24 Florida Restaurants Everyone’s Talking About Right Now
As someone who lives and breathes the vibrant food culture of Florida, I’m constantly on the hunt for those unforgettable dining experiences.
You know the ones – the places that spark immediate conversations, that you find yourself recommending before you’ve even paid the bill.
After countless plates, sips, and lively debates, I’ve narrowed it down to the 24 Florida restaurants that are truly igniting the culinary conversation right now.
These restaurants represent the very best of what Florida has to offer right now.
1. Stubborn Seed
Chef Jeremy Ford’s vision came alive when he opened this Miami Beach gem, transforming seasonal ingredients into edible masterpieces that challenge conventional dining expectations.
The tasting menu changes frequently, ensuring repeat visitors discover something new with each visit.
Ford earned his culinary chops winning Top Chef, and his dedication to perfection shows in every meticulously crafted course served here.
Dishes balance bold flavors with delicate textures, creating memorable moments that linger long after the meal ends.
Located at 101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, 33139, this spot books up weeks in advance for good reason.
2. BOIA DE
Husband-and-wife team Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer turned a former laundromat into one of Miami’s most exciting dining destinations, proving that great food thrives in unexpected places.
Their menu celebrates Italian traditions while embracing Florida’s abundant local produce and seafood.
Regulars rave about the ever-changing pasta selections and inventive vegetable preparations that make even skeptics reconsider their relationship with greens.
The intimate space at 5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, 33137, fills quickly with enthusiastic diners eager to experience their latest creations.
Reservations disappear fast, so plan ahead or risk missing out on this culinary adventure.
3. Le Jardinier Miami
Vegetables take center stage at this Michelin-starred establishment where French technique meets Florida’s agricultural bounty in spectacular fashion.
Chef Alain Verzeroli crafts dishes that prove plant-based cuisine can be just as luxurious and satisfying as any meat-focused menu.
The light-filled dining room at 151 N.E. 41st St, Ste. 135, Miami, 33137, provides the perfect backdrop for meals that feel both indulgent and refreshingly wholesome.
Seafood options complement the vegetable-forward approach, offering variety without compromising the restaurant’s core philosophy.
Drink pairings elevate each course, creating harmonious combinations that showcase thoughtful curation and expertise.
4. The Surf Club Restaurant
Thomas Keller brought his legendary culinary prowess to this historic venue, where old-world glamour meets contemporary sophistication in every detail.
The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored space that once hosted legends like Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor during its golden era.
Impeccable service matches the exceptional food quality, creating an experience that justifies the premium pricing and dressy atmosphere.
Seasonal menus highlight the finest ingredients available, prepared with the precision and creativity Keller’s restaurants are known for worldwide.
Located at 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, 33154, this destination demands your finest attire and highest expectations.
5. Elcielo Miami
Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos transforms dining into theatrical performance art, engaging all five senses through innovative techniques that surprise and delight.
Servers present dishes with dramatic flair, sometimes painting chocolate directly onto diners’ hands as an interactive dessert course.
The tasting menu journeys through Colombian flavors reimagined with modern culinary science, creating unexpected textures and presentations that challenge perceptions.
Located at 31 SE 5th St, Miami, 33131, this restaurant attracts adventurous eaters willing to surrender control and embrace the unexpected.
Molecular gastronomy techniques elevate familiar ingredients into extraordinary experiences that blur the line between food and art.
6. Tambourine Room By Tristan Brandt
Michelin-starred chef Tristan Brandt proves that wellness-focused cuisine can be utterly delicious and visually stunning without sacrificing nutritional integrity.
His approach balances indulgence with mindful eating, creating dishes that nourish body and soul equally.
The restaurant sits within the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort at 6801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, 33141, making it the perfect complement to a holistic retreat experience.
Seasonal ingredients shine through preparations that highlight natural flavors rather than masking them with heavy sauces or excessive manipulation.
Drink selections emphasize organic and biodynamic producers, extending the wellness philosophy beyond the plate into every aspect of the meal.
7. SHINGO
Chef Shingo Akikuni presides over an eight-seat counter where he personally crafts each piece of nigiri with reverence and precision.
The omakase experience unfolds at his pace, allowing diners to appreciate the nuances of each carefully sourced fish.
Akikuni’s training in Tokyo’s prestigious sushi restaurants informs every slice and fold, resulting in traditional Edomae-style sushi that respects centuries of technique.
Located at 112 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, 33134, this intimate space requires reservations weeks in advance due to its limited seating.
Conversation flows naturally as the chef explains each selection’s origin and optimal preparation method throughout the evening.
8. Rocca Tampa
Wood-fired cooking defines this modern Italian spot where smoke and flame transform simple ingredients into complex flavor experiences.
The open kitchen allows diners to watch chefs work the massive hearth, adding an element of theater to the meal.
Handmade pastas share menu space with perfectly charred vegetables and proteins that benefit from the distinctive smokiness only live fire can provide.
Located at 323 W Palm Ave, Tampa, 33602, the restaurant anchors downtown Tampa’s evolving culinary landscape with confidence and style.
The drink program focuses heavily on Italian regions, offering both familiar favorites and lesser-known bottles that pair beautifully with the bold flavors.
9. Lilac The Tampa EDITION
Chef John Fraser’s plant-forward philosophy shines at this elegant hotel restaurant where vegetables receive the same careful attention typically reserved for premium proteins.
The space overlooks Tampa’s waterfront, providing stunning views that complement the thoughtfully composed plates.
Seasonal menus change regularly to showcase Florida’s agricultural diversity, with dishes that feel both refined and approachable.
Located at 500 Channelside Dr, Tampa, 33602, Lilac attracts both hotel guests and local food enthusiasts seeking elevated yet unpretentious dining experiences.
10. Bern’s Steak House
Since 1956, this Tampa institution has been aging its own beef and growing vegetables in an urban farm, demonstrating a farm-to-table commitment long before the term became trendy.
The drink list contains over 6,000 selections, earning recognition as one of the world’s most impressive collections.
After dinner, guests can tour the private cellar or retreat to the upstairs dessert room for decadent sweets in intimate booths.
Located at 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, 33606, Bern’s remains a must-visit destination for serious steak lovers.
Each cut gets cooked to precise specifications, with servers checking temperatures to ensure absolute perfection.
11. Ulele
Named after a legendary Native American princess, this restaurant celebrates Florida’s indigenous culinary heritage through dishes prepared on a massive barbacoa grill.
The historic building sits along the Hillsborough River at 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, 33602, offering waterfront dining with genuine character.
Alligator, wild boar, and local seafood feature prominently on a menu that honors pre-colonial cooking methods while satisfying modern palates.
Outdoor seating under massive oak trees creates an atmosphere that feels miles away from urban Tampa’s hustle.
12. Victoria And Albert’s
Disney’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant delivers an experience that rivals the world’s finest dining establishments, proving theme park properties can achieve genuine culinary excellence.
The intimate Queen Victoria Room seats just four tables, offering the ultimate in exclusive dining experiences.
Chef Matthew Sowers creates multi-course tasting menus that showcase impeccable technique and premium ingredients sourced globally.
Located at 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, 32830, inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, reservations require planning months ahead and adherence to a strict dress code.
Service reaches levels of attentiveness rarely experienced elsewhere, with staff anticipating needs before guests recognize them.
13. Joe’s Stone Crab
For over a century, this Miami Beach landmark has been serving stone crab claws with mustard sauce, creating a tradition that defines Florida dining culture.
The restaurant only operates during stone crab season, typically from October through May, making each visit feel special and time-sensitive.
Lines form early as the restaurant famously refuses reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis that treats everyone equally.
Located at 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, 33139, Joe’s has hosted celebrities, politicians, and regular folks who all wait their turn for a taste of history.
Side dishes like creamed spinach and hash browns have achieved legendary status in their own right.
14. Versailles Little Havana
Mirror-lined walls reflect the energy of Miami’s Cuban community gathering for cafecito, ropa vieja, and passionate conversations about politics and culture.
This Little Havana institution serves as much more than a restaurant, functioning as a community hub where generations connect over familiar flavors.
The menu offers generous portions of traditional Cuban dishes at prices that feel frozen in time compared to Miami’s trendy dining spots.
Located at 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, 33135, Versailles operates around the clock, welcoming everyone from pre-dawn cafecito seekers to late-night revelers craving croquetas.
The attached bakery produces authentic pastries and desserts that transport customers straight to Havana with each bite.
15. Kadence Orlando
Chef Jeffery Teng earned a Michelin star for this intimate omakase experience that brings Tokyo-level sushi craftsmanship to central Florida.
The ten-seat counter creates an atmosphere of focused attention where every detail matters and nothing distracts from the fish.
Seasonal selections arrive directly from Japanese markets, ensuring authenticity and quality that rivals coastal cities with easier access to premium seafood.
Located at 1809 Winter Park Rd, Orlando, 32803, Kadence represents Orlando’s emergence as a serious dining destination beyond theme park boundaries.
16. Sorekara Orlando
Chef Teng’s second Orlando venture takes a more relaxed approach than Kadence, offering creative Japanese cuisine without the formality of omakase service.
The menu blends traditional techniques with unexpected ingredients, resulting in dishes that surprise while respecting their cultural roots.
Small plates encourage sharing and exploration, allowing groups to sample widely across the menu’s diverse offerings.
Located at 4979 New Broad St, Orlando, 32814, Sorekara provides an accessible entry point for diners curious about Japanese cuisine beyond sushi rolls.
The casual atmosphere and lower price point make this spot perfect for regular visits rather than special occasions only.
17. The French Laundry Naples
Despite sharing a name with Thomas Keller’s legendary Napa Valley establishment, this Naples restaurant stands on its own merits with French-inspired cuisine adapted to Florida’s coastal setting.
The chef combines classical techniques with local seafood and produce, creating dishes that feel both familiar and distinctly regional.
Located at 1800 5th Ave S, Naples, 34102, the restaurant attracts sophisticated diners seeking refined flavors without excessive formality or pretension.
The space itself exudes understated elegance, allowing the food to command attention without competing with overly dramatic decor.
18. Sea Salt Naples
Chef Fabrizio Aielli brings Italian coastal cooking traditions to southwest Florida, emphasizing simple preparations that showcase pristine seafood quality.
The daily-changing menu reflects what’s freshest from local waters and markets, ensuring peak flavor and supporting regional fishermen.
Pasta dishes incorporate seafood in ways that honor both Italian heritage and Florida’s abundant marine resources beautifully.
Located at 1186 3rd St S, Naples, 34102, Sea Salt has become a destination for visitors and locals who appreciate seafood prepared with restraint and respect.
The drink list leans heavily toward Italian selections, offering regional pairings that complement the coastal Mediterranean-inspired flavors throughout the menu.
19. Louie’s Backyard Key West
Perched at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this Key West institution has been serving sunset dinners with spectacular views since the 1970s.
The menu reflects the island’s cultural melting pot, incorporating Caribbean, Cuban, and American influences into dishes that taste like the tropics.
Fresh fish preparations change based on what local boats bring in, ensuring menus stay dynamic and connected to Key West’s maritime heritage.
Located at 700 Waddell Ave, Key West, 33040, the restaurant offers both casual lunch service and more refined dinner experiences as the sun sets.
The outdoor deck provides front-row seats to nature’s nightly show, with waves crashing just feet away from tables.
20. Blue Heaven Key West
Roosters roam freely through this funky outdoor restaurant where Hemingway once refereed boxing matches in the very same space.
The laid-back atmosphere perfectly captures Key West’s eccentric spirit, with mismatched furniture and tropical plants creating a backyard party vibe.
Breakfast draws massive crowds for legendary lobster benedict and banana bread that regulars claim is worth the inevitable wait.
Located at 729 Thomas St, Key West, 33040, Blue Heaven operates in a historic building with stories that add flavor to every meal served.
The space transforms throughout the day, serving everything from morning coffee to evening drinks under strings of lights and swaying palms.
21. Orsay Jacksonville
This French brasserie brings Parisian dining culture to Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood, complete with tile floors and an atmosphere that encourages lingering over drinks.
The menu offers classic bistro fare executed with care and authenticity rarely found outside major metropolitan areas.
Steak frites, mussels, and duck confit satisfy cravings for traditional French comfort food prepared the way it should be.
Located at 3630 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, 32205, Orsay has anchored the neighborhood’s dining scene since opening, attracting both regulars and special-occasion diners.
Weekend brunch service adds omelets and pastries to the mix, drawing crowds that appreciate civilized midday dining experiences.
22. Sushi Roku Fort Lauderdale
This California-based chain brings sophisticated Japanese fusion cuisine to Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene with creative rolls and innovative preparations.
The menu balances traditional sushi offerings with contemporary creations that appeal to adventurous palates seeking bold flavor combinations.
Robata grilled items and hot appetizers provide variety beyond raw fish, making the restaurant accessible to groups with diverse preferences.
Located at 2260 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33304, Sushi Roku attracts a stylish crowd drawn to the sleek interior and lively atmosphere.
Happy hour specials make premium sushi more accessible, allowing regular visits without breaking the bank every time you crave quality fish.
23. Koya
Located at 807 W Platt St, Tampa, FL 33606, Koya is a Michelin-starred omakase restaurant that exemplifies precision, elegance, and Japanese culinary artistry.
Chef-driven tasting menus showcase the freshest fish and seasonal ingredients, meticulously prepared and presented to highlight natural flavors.
Seating is limited to ensure a focused, immersive dining experience where every bite tells a story.
Guests watch as the chef crafts each piece of sushi with skill honed from years of training, blending tradition with subtle innovation.
The intimate ambiance allows diners to savor each course while appreciating the care and technique behind it.
For those seeking a refined, memorable dining experience in Tampa, Koya offers a journey through Japanese cuisine unlike any other in the region.
24. Bicyclette Cookshop
Nestled at 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Bicyclette Cookshop brings a modern, approachable twist to New American cuisine.
The menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, transforming everyday produce into inventive small plates and shareable dishes.
Diners rave about the fresh, vibrant flavors that feel both comforting and sophisticated at the same time. The open, airy dining room creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual brunches, lively dinners, or intimate gatherings.
For locals and visitors alike, Bicyclette Cookshop has become a go-to destination for meals that celebrate both flavor and creativity in equal measure.