While you’re planning your list of things to tackle this year and goals to accomplish, make sure to pepper in some fun stuff, too, right? What’s more fun than exploring restaurants that you’ve never been to before?! Florida has such a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Historical restaurants, famous restaurants, and so many underrated or hidden restaurants. We’ve come up with the ultimate list of bucket list restaurants in Florida to add to your calendar, one for each month of the year. So if your stomach is rumbling, and you’re ready for an adventure, let’s kick it off with January.
1. January - Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City
We’re going to kick off this restaurant bucket list with a visit to the largest restaurant in the entire state - Columbia Restaurant. With 52,000 square feet of space, 15 dining rooms, and 1,700 seats, this is one experience you do not want to miss. Plus, did we mention Columbia Restaurant is also the oldest in Florida, too?!
2. February - Latitudes, Sunset Key
What better way to celebrate February than with a trip to one of the most romantic restaurants in the state? Latitudes is a secluded restaurant on Sunset Key that has been highly ranked over the years. What makes this place so special is the location - you’ll need a ferry ride to get there, and then will be able to dine right on the water!
3. March - Linger Lodge
We’re going to switch it up quickly for the month of March and adventure to one of the strangest swamp restaurants in the state. Linger Lodge offers a menu that strays from mainstream cuisine, so make sure you’re feeling a bit brave before you go. This Bradenton gem has made waves over the years and we guarantee this is one experience you’ve never had before.
4. April - Norwoods Treetop Restaurant
As soon as the weather starts to warm up in New Smyrna Beach, it becomes the perfect time to visit Norwoods Treetop Restaurant. Dine high above the ground in an actual treehouse restaurant and enjoy a bevy of American food with craft cocktails to boot.
5. May - Rum Bay Restaurant
A visit to Rum Bay Restaurant in Florida starts off with a water taxi ride which will take you directly to the tropical, secluded eatery. Picture dining outdoors right in the sunshine, with hand-tossed pizza peppering the menu. Grab a few frozen cocktails and sit outside as you enjoy the privacy and picturesque views.
6. June - The Knife Restaurant
With the smell of grills heating up on weekends and BBQ in the air, meat is on the menu in June. At The Knife, guests will be able to snag an all-you-can-eat Argentinian steak menu bursting with flavor. Meat lovers, bring your appetites because this steakhouse does not disappoint.
7. July - Captain Hiram’s Resort
We finally made it to summertime, friends. This means that waterfront dining is on our horizon. Head on over to Captain Hiram’s Resort for one of the best waterfront restaurants around. This tropical-inspired resort resembles that of a place in the Caribbean and will have you feeling like you’ve entered into vacation mode. Did we mention you can grab a cold beer and sit at tables smack-dab in the middle of the water?!
8. August - Miceli’s Restaurant
Miceli’s Restaurant is a fun, family-friendly spot in Matlacha that is smack dab on the water. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of Italian-American eats while sitting on the patio right on the docks. Arrived by car, boat, or canoe and feast on pizzas, calamari, calzones, and more.
9. September - High Jackers Restaurant
For September, we have a high-flying adventure of a restaurant located on the Palm Coast. High Jackers Restaurant next to the Flagler County Airport allows guests to watch planes take off and land as they dine. With tons of airplane memorabilia lining the walls and an impressive menu of bar food staples and American comfort food, this place is perfect to unwind.
10. October - Monsters Cafe
For this hauntingly horror-filled month, we recommend taking a trip to Orlando for the ever-frightening Monsters Café. This themed restaurant focuses on classic monster movies, not just with décor but also on the menu, too. Try one of the themed dining areas, like Dracula’s Castle or The Swamp! The memorabilia alone is worth a visit to this restaurant.
11. November - Old Spanish Mill Restaurant
We’re going to focus a bit on breakfast for the month of November with a trip to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill. This popular restaurant offers guests a chance to cook their own pancakes right on a griddle in the middle of the table! Choose your own homemade batter and whichever toppings you’d like and cook your own pancakes right at your own table. Bring the whole family for this one!
12. December - Tony’s Seafood Restaurant
When the weather gets cold, even if it’s "Florida cold" then we recommend taking a trip to Tony’s Seafood Restaurant for some of the best clam chowder in the state. Tony’s Restaurant in Cedar Key was awarded the best clam chowder for three years in a row at the Knorr Great Chowder Cook-Off in Rhode Island, before retiring from the competition. Come warm up your soul with a delightful bowl.
So, what do you think about the ultimate list of Florida bucket list restaurants? Will you add any of these to your calendar list this year? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you have any other restaurants that you think we should know about, make sure to shout them out, too. In the meantime, take a look at these seven truly unique restaurants in Florida.
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