There are thousands of restaurants and even more dishes to choose from in Florida, but they are not all equal. We’ve selected a few dishes that deserve a place on every Floridian’s bucket list. From long-standing, iconic restaurants to modest local favorites, these are the keepers of great grub. Get ready to chow down on some of the best meals in Florida.

1. Key lime pie at Blue Heaven
Facebook/Blue Heaven
Facebook/Blue Heaven
This iconic cafe in Key West is known for its laid-back atmosphere, complete with cats and chickens roaming the grounds. Don't leave Key West without a trip to Blue Heaven, and don't leave Blue Heaven without a slice of Key lime pie. To learn more, visit the website for Blue Heaven in Florida.
2. Steak at Bern's Steak House
Facebook/Bern's Steak House
Facebook/Bern's Steak House
This Tampa landmark has been around for almost 60 years, and stepping inside is a little like walking into scene from Mad Men. The steaks are perfect, the wine list is insane, and guests love touring the kitchen and cellar after dinner. Stop by and enjoy one of the best meals in Florida! Visit the website for Bern's Steak House to learn more.
3. Chicken and Waffles at Metro Diner
Facebook/The Metro Diner
Facebook/The Metro Diner
This breakfast joint started in this unassuming little building in Jacksonville and has now expanded all over North Florida. (Pictured is perfectly fried chicken next to a fluffy waffle topped with strawberry butter.) Visit Metro Diner's website to learn more.
4. Stone Crab at Joe's
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
This historic restaurant in Miami Beach was the first to serve Florida stone crab, which has become one of our state's most famous delicacies. After all these years, Joe's Stone Crab is still the best place to try it. It's easy to see why this is one of the best meals in Florida. Visit the website for Joe's Stone Crab to learn more.
5. Salad (and pizza) at Satchel's
Facebook/Satchel's Pizza
Facebook/Satchel's Pizza
Satchel's is a much-loved and very funky restaurant in Gainesville. The atmosphere is fun, and the pizza is delicious, but the salad steals the show. Luckily, their homemade dressing can be purchased on site. To learn more, visit the website for Satchel's Pizza.
6. Conch Fritters at Alabama Jack's
Facebook/Alabama Jacks Key Largo, FL
Facebook/Alabama Jacks Key Largo, FL
Alabama Jack's in Key Largo is a slice of Old Florida charm. This waterfront bar is relaxed, casual dining at its best. This is the place to try conch fritters, whether for the first time or the millionth time. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Alabama Jack's Restaurant.
7. The Sirloinburger at Le Tub
Facebook/Le Tub Saloon

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Facebook/Le Tub Saloon
Le Tub Saloon in Hollywood is famous for three things: its weirdly wonderful vibe, long wait times, and this incredible burger. Bring some good company and expect to wait a while. It's worth it. Check out the website for Le Tub Saloon to learn more.
8. BBQ Sandwiches at Yellow Dog Eats
Facebook/Yellow Dog Eats
Facebook/Yellow Dog Eats
Yellow Dog Eats is located in the little town of Gotha in Central Florida. This fun and funky spot serves up some of the best and most creative sandwiches in the state. To learn more, visit the website for Yellow Dog Eats in Florida.
9. Grouper Sandwich at Frenchy's
frenchysonline.com
frecnhysonline.com
No trip to Clearwater Beach is complete without a grouper sandwich from this iconic cafe. To learn more, visit the website for Frenchy's Restaurant.
10. Ice Cream at Jaxson's
Facebook/Jaxson's Ice Cream
Facebook/Jaxson's Ice Cream
This long-standing ice cream parlor is a Dania Beach landmark. The lines are long, but the ice cream dishes are some of the best (and biggest) you'll ever have. Check out the Facebook page for Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor to learn more.
11. Fried Shrimp at O'Steen's Restaurant
Facebook/Osteen's Restaurant
Facebook/Osteen's Restaurant
You might think all fried foods are pretty much the same, but this restaurant in St. Augustine is famous for having the best fried shrimp around. The perfect batter, seasonings and sauces have made this place popular with locals and visitors alike. To learn more, visit the website for O'Steen's Restaurant in Florida.
12. Pie at Yoder's
Facebook/Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village
Facebook/Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village
Yoder's Restaurant and Amish Village in Sarasota is a good bet for some homemade comfort food, but the real star here is the award-winning pie, made from scratch daily. Check out the website for Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village to learn more.
13. Smoked Fish (and dip) at Ted Peters
Lara Cerri via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
Lara Cerri via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
St. Petersburg has a lot of great restaurants, but Ted Peters is a must-try. You have to at least sample the smoked fish, but guests rave about pretty much everything on the menu here. To learn more, check out the website for Ted Peters's Famous Smoked Fish.

Have you tried any of these dishes? Who do you think serves the best meals in Florida? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Hungry for more wonderful dishes? Take this exciting three-day restaurant road trip in Florida.

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More to Explore

best meals in Florida

Elisa Regulski | November 06, 2020

What kind of food is Florida known for?

Florida isn’t just known for sunshine and beaches. We are also famous for our excellent seafood and incredible key lime pies. It just goes to show - food in Florida is absolutely spectacular!

Where can I find the best seafood in Florida?

There are so many delicious places to find seafood in Florida. For starters, head over to DJ's Clam Shack in Key West. This eatery serves nothing but fresh and delicious meals. You’ll also find wonderful eats at Big Water Fish Market in Sarasota. For more dining inspiration, check out our list of the best seafood restaurants in Florida.

Where can I find the best key lime pie in Florida?

Key Lime pie is one of the best dishes in Florida. If you want to treat yourself, head over to Mrs. Mac's Kitchen in Key Largo. These amazing desserts will put a smile on your face. For even more decadent desserts, visit Sunset Grill in Clearwater. Need more ideas? Check out our full list of where to find the best key lime pie in Florida.

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Featured Addresses
Blue Heaven, 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
2130 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Satchel's Pizza, 1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
58000 Card Sound Rd, Key Largo, FL 33030, USA
1100 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019, USA
1236 Hempel Ave, Windermere, FL 34786, USA
7 Rockaway St, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA
Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant, 128 S Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
205 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
3434 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA
1350 Pasadena Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707, USA