From seafood to citrus and all flavor points in between, Florida has something to please the most eclectic palates. Photo by Bonnie Gross for VISIT FLORIDA
Acres of citrus groves and miles of coastline offering access to the freshest seafood may have put the Sunshine State on the culinary map, but Florida also brings a host of other flavors to the table.
Florida is a paradise for foodies who crave locally sourced, farm-to-table and fishing-boat-to-table fare. The state's fusion cuisine blends homegrown tastes with Latin and Caribbean influences. Innovative new dishes like lobster strudel and homemade lemon ricotta pancakes tempt discerning diners, and tried-and-true classics like key lime pie and fried Gulf shrimp keep 'em coming back for more.
Whatever your budget may be, you can savor Florida's gourmet flavors. Here's a look at some of the places you can pull up a chair and dig in to the Sunshine State's culinary sensations. (Warning: Don't read this on an empty stomach!)
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Jackson's Steakhouse
At Jackson's Steakhouse in Pensacola, Chef Irv Miller's Southern-influenced cuisine features the emblematic foods of 'real Florida,' like these shrimp-topped crabcakes. Photo courtesy of Great Southern Restaurants
Jackson's is considered one of Florida's top 25 restaurants, and was even placed by Distinguished Restaurants of North America in the top 2 percent of all fine dining restaurants in the country. It overlooks Plaza Ferdinand, where, in July 1821, Gen. Andrew Jackson accepted the transfer of Florida to the U.S. and raised the American flag in Pensacola for the first time. The atmosphere in the restaurant reflects this historic moment, from the symbolic handcrafted tree-branch light fixtures to the mural behind the bar. Founding Executive Chef Irv Miller's Southern-influenced cuisine features the emblematic foods of "real Florida," such as Apalachicola Bay oysters and Alligator Point wild-harvested clams, Pensacola and Destin red snapper, North Florida shrimp and numerous other seafood delicacies caught responsibly off the Florida Gulf Coast.
400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola
850-496-9898
http://jacksonsrestaurant.com/
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Red Fish Blue Fish
Fun and funky Red Fish Blue Fish serves simple, good food from local ingredients in a setting that provides a breathtaking waterfront view from the venue's backyard on Pensacola Beach. Photo courtesy of Red Fish Blue Fish
This fun and funky restaurant serves up simple, good food from local ingredients with a breathtaking waterfront view from the backyard on the beach. With white sand for diners to dig their toes into, there are also covered and grassy dining areas, a stylish cocktail bar and fire pits positioned perfectly to watch the sunset. Along with a wide variety of inspired Southern-style dishes, Red Fish Blue Fish offers unique tastes to please every palate. The Tropical Fish Tacos with tropical fruit slaw and mango jalapeno sauce are not to be missed.
5B Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
850-677-8899
http://redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.com/
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Cuvee Bistro
Cuvee Destin offers classic French-, Asian- and Italian-influenced cuisine, along with signature dishes by Executive Chef Tim Creehan, such as this smoked tomato and shrimp soup. Photo courtesy of Cuvee Destin
Destin's Cuvee Bistro offers classic French-, Asian- and Italian-influenced delicacies along with award-winning signature dishes by proprietor and Executive Chef Tim Creehan, making it a must-dine stop for foodies and tourists alike. A Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner from 2011 to 2013, Cuvee's stunning wine list and other fine libations enhance the epicurean experience. The "Best in Destin"-voted Happy Hour starts at 5 p.m., with a tempting variety of specials, including martinis so popular they have their own menu.
36120 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
850-650-8900
http://www.cuveebistrodestin.com/
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Clemenza's
Tortellini Corleone is a signature dish on a menu packed with dishes that fuse coastal cuisine, Southern Creole spice and Italian classics at Clemenza's in Fort Walton Beach. Photo courtesy of Clemenza's at Uptown Station
Born from a love of cooking, deep Italian roots and a desire to delight patrons, Clemenza's in Fort Walton Beach encompasses all that is good about Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers delicious dishes that are a combination of authentic Italian food, fresh-caught coastal cuisine and a little bit of Southern Creole spice. Be sure to celebrate the weekend with Mama Clemenza's European Breakfast - from the Italian Breakfast Panini, served with prosciutto, eggs and Gruyere cheese, to the exquisite Lemon Curd Ricotta Pancakes, everything is cooked with homemade attention.
