10 Florida Restaurants That Are Inexpensive And Popular
Florida’s food scene is a treasure trove of delicious eats that won’t empty your wallet. I
‘ve spent years exploring the Sunshine State’s hidden culinary gems, discovering places where amazing flavors don’t come with eye-popping prices.
From smoky fish shacks on the Gulf Coast to vibrant Cuban diners in Miami, these spots prove that memorable meals don’t require a big budget.
1. Metro Diner: Jacksonville’s Comfort Food Heaven
The first time I walked into Metro Diner, the aroma of fresh-baked biscuits nearly knocked me off my feet! This Jacksonville institution serves portions so generous, I’ve never finished a meal without a to-go box.
Their chicken and waffles—drizzled with strawberry butter and spicy syrup—changed my understanding of breakfast forever. What makes this place special isn’t just the food; it’s watching the open kitchen where cooks flip massive pancakes with theatrical flair.
Despite being featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,’ prices remain wonderfully reasonable. Most breakfast plates hover around $12, while lunch options rarely exceed $15. The retro diner vibe with checkerboard floors and friendly servers who remember regulars’ orders makes every visit feel like coming home.
2. Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish: St. Petersburg’s Smoky Legend
Holy smoked mullet! My taste buds still remember my first bite at Ted Peters. Since 1951, this no-frills St. Petersburg landmark has been smoking fish over red oak, creating a flavor that haunts your dreams.
Family-owned and gloriously unchanged, the outdoor picnic tables and paper plates keep things casual and prices low. Their smoked fish spread—a creamy concoction that makes crackers sing—costs just $6 and could satisfy two hungry people.
What I love most is watching the smoking process happen right before your eyes. The German potato salad deserves its own fan club, and don’t miss the smoked mahi-mahi sandwich for under $15. Bring cash though—they’re old school about payment methods, just like they’re old school about preserving Florida’s fishing heritage.
3. Pummarola: Naples’ Authentic Pizza Paradise
“You’ve gotta try this pizza!” I texted my friends after discovering Pummarola in Naples. Named after the Italian word for tomato, this family-run spot transported me straight to Napoli without the airfare.
Brothers Rosario and Max use a volcanic stone oven to create blistered, chewy-yet-tender crusts that make pizza lovers weep with joy. Their margherita pizza—just $12 for a personal size—features San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil picked that morning.
The bright red Vespa parked inside adds a whimsical touch to the casual atmosphere. Beyond pizza, their pasta dishes like the simple spaghetti pomodoro showcase the family’s commitment to authentic ingredients. Even their homemade tiramisu—rich with mascarpone and espresso—costs only $6, making this place a steal for genuine Italian flavors.
4. La Teresita: Tampa’s Cuban Culinary Time Machine
Last Tuesday, I found myself elbow-to-elbow with Tampa locals at La Teresita’s counter, watching Cuban coffee being prepared with the precision of a scientific experiment. This West Tampa institution isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a cultural experience where $8 can buy you the best Cuban sandwich of your life.
The no-nonsense cafeteria-style dining room buzzes with Spanish conversations and the clinking of plates loaded with ropa vieja and yellow rice. Their picadillo—seasoned ground beef with olives and raisins—comes with beans, rice, and plantains for under $10.
My favorite hack? Order breakfast anytime and get eggs, toast, hash browns and Cuban toast for around $5. The abuelitas working behind the counter might not smile much, but they’ll make sure you’re fed like family. Cash is king here, and portions are generous enough for leftovers.
5. Taco Bus: Tampa’s Late-Night Mexican Fiesta
Picture this: 2 AM, stars twinkling above Tampa, and I’m biting into the most authentic cochinita pibil taco I’ve ever tasted—all for less than $3. Taco Bus started as, well, an actual bus serving Mexican street food before expanding to several locations while keeping prices deliciously low.
The Butternut Squash Tostada converted my veggie-skeptic brother into a believer. What makes this place special is their commitment to regional Mexican recipes rarely found elsewhere in Florida—like the Sonoran hot dogs wrapped in bacon and smothered in beans.
Most tacos hover around $3-4, while massive burritos stuffed with slow-roasted meats cost about $9. The salsa bar with multiple heat levels lets you customize your meal. Some locations operate 24/7, making this the ultimate cure for midnight cravings without emptying your wallet.
