Restaurants in Florida
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Bella Bravo
Authentic northern Italian cooking, a 1000-bottle wine list and lots of atmosphere in a building, whose frontage sports bright-orange-and-yellow checkered tiles, all combine to make Bella Bravo a top Tampa eating experience. Whether you’re indulging in thin-crust Roman pizza on the downstairs patio or house-made potato gnocchi on the upstairs balcony, you can bet that your nouveau Italian meal here will be delicious.
reviewed
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Manatee Café
Despite its move out of town to Westgate Plaza and the fact that you're dining surrounded by shelves of vitamins, Manatee's scrambled tofu, hummus pitas, soy-cheese pizza and other veggie creations (Cajun-style chicken's also on the menu for the non-converted) remain as hugely in demand as ever - reserve ahead or phone in your to-go order well before hunger strikes or you'll be in for a wait, albeit well worth it.
reviewed
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Morton's Gourmet Market
This chichi grocery store is a must-stop for Siesta Key–bound gourmands dreaming of that perfect beach picnic: simply partake of Morton's unusually wide selection of takeout salads, sandwiches, sushi and entrees. About 15 blocks south of downtown.
reviewed
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Big Fish
Big Fish has a catch-the-sun color scheme, open deck and blue-water breezes – could you come closer to Mediterranean island ambience in Miami? OK, the Miami River isn’t the Aegean Sea (you’re almost under the Metromover), but the seafood is fresh; try anything off the fish menu, sip some wine and love life. Film buffs: Alec Baldwin shot a thief on the back patio here in the ’80s cult flick Miami Blues.
reviewed
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Collage
Inside the cool, terracotta-walled dining room of this upscale eclectic spot, you'll feel a world away from the heat and bustle of touristy downtown. The seafood-heavy menu wins raves for its subtle touch with global flavors – hand-cut beef tenderloin with tamarind sauce, Mexican shrimp with garlic and chili. Service can be a bit hover-y, but otherwise lovely.
reviewed
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Ciappino
This luxury hotel extravaganza gives you plenty of seating options and definitely sells a ‘Sinatra in his heyday’ vibe, couching your dining experience in an enormous half deco/half Baroque dining room of grand-ball proportions. The menu matches the opulence of the setting, offering such over-the-top fare as wild mushrooms and truffles stuffed into sea bass. Whatever your pleasure, you can’t really go wrong.
reviewed
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Nine One Five
Classy Nine One Five certainly stands out from the nearby Duval detritus of alcoholic aggression and tribal band tattoos. Ignore all that and enter this immaculate, modern and elegant space, which serves a creative, New American-dips-into-Asia menu. It's all quite rich – imagine a butternut squash and almond risotto, or local lobster accompanied by duck confit potatoes.
reviewed
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Hemmingways
Located inside the luxurious grounds of the Hyatt Grand Cypress, this quiet spot serves up Key West fare. Crab cakes with big chunks of lump crab and very little filler pair perfectly with a salad and a glass of wine. Simple seafood dishes are clean, fresh and delicious. Ask to sit on the screened-in porch, nestled among the greenery and watched over by a bronze Buddha.
reviewed
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Kitchenetta
The interior is sleek-industrial - stainless-steel tables, high ceilings and cement floors - but the food at this new Italian delight is warm and delicious, with portions offered in either single or family servings. Start with made-to-order flatbread and a choice from the extensive wine list, then move on to linger over options such as tomato salad, risotto balls or macaroni with peas and prosciutto.
reviewed
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San Loco
You’d think laid-back, Latino-influenced South Beach would have more burrito places, because let’s face it, nothing goes down better after a cold swim (or beer) than guac, sour cream and beans. But there was a serious shortage of this genre – and then San Loco arrived. The industrially cool interior is fun, but the burritos are better – they kick your hunger in the ass, but in an oh-so-delicious way.
reviewed
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La Perrada de Edgar
Back in the day, Colombia's most (in)famous export to Miami was cocaine. But seriously, what's powder got on La Perrada and its kookily delicious hot dogs that were devised by some Dr Evil of the frankfurter world? Don't believe us? Try an especial, topped with plums, pineapple and whipped cream. How about shrimp and potato sticks? Apparently these are normal hot-dog toppings in Colombia. The homemade lemonade also goes down a treat.
reviewed
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Santa Maria Restaurant
Right out over the water at the end of a wooden pier, where hungry catfish wait for diners to open the trapdoor in the window sill and drop breadcrumbs (bowls are brought to your table with your meal). All sorts of blackened, broiled and fried seafood is on the menu, as well as steaks and pasta. In October and November and during the spring you'll often spot dolphins, which come right into the bay.
reviewed
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JT’s Island Grill & Gallery
Just a mile or so past the edge of town, this awesome café-cum–art gallery sits in a restored 1890 general store. It’s outfitted with bright, retro furniture and piles of kitschy books, pottery, clothing and maps (all for sale). But the best part is the food (lunch only) – fresh crab cakes, salads, fish platters and veggie wraps, made with locally grown organic vegetables.
