With a nickname like the Sunshine State and the longest coastline in the contiguous US, it's no surprise that Florida boasts a bounty of produce from both land and sea. And where there are fantastic ingredients, you’re sure to find talented chefs and exciting restaurants. Florida is full of incredible places to eat, from Miami to Jacksonville, and we’ve searched high and low for the very best. Whether you’re looking for fast food gems or exquisite fine dining, these are the top spots to try.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best restaurants in Florida – counting down to the most unmissable of all.
Our selection and ranking is based on reviews, awards and accolades, and on the expert opinions of our well-traveled (and well fed) team. This list is unavoidably subjective.
As the oldest restaurant in Florida, Columbia Restaurant should be on everyone’s bucket list. Although there are multiple locations in the state, it’s the Ybor City eatery that’s been going since 1905. Over the years, it's expanded to occupy an entire block, making it the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. There’s a lot to love about the menu, from tapas to caramelized crema Catalana (a baked custard dish similar to a crème brûlée), but it’s the famous Cuban sandwich, with ham, salami, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, that’s been named the best in Florida.
Sit anywhere at Azurea and you’ll have a wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean. As you look out at the sea, you can enjoy delights from the surrounding waters and beyond; the menu features the likes of seared red snapper with ginger butter, chimichurri seared scallops, and street tacos with local shrimp and a choice of sweet chili slaw, pico de gallo, or cilantro sour cream. A popular spot for celebrations, the restaurant receives high praise for its friendly and attentive service.
Greek bakery and eatery Psomi (the Greek word for bread) provides the people of Tampa with breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and brunch on the weekends. Bringing Mediterranean flavors to Florida, the menu brims with Greek classics and fusion creations, including the Americani, a filling sandwich stuffed with house-cured bacon, scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, and American cheese. Like to start your day with something sweet? Look out for the loukoumades – fluffy Greek donuts with nuts and honey. Bread, pastries, and cakes are all available to take away from the bakery, too.
The exciting food just keeps coming at POC American Fusion Buffet & Sushi, an all-you-can-eat restaurant that describes itself as ‘non-traditional.' A vast spread of dishes from around the world is enough to tempt even the pickiest eaters. Both locations have a choice of over 100 items, mixing delicate sushi and sashimi with hot dishes like tempura shrimp, peppercorn steak, and chicken teriyaki. There's also a range of delicious desserts, including cheesecake and ice cream, which comes in flavors like green tea and sherbet.
Authentic Szechuan, Hunan, and Cantonese cooking offer a real taste of China at Zom Hee, a Seminole icon since 1985. The family-run joint is regarded by some as the best Chinese restaurant in the state, and the generously sized dining room means there’s always plenty of space to tuck in. The extensive menu may make it hard to choose a favorite, but the wonton soup and sweet and sour chicken get regular shoutouts from reviewers.
You’ll never look at grilled cheese the same way after seeing just how good it can be at Ms. Cheezious. Here, sharp Cheddar, creamy blue, and tangy pimento all ooze out of creative sandwiches made with everything from fresh crab to braised short rib. Pick one of the thoughtfully crafted menu items or build your own grilled cheese to your exact tastes – and don’t forget the tomato bisque for dipping.
Get ready to spruce yourself up a little for Bern’s Steak House, where the dining room sets a business casual dress code. This upscale steakhouse may be old school, but that’s what fans love about it. With opulent décor in red and gold, and a menu of high-quality, dry-aged, and charbroiled steaks to match, every diner is guaranteed a luxurious experience. Each steak is cut to order by the restaurant’s in-house butcher, showing the care and attention that goes into every meal at Bern’s.
There’s nothing fancy about Dixie Belle’s Cafe, and that’s just the way patrons like it. The joint's casual cafeteria-style interiors are the perfect setting for delicious meals based on family recipes – think fully loaded omelets, comforting biscuits and gravy, and classic sandwiches, including French dips and Reubens. The meatloaf is a customer favorite, smothered in a delicious brown gravy that'll have you wanting to lick the plate clean.
Hailed by many as the best barbecue joint in Florida, Shiver’s Bar-B-Q is a humble spot that nevertheless leaves an impression. Serving customers since 1950, the family-owned restaurant dishes up hickory-smoked meat in a sweet barbecue sauce, with classic desserts such as Key lime pie and banana pudding to round off the meal. There's a great choice of tasty sides, too; diners can pick from the likes of collard greens, an airy cornbread soufflé, and spicy jalapeño cheese grits.
A mainstay of Miami Beach since 1913, Joe’s Stone Crab is the most legendary seafood spot in town. Serving stone crabs all year, and crab claws from October to May, the restaurant draws in a crowd of celebrities and foodies looking to sample the freshest of fresh fish and seafood. Joe’s was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s American Classics gong in 1998, and it continues to impress with its food, service, and specialty cocktails. It’s also where James Bond had the best meal of his life in Goldfinger – not bad for what began as a tiny lunch counter.
