Just Back: Florida Restaurants Not to Miss in Orlando and Palm Beach

Tantalize your taste buds on a journey across the magnificent Sunshine State. From Orlando to Palm Beach, culinary experiences await, whether you’re looking for a classic Floridian seafood dish or a modern gourmet burger. Get to know some of the state’s most beloved restaurants from locals and visitors alike. Just back from vacationing in Orlando and the Palm Beach area, read on for our top tips on where to dine like a local in Florida.

1. A Taste of Florida: Delicious Dining Options in Orlando and Palm Beach

Orlando

Orlando offers many delicious options to tantalize your taste buds. From seafood and sushi to comfort foods and southern favorites, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite spots:

Hemingway’s Restaurant & Tavern – Enjoy fresh, local seafood and delicious hand-crafted cocktails on beautiful Lake Eola.
The Ravenous Pig – Award-winning gastropub with all sorts of tasty creations to choose from, including the famous Pig Wings.
K Restaurant – This relaxed bistro hits all the marks with its innovative New American cuisine.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is known for its fine dining experiences, so it’s no surprise that there are so many delicious dining options to savor. From sustainable seafood to fresh seafood catches, farm-to-table to impressive tasting menus, there are some incredible places to dine in Palm Beach. These are our favorites:

Grato – cozy Italian restaurant serving wood-oven pizzas and an extensive wine list.
The Regional Kitchen and Public House – southern-inspired restaurant offering farm-to-table dishes along with classic cocktails.
Chez L’Epicier – French-inspired menu full of delectable dishes and tasting menu worth the splurge.

2. A Guide to the Finest Fare in Florida’s Iconic Cities

For foodies, Florida is a paradise. Rich, flavorful dishes from all corners of Latin America come together to create a truly unique food experience. From fresh-caught seafood to Southern-style classics, here are some of the top picks for savory eats in each of Florida’s iconic cities.

Miami:

Joe’s Stone Crab: An iconic seafood restaurant open since 1913, Joe’s is renowned for its world-famous stone crab claws, made fresh daily and served with special sauces.
Havana Harry’s: A Cuban eatery tucked away in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, this spot serves up traditional dishes like ropa vieja, boliche, and Cuban sandwiches.
Garcia’s Seafood Grille: What began as a small fish market has morphed into one of Miami’s premier seafood restaurants. With a focus on local, sustainable seafood, Garcia’s offers up delicious catches straight from the Florida coast.

Orlando:

Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi: Experience the best of Japanese cuisine with this restaurant’s flavorful dishes of robata-style grilling, sushi, and sashimi.
4 Rivers Smokehouse: Known for the best Southern-style barbecue in Central Florida, 4 Rivers is beloved for its slow-smoked meats, from beef brisket to pulled pork, and homemade sides.
Shari Sushi Lounge: Treat yourself to some of the area’s freshest sushi and sashimi. Get creative with their signature rolls and pair it with sake or beer.

3. Florida Eats: Must-Try Restaurants in the Sunshine State

Florida is known for its amazing seafood, but there is so much more to eat in this sunshine state. From classic American diners to exotic international eats, you’ll never run out of new and exciting restaurants to explore. Here are three of our favorites.

The Jones, Hollywood: The Jones is an American diner like no other. This retro-style diner serves up all the classic dishes with a modern twist, making it a must-try for anyone looking for something a little different. Try their iconic French fries with truffle-oil mayo, or go for one of their specialty dishes like their Burger topped with Boursin cheese and sweet onion jam.
TacoShack, Key West: TacoShack is Key West’s newest hotspot. They craft an exquisite range of Mexican-inspired tacos; from a traditional carne asada to a delectable ceviche with shrimp, lime and spicy chili. If you want to sample all of their creations, opt for the taco sampler and try out each one.
SōVí, St. Petersburg: SōVí is a real treat for foodies. This fusion restaurant merges Asian and Latin cuisine in one delicious menu. Even their simplest dishes are elevated to flavorful creations like their wok-fried cauliflower and spicy pork tacos. And with their array of vegan and gluten-free options, it’s sure to please everyone.

For those in search of a unique dining experience in Florida, these three restaurants offer something different than the usual fare. Whether you’re after classic American eats or something with a global flare, there’s a little something for everyone in the Sunshine State.

4. Exploring the Culinary Scene from Orlando to Palm Beach

Orlando is bursting with exotic culinary options, start your journey in Central Florida at Coco Cocina, a family-run Peruvian kitchen. Enjoy traditional dishes like Lomo Saltado, and create your own unique food adventure!
Head to beachside Palm Beach and dine in style at Casa Del Vista. Here you will find some of the world’s finest seafood dishes such as yellowtail snapper with organic truffled potatoes.

For a traditional taste of the south, look no further than Pineda. This family-run grill is not to be missed, offering delicious southern comfort food such as gumbo, fried chicken and black-eyed peas.

For a truly unique experience, venture to the west palm beach neighborhood of Mangonia Park and check out Asher’s Pub & Seafood where old-world flavors mingle with fresh ideas from the sea. The Bahamian spiny lobster roll is a must-try! Come for happy hour and stay for dinner – what could be better? No trip to Orlando and Palm Beach is complete without tasting the delicious local cuisine. From seafood restaurants on the beach to classic comfort food eateries, you will find something to satisfy all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for something unique or something more traditional, these just-back Florida restaurants will be sure to make your Florida vacation a truly memorable experience. Bon appetit!