There’s more to Florida than it’s gorgeous beaches and theme parks, Florida has an abundance of fabulous fine dining in every major city. Boasting vibrant and diverse cuisines, specializing in fresh, locally sourced food including its glorious seafood! Some iconic Florida foods include stone crab claws, key lime pie, grouper, and rock shrimp. We’ve explored some of the best restaurants in major vacation destinations for the Florida Foodie Traveler to hit. Our Top Restaurant list is rated by Atmosphere, Cuisine, and Price. It’s not only the taste that makes a restaurant great it’s also the complete foodie experience. To make your stay stress-free we’ve also added nearby accommodations so you can book a great vacation rental nearby.

Beach Bistro Restaurant

Anna Maria Island – Top Restaurants

The Beach Bistro – 6600 Gulf Dr. Holmes Beach, FL

Atmosphere: This small eatery on the island boasts both the most elegant plates and views. The canopied, candlelit interior gives the Beach Bistro its unique character and ambiance. The view of the beach and sunset from the outdoor deck seating is impeccable but also can be enjoyed through large glass walls for indoor diners. They pride themselves in their charismatic and adept staff, ensuring a sublime experience in service, atmosphere, and dining!

Cuisine: The Beach Bistro has previously been awarded the top Zagat rating in food (and service!) on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The menu offered is fairly extensive. Some seafood options include butter poached lobster, Gulf shrimp, and of course, grouper. For those who prefer meats, there are exquisite options such as lamb, duckling, and tenderloin. They also offer vegetarian options.

Price Range: $$$$ – appetizers between $26-43, entrees between $49-96 (90+/individual)

Anna Maria Island Accommodations: – Anna Maria Island offers a great selection of private beach cottages, condos and townhomes to rent nearby. Don’t expect high rises as the limit on height is to three stories to everyone can enjoy and see the beach. Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are the best option on this island.

Clearwater & Clearwater Beach – Top Restaurants

Ocean Hai – 100 Coronado Dr. Clearwater Beach, FL (in Wyndham Grand Hotel)

Atmosphere: The Ocean Hai exudes a very calm and elegant ambiance. The interior is minimalistic, with small tropical fixtures to accent. The tall glass windows lining the front of the restaurant provide a beautiful panoramic view of the Gulf sunsets. The additional deck patio is sheltered to provide additional comfort and sun protection.

Cuisine: The Ocean Hai specializes in upscale Asian fusion-fare and boasts a large menu.  Sea and Land food options feature Florida snapper, Hokkaido scallops, duck breast, and pork chops. There are additionally a variety of appetizers and soups from crab cakes to compressed watermelon. A special section of this menu indulges in various noodle and rice dishes. (Kids menu available)

Price Range: $$$ – entrees between $28-42 (full dining $70+/individual)

Ocean Hai Restaurant

Sea-Guini – 430 South Gulfview Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, FL

Atmosphere: Sea-Guini is a resto-lounge with an elegant and chic ambiance. It features several dining areas, furbished with oceanic décor. There are several ceiling high windows providing a beautiful view. There is additional patio dining and private room dining.

Cuisine: The chefs at Sea-Guini have created 2 Italian influenced menus for both the lounge and full dining. The full menu features Italian inspired appetizers, salads, pasta, and oven pizzas. Some of their specialties include shellfish stew, grilled swordfish, gorgonzola crusted pork chop, and veal Milanese.

Price Range: $$-$$$ – pizzas between $14-15, pastas between $21-28, entrees between $26-37 (full dining 40-70+/individual)

Clearwater Beach Rentals: – Clearwater offers a unique selection of private beach cottages and both beachfront and bayfront condo vacation rentals. Search all Clearwater vacation rentals on Florida Rental By Owners.

Seaguini

Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach – Top Restaurants

Azure – 15301 McGregor Blvd #1, Fort Myers, FL

Atmosphere: Azure is a small hidden gem in Fort Myers. With limited seating, you can expect the service to be stupendous and the food to be made with patience. Seating options include both the bar and tables; however, sitting at the bar gives a view of the chef’s craftsmanship. This intimate dining experience is a fantastic option to dine and relax while enjoying great food.

Cuisine: Azure specializes in French cuisine with a southern inspiration. They were named the 2017 Gulfshore life’s best French restaurant. They feature a smaller menu, however, it boasts some remarkable dishes, such as Coq au vin, Moroccan lamb ragout, frogs legs, and seared foie gras. Seafood options include mussels, snapper ‘en papillote’, and market fish of the day.

Price Range: $$-$$$ – starters between $7-15, small plates between $13-22, entrees between $18-39 (full dining $55+/individual)

Fresh Catch Bistro – 3040 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL

Atmosphere: Fresh Catch has some of the most beautiful dinner views in Fort Myers. The atmosphere stays true to its beach location, with a very warm and bright ambiance, blue and white color themes, and old tall wood ceilings. Every table in the interior has a panoramic view of the beach from the windows lining the entire beachfront of the restaurant. The turquoise patio sits in the sun directly over the beach under tall palms.