75 Eglin Parkway N.E., #126, Fort Walton Beach
850-243-0707
http://www.clemenzasatuptown.com/
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Matthew's
Matthew's in Jacksonville is helmed by renowned local chef Matthew Medure, who creates such innovative and delectable offerings as Maine diver scallops on sweet corn grits with micro green salad. Photo courtesy of Matthew's
Famed local chef Matthew Medure is the man behind one of Jacksonville's best restaurants. The beautiful menu and perfectly crafted wine list is constantly evolving and improving, depending on the season. Each year since 1999, Matthew's has been granted the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine, and has also been bestowed the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award. Everything on the menu is worth sampling at this intimate Jacksonville eatery. If you're having a hard time choosing between all the delicate and impressive dishes on the menu, try the Chef's Adventure Tasting Menu.
2107 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville
904-396-9922
http://www.matthewsrestaurant.com/
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
TacoLu
TacoLu in Jacksonville Beach is more than your average taco stand - try the signature "10 dollar taco," a secret menu item with fresh strips of filet mignon, lettuce and pepper jack cheese. Photo courtesy of TacoLu
Good food, good drinks, great vibes - that's what is served at TacoLu in Jacksonville Beach. This locally owned and operated restaurant is a favorite among Jacksonville residents because of its low-key atmosphere and delicious Mexican food made with only the freshest ingredients. You can't come to TacoLu without trying one of the famous namesake tacos - a good bet is the "10 dollar taco," a secret menu item complete with fresh strips of filet mignon, lettuce and pepper jack cheese. Wash it down with a refreshing Pinarita - a pineapple margarita with cilantro - or a sangriarita.
1712 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach
904-249-8226
http://tacolu.com/
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Vernon's
Vernon's is the award-winning signature restaurant at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach. Photo by Neil Rashba for Vernon's
Vernon's is the award-winning signature restaurant at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach. The namesake restaurant of Vernon Kelly, the real estate developer who helped craft the renowned TPC Sawgrass course, it's a destination for foodies as well as families. Vernon's features fresh Florida seafood, masterfully cut chops, locally sourced vegetables and an enviable wine list. Enjoy breakfast or dinner and a floor-to-ceiling window view of the resort's signature waterfall and lagoon, or watch the sun go down on TPC Sawgrass.
1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach
904-285-7777
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Aunt Kate's
Aunt Kate's on the banks of the Tolomato River in St. Augustine has been operated by the Usina family since railroad tycoon Henry Flagler stepped through the doors in 1900. Photo courtesy of Aunt Kate's
Aunt Kate's sits on the bank of the Tolomato River, with outside decks set up perfectly to provide views of the ever-changing sunsets. Continuing a tradition of more than 100 years spent serving the best in local seafood, the Usina family has been operating the restaurant since railroad tycoon Henry Flagler stepped through the doors in 1900. The restaurant serves local favorites like steamed oysters and crab, fried green tomatoes, chicken or shrimp pilau (a Minorcan rice dish), corn bread and pumpkin bread, and fresh fish and shrimp. Head out to the deck and enjoy fan favorites such as Minorcan Clam Chowder or St. Augustine-Style Shrimp.
612 Euclid Ave., St. Augustine
904-829-1105
http://www.aunt-kates.com/
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Fusion 43
Go on a culinary journey that knows no boundaries at Fusion 43 in Ormond Beach's historic district, where Chef Mark recently debuted a new 'Calribbean' menu. Photo courtesy of Fusion 43
Fusion 43, a rustic, Victorian-style restaurant in the heart of Ormond Beach's historic district, takes diners on a fwide-ranging culinary journey. At the soon-to-be-open speakeasy-themed upstairs bar, patrons will be able to enjoy a Fusion 43 Signature Drink or other craft cocktails. In the kitchen, Chef Mark creates an abundance of rare, hard-to-find fare that changes with the seasons. He recently debuted the new "Calribbean" menu, which features one of his most popular dishes - Ducks in a Row. With its combination of duck and dried blueberry-herb sausage, the flavorful dish is served with friend plantains and French green beans in a port wine reduction, making it a favorite among regular diners.
