Sarasota
The dull decor doesn't wow but the excellent food certainly does at one of downtown Sarasota's most popular dinner options. Taking the idea of fusion food…
Must-see restaurants in Southwest Florida
Naples
Campiello hits you with the perfect one-two combo: an attractive, umbrella-shaded patio for stylish alfresco dining along the 3rd St shopping corridor,…
St Petersburg
Lovely Alésia, with its big windows, laid-back soundtrack and umbrella-clad courtyard, is the brainchild of Sandra Ly-Flores, Erika Ly and Paul Hsu, who…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Part-owner Randy Wayne White once lived on the marina here, and he named this scenic wharf eatery, which has two sister restaurants in Sanibel and Capitva…
Southwest Gulf Coast
This nautically themed bistro is a cut above other seafood restaurants on the beach. Inside, a wall of windows frames stunning sunsets or lightning…
Naples
Slip into your sexiest get-up for one of Naples' most stylish scenes. The cafe upstairs has formal dining beneath a vaulted ceiling with a Chagall…
Southwest Gulf Coast
This Captiva institution is oddly festooned in kitsch, pastels and Christmas decor year-round, with trains running on three floors and a special 'elf room…
Southwest Gulf Coast
This unassuming shack offers two genuine delights: sumptuous fresh-baked buttermilk biscuits – overflowing with eggs, cheese and bacon – and delectable…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Look no further than this retro coffee lounge for laid-back lounging over your early-morning espresso or honey latte. Surfboards dangle from the ceiling;…
Southwest Gulf Coast
The newest location in the Doc Ford's chain is attached to South Seas Island Resort and accordingly upscale, but nonguests are welcome. The menu is full…
Sarasota
Start your day with an authentic croissant or baguette sandwich at this French-owned downtown cafe and bakery. The crepes are tasty and filling, but save…
Nature Coast
A long-time local favorite, this waterfront establishment offers fantastic views of Kings Bay, along with reliably good seafood dishes like stone crab…
Fort Myers
Housed in a remodeled Florida bungalow, this quaint tearoom is a favorite ladies lunch spot. Beat them to it, as the thick slabs of quiche, homemade sweet…
Nature Coast
A long-standing favorite for its baklava cheesecake and fall-off-the-bone lamb shank, this Greek restaurant has been killing it since 1970. The place is…
Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill
Nature Coast
This indoor-outdoor restaurant and tiki bar at the end of Dodecanese is named after the large, male gag grouper with the same nickname, and accordingly,…
St Petersburg
Sporting an upbeat, 19th-century British-colonial atmosphere, Moon Under Water serves admirably flavorful Indian curries; ask for a capsicum 'enhancer' to…
St Petersburg
The charcuterie craze in St Pete started here, at this specialty Italian grocery store in a nondescript suburb northwest of downtown. Mazzaro's fresh…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Down by the water you’ll find the Star Fish Company, a commercial fish house that’s been selling wholesale fish since the 1920s. It now has a rustic…
Sarasota
Order a spicy oyster shooter (a Bloody Mary with an oyster in it) or oyster 'Monkafellas' (baked with signature toppings) and watch bar staff expertly…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Head upstairs from Sharky's for well-executed sushi, prime cuts of mesquite-charcoal-grilled meat and sophisticated seafood dishes such as pan-seared,…
Tampa
From the outside this place looks like it could be a paint store. The inside isn't much better; green vinyl tablecloths and bare white walls. But the red…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Housed in an old village grocery, this unique cafe, coffee-and-ice-cream bar and vintage shop sells furniture, flip-flops, and outsider art and trinkets…
Naples
Aside from the irony of driving 6 miles from downtown to eat local, this strip-mall farm-to-table bistro is worth the carbon footprint for fab sustainable…
Fort Myers
Pleasing diners with its simple Southern comfort food since the 1950s, this modest place has a loyal local following. It's nothing fancy, but if you're…
St Petersburg
Though not in a silver and chrome train car, this St Pete diner institution has been around since 1975. It's a family-run spot with simple breakfast and…
St Petersburg
A true slice of Old St Pete, this quirky establishment a bit south of downtown draws regulars back time and again with high tea, tasty burgers and…
Tampa Bay
This contemporary, upscale harborside eatery puts everything on display: the basement wine cellar through a floor cutaway, the waterfront from sweeping…
Tampa
This legendary, nationally renowned steakhouse is an event as much as a meal. Dress up, order caviar and on-premises dry-aged beef, ask to tour the wine…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Right by the docks and with stunning views of Marco Bay, this long-standing restaurant and bar is the social hub of the island. The kitchen serves up…
Sarasota
The Main Bar is a Sarasota classic: an old-school, booth-filled, diner-style deli founded by retired circus performers whose photos blanket the walls. It…
Tampa
At 15th Ave and 15th St, just outside Ybor's main drag, this authentic Spanish bakery cranks out delicious breads and pastries, rich Cuban coffee and…
Sarasota
One of the most popular places on the Circle, this upscale cafe has outdoor seating and a generous menu of sandwiches, wraps and salads. Everything is…
Tampa Bay
This beach-bum-casual hole-in-the-wall serves grouper sandwiches you'll dream about months later. These crusty beauties on an onion roll go perfectly with…
Tampa Bay
With a deck right over the beach, cold beer and the best pound of shrimp on the beach, this is indeed a little slice of paradise. It also does a mean…
Southwest Gulf Coast
At the end of Siesta Village, Blasé combines the artful vibe of an urban wine bar with a seaside-casual bistro. The menu of tapas, sandwiches and mains is…
Fort Myers
This former dive bar may have retained the TVs, dartboards and pool table, but TV chef Brian Duffy has revamped its tired menu and brew list to include…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Pull up a bar stool next to the charter-boat captains at this longtime Sanibel Marina favorite. Enjoy a no-fuss fried-oyster sandwich, mesquite-grilled…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Superlative southern Italian cuisine served in a romantic art-filled dining room. All breads and pastas are made on site and daily specials showcase…
Southwest Gulf Coast
Popular local hangout with an extensive cafe menu of quick, cheap eats that are surprisingly tasty and prepared with love. The staff are as friendly as…
St Petersburg
Once a national drive-in chain, the last standing Biff-Burger has morphed into a down-home, blue-collar institution. Under a tin roof you'll find a long,…