Cuisine: Fresh Catch Bistro truly provides the perfect seafood dining experience. They have a variety of unique appetizers including tuna martini, crab cakes, and smoked steelhead. Their main seafood options are exquisite such as the mahi-mahi, Hogfish, grouper, and shrimp. Once you have selected a seafood option, there are a variety of preparation options such as grilled, blackened, Caribbean jerk, seared and fried. If you prefer to not make the choice, the chef’s features offer many plates such as lobster tail, snow crab, and sesame crusted yellowfin tuna. Finally, you select an accompanying sauce for your seafood such as citrus Beurre Blanc, tropical fruit salsa, and lemon butter. Finally, they feature a raw bar, sandwich, soup, salad, and non-seafood options.

Price Range: $$$ – starters & salads between $12-18, entrees between $23-48 (full dining $70+/individual)

Fort Myers Rentals: Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach offer a great selection of golf homes, private beach cottages, and condos to rent.

Fresh Catch Bistro

Florida Keys – Top Restaurants

Latitudes – 245 Front Street, Key West, FL (Sunset Key Cottages)

Atmosphere: Latitudes is known for having one of the most exceptional atmospheres by far in Key West. The décor is dignified with an oceanic flare, accompanied by impeccable service. The side of the restaurant facing the beach opens up with large folding glass doors, giving an ocean breeze even when seated inside. The patio is partly sheltered and sits directly on the water, with stunning views. Latitudes was also recently listed in the top 100 most romantic restaurants in America in 2017.

 Cuisine: Latitudes has been awarded #1 best overall restaurant in Key West by OpenTable in 2016. They prefer to call their menu ‘island cuisine’, which is represented by many of their dishes. Some of their most astounding appetizers include lobster bisque, chilled shrimp, togarashi charred tuna tataki, and carpaccio of beef. For the main courses, their menu features many seafood and non-seafood options including yellowtail snapper, pan seared salmon, plantain gnocchi, and Wagyu beef skirt steak. They also have a wonderful selection of salads. (Reservations required)

Price Range: $$$$ – appetizers between $9-28, entrees between $32-60 (full dining 75+/individual)

Nine One Five (915) – 915 Duval Street, Key West, FL

Atmosphere: Nine One Five offers a rustic yet elegant dining experience in a renovated old Victorian house. The light jazz music in the background accompanied by the personal service complements the character of the house. The outdoor seating is located on a large wrap around porch surrounding the house, giving a pleasant view of the famous Duval Street.

Cuisine: The best way to describe their menu is southern flare American fare. They feature a large menu of salads, shareable dishes, homemade pasta, mains, and a raw bar. Some of the most delectable share plates available include grilled octopus, Peking duck confit, and chipotle pork tacos. Their main dishes offer both seafood and non-seafood options including local grouper, whole yellowtail snapper, and churrasco.

Price Range: $$$ – salads starting at $12, pastas starting at $16, appetizers between $7-18, entrees between $20-40 or market price (full dining 50+/individual)

Key West Rentals: Key West offers a wonderful selection of waterfront and boat friendly homes, as well as private beach cottages, and condos to rent.

Miami – Top Restaurants

Nobu – 4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL

Atmosphere: Nobu offers a luxurious and modern experience located within the Nobu & Eden Rock Hotel Miami Beach. They offer both indoor and patio seating. Nobu does take walk-ins, but due to long wait times for dinner, making a reservation is best.

Cuisine: Nobu is renowned for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare. The menu is quite large, mostly consisting of seafood, including sashimi, sushi, otsumami, sushi maki, and tempura. Some unique features on their menu are sashimi tacos and Japanese A5 Wagyu.

Price Range: $$$$ – menu options between $14-100 (70+/individual)

Bazaar-Mar by Hose Andres

Miami Rentals: Miami is a hot spot and has a great selection of beachfront condos, as well as a good selection of private beach cottages for rent. Search all Miami, Florida vacation rentals on FLARBO!

Orlando – Top Restaurants

Norman’s – 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL

Atmosphere: Norman’s by Norman Van Aken is a very sophisticated and elegant space located in the Ritz-Carlton Orlando. This venue is perfect for special occasions and events.

Cuisine: Chef Norman Van Aken is known internationally as the founding father of new-world cuisine. Throughout his menu, you can find indulgence in Latin, Caribbean, Asian, African, and American flavors. Some notable tapas and appetizers include smoked lamb empanada, octopus salpicon, yuca stuffed crispy shrimp, and sterlet caviar. For the main event, their menu features both seafood and meat options such as Atlantic golden tilefish and Yuzo mojo roasted organic chicken breast.