43 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
386-615-7673
http://www.fusion43.com/
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
The Dancing Avocado Kitchen
Carnivores, herbivores and avocado lovers delight in The Dancing Avocado Kitchen, home to a variety of dishes created using fresh-from-Florida fruits and vegetables. The restaurant has an atmosphere that's bright, happy and buzzing with energy and vibrant color. To compliment any dish on the menu, make sure to ask for the mysterious and famed Dancer Dust, a blend of 11 herbs and spices known only to the chef who created it. Indulge in the Dancing Avocado Melt, the most popular sandwich on the menu.
110 South Beach St., Daytona Beach
386-947-2022
www.facebook.com/DancingAvocadoKitchen
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Island Hotel & Neptune Bar
Pay homage to the lord of the waves in the Island Hotel's Neptune Bar in Cedar Key. Photo courtesy of Island Hotel & Neptune Bar
Although the Island Hotel & Neptune Bar offers fine dining, it does so in a casual, relaxing atmosphere in keeping with the Cedar Key attitude. Dating back to 1946, the Island Hotel and Neptune Bar continues to pride itself on local seafood and produce, coming off the boats on the Big Dock and from area farmer's markets. Join Chef Kim Cash for some of the freshest seafood dishes on Cedar Key, such as the Artichokes Atsena Otie, featuring sautéed artichoke hearts, scallops, shrimp and mushrooms splashed with sherry in a rich cream cheese parley sauce.
373 2nd St., Cedar Key
352-543-5111
http://www.islandhotel-cedarkey.com/restaurant.html
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Kona Joe's Island Café
Relax in the friendly atmosphere of Kona Joe's Island Café in Cedar Key - and don't forget to try the famous blue crab quiche. Photo courtesy of Kona Joe's
Experience the fresh gourmet coffee, scrumptious sandwiches and real fruit smoothies of Kona Joe's Island Café. Relax into the friendly atmosphere on the private deck, where you can enjoy your meal while watching pelicans play on the Back Bayou. Stop by and try a slice of the famous Blue Crab quiche, baked fresh every morning. Don't leave without a hand-dipped ice cream cone, or a slice of Edie's famous Cedar Key Lime Pie.
4051 D St., Cedar Key
352-543-9898
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kona-Joes-Island-Cafe/101610555951
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Luma on Park
Luma on Park in Winter Park showcases inspiring American cuisine and boasts one of the most extensive wine lists in Central Florida. Photo courtesy of Luma on Park
This upscale Winter Park restaurant showcases inspiring American cuisine and daily menu updates with one of the most extensive wine lists in Central Florida. With an open view of Park Avenue, the restaurant's contemporary décor presents the perfect backdrop for an elegant evening out. The menu offers two distinct dining experiences - small-plate light bites and indulgent multi-course prix fixe feasts. From the Snake River Farms Flank Steak to the Madeira Beach American Red Snapper, Executive Chef Brandon McGlamery serves the freshest seasonal ingredients, pairing each of his entrees with a selection from the wine list.
290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
407-599-4111
http://www.lumaonpark.com/
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Graffiti Junktion
If big, beautiful burgers are your thing, head for one of Graffiti Junktion's Orlando-area locations. Photo courtesy of Graffiti Junktion
Voted "Orlando's Best Burger," this casual eatery is a simple yet favorite spot among local diners. Graffiti Junktion serves a wide variety of specialty burgers, and is admired as a restaurant where traditional hamburgers meet a full bar for lots of personality and fun. With a variety of locations around Orlando, stop in and try The Big Apple, an 8-ounce Angus beef burger topped with brie, bacon and Granny Smith apples.