6. Satchel’s Pizza: Gainesville’s Quirky Pizza Wonderland
“Is that a van we’re sitting in?” my friend asked as we settled into our table—indeed an actual vintage VW van—at Satchel’s Pizza in Gainesville. This place redefines eclectic with its junkyard-chic decor made from recycled items and twinkling lights.
The pizza itself deserves poetry—thick, chewy crust loaded with fresh toppings and that perfect cheese-pull that makes for great Instagram videos. Their signature Satch Salad, big enough for two and topped with curry-roasted pecans, costs just $9 and will ruin ordinary salads for you forever.
Owner Satchel has created more than a restaurant; it’s a community landmark complete with a gift shop selling local art. Most large pizzas cost around $20 and easily feed 3-4 people. Cash only, but there’s an ATM on site. The lightning-filled bottle tree garden outside makes for magical evening dining.
7. Beefy King: Orlando’s Roast Beef Royalty
Stepping into Beefy King is like time-traveling to 1968—because literally nothing has changed since they opened, including their perfectly reasonable prices! My Orlando food pilgrimages always include this family-owned spot where the roast beef sandwich remains the juiciest in the Sunshine State.
The magic happens when they steam both the meat and the bun, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s enhanced by their secret horseradish sauce. Their tater tots—crispy outside, fluffy inside—have ruined all other tots for me.
Most sandwich combos with sides and drinks hover around $10-12. The retro orange-and-brown interior feels like a Brady Bunch episode, complete with wood paneling and vintage signage. Three generations of the same family still work here, and they might remember your order if you become a regular. Cash and cards accepted at this Orlando institution.
8. Tako Cheena: Orlando’s Asian-Latin Fusion Fantasy
“Are those Korean beef tacos with kimchi?” I gasped the first time I visited Tako Cheena in Orlando’s Mills 50 district. This tiny spot explodes with flavor combinations I never knew I needed—like their Indian butter chicken burritos that make my taste buds do a happy dance.
Chef Pom brings her Thai heritage to Latin street food, creating mind-blowing fusion that somehow stays under $5 per taco. The empanadas filled with panang curry might be the best $4 you’ll ever spend on food.
The colorful, graffiti-decorated space feels like a street food alley somewhere between Bangkok and Mexico City. Most items range from $4-10, making it possible to sample multiple creations without breaking the bank. Late-night hours (open until 2 AM on weekends) make this the perfect affordable post-concert meal. Their homemade sauces alone—particularly the creamy sriracha—are worth the trip.
9. Dimsum King & Seafood: Jacksonville’s Dim Sum Dynasty
Saturday morning dim sum at Jacksonville’s Dimsum King changed my understanding of brunch forever! Unlike pricey downtown brunches, here I can feast like royalty for under $20 per person.
Cart ladies zoom between tables, lifting bamboo steamer lids to reveal treasures like har gow (crystal shrimp dumplings) and char siu bao (fluffy BBQ pork buns) that cost between $3-5 per plate. The chicken feet—don’t knock ’em till you’ve tried ’em—are fall-off-the-bone tender and swimming in savory sauce.
The massive dining room with red lanterns and lazy Susans on round tables accommodates large groups, making this perfect for family gatherings. Go beyond dim sum and try their salt-and-pepper squid or congee with century egg. Weekend mornings get packed with multi-generational Chinese families—always a good sign. Pro tip: bring cash and arrive before 11 AM to avoid the rush.
10. Lazy Moon Pizza: Orlando’s Slice-As-Big-As-Your-Face Phenomenon
“I’ll need a bigger plate!” I laughed when my first slice from Lazy Moon arrived—literally the size of my head and flopping over the edges of the plate. This Orlando institution near UCF serves pizza slices so massive they require their own zip code.
One $6 slice equals nearly half a regular pizza elsewhere, making this possibly the best food value in Central Florida. Their crust achieves the perfect balance—thin enough to fold New York-style but sturdy enough to hold creative toppings like the “Buff Chick” with buffalo chicken and blue cheese.
The laid-back atmosphere with local art and craft beers on tap makes this a favorite student hangout. Their “Boxcar Willy” special—a giant slice and PBR tall boy for $8—has fueled countless college all-nighters. While the original location near UCF remains my favorite, their Mills 50 spot offers the same enormous slices and wallet-friendly prices in a slightly more grown-up setting.