Price Range: $$$$ – tapas between $10-95, appetizers between $12-18, entrees between $29-88.

Orlando Rentals: Orlando is a mecca for Florida travelers and has a fabulous selection of golf resort homes, private pool rentals, townhomes and a smaller selection of condos. Find Orlando – Disney area vacation rentals on FLARBO.

Crab and Fin Restaurant

Sarasota – Top Restaurants

Crab & Fin – 420 St Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL

Atmosphere: Crab & Fin is located on Sarasota’s famous St. Armand’s Circle. They offer casual fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. After your meal, there are many shops and dessert options to explore the circle.

Cuisine: Crab & Fin mainly features seafood in their menu. Some of their starters include calamari salad and Portuguese grilled octopus. The most extensive list of options on the menu includes finfish, crab, crustacean and meat options such as Gulf Pompano, Florida stone crab claws, salt-crusted Mediterranean bronzini, and Tomahawk ribeye.

Price Range: $$$-$$$$ – appetizers between $12-19, entrees between $20-135 (60 +/individual)

Sarasota Rentals: Sarasota is rich in arts and culture and has a wonderful selection of resort homes, private pool rentals, townhomes and a smaller selection of condos. Sarasota Florida vacation rentals can be found on FLARBO.

St. Augustine – Top Restaurants

Aviles Restaurant – 32 Avenida Menendez, St Augustine, FL

Atmosphere: Aviles is a European style restaurant in both its food and its décor. It offers a rustic yet elegant European atmosphere. You can enjoy watching the sunset over the bay while enjoying your meal. There is no outdoor seating.

Cuisine: Aviles offers 2 different dinner menus depending on which day of the week you dine. Sunday through Thursday they offer their usual dinner menu, while their steakhouse menu is available on Fridays and Saturdays. Some of their starters include Spanish oyster stew, clams in sherry sauce, duck confit, and colossal crab. Their entrees sampled from both menus include lobster gnocchi, lamb chops, and whole Maine lobster. They offer wine pairings with each dinner menu item.

Price Range: $$$ – appetizers between $10-14, entrees between $26-85 ($50+/individual)

St Augustine Rentals: St Augustine is steeped in history and offers up an incredible selection of beachfront homes and condos as well as private cottages. St Augustine, Florida is a great place to find monthly vacation rentals.

Bern’s Steak House

Tampa – Top Restaurants

Bern’s Steak House – 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL

Atmosphere: Bern’s Steak House is a landmark restraint in Tampa serving guests since 1956. They boast a very elegant setting, featuring a wine cellar and an internationally famous dessert room. Wine cellar & kitchen tours are available to all guests.

Cuisine: Bern’s Steak House prides itself in its extravagant menu, featuring vegetables only grown on the Bern’s farm and 21 different choices of caviar. Their selection of appetizers falls into all possible categories including fish & shellfish, poultry, beef, Foie Gras, vegetables, and caviar. They also have a large variety of entrees in addition to steaks, such as lamb, live lobster, and chargrilled swordfish. Most impressive may be the Harry Waugh dessert menu, featuring flambé, sundaes, ice creams, sorbets, and fresh fruit selections.

Price Range: $$$$ – appetizers between $9-190, entrees between $17-250 (80+/individual)

Tampa Rentals: Tampa is a fantastic location to catch some major sports teams and offers private pool homes as well as condo rental options.

Cafe Boulud

West Palm Beach – Top Restaurants

Café Boulud – 301 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, FL

Atmosphere: Café Boulud is a renowned and elegant venue. It has a very open concept and beautiful lighting, as well as a marble lit bar. They also feature an outdoor terrace.

Cuisine: Café Boulud has both a Prix Fixe (3 courses/$48) menu and a la carte. Both feature a variety of French cuisine. Appetizers include daily caviar and oyster selections, beef carpaccio, and Foie Gras Terrine. They offer a variety of seafood, meat, and other entrees including rainbow trout, peanut charred duck breast, and roasted red pepper & squash risotto.

Price Range: $$$ – appetizers between $17-39, entrees between $21-69 ($50+/individual)

West Palm Beach Rentals: West Palm Beach has long been the playground of the rich and famous seeking the Florida sunshine, this location offers private pool homes as well as some great condo rentals.

These are the best of the best of Florida fine dining options of our top restaurant to try on your next Florida Foodie travel vacation. Be sure to try the fabulous selection of seafood, steak, and incredibly artisanal food creations by world-class chefs. An incredible selection of diverse cuisines where you can taste the delights of fresh, locally sourced food that Florida is known for. Be sure to stay in a vacation rental nearby by FLARBO – Florida Rental By Owners, where you can book the same vacation rentals for less by dealing directly with verified owners.

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