Welcome to Florida, where dining transforms into an adventure. With endless things to do in Florida, its unique restaurants offer more than just food—they provide unforgettable experiences. Whether you fly to Florida for its beaches, theme parks, or cultural landmarks, its dining scene is a must-see.
Imagine enjoying fresh seafood at a waterfront spot or stepping into a themed eatery that whisks you to another time. From immersive dinner shows to historic restaurants with stories to tell, Florida’s dining scene adds excitement to your trip.
After exploring iconic attractions like Disney World, the Everglades, or vibrant Miami, these restaurants offer the perfect ending to your day. So, plan your visit, grab your appetite, and dive into the world of Florida’s most unique dining spots!
👉 Pro Tip: Explore Miami’s vibrant culture with the Little Havana Food and Walking Tour! Stroll through the colorful streets, savor authentic Cuban dishes, and sip on a refreshing mojito. After the tour, keep the adventure going by visiting one of Little Havana’s iconic spots like Ball & Chain for live music or Azucar Ice Cream for a sweet treat. It’s the perfect way to blend culture, cuisine, and fun in the heart of Miami!
Unique Restaurants in Florida: 19 Incredible Florida Eateries
Exploring Florida’s unique restaurants is like going on a treasure hunt for your taste buds. You’ll find spots where the view is as amazing as the food and places that serve dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Get ready to discover dining experiences that will make your trip to the Sunshine State unforgettable!
1. The Wreck Bar
- 📍 Location: B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $45 per person (Drinks/Bar Food)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiki Bar / Seafood Appetizers
- 🔥 Standout Features: Mermaid/merman shows through portholes, shipwreck theme, historic bar (since 1950s), tiki cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Mermaid fans, tiki drinks, and underwater entertainment.
Dive into a legendary experience at The Wreck Bar! This historic Fort Lauderdale spot, in the B Ocean Resort, features actual underwater burlesque mermaid and merman shows visible through portholes behind the bar. It’s an aquatic fantasy with a rum punch!
Sip on potent tiki cocktails like a classic Mai Tai or a signature Wreck Bar Rum Runner. Their conch fritters or calamari are popular seafood appetizers to enjoy while watching mesmerizing aquatic performances. The nautical shipwreck decor adds to the retro charm.
2. Yellow Dog Eats
This quirky Winter Garden spot is bursting with charm, color, and a laid-back dog-friendly vibe you can’t fake. It’s set in a 100-year-old general store, complete with painted murals, picnic tables, and strings of twinkling lights that make every bite feel like a backyard bash. The menu is pure comfort with a twist – you have to try the “Holy Crap” pulled pork sandwich, stacked with applewood smoked bacon, gouda, and homemade raspberry Melba sauce. Their barbecue nachos are seriously next level and messy in the best possible way. Grab a craft brew, post up in the courtyard, and soak up the friendly chaos. Bonus: the West Orange Trail is right there for a scenic stroll. I’m still relentlessly craving their house-made sauces.
3. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
- 📍 Location: Disney Springs, Orlando
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person (Small Plates/Drinks)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Adventurous Small Plates / Themed Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Indiana Jones pilot theme, airplane hangar decor, small plates, creative cocktails, waterfront views.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Indiana Jones fans, Disney Springs explorers, and sharing plates.
Fortune and glory, kid! And great snacks! Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs is an homage to Indiana Jones’ pilot, decked out like a 1940s airplane hangar filled with adventurous artifacts. This place belongs in a museum of cool bars!
Feast on globally inspired small plates. “Air Pirate’s Pretzels” with beer cheese fondue are a must. The “Doctor Astorga’s Queso Dip” or the “Temple of Spiced Nuts” are also fun. Quench your thirst with creatively themed cocktails like “Reggie’s Revenge.”
