Florida is known for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, offering a plethora of dining options that range from casual beachfront cafes to upscale fine dining establishments. With its mix of cultural influences and access to fresh seafood and locally-sourced produce, Florida’s foodie culture has exploded in recent years, attracting visitors from all over the world. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best restaurants in Florida, from iconic steakhouses to innovative fusion cuisine. Whether you’re a local looking for a new dining experience or a visitor seeking the best culinary destinations in the state, this guide will provide you with an insider’s perspective on Florida’s most noteworthy restaurants.
Bern’s Steak House – Tampa
Bern’s Steak House is one of the best restaurants in Florida and a legendary steakhouse located in Tampa. It has been serving up some of the finest steaks and seafood since 1956. If you’re in Tampa and need to choose where to eat, make sure to visit this place. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its elegant décor, private dining rooms, and a renowned wine cellar that houses over half a million bottles. The menu features a variety of high-quality, hand-cut steaks that are aged on the premises and cooked to perfection, as well as an extensive selection of fresh seafood, appetizers, and sides.
Ulele – Tampa
Ulele is a highly-rated restaurant located in Tampa, Florida that serves a unique blend of contemporary cuisine and native-inspired dishes. As one of the best restaurants in Florida, it is housed in a beautifully restored historic pump house, and its décor celebrates Florida’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ulele’s menu features a diverse range of dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood, wild game, and farm-raised meats. Some of the restaurant’s signature dishes include Charbroiled Oysters, Alligator Hush Puppies, and Grouper Ulele.
La Nouvelle Maison – Boca Raton
La Nouvelle Maison is a French-inspired restaurant located in Boca Raton, Florida that offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience. The restaurant’s interior is adorned with crystal chandeliers, plush velvet chairs, and polished wood accents, evoking the glamour of a classic Parisian bistro.
La Nouvelle Maison’s menu showcases traditional French dishes with a contemporary twist, featuring ingredients like foie gras, truffles, and caviar. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include Seared Foie Gras, Escargot a la Bourguignonne, and Steak Frites. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list with selections from around the world. With its impeccable service, refined atmosphere, and exquisite cuisine, La Nouvelle Maison has become a destination for foodies and Francophiles alike in South Florida.
The Capital Grille – Miami
The Capital Grille is an upscale steakhouse located in Miami, Florida that offers a refined dining experience. The restaurant features a sophisticated and stylish decor, with dark wood paneling, leather chairs, and elegant lighting, creating a classic steakhouse ambiance. The Capital Grille’s menu features a variety of high-quality cuts of meat, including dry-aged steaks, lamb chops, and veal, as well as fresh seafood, salads, and sides. The Capital Grille is one of the best restaurants in Florida, and its extensive wine list includes rare and hard-to-find selections from around the world.
The Ravenous Pig – Winter Park
The Ravenous Pig is a popular restaurant located in Winter Park, Florida that offers a casual yet upscale dining experience. The restaurant features a cozy and inviting interior with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and a bustling open kitchen, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Ravenous Pig’s menu features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s signature dishes include the Pig Tails, Gnocchi with Short Rib Ragout, and the Ravenous Burger.
Victoria & Albert’s – Orlando
Victoria & Albert’s is an upscale restaurant located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida. The restaurant offers an intimate and elegant dining experience, with a prix-fixe menu that changes daily and features modern American cuisine with international influences. The restaurant has won numerous awards, including the AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award. Victoria & Albert’s is known for its exceptional service, luxurious ambiance, and exquisite cuisine, making it a favorite for special occasions and fine dining enthusiasts.
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The Columbia Restaurant – Tampa
The Columbia Restaurant is a historic landmark and iconic restaurant located in Tampa, Florida that has been serving traditional Spanish and Cuban cuisine for over a century. The restaurant features vibrant and colorful decor, with tiled floors, hand-painted walls, and ornate chandeliers, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The Columbia Restaurant’s menu features a variety of classic Spanish and Cuban dishes, including paella, ropa vieja, and black bean soup, as well as fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches.
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Enjoy Florida’s food scene
Florida’s culinary scene offers a wide range of delicious dishes that reflect its cultural diversity and access to fresh seafood and produce. Some of the best dishes to try in Florida include fresh Gulf shrimp, stone crab claws, and smoked fish dip.
For something sweet, be sure to try the state’s official dessert, the Key Lime Pie, which is made with tangy lime juice and a graham cracker crust. Other must-try dishes include Cuban sandwiches, conch fritters, and blackened grouper. No matter what your taste buds prefer, moving to Florida is a perfect chance to eat in restaurants more often. Sunny State’s culinary landscape is sure to delight and satisfy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Florida’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as its population, offering a vast array of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. From classic steakhouses and seafood shacks to innovative fusion cuisine and international fare, the state’s foodie culture has something for everyone. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, we hope this guide has inspired you to try something new and discover the best culinary destinations in the Sunshine State.