Various locations around Orlando, with phone numbers for each
http://www.graffitijunktion.com/
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Trabue
A high-end culinary delight located in downtown Punta Gorda, Trabue's name derives from the original name given to Punta Gorda in 1885, which was named after Col. Isaac Trabue, who had purchased the land from British investors. With a contemporary vibe and modern décor, Trabue features a rich color palette and a modern atmosphere. The ambiance is enhanced with garden seating. Chef Keith Meyer prides himself on his approachable rustic Southern dishes, ranging from escargot to a bone-in braised pork chop. The menu is always brimming with from-the-Gulf seafood, such as mahi-mahi, snapper and shrimp. To complete the meal, the Meyer Lemon Cheesecake New York Style is a must.
258 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda
941-639-0900
http://www.trabuerestaurant.com/
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Peace River Seafood
Buckets full of blue crabs are the specialty at quintessential Florida Cracker fish shake Peace River Seafood in Punta Gorda. Photo by Bonnie Gross for VISIT FLORIDA
The essence of a quintessential Florida Cracker crab shack, Peace River Seafood is where the fishermen, crabbers and shrimpers land their catch. A must-visit time of year is stone crab season, which runs mid-October to mid-May. During that time, the succulent crab claws are the top draw on the locally sourced, seafood-centric menu. Year-round, blue crabs arrive by the crate and are prepared out back almost as fast as they come in. Spilling out of tin buckets - all you can eat from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday - the crabs are accompanied by the requisite wooden mallets, corn-on-the-cob, red potatoes and lemon wedges. The restaurant also has its own parrot, petting zoo and live music.
5337 Duncan Road, Punta Gorda
941-505-8440
http://www.facebook.com/peace.seafood
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Sweet Melissa's Café
Chef Melissa Talmage challenges taste buds with a creative menu featuring an array of tastes, textures and ingredients at Sweet Melissa's Café on Sanibel Island. Photo courtesy of Sweet Melissa's Café
Experience the award-winning Sweet Melissa's Café on Sanibel Island, where Chef Melissa Talmage challenges your taste buds with a creative menu featuring a wide array of different tastes, textures and eclectic ingredients. The restaurant exudes warmth, compliments of its sedate atmosphere and impeccable service. Fine linens and a cozy bar add to the experience, while soothing live acoustic jazz sets the mood on select evenings. Named "Best Dining in Lee County" by Gulf Shore Life, the dinner menu offers entrees in full portions or small plates, giving diners the ability to enjoy multiple dishes in one visit. Don't miss the Fish Stew, featuring mahi-mahi or redfish combined with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, chorizo and fennel, complete with a lemony saffron cream.
1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
239-472-1956
http://www.sweetmelissascafe.com/
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Mucky Duck
The Mucky Duck on Captiva Island serves fresh seafood, cold beer and magical sunsets nightly. Photo by Kara Franker for VISIT FLORIDA
The Mucky Duck on Captiva Island has been named one of the best "hidden beach bars in America" by Men's Journal. With picnic tables and chairs strategically placed in the sand only yards from the water, this jewel with a Gulf view is where you will find locals and visitors gathering nightly to experience breathtaking sunsets. With a historic past as an inn and a private home, the Mucky Duck opened as a beach bar in 1976 and serves fresh seafood, cold beer and magical sunsets in a party-type atmosphere every night.
11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva
239-472-3434
http://www.muckyduck.com/
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
50 Ocean
50 Ocean in Delray Beach specializes in luxurious dining with an ocean view. Photo courtesy of 50 Ocean
Delray Beach's foremost oceanfront restaurant has established itself as the ideal destination for fresh seafood and dishes featuring locally sourced, sustainable fruits and vegetables, combined in a creative and inspired menu that changes with the seasons. The chic, contemporary restaurant has a vibrant week day Happy Hour, with complimentary ocean views.
40 South Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach
561-278-3364
http://www.50ocean.com
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Dada
In the heart of downtown Delray Beach, Dada serves award-winning new-American cuisine, including such signature dishes as blackened redfish over potato gnocchi. Photo courtesy of Dada
Located right in the heart of downtown Delray Beach, Dada serves an eclectic variety of award-winning new-American cuisine. Positioned inside a historic two-story home, the restaurant has an artistic style, with each room having a different theme and a showcase of works by local artists on the walls. Sit outside in the intimate dining area and garden, where you can enjoy different live entertainment every night. Enjoy a wide variety of American classics with an edge, such as the Short Rib Flatbread with scallions, water chestnut, guava and sweet soy drizzle. Make sure to top off your meal with one of their many flavors of mojitos or classic cocktails.