Michelin-starred Rocca consistently proves that it’s worthy of its accolade, serving up fine dining takes on both classic and contemporary Italian cuisine. Inspired by his time spent living in Italy, owner and chef Bryce Bonsack established the restaurant in 2019, combining traditions learned while abroad with modern techniques he picked up from New York kitchens. Hand-made pasta dishes are the base for the likes of rich beef ragù and lemon with blue crab, while a caviar service and table-side mozzarella cart add luxurious touches to both the food and service.
Reviewers rave about the authenticity of sushi restaurant NAOE, going as far as saying it's one of the best sushi spots outside Japan. It’s been named in the top five Japanese restaurants in the US by La Liste, and it holds an AAA Five Diamond Award. The restaurant, headed by experienced chef Kevin Cory, delivers an omakase experience, meaning it’s chef’s choice when it comes to the food guests are served – and diners are more than happy with what they’re given, from delicately crafted bento boxes to Cory's signature ice cream, made with a mystery ingredient.
Unassuming Gaufres & Goods is easy to miss – though the pink exterior makes it a little easier to spot. However, those who seek it out won’t be disappointed. The understated café has made a name for itself with a range of comforting dishes that reflect the homey feel of the décor; think Polish pierogi dumplings and Greek gyros. The eclectic European menu has received particular praise for its kielbasa sausage, beef barley soup, and range of imported beers.
Like the flagship New York restaurant, the Miami location of Korean steakhouse COTE holds a Michelin star – but it’s not just the accolades that continue to draw guests in. COTE brings together traditional Korean barbecue and classic American steakhouse fare to create a tantalizing menu, and the space has a sophisticated yet buzzing atmosphere. Succulent steaks are, of course, the main attraction, from American filet mignon to Japanese Kobe rib-eye. But the meat is also complemented by caviar and oysters, and Korean-inspired accompaniments such as tart and spicy kimchi stew. There's a luxurious omakase steak experience on offer, too.
Head to Bijoux for a New Orleans twist on French cuisine, right on Florida’s coast. Fresh seafood, prime steaks, and seasonal vegetables all come together to create the joint's fusion menu. Diners say you absolutely must start with the crab beignets, served with a spicy curry aioli and sweet apple slaw. Continue with the shrimp and grits – given a new spin with a mushroom ragoût and a beurre blanc spiced with tasso, a Louisiana blend of cayenne, pepper, and garlic. To finish, it has to be the moist chocolate hazelnut cake, served with Frangelico whipped cream and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Named after a marine fish, The Fat Snook brings an upscale menu of fresh seafood to Cocoa Beach. Two fresh catches grace the menu every day (for those who love an element of surprise); start with the blue crab dish, prepared on the ‘chef’s whim,’ if you really want to make things exciting. If you’d rather go into your meal with your eyes open, dishes from both land and sea are sure to satisfy – think she-crab soup with roe, sherry, and chive, Thai steak salad with a spicy lime vinaigrette, and spiced grilled duck breast (a customer favorite).
CRUST makes pizza classy. Not only is it housed within an Art Deco building in a waterfront location, but it also uses only the freshest ingredients, and its dough is raised for 48 hours to ensure a truly crispy crust. Whether you choose to eat in the dining room, at the long bar, or out on the bustling patio (complete with views of the water), you’re sure to be impressed by the restaurant's range of pizzas – including a tantalizing truffled offering topped with tomato, arugula, Parmesan, lemon juice, and white truffle oil. If you're not in the mood for pizza, you can also get pasta, risotto, or one of CRUST's signature meat or fish entrées.
Miami’s Lagniappe draws a crowd every night with live music, good food, and a chilled atmosphere. With a name meaning ‘a little gift,’ this small restaurant really is a hidden treasure, and a sanctuary in a busy city. Here, you can sit outside under twinkling fairy lights and enjoy basic-but-satisfying dishes from the grill – think churrasco steak, fresh salmon, and barbecue chicken – accompanied by cheese, charcuterie, and a thoughtful selection of wines. It’s a date-night favorite and a popular place to hang out with friends.
Completely renovated for 2025, Salt is the jewel in Amelia Island’s crown. The restaurant, which is located at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, offers a casual lounge experience and a more formal dining room – both of which have exciting contemporary menus filled with seafood. Embodying its name and honoring its coastal location, Salt also stocks a range of more than 40 varieties of salt, harvested from around the world. Each one can be used to enhance creative dishes such as risotto with squid and Ibérico ham, and lamb with a mint jus, artichoke, and freekeh (a grain made from durum wheat).
House-made pasta and fresh seafood are served in a laid-back setting at this Italian restaurant in Polk County. Started by a husband-and-wife team in 2013, Scarpa’s is welcoming to all, while still offering a special setting for celebrations. Seafood fettuccine with a choice of sauces, shrimp diablo in a spicy tomato sauce, and pasta primavera – featuring the fresh vegetables of the day – are all popular dishes at this neighborhood favorite.
