It’s no secret that Florida has a dizzying array of places to eat and drink. From five-star dining and beach-side food trucks to fresh caught seafood, Caribbean-inspired creations and authentic Latin cuisine, there is truly something for everyone.
This summer, experience just how Florida’s melting pot of culturally diverse places and people help give the state its own, unique flavor by eating your way through the endless dining experiences.
NORTH FLORIDA
PENSACOLA: With more than 460 years of cultural influence, an abundance of fresh seafood and a lively history that can still be seen and felt today, Pensacola has no shortage of unique eateries for food enthusiasts to enjoy. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Pensacola, Five Sisters Blues Café is a local trademark and a monument to the city's history in blues music. Serving delicious southern and soul food favorites, and previously welcoming guests like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Ike and Tina Turner, this establishment has taken on a life of its own. Unable to decide what will best fit your appetite? Travelers can embark on an adventure through Pensacola to five local establishments on the Seville Savories Food Tours, indulging in dishes that are both diverse and eclectic, just like the city itself. The tours walk through the history of America’s first settlement via its food and cultural influences, with lunch and dinner tours available to book, as well as a designated local coffee tour.
ST. AUGUSTINE: Florida’s Historic Coast offers a rich variety of culinary options, curated from centuries of diverse dining. From fresh seafood and artisan treats to any combination of local cultural cuisine, dining options can appease even the pickiest of palates. With more than 450 years of history guests can enjoy fine dining, eclectic bistros, wine bars and sidewalk cafes influenced by the countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Asia, Mexico and the Caribbean that make up St. Augustine’s history. Guests can take one of the fantastic food tours in St. Augustine with The Tasting Tours, St. Augustine Experiences, or City Walks Food & Wine Tours. Or book a class to learn more about how to make some of our local heritage classes at the Ancient City Brunch Bar’s Cooking Experiences.
CLAY COUNTY: From fresh, local seafood to international flavors, there’s no shortage of unique dishes at local restaurants in Clay County. Allow the destination to help create a unique dining experience for you, perfect for stepping outside of the box and trying something new. Drawing on inspiration from his Korean heritage and travels around the globe, Chef Back has created a menu that blends modern Japanese cuisine with authentic Korean flavours. Get ready for bold, Greek flavors at Fresh from Yianni’s Kitchen in Fleming Island. Owner, Yiannis Demopoulos, prides himself in sharing the flavors of his parent’s homeland, producing authentic, Mediterranean cuisine using recipes he learned from his grandmother. From made-to-order gyros, fresh Greek salads with the option to add-on grilled fish and, of course, there’s spanakopita on the menu too. Other Greek items include Moussaka served with Greek salad and pita sandwiches, shawarma and Avgolemono soup. Open for lunch and dinner, stop in for a meal filled with flavors.
SOUTH WALTON: South Walton’s sugar-white sand and turquoise water make an unbeatable backdrop for your meal. Whether it’s for a date night, a casual family meal or drinks with friends, there are countless spots to celebrate with an incredible view of the beaches that make this such a special destination. At Vue on 30a, you’re set high up on a dune overlooking the pristine beach, with nothing between you and the glorious spectacle of a water-meets-sky horizon line. At FOOW (Fish Out of Water) in Watercolor, you’ll find great views, along with a southern twist on several made-from-scratch dishes.
CENTRAL FLORIDA
FLORIDA SPORTS COAST: With all the adrenaline-pumping fun along Florida’s Sports Coast, you’ll no doubt need to refuel at some point. Try out some local, fresh-caught seafood at Whiskey Joe’s Bar + Grill in New Port Richey. Accessible by land or water, this seafood hotspot serves up mouth watering Gulf grouper tacos, mango-glazed scallops and coconut rum chicken, also offering an always-fresh raw oyster bar. Further inland in Wesley Chapel, the open-air entertainment epicenter, KRATE at The Grove, offers more than 50 one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants including sushi, falafel, Latin fusion, Hawaiian noodles and much more. The innovative center, complete with a live entertainment area and playground, is built from 90 repurposed and locally manufactured shipping containers, making it a unique backdrop for a foodie looking to satisfy any craving.
LAKE COUNTY: Mount Dora is full of quintessential Florida small town charm with a downtown full of mom-and-pop restaurants and shops. Known as THE Festival City, Mount Dora is home to dozens of annual events for visitors to enjoy. The Mount Dora Blueberry festival is the perfect way to enjoy a taste of Florida at peak freshness. In April, festival goers can enjoy tasty events like the annual blueberry pancake breakfast as well as a blueberry pie eating contest and, after they've had their fill, enjoy live music and more than 120 vendors.
ST. PETE-CLEARWATER: St. Pete's fabulous dining scene helped launch it onto the list of the worlds 100 most-loved travel destinations. The city has seen a rise in small intimate dining spots in the destination. These cozy restaurants are offering incredible dishes packed with creative flavours. Barbouni, a Greek-inspired ouzeri (a type of Greek tavern) located within the Mediterranean favorite restaurant Baba, offers a raw bar, a seafood menu and a “conservas menu” featuring 48 varieties of tinned fish from around the world. Guests enjoy a front-row experience at this nine-seat seafood bar, where chefs shuck oysters right before their eyes. bin6south is more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey nestled in the heart of St. Pete. Celebrated as the best restaurant in St. Pete, each dinner reservation ushers guests into a realm of Michelin-level culinary delights. Their Michelin-trained chefs meticulously curate dishes that reflect the vibrancy of St. Pete’s food culture.
ORLANDO: Locals and visitors should prepare themselves to embark on a culinary adventure! The vibrant city carries a wide array of international dining options – introducing consumers to new flavors, spices and cultural influences. From award-winning restaurants to hidden gems, Orlando is a melting pot for diverse dishes and well-crafted drinks. Orlando’s dining scene grows stronger every year with nationally recognized chefs, new restaurants from celebrity chefs, and diverse cuisines for every budget and taste. Overall,
Orlando is home to over 6,000 restaurants representing 40 different international cuisines. Not to mention, 46 restaurants have been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide – including four starred venues, 11 Bib Gourmands and 31 Recommended. From dining with fireworks views or along the water to exploring local neighborhood eats and trendy food halls, Orlando offers options for all foodies.
OCALA/MARION COUNTY: Ocala/Marion County offers unforgettable outdoor dining — whether under sun, shade or stars. Historic Downtown is home to some locally-owned restaurants and bars, as well as breweries. One such brewery is Big Hammock Brewery and Bites, also located in Downtown Ocala, not only offers 12 taps that feature a mix of BHB's own brews and rotating guest craft beers but also a unique Asian menu with a twist, offering ramen bowls, Boa Buns, hot pretzels and more. While BHB is the newest brewery in town, its historic location is not. The brewery recently won a Beatification Award from the Historic Ocala Preservation Society for the revitalization of its building.
SEBRING: Eat like a local when you visit Sebring’s designated neighbourhood hangout: Faded Bistro & Beer Garden. Sit back and relax in their open-air dining area with signature cocktails and a cheese and charcuterie board. Founded on a commitment to bringing warm hospitality and seasonally fresh ingredients to the Sebring area, Faded Bistro has cultivated a one-of-a-kind restaurant that has become instantly iconic among residents. Time moves a bit slower here as patrons are encouraged to enjoy draft beers at their own pace under the dim glow of string lights.
TAMPA: Tampa Bay is where history, culture and incredible dining all collide. Surrounded by blue skies, sparkling waterfronts and a melting pot of cultures, cuisine in the Tampa Bay area is as rich as its history, making it an ideal destination for the first-ever Florida MICHELIN Guide. Rocca is a Michelin Starred Italian restaurant in the vibrant neighborhood of Tampa Heights. The menu is deeply rooted in the classic Italian dining experience, underlining the undeniable connection between food and the people around the table. Chef Bryce honors traditional recipes learned in Italy, while infusing modern techniques honed working in cutting edge kitchens in New York. The coming together of the two results in flavors that are rustic, yet refined, simple, yet beautiful and approachable by nature.
SOUTH FLORIDA
MANATEE COUNTY: From the fields to your fork, Chiles Hospitality keeps quality and sustainability in mind every step of the way. Chiles encompasses a 26-acre organic farm, three incredible waterfront restaurants and a delectable bakery, all focused on bringing the best products to their customers. The three restaurants, Beach House, Sandbar and Mar Vista, are all committed to sustainability through their composting, seasonal menus and local ingredient sourcing. Gamble Creek Farms is committed to sustainable farming techniques and fostering local partnerships with other farms, restaurants, and markets. This closed loop commitment to quality directly benefits visitors who enjoy a top-notch, unique experience when they visit a Chiles business!
MIAMI: An impressive 14 restaurants throughout Greater Miami & Miami Beach now boast at least one MICHELIN star. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon’s location in the Miami Design District is the only restaurant in Florida to earn two stars. Named after the French word for workshop, “atelier,” the restaurant reflects the culinary concept of the late Chef Joël Robuchon and showcases the highest craftsmanship in even the simplest dishes. Its signature counter seating provides guests with a dynamic view of the creative process. You’ll find both tasting portions and large plates here, but MICHELIN recommends the seasonal prix fixe so you can fully enjoy the French cuisine offered.
THE PALM BEACHES: The Palm Beaches are a haven for food enthusiasts looking to explore unique and delicious cuisines. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing the rich cultural scene through the universal language of food. Each dish tells a story of heritage and flavor, inviting locals and visitors alike to embark on a sensory journey through the culinary landscape of The Palm Beaches. Flavor South Florida is a month-long celebration where visitors can experience the art of fine dining in The Palm Beaches. Savor the opportunity to dine at the finest restaurants across Palm Beach County, from Jupiter to Boca Raton, without breaking the bank, and enjoy prix-fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. Don’t miss out on this chance to entice your palate with the area’s most celebrated chefs and their flavorful dishes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP NOW!
The Sunshine State offers visitors an assortment of unparalleled culinary options. Click for more.
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About VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA is the Sunshine State’s official tourism marketing corporation and travel planning resource for visitors across the globe. As Florida’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming over 140.6 million visitors in 2023, the highest number of visitors in the state’s history. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs, and works with travel industry partners throughout the state. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, follow @FloridaTourism on X, connect on LinkedIn, or go to visitflorida.org. For inspiration in the Sunshine State follow @VISITFLORIDA on Facebook, X and Instagram or visit www.visitflorida.com. For media resources, visit www.visitfloridamedia.com.
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