52 North Swinton Ave., Delray Beach
561-330-3232
http://www.dadadelray.com
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Villa Azur
Villa Azur in Miami Beach combines excellent cuisine with elegant, romantic atmosphere. Photo courtesy of Villa Azur
Villa Azur brings a new experience to the South Beach dining scene, combining excellent cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere. This elegant gourmet restaurant offers tantalizing French Mediterranean dishes prepared with an Italian twist. The romantic decor features an interesting contrast of vintage and modern motifs by mixing antique woods and chandeliers with contemporary furniture. The chic elegance of the décor matches that of the menu, which features an extensive raw bar lineup and a variety of tartars and carpaccios. The food can be paired with fine wines from the restaurant's in-house wine cellar, La Cave d'Azur, or with a signature cocktail from the extensive drinks menu.
309 23rd St., Miami Beach
305-763-8688
http://www.villaazurmiami.com/
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
The Federal Food Drink and Provisions
The Federal on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami reinterprets classic American cuisine in a funky, rustic setting. Photo courtesy of The Federal
Sitting on Biscayne Boulevard, this local favorite serves food in the style of a modern American tavern. The Federal is hidden away in a strip mall, which does not appear to house a restaurant that reinterprets original American cuisine. This creative restaurant serves unusual dishes, such as the Jar-O-Duck and Buffalo Style Pig Wings, new takes on American classics. Enjoy these interesting concoctions for dinner or come on the weekend for brunch with a twist under the Mason jar lights or outside on the porch.
5132 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
305-758-9559
http://www.thefederalmiami.com/
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Atlantic's Edge at Cheeca Lodge and Spa
At Cheeca Lodge and Spa on Islamorada, dine at Atlantic's Edge, one of the best luxury restaurants in the Florida Keys. Photo from VISIT FLORIDA archives
Enjoy an exquisite meal with a spectacular view at Atlantic's Edge. Offering indoor and outdoor dining with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, this Islamorada restaurant is a culinary destination in and of itself. One of the best luxury restaurants in the Florida Keys, Atlantic's Edge features a seasonal fine dining menu with fresh local seafood, including hogfish, grouper and seared triple tail. If you happen to catch a fish yourself while staying at the resort, the restaurant will cook it for you in the style of your choice. In addition to seafood, the restaurant serves prime steaks, fresh pasta and locally-grown produce. Round out your meal with a selection from the Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, and a tempting dessert such as the Tahitian Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee.
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82, Islamorada
844-993-9713
http://www.cheeca.com/dining/atlanticsedge
HIDDEN LOCAL GEM
Hogfish Bar & Grill
Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island is as close to the docks as you can get - which means the seafood is fresh off the boats. Photo by Bonnie Gross for VISIT FLORIDA
Hogfish Bar & Grill serves up fresh local seafood right off the docks, including the Keys delicacy hogfish, a diver-caught fish with a light, flavorful taste. Owner Bobby Mongelli has turned the bar and restaurant, located on a canal and marina that's home to working vessels and colorful tenants, into a locals' favorite emporium. The restaurant is famed for its "killer" hogfish sandwich, smothered with Swiss cheese, onions and mushrooms, all on fresh Cuban bread.
6810 Front St., Stock Island
(305) 293-4041
http://www.hogfishbar.com/
OTHER FLORIDA FARE
If you're a connoisseur of burgers, find the great American burger with a decidedly Florida twist at more than a dozen locations around the Sunshine State.
And the foodie tour doesn't have to stop there. Dining options are endless. If you're still craving the perfect culinary experience, check out VISITFLORIDA.com/Dining or follow VISIT FLORIDA Food and Dining Insider Rachelle Lucas.
-- Story by Pamela Forrester for VISIT FLORIDA