4. Orlando Cat Café
If you love furry friends with your flat white, Orlando Cat Café is your happy place. Just outside Orlando in Clermont, this café doubles as a cat adoption lounge where you can sip coffee while hanging out with (adoptable!) kitties. The cafe side serves up excellent coffee drinks, pastries, and paninis, but the real draw is the separate glass-walled cat room, where dozens of felines roam, nap, and play. Don’t skip the cinnamon rolls – they’re dangerously good. The atmosphere is cozy and bright with playful touches, like paw print art and beanbag chairs. Great for a rainy day or a break from the theme park hustle, and conveniently next to a big Target if you’re running errands. Personally, the cat cuddles and cold brew combo won me over tenfold.
5. The Glass Knife
- 📍 Location: Winter Park, Orlando
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Cafe/Bakery)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Artisan Bakery / Cafe / Desserts
- 🔥 Standout Features: Beautiful cakes and pastries, art deco-inspired interior, excellent coffee.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Dessert lovers, Instagrammable treats, stylish coffee breaks, and special occasions.
Prepare to be dazzled by edible art at The Glass Knife in Winter Park. This beautiful bakery and cafe is renowned for its absolutely exquisite cakes, pastries, and desserts that look almost too good to eat. The elegant, art deco-inspired interior is equally stunning.
While known for sweets, their savory cafe menu is also excellent. Trying one of their signature layer cakes (flavors change seasonally) is essential. Delicate petits fours, or a savory quiche or gourmet sandwich for lunch, are also fantastic choices.
6. Rocca
For a taste of Italy in Tampa, Rocca brings refined but not fussy vibes, housed in a brick building with sleek lines, dark wood, and warm lighting. Chef Bryce Bonsack’s pasta game is absolute fire here, with the tableside cacio e pepe being a literal showstopper – they wheel out a giant wheel of Pecorino, shave it fresh, and serve up silky noodles. Their burrata, paired with seasonal tomatoes, is a must-order and comes with that “is this real life?” freshness. The bar shakes up chic Italian cocktails and the outdoor seating glows come sunset. It’s walking distance to Armature Works and Tampa Heights, so there’s plenty to explore nearby. I left fully convinced there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
7. Dick’s Last Resort
- 📍 Location: Multiple FL locations (Orlando, Panama City Beach)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Bar Food (Messy Buckets)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Intentionally sarcastic service (part of the fun!), messy food served in buckets, rowdy atmosphere.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Groups seeking laughs, people with a good sense of humor, bachelorette/bachelor parties, interactive dining.
If you’re easily offended, this ain’t your resort! Dick’s Last Resort is famous for its intentionally rude and sarcastic staff who delight in dishing out playful insults along with buckets of messy food. It’s delightfully distasteful! Get ready for paper hats with hilarious sayings.
Dig into buckets of BBQ Ribs. Their Crab Legs or Fried Shrimp are also popular choices. It’s all about embracing the rowdy, interactive fun. Dick’s Last Resort is where bad manners make for a good time.
8. Le Chick Miami
This Wynwood hotspot brings South Beach edge to comfort classics. Think neon signs, moody lighting, and a jungle of hanging plants surrounding plush booths and a bustling bar. Le Chick is known for its drool-worthy rotisserie chicken, but the real star is the Royale with Cheese burger – this thing is towering and covered in house sauce, a total must for burger connoisseurs. Truffle fries come with an extra dusting of magic (aka parmesan and herbs). Happy hour is a lively scene with creative gin cocktails. Street art murals are everywhere outside, making it perfect for an Instagram stroll after dinner. If you’re hungry for funky vibes and over-the-top flavor, this spot absolutely delivers. The first bite of their burger left me genuinely speechless.
9. Bern’s Steak House
- 📍 Location: Tampa
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $150+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Steakhouse / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Massive wine cellar (tours available!), Harry Waugh Dessert Room, old-school service, perfectly aged steaks, farm-to-table sourcing.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Steak connoisseurs, wine lovers, ultimate splurges, and fine dining fans.