For the freshest seafood right on the water, pull up to the Jacksonville Beach boat ramp and Dockside Seafood Restaurant. As you watch the boats come and go, you'll get a real taste of the local food scene – dig into fried conch fritters, a basket of crab cakes, blackened shrimp tacos, or perhaps a po’ boy stuffed with fried soft-shell crab. The coastal restaurant is a huge hit with the locals, and they’re happy to share the secret with visitors, too.
It may have a Michelin star, but there’s nothing pretentious about Miami’s Boia De. Guests who manage to find it in its tucked-away spot in a shopping center will find themselves delighted by modern twists on Italian classics. Highlights include octopus confit with celery root purée and apple cider vinaigrette, and fall-off-the-bone lamb ribs fra diavolo with spicy pickles and Urfa yogurt (made with the piquant Urfa spice from Turkey). Reviewers say you’ll want to finish with the chocolate budino, a silky, pudding-like dessert with hazelnut, salted caramel, and crème fraîche.
James Beard Award–winning chef Thomas Keller heads up The Surf Club Restaurant at picturesque Surfside’s iconic Miami club, a traditional building that stands out among a host of shiny new glass façades. European cuisine with a contemporary spin is the order of the day here; guests have the opportunity to dine on indulgent caviar, fettucine Alfredo with black winter truffles, and Maine lobster Thermidor. Guests say the Dover sole meunière – lightly floured and fried sole served with butter, lemon, and parsley sauce – is exceptional.
The local manatees may be the main attraction at coastal Crystal River, but those in the know recommend visiting this fantastic local eatery when in town. KC Wine & Bistro is a family favorite with a tempting menu of burgers, seafood, and affordable combos – think shawarmas, chicken tacos, and ahi tuna BLTs, all served with fries and a soda. Live music and comedy, together with the comforting food, make the bistro a cozy place to stop and stay.
Breakfast enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Tampa’s favorite food truck, which has been slinging eggy sandwiches since 2017. Complete with outdoor seating for those who want to take their time in the morning, the truck has been charming customers with hearty sammies like Marlene’s Way (a classic ham and cheese croissant with spinach, basil, and a signature zesty sauce), and The Special, featuring a fried egg, smoked kielbasa sausage, Gouda cheese, chives, cilantro, and spicy mayo, all piled into a Cuban baguette.
If it’s pizza you’re in search of, Mangia & Bevi is the place to find it in hot surf spot Cocoa Beach. Here, they craft their pies in traditional Neapolitan style. The casual, family-run restaurant tosses pizzas that customers say are the best outside of Italy, and they’re affordable too, easily feeding the whole family on a budget. Options include the simple but sophisticated Margherita and the spicy diavola, which comes topped with spicy Italian pepperoni, mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
A seasonal tasting menu showcases Japanese ingredients at Hiden, a fine dining restaurant located behind a secret door. Seating just eight people at a time, and strictly reservations-only, with two sittings per evening, the restaurant delivers a refined menu of between eight and ten courses chosen by the chef. Featuring hot and cold dishes, sushi, and dessert, each menu is different – and designed to delight diners with a meal they’ll never forget.
Purple-trimmed TwentyTwenty is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Boca Raton, thanks to its New American menu filled with seasonal, sustainable produce. An Asian take on Mediterranean grilled octopus – given a kick with drunken sauce and Thai chili pesto – plus dishes like fennel-rubbed duck confit hash, and profiteroles with spiced pumpkin ice cream show the playfulness and creativity diners can expect here. Impeccable service completes an experience that has guests regularly giving five-star reviews.
Titusville locals agree that Burger Rob’s is the best place in town for an epic burger – in fact, some go as far as saying that nowhere else in Florida can beat it. Double-patty smashburgers are sold from both the restaurant and roving food truck, with hot dogs, fries, and Frito pies completing the menu. Customers rave about the Cheddar Ranch Burger with cheese, crispy onion straws, and house-made dressing, and those looking for adventure can build their own burger from a selection of toppings and cheese choices. The sweet potato fries with grilled corn and Cotija cheese are a smash hit, too.
At tiny EDOBOY, there’s space for just eight people – and it’s standing room only. That exclusivity, along with the spot's fresh and authentic sushi, means the restaurant has quickly become one of the most in-demand eateries in Orlando since opening in 2022. Those who can bag themselves a spot are rewarded with an intimate dining experience and the chance to watch skilled sushi chefs at work. With a maximum of 12 pieces per diner, it’s a tough choice between delicious morsels such as Japanese scallop nigiri and blue crab temaki with truffle kewpie mayo, but finishing off with the restaurant's signature Matcha S’more is a no-brainer.
Classy but relaxed Italian restaurant Fratellino aims to make diners feel as if they’re enjoying a home-cooked meal – and fans agree that it succeeds, time and time again. Classic Italian and Italian American dishes of porcini mushroom risotto, chicken Francese (lightly battered chicken in a lemon and white wine sauce), and ossobuco alla Milanese (veal shank traditionally served with gremolata) are comforting and flavorful indulgences that keep guests coming back. With a cozy dining room and attentive service, it’s easy to see why this restaurant isn't just one of the best in the state, but also the whole country.
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