reviewed
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Last Carrot
Folks of all walks, corporate suits included, come here for fresh juice, delicious wraps (veggie options are great but the tuna melt is divine) and old-Grove neighborliness. The Carrot's endurance next to massive CocoWalk is testament to the quality of its good-for-your-body food served in a good-for-your-soul setting.
reviewed
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Karma Car Wash
- Miami, USA
- Restaurants › Café
This eco-friendly car wash also serves soy chai lattes, organic tapas and good microbrews. The idea could be precocious in execution, but ends up being fun – more fun than your average wash ‘n’ wait, anyways. Of course, hybrid drivers get a 25% discount, and the bar becomes a lounge at 8pm, with DJs spinning as you wonder ‘Should I have gotten the wax finish?’
reviewed
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Blue Moon Fish Co
Seafood lovers flock to Blue Moon for its excellent and eclectic menu, solid service and spectacular waterside setting. The Sunday brunch, frequently with live jazz, provides a particularly bountiful meal of all-you-can-peel-and-eat shrimp, Louisiana crawfish, shucked oysters, a seafood buffet, mains like seafood gumbo or salmon strudel, dessert and either a Bloody Mary, mimosa or champagne.
reviewed
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Pasha's
Pasha's is a serious self-promoter judging by this place, a sleek, two-level, healthy fast-food emporium that has its name everywhere you look. No matter; the food at Pasha's rocks. Have some delicious labneh (thick yogurt), a plate of hummus and grilled chicken served over rice. Pasha's has started expanding as a chain and now has locations across Miami.
reviewed
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El Rey de Las Fritas
If you've never had a frita (Cuban-style burger) make your peace with McDonald's and come down to El Rey with the lawyers, developers, construction workers and every other slice of Miami's Latin life. These fritas are big, juicy and served under a mountain of shoestring fries. Plus, the batidos (Latin American milkshakes) definitely brings the boys to the yard.
reviewed
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Howley's Restaurant
Stick around for more than a couple of days and you'll eventually find yourself in this retro-diner institution, reopened recently after a extensive renovation that's made it look like a mint-condition relic. You can get breakfast all day long, comfort foods from Reubens to burgers, and either a thick old-fashioned milkshake or a strong Old Fashioned, thanks to its full-liquor bar.
reviewed
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Anokha
The general consensus is that this family-run phenom is as good as Indian gets in Miami, which is either big praise or small potatoes depending on your point of view. Our take: this place goes beyond excellent vindaloos, curries and tandooris with unique specials such as the shrimp cooked in mustard sauce, and chicken with spinach and cilantro. It’s a small spot with a big legend.
reviewed
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Green's Pharmacy
This place, housed inside a working pharmacy, hasn't changed since John F Kennedy, looking to slip away from the Secret Service, would stroll across the mint-green linoleum and grab a bite. Choose between a table or a stool at the Formica counter and order from the paper menu just like everyone else, from the trust-fund babies slumming it to the college girls headed to the beach.
reviewed
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Joe Patti's
Don't leave Pensacola without a visit to this beloved seafood emporium, begun by Sicilian immigrant Joe Patti in the 1930s and now run by his descendants. Watch workers debone fish at long steel tables, google at row upon row of oysters, octopi, mullet and squid, or stock up on prepared picnic foods like shrimp salad or clam chowder. If you're hungry right now, pick up a fresh-from-the-boat spicy tuna roll at the in-house sushi bar. To complete the meal, grab wine and cheese from the connected emporium.
reviewed
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Conch Town Café
Too many people ignore this walk-up/carry-out, with its plastic patio furniture and scruffy island vibe. It's a shame, as it serves conch – good for more than listening to the ocean – deliciously 'cracked' (deep-fried) with a lip-puckeringly sour-lime marinade. You'll be tempted to wash it down with the homemade smoothies, but be warned: they're more milky than refreshing.
reviewed
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Norman’s
What, Coral Gables? You’ve already got some of the best tapas, sushi and French food in the city; now you get Norman Van Aiken, touted by critics as possibly the best chef in southeastern USA? The menu is a culinary mirror of the state of Florida, fusing the Caribbean to North America, and Europe to Latin America. Imagine Florida pompano with ham-cheek hash, then eat it.
reviewed
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Sam’s Deli & Grill
- Miami, USA
- Restaurants › Deli
‘It’s good, ’ says the Israeli, with typical Sabra (Israeli Jew) understatement, walking out of what looks like a rabbi convention. Sam’s holds the title for most popular deli on South Beach, evidenced by round-the-clock crowds noshing matzo ball soup, brisket and the excellent New Yorker: turkey and corned beef piled on rye and dripping with Russian dressing.
reviewed