Prepare for steakhouse Shangri-La at Bern’s Steak House in Tampa. This legendary institution is a temple to perfectly aged steaks, boasting one of the largest private wine collections and a dedicated dessert room that’s pure magic. It’s a destination.
Indulge in meticulously sourced and perfectly cooked Prime Steaks, like a Delmonico or a Chateaubriand. Classic French onion soup is a must-try starter. Then, ascend to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room for an unforgettable banana cheese pie or macadamia nut sundae.
10. Se7enBites
Se7enBites in Orlando’s Milk District is a quirky bakery-café with serious Southern style and sassy signage to match. The industrial space is cheerful and retro, with bright purple chairs and checkerboard floors. Breakfast is what they do best: the “Breakfast Moon Pie” (fluffy biscuit sandwich with egg, bacon, and cheddar) will change your mornings, and their salted caramel chocolate pecan pie practically demands a selfie and a full-on happy dance. There’s always a line for weekend brunch but it moves quickly. Just a couple blocks from cool boutique shops and murals, it’s a great jumpstart to an Orlando adventure. Their homemade pop tarts actually taste like childhood, only much better.
11. Murder Mystery Dinner Train
- 📍 Location: Fort Myers
- 💲 Price range: $90 – $130+ per person (Dinner & Show)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Multi-Course American (Changes with show)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Interactive murder mystery show on a vintage moving train, scenic Southwest Florida train ride.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Mystery novel fans, dinner theater lovers, group outings, and train travel enthusiasts.
All aboard for intrigue on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers! Solve a thrilling whodunit while enjoying a multi-course meal as you chug along in a vintage train. It’s a killer night out! Become part of the show as clues are revealed.
Enjoy a plated American dinner. The menu changes with the show but might feature roast chicken breast with rice pilaf. A tender beef medallions dish, or a flavorful baked salmon, are also examples of what you might enjoy while piecing together the puzzle.
12. Ice Plant Bar
St. Augustine’s Ice Plant Bar feels like a high-end speakeasy trapped inside a 1920s-era ice factory – in the coolest possible way. The vibe is vintage-industrial, with exposed beams, Edison bulbs, and, yes, a working ice machine that makes hand-cut cubes. They’re obsessed with craft cocktails here: the Florida Mule (house ginger beer, local vodka, and lime) is a knockout, and the chef’s steak burger is the stuff of dreams. The bar overlooks the St. Augustine Distillery so you can peek at the whiskey barrels before or after your meal. The place fills up fast, especially on weekends, so get there early for a seat at the bar. I went for the ice, but I keep coming back for the cocktails and full-on retro charm.
13. No Name Pub
- 📍 Location: Big Pine Key
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Pub Grub / Pizza
- 🔥 Standout Features: Walls covered in signed dollar bills, off-the-beaten-path feel.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Florida Keys adventurers, dive bar seekers, pizza lovers, historic haunts.
You’ve found it! The No Name Pub on Big Pine Key is a legendary Florida Keys institution, famous for its interior completely plastered with thousands of dollar bills left by patrons over decades. This place is literally wallpapered with history!
Grab a cold beer. Order up their surprisingly excellent pub pizza – the “No Name Pizza” with everything is popular. Their smoked fish dip or a simple cheeseburger are also good choices. The vibe is ultra-casual, rustic, and authentically “Keysy.”
14. The Ravenous Pig
This Winter Park gastropub is famished for flavor – and it shows. The space has a modern, airy feel, with exposed brick, a big oak bar, and lots of light. Their house charcuterie board is legendary, but don’t leave without trying the Gruyere biscuits and the house-made soft pretzel with Vermont cheddar fondue. Everything is seasonal, local, and a little playful, which is why the menu changes all the time. Their in-house brewery pumps out creative small-batch beers you can’t get anywhere else. It’s a short stroll to chic Park Avenue shops and gardens, making it easy to make a day of it. For me, it’s all about the pairing flights – there’s nothing like good beer and snacks under fairy lights.
15. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
- 📍 Location: Orlando
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $100+ per person (Dinner & Show)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Multi-Course American Feast
- 🔥 Standout Features: Pirate stunt show on an indoor lagoon, full-scale replica ship.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Families, interactive dinner experiences, and aspiring swashbucklers.
Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for an epic evening at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Orlando! Witness a spectacular pirate show unfold on an 18th-century Spanish galleon replica, set in an indoor lagoon. It’s dinner with a shipload of action!
Enjoy a multi-course “Port of Call Feast.” This often includes roasted chicken or tender pork loin. Sides like rice pilaf and vegetables accompany the meal while acrobatic pirates swing from ropes and clash swords. Audience members are often recruited.
16. The Bubble Room
- 📍 Location: Captiva Island
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Eclectic / Kitsch
- 🔥 Standout Features: Year-round Christmas theme, vintage toy decor, model trains, giant desserts.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Families, lovers of kitsch, and anyone with a sweet tooth.
This isn’t a restaurant; it’s a time capsule of pure, bonkers joy. Walking into The Bubble Room is a sensory overload in the best way. It’s Christmas every day, with bubble lights, model trains running overhead, and every surface covered in vintage toys. The air hums with old-timey music, and the vibe is pure, chaotic happiness.
The food is classic American, but the desserts are the real headliners. You have to save room for their world-famous, football-sized slices of cake. The legendary orange crunch cake is a must-try, and the rich red velvet cake is another showstopper. Before that, every meal starts with their iconic, gooey sticky buns and savory bubble bread.
17. Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Key West / Orlando / Other FL locations
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Desserts/Drinks)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Desserts Only / Wine & Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Adult-oriented, dessert-only, intimate setting, creative desserts, chocolate/caramel rimmed drinks.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Dessert lovers, romantic dates, after-dinner spots, and flavorful treats.
Leave room for dessert – because at Better Than Sex, dessert is the main event! This intimate, dimly lit restaurant specializes in flavorful, creatively named sweet treats and unique drinks, all served in a sultry, romantic atmosphere. It’s sinfully delicious.
Try desserts with suggestive names. “The Morning After” (a brioche French toast creation with champagne butter) is a hit. “Peanut Butter Perversion” (a chocolate peanut butter pie) or the “Cookie Nookie Pie” are also fantastic. Pair with a chocolate-rimmed wine.
18. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
- 📍 Location: Kissimmee/Orlando
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $85+ per person (Dinner & Show Package)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Medieval Feast (Preset Menu)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Jousting tournament, knight show, castle feast, costumed performers.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Families seeking themed dinner shows, aspiring knights, unique outings, and hands-on dining fun.
Hark, lords and ladies! Prepare thyself for a royally good time at Medieval Times! Feast like kings (with your hands!) inside a castle while cheering on knights battling in epic jousting tournaments. Huzzah! Witness thrilling sword fights and horsemanship.
Devour a preset four-course medieval feast. This typically includes roasted chicken, tomato bisque, sweet corn on the cob, and herb-basted potatoes. An apple pastry for dessert completes the meal, all served by “serfs and wenches.”
19. The Edison
- 📍 Location: Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, Orlando
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $70+ per person (Food/Drinks/Entertainment)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American Gastropub
- 🔥 Standout Features: “Industrial Gothic” steampunk theme, live entertainment, craft cocktails, multi-level space.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Steampunk fans, themed dining, nightlife, craft cocktails.
Get ready for a jolt of electrifying entertainment at The Edison in Disney Springs! This lavish, multi-level space is a full-blown “Industrial Gothic” steampunk wonderland, complete with live entertainment that includes aerialists, bands, and DJs. It’s shockingly good fun!
Sip on inventive craft cocktails like the signature “The Edison” or a “Tesla.” Enjoy upscale American gastropub fare such as decadent DB “Clothesline” Candied Bacon. Their Edison burger or short rib are also popular.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Florida
Got questions? Our Florida restaurant guide FAQ section has all the answers you need to plan your culinary journey.
What food places are unique to Florida?
Florida is home to many unique dining experiences. From underwater restaurants to dining with an astronaut, the state offers more than just a meal. Scenic places in Florida to eat include waterfront restaurants with views of the ocean or the Everglades. These spots offer fresh seafood and local flavors, making each meal a memorable experience.
What is Florida’s most iconic food?
When thinking of Florida, many immediately picture Key Lime Pie. This sweet and tart dessert captures the essence of Florida’s culinary spirit. Made with Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a pie crust, it’s a must-try. Besides Key Lime Pie, Florida is famous for its citrus, especially oranges, and fresh seafood, including stone crab claws and spiny lobster. These foods are staples in the best restaurants in Florida.
Where can I find cheap eats in Florida?
Florida offers a variety of cheap eats in Florida that don’t skimp on flavor. Food trucks, beach shacks, and roadside stands serve up delicious options. Look for Cuban sandwiches in Tampa restaurants, fresh seafood in coastal towns, and citrus treats in the central regions. Many local diners and small eateries offer hearty meals at affordable prices, showcasing the state’s diverse culinary influences. Don’t miss out on the Cuban cuisine in Miami for a flavorful, budget-friendly meal.
What is the oldest running restaurant in Florida?
The Columbia Restaurant in Tampa’s historic Ybor City claims the title of the oldest running restaurant in Florida. Opened in 1905, it has been serving guests for over a century. Known for its Spanish cuisine and flamenco dance performances, the Columbia offers a taste of history. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes like paella, Cuban sandwiches, and the famous “1905” Salad. This restaurant is a piece of Florida’s history, offering a glimpse into the past with every meal.
How can I experience fine dining in Florida?
Fine dining in Florida is an experience that combines fresh ingredients, culinary innovation, and impeccable service. The state’s fine dining scene includes restaurants by celebrated chefs, offering menus inspired by global cuisines and Florida’s local bounty. For an upscale dining experience, look for establishments that feature fresh seafood, farm-to-table ingredients, and unique wine selections. Many of these restaurants also offer stunning views, adding to the overall ambiance and making each meal a special occasion, making it worth the journey when you fly to Florida.
Can you recommend a Florida restaurant guide?
For those looking to explore the diverse culinary landscape of Florida, a Florida restaurant guide can be invaluable. These guides offer insights into the state’s dining scene, from hidden gems to celebrated eateries. Look for guides that categorize restaurants by region, cuisine, and price range. Many travel websites and local tourism boards provide online guides and apps that include customer reviews, making it easier to find the perfect dining spot for any occasion.
What are some must-try dishes in Florida?
Florida’s culinary scene is as diverse as its culture. Must-try dishes include Cuban sandwiches, conch fritters, and fresh stone crab claws. The state’s proximity to the ocean means seafood is always a good choice. Don’t forget to try the Florida Orange Juice and citrus-based desserts. For a taste of Southern cooking, sample some Florida-style barbecue or fried green tomatoes. These dishes showcase the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the Sunshine State.
Where can I find the best seafood in Florida?
The best seafood in Florida is often found in coastal towns and cities. Waterfront restaurants and seafood shacks offer the freshest catches. Look for spots that serve locally sourced fish, shrimp, oysters, and the famous Florida stone crab. The Keys are renowned for their conch and lobster dishes, while the Gulf Coast offers grouper and snapper.
Final Thoughts On Unique Florida Restaurants
Exploring Florida’s culinary scene is an adventure that takes you from the ocean’s edge to the heart of bustling cities. With each meal, you discover a piece of Florida’s diverse culture and rich history, all set against the backdrop of beautiful places in the state. Whether you’re diving into a slice of Key Lime Pie, savoring fresh seafood, or enjoying a meal at one of the state’s oldest restaurants, the flavors of Florida