Florida is the Sunshine State, known for its warm climate, world-class theme parks, stunning beaches, and diverse ecosystems. From the Art Deco hotels of Miami Beach to the pristine Everglades and the magic of Orlando, Florida offers something for every traveler.
Summary Florida's food scene is one of the most diverse in the United States, reflecting the state's multicultural population and exceptional local ingredients., Dominant cuisines Cuban and Caribbean, Fresh Florida Seafood, Southern BBQ, International Fine Dining, Florida specialties Stone crabs (October-May), Key lime pie, Conch fritters, Cuban sandwich (Tampa claim to fame), Grouper sandwich, Florida pink shrimp, Spiny lobster (August-March), Dining culture Florida dining culture combines Southern hospitality with international sophistication, particularly in Miami where dining is a central social activity
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Florida.
Stone Crab Claws
Florida's most iconic seasonal seafood
Cuban Sandwich
Roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard on Cuban bread — pressed flat
Key Lime Pie
Tart lime custard in graham cracker crust — Florida's official state pie
Grouper Sandwich
Fresh Florida grouper fried or grilled on a roll — the quintessential beach lunch
Conch Fritters
Fried dough with conch meat — a Keys staple appetizer
Florida Lobster Tail
Spiny lobster without claws — different from Maine lobster, excellent in season (Aug-March)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Bazaar Mar by José Andrés
Celebrity chef José Andrés brings his avant-garde Spanish cuisine to SLS Brickell with a seafood-focused menu of theatrical small plates. The ceviche bar and live-fire cooking stations create unforgettable dishes that blend Spanish technique with Peruvian and Japanese influences. One of Miami's most acclaimed fine dining destinations.
1300 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
La Palme d'Or at the Biltmore Hotel
The grande dame of Miami fine dining, La Palme d'Or at the historic Biltmore Hotel delivers classic French haute cuisine in the most glamorous setting in South Florida. The grand dining room of the National Historic Landmark hotel creates an atmosphere of Old World elegance, while the menu celebrates the French culinary tradition with Florida ingredients.
1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Bern's Steak House
One of the most legendary steakhouses in America, Bern's has operated in Tampa's Hyde Park since 1956. The restaurant ages its own beef, grows its own vegetables, and maintains one of the largest wine cellars in the world with over 500,000 bottles. The upstairs Harry Waugh Dessert Room — individual booths in old wine casks — is one of Florida's most memorable dining experiences.
1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
James Beard Award winner Michael Schwartz's flagship restaurant in the Miami Design District celebrates simple, honest cooking with locally sourced Florida ingredients. The wood-burning oven produces exceptional thin-crust pizzas, and the ever-changing menu reflects seasonal Florida harvests. A touchstone of Miami's farm-to-table movement.
130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137
Cafe Boulud Palm Beach
Daniel Boulud's Palm Beach outpost at The Brazilian Court Hotel delivers Parisian bistro elegance in Florida's most rarefied zip code. The seasonal menu draws on French technique applied to local Florida seafood and produce. The tropical courtyard setting and impeccable service attract Palm Beach's discerning social set.
301 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480
The Capital Grille Miami
The Miami outpost of this nationally acclaimed steakhouse chain delivers on its reputation for dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. The Brickell location serves Miami's finance and business community, and the consistent quality and attentive service make it a reliable luxury dining choice.
444 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
Joe's Stone Crab
A Miami Beach institution since 1913, Joe's Stone Crab is the definitive Florida seafood experience. The famous stone crab claws — harvested sustainably with one claw removed and the crab returned to sea — are served chilled with Joe's legendary mustard sauce. Lines can be 2+ hours on weekends; Joe's does not take reservations. The takeout counter is a great alternative.
11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Versailles Restaurant
The self-proclaimed world's most famous Cuban restaurant and the unofficial gathering place of Miami's Cuban exile community since 1971. The mirrored Art Deco dining room on Calle Ocho hosts politicians, celebrities, and generations of Cuban-American families. The classic Cuban menu and café counter serving café cubano and pastelitos are the real deal.
3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Joe's Stone Crab
Conch Republic Seafood Company
Grillfish
Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro
The Fish House
Islamorada Fish Company
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
Woody's Waterfront Cafe
The Original Crabby Bill's
Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Truluck's Seafood Steak & Crab Bar
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
American
Japanese
Steakhouse
Asian
Colombian
Colombian Coffee & Cafe
Middle Eastern
New Orleans
Southern Breakfast
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Empanadas
Find it at: Miami, Little Havana, Calle Ocho
Price: $1-3 each
Cuban sandwich
Find it at: Cuban bakeries throughout Miami and Tampa
Price: $8-12
Conch fritters
Find it at: Key West food trucks and stands
Price: $8-12
Ceviche
Find it at: Miami food halls and markets
Price: $10-16
BBQ smoked meat plate
Find it at: Jacksonville and north Florida BBQ stands
Price: $10-14
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Kaseya Center Food Hall (formerly Miami Heat area)
Lincoln Road Farmers Market
Tampa Armature Works
25+ vendors in historic building
Delray Beach Green Market
St. Pete's Saturday Morning Market
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping 18-20% is standard practice — service workers depend on tips for income
Stone crabs are only available October 15 through May 1 — plan accordingly
Cuban restaurants in Miami often don't take reservations — arrive early or wait
Many Florida restaurants add an automatic gratuity for parties of 6 or more
Happy hour specials (4-7 PM) offer significant savings at upscale restaurants
Fresh seafood is always better than frozen — ask if fish is local and fresh when ordering
- Vegetarian
- Good options in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa; more limited in Keys and rural areas
- Vegan
- Miami has strong vegan scene; all cities have at least basic vegan options
- Gluten free
- Available at most restaurants; fresh seafood naturally gluten-free
- Kosher
- Miami has significant Jewish community — good kosher options in Miami Beach and Aventura
- Halal
- Available in Miami (large Muslim community) and other major cities
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Street food and casual: $10-15 per meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | Fine dining: $60-120+ per person without drinks | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |