13 Under-The-Radar Florida Restaurants Worth Visiting In 2027
A wood-fired Spanish restaurant inside a beautifully restored historic church landed on USA Today’s 2024 Restaurants of the Year list. Only 47 places nationwide made it, and the setting is just as memorable as the food.
That’s the kind of surprise I went looking for across Florida. Not the famous waterfront chains with giant signs.
I wanted cafes inside fishing outfitters, pubs dug into cellars, and food trucks parked at quiet marinas.
The best part? These kitchens sit along rivers, creeks, bays, and quiet country highways.
You’ll find oysters from nearby bays, Cuban plates beside a creek, and brisket inside a country store. I love that each one feels rooted in its own patch of water or woods.
So I made a list of the spots I’d point a hungry friend toward in 2027. A few need a real detour.
Honestly, that’s half the fun. Which one would you drive to first?
1. Brother Fox
Wood-fired Spanish cuisine inside a former church? Brother Fox occupies the ground floor of Lily Hall, a beautifully restored former Baptist church in Pensacola’s Old East Hill neighborhood.
Fire drives the menu. Coal-roasted oysters, wood-fired paella, and Carne Asada come off live heat with Old World flavor in mind.
Want something to share first? Pan con tomate and the 2×2 charcuterie board make easy starters for the table.
Monday brings its own reason to go. That’s Truffle Steak Frites night, which makes the start of the week feel much less dull.
National attention arrived in 2024. USA Today named it one of its Restaurants of the Year, and only 47 places across the country earned that honor.
Save room for churros, because a Spanish meal deserves a sweet ending. The prime skirt steak asada is another strong pick if you love a hearty plate.
Solo diners fit right in here, too. A seat for one feels natural when the room has this much character.
Dinner runs nightly, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Those two evenings get the busiest, so booking ahead through OpenTable is a smart move.
The restaurant connects to Lily Hall Boutique Hotel, which makes a weekend stay simple. Parking can take a little patience, though valet is available.
You can wander the historic neighborhood streets before dinner. It’s a pleasant way to build an appetite in Florida’s far western corner.
Address: 415 N Alcaniz St, Pensacola, FL 32501
2. Up The Creek Raw Bar
Oysters and river views share top billing at this low-key spot on Water Street. Up The Creek Raw Bar looks out over the Apalachicola River and its marsh delta.
Apalachicola and oysters go together like peanut butter and jelly. Fresh oysters on the half shell are the obvious starting point here.
Prefer them cooked? The fried oyster basket gives you that same seafood with a crunchy coat.
Grouper fans have options too. Blackened grouper shows up on the menu, along with fish tacos and shrimp tacos.
Tater tots also earn a loyal mention here, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good tot? A fried shrimp basket with fries rounds out the casual lineup.
You can eat indoors or out on the patio facing the water. The screened deck is heated, which helps on cooler Panhandle evenings.
Ordering works at the counter, and the line tends to move fast. Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up hungry and grab a spot.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs, which makes lunch easier with little ones. Dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged buddy can enjoy the river breeze too.
Plan around the calendar before you drive over. The kitchen runs from noon to 8 p.m.
Monday through Saturday and closes on Sundays.
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. A weekday lunch is a nice way to enjoy the view with more elbow room.
Address: 313 Water St, Apalachicola, FL 32320
3. Steamers
Steamers has long been a favorite among seafood lovers visiting Cedar Key. After damage to its original Dock Street location, the restaurant began serving customers from a temporary spot on 2nd Street.
Cedar Key feels like a step back in time. Steamers currently operates at 434 2nd Street while its original waterfront location remains unavailable.
Breakfast starts at 6:30 a.m., which suits early risers and anglers. Lunch and dinner follow, so you can stop by at almost any hour.
Seafood leads the menu with plenty of variety. Fish and chips, a clam pot, and a Low Country boil are easy picks.
Crab lovers should eye the Crab Trio Platter. The crab bisque and Steamers Clam Chowder make great choices on a breezy day.
Feeling adventurous? Gator bites offer a true Florida nibble, and fish dip is a classic way to start a seaside meal.
Although its former Dock Street location was known for waterfront dining, Steamers is currently serving guests from its temporary 2nd Street address. Visitors should check for updates before planning a trip.
Bringing the dog? Pets are allowed inside and out, which is a rare treat for traveling pups.
Weekend afternoons, especially Saturday and Sunday, see the most traffic. Weekday mornings are quieter if you want a calmer breakfast with that view.
Reservations are accepted, and kids get their own menu. Grab a table, order something fried, and let the slow island pace take over.
Address: 434 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625
4. The Boathouse St. Augustine
Sushi and fried seafood rarely share a table, but The Boathouse St. Augustine happily serves both. The waterfront spot sits off Nix Boat Yard Road, away from the busiest downtown streets.
St. Augustine draws crowds for its history. This restaurant shows you a different side of town, with scenic outdoor seating along the water.
Seafood fans have plenty to explore. Oysters, crab legs, and a lobster roll appear on the menu.
Stuffed grouper and lobster ravioli lean a little fancier. Collard greens add a Southern touch that pairs nicely with almost any plate.
Don’t skip dessert. Bread pudding is a menu highlight, and it makes a sweet finish after a salty seafood feast.
Weekend mornings bring brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday service starts in the late afternoon, so check the clock before you head over.
There’s a fireplace for cooler nights and live music to set the mood. That combo feels pretty great when the breeze picks up off the water.
Dogs are welcome inside and outside. The restaurant even has a four-legged host on the property, which may be the cutest greeting in town.
Dinner reservations are smart, since a wait is common. Friday and Saturday evenings get the busiest, while Tuesday and Wednesday nights stay calmer.
Free parking is usually easy to find in the lot. A kids’ menu and high chairs help make it an easy family pick.
Address: 160 Nix Boat Yard Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
5. The Frog and Monkey Restaurant & Pub
Head downstairs on North Donnelly Street and you’ll find a pub living in a cellar. The Frog and Monkey Restaurant & Pub sits in the basement of the historic Renaissance building in Mount Dora.
The underground setting gives it a speakeasy feel. Mount Dora already charms visitors with its small-town streets, and this spot adds a fun twist below ground.
Fish ‘n’ chips headline the old-school pub menu. Burgers also get serious attention, including the Ruby Burger, Lamb Burger, Aloha Burger, and a classic bacon cheeseburger.
Onion straws are the legend here. A basket of those crispy strands might be the best thing to share while you look over the menu.
Lighter bites include edamame. Clams also show up if you want a taste of the sea in central Florida.
Live music keeps the room lively. It’s a fun choice for a night out, especially when the weekend rolls around.
Speaking of weekends, Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons are the busiest stretches. Tuesday through Thursday afternoons are easier if you want a quieter table.
Mondays are a no-go, since the pub stays closed. Sunday hours end at 5 p.m., so plan an early meal that day.
Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy nights. Parking downtown can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Kids get their own menu and high chairs are on hand. Wi-fi is available too, though the onion straws deserve your full attention.
Address: 411 N Donnelly St, Mt Dora, FL 32757
6. The Buzzard’s Roost
A restaurant named after a buzzard should not be this pretty. The Buzzard’s Roost sits in a backstreet boat marina in Key Largo, with cove views and pine-paneled walls.
Most travelers zoom down the Overseas Highway toward Key West. A quick turn toward Garden Cove Drive rewards you with water views and a slower pace.
Fresh seafood leads the way. Conch fritters, cracked conch, and fresh Florida oysters bring classic Keys flavor to the table.
Yellowtail snapper ceviche offers a bright, lighter pick. Seared ahi tuna and the Buzzards Seafood Pasta are heartier options for bigger appetites.
Lobster and black and blue yellowtail also appear. Prime rib gives meat lovers a reason to come along too.
Sunday starts early with brunch at 10:30 a.m. Buzzard’s Eggs Benedict is a menu highlight, and it’s a fun way to fuel a day on the water.
Outdoor seats and a tiki bar put you close to the water. Live music adds a soundtrack without stealing the show from the scenery.
A full vegetarian menu is available, which is great news for mixed groups. Kids have their own menu, and dogs are allowed inside and outside.
Sunday afternoon into evening brings the biggest crowds. Weekday lunches tend to feel calmer, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m.
Parking is usually plentiful and free. That’s a nice bonus after a long drive down the islands.
Address: 21 Garden Cove Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037
7. Habanos On The Creek
Fish swim right past the outdoor tables at Habanos On The Creek, so dinner comes with a free aquarium show on the side. The Cuban restaurant sits at Creek Marina in Tavernier.
Portions here run generous, so arrive hungry. Traditional Cuban cooking fills the menu, with a side of Upper Keys scenery.
Cuban nachos may be the boldest start. They pile juicy meat onto crunchy mariquitas, which are thin fried plantain chips.
Plantain chips topped with marinated pork and cheese are another tempting pick. Conch fritters add a Keys accent to the Cuban lineup.
Main plates cover land and sea. Palomilla steak, vaca frita, and Mar Y Tierra rice bring hearty comfort.
Seafood fans can try a fried whole yellowtail or cracked conch. Blackened shrimp tacos and a midnight sandwich are also on the menu.
Sweet plantains make a great side, and flan offers a silky finish. Coffee helps too if you’re planning a long drive afterward.
Plenty of covered outdoor seating keeps you shaded near the creek. Dogs are allowed inside and out, so pups can tag along.
Vegan diners have a full menu of their own here. Kids get a menu too, so the whole crew can eat happily.
The kitchen opens daily at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 9 p.m., and reservations are accepted. That makes it easy to fit into a road trip through the Florida Keys.
Address: Creek Marina, 90800 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070
8. Nely’s Corner
Breakfast inside a fishing outfitter makes perfect sense in a town built around the water. Nely’s Corner sits within Everglades Fishing Co. in Everglades City.
Doughnuts are the signature move. They’re cooked to order, so they land on your plate fresh instead of sitting in a case.
Scratch-made breakfast fills out the morning menu. Skillets are a hearty choice before a long day exploring the Everglades.
Lunch brings more variety than you might expect. A caprese salad sits on the menu, along with a shrimp flo boy.
Weekends add brisket to the mix. Home-cooked meals and old South side dishes give the food a down-home feel.
Fresh fruit smoothies offer a lighter option. Coffee is a strong point too, which matters when you’re up early for fishing or paddling.
Timing is key with this one. Published operating hours for Nely’s Corner vary, so checking the restaurant’s latest schedule before visiting is the best way to avoid a wasted trip.
Reservations aren’t taken, so just walk in. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside.
Portions come generous, so you may not need a snack until dinner. A full vegetarian menu also helps if your group has mixed tastes.
Everglades City is a small gateway town to a huge wild corner of Florida. A good breakfast here can set the tone for a big day outside.
Pair your visit with a look around the outfitter. It’s a fun stop for anyone who likes fishing gear as much as fresh doughnuts.
Address: 203 Collier Ave, Everglades City, FL 34139
9. HavAnnA Cafe
Way down at the end of the road on Chokoloskee, a family-owned Cuban cafe serves up a colorful surprise. HavAnnA Cafe brings homestyle Cuban seafood to the edge of the Everglades.
The garden patio sets a tranquil tone. Inside, the colorful space feels tropical and full of personality.
Mornings start at 8 a.m. with Cuban coffee and cafe con leche. That’s a sweet way to wake up before a paddle trip in the area.
Seafood shines on the menu. Shrimp enchilado, blackened shrimp, and shrimp tostones give shrimp fans plenty to debate.
Grouper is another strong pick. Dulce’s Cuban Sandwich also stands out if you want something classic for lunch.
Save room for dessert, because the options tempt. Key lime pie and tres leches cake both make great finales.
Live music sometimes includes a guitarist, adding to the laid-back atmosphere. HavAnnA Cafe has announced seven-day service from December 3, 2026, through Independence Day weekend in 2027.
Visitors planning a meal during this period should check the restaurant’s current daily hours, especially if they want to stop by for dinner.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so arrive with some patience. Families will appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables.
Vegan and vegetarian diners get full menus too. Dogs are welcome outside, making the patio a nice stop for traveling pups.
Chokoloskee sits close to Everglades City, so it’s easy to pair with a day exploring this wild corner of Florida. Free parking is usually easy to find, too.
Address: 191 Smallwood Dr, Chokoloskee, FL 34138
10. The Island Girl
A few of the best water views on Pine Island come with a food truck attached. The Island Girl parks at Pineland Marina in Bokeelia and serves meals beside the water.
A tiki-themed seating area turns this truck into a real hangout. The seating is brand new and comfortable, with wide waterfront views.
Homemade sandwiches anchor the menu. Fresh seafood and classic American bites round things out for most appetites.
Breakfast and coffee arrive Friday through Sunday starting at 8 a.m. That’s a great way to start a weekend on the island.
Other days kick off at 11 a.m. with lunch. The truck stays open until 8 p.m., so dinner by the marina works too.
Just skip Wednesday, because that’s the day it closes. The rest of the week is fair game.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service tends to move quickly. Reservations aren’t taken, so walk up whenever hunger hits.
Dogs are welcome, which suits the easy marina mood. Kids have their own menu, and free wi-fi is available if someone needs to check in.
Catering is an option too, if you’re planning a gathering nearby. Dessert also appears on the menu, so a sweet treat can close out your meal.
Bokeelia sits at the northern tip of Pine Island. Getting there feels like a small adventure in Southwest Florida.
Parking is free and usually plentiful. That keeps the whole outing simple from start to finish.
Address: 13921 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia, FL 33922
11. Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
Brisket from a country store might sound unlikely, but Pearl Country Store & Barbecue makes it work. The Micanopy stop on Highway 441 A blends a store with a serious barbecue kitchen.
Beef brisket earns top billing on the menu. Pork ribs and pulled pork give you more smoky reasons to stay.
Chicken gets its moment too. Rotisserie smoked chicken and chicken tenders appear, along with combos like ribs and a quarter chicken.
Sides cover the comfort basics. Macaroni and cheese and slaw are menu highlights, and they pair perfectly with smoked meat.
Not in a barbecue mood? A BLT offers a simpler option for lunch.
Doors open at 6 a.m. daily, so breakfast is on the table too. Coffee is a strong point, which helps early travelers on the road.
Micanopy is a small historic town south of Gainesville. It makes a charming pit stop if you’re cruising through north central Florida.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves fast. Outdoor seating gives you room to spread out, and dogs are welcome outside.
Weekends pull the biggest crowds, especially Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Reservations aren’t taken, so arriving early is your best friend.
Hours stretch to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Weeknights wrap up at 7 p.m., so don’t cut a dinner trip too close.
Catering is available for bigger events. Free wi-fi is also on hand if you need to plan the next leg of your drive.
Address: 106 NE Hwy 441 A, Micanopy, FL 32667
12. Star Fish Company
Cortez still runs on commercial fishing, and Star Fish Company sits right in the middle of it. You eat at picnic tables with Sarasota Bay spread out in front of you.
The business started as a wholesale seafood market in the early 1920s. A retail market came later, and dockside dining eventually joined the party.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton forced a closure in 2024. The restaurant reopened on October 31, 2024, and it’s back to serving locals and visitors alike.
Ordering is simple. You order at a window and grab your food when your name is called.
Grouper comes blackened, grilled, or fried, so pick your style. Grouper tacos and shrimp and grits are popular too.
Other options include royal red shrimp, middleneck clams, conch fritters, and smoked mullet. Seasonal stone crab chowder is worth catching when it’s around.
Sides keep it classic with hush puppies, cheese grits, cole slaw, and fries. Food arrives in white plastic containers, which fits the no-fuss dockside style.
The views steal the show. You can see mangrove islands, Longboat Key, and the local fishing fleet from your table.
Bring cash, because the restaurant doesn’t take cards. An ATM is on-site if you forget.
Monday and Sunday service ends at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, the kitchen stays open until 8 p.m.
Address: 12306 46th Ave W, Cortez, FL 34215
13. Gocki’s
The town of Havana sits in the Panhandle, far from Cuba, and Gocki’s adds a great reason to stop. The casual restaurant serves signature sandwiches and fresh burgers in the town’s antique district.
Burgers get plenty of love here. The shrimp po’ boy is another standout for seafood fans.
Craving something saucy? The meatball sub is a menu highlight and makes a hearty lunch.
The setting feels bright and sunny, with a cute country style. Gocki’s leans relaxed, so it’s a nice spot to slow down.
Havana sits just north of Tallahassee. Its antique shops make a fun afternoon before or after your meal.
Timing matters with this one. Gocki’s operating hours vary across published listings, particularly for Sunday service.
Check the restaurant’s latest schedule before making the drive to Havana.
Saturday afternoons tend to get the busiest. Thursday evenings are quieter if you prefer a calm meal.
Ordering happens at the counter, and dessert is on the menu too. Reservations are accepted, which helps if you’re bringing a group.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are available. Free parking is usually easy to find nearby.
Catering is an option for bigger gatherings. That’s handy if your next family event needs a stack of burgers.
Address: 102 8th Ave W, Havana, FL 32333