a…

  • Lung Yai Thai Tapas

    Little Havana

    This tiny gem in Little Havana has some excellent Thai cooking – and provides a nice change of palate in the area. Chef and owner Bas Trisransi produces a…

  • Southern Charm

    Northeast Florida

    Yes, this is Southern Charm: the place that looks like an automotive garage on a torn-up stretch of sidewalk. The restaurant, run by beloved Jacksonville…

  • River Oyster Bar

    Downtown Miami

    A few paces from the Miami River, this buzzing little spot with a classy vibe whips up excellent plates of seafood. Start off with their fresh showcase…

  • Spillover

    Miami

    Tucked down a pedestrian strip near the CocoWalk, the Spillover serves locally sourced seafood and creative bistro fare in an enticing vintage setting …

  • Macchialina

    South Beach

    This buzzing Italian trattoria has all the right ingredients for a terrific night out; namely great service and beautifully turned-out cooking, served in…

  • BO's Fish Wagon

    Key West

    Looking like a battered old fishing boat that smashed onto the shore, BO's is awash with faded buoys, lifesavers and rusting license plates strung from…

  • Cracked Egg Diner

    Daytona Beach

    Best for breakfast, this cheery joint in Daytona Beach Shores became so popular they annexed the building next door. Brainchild of brothers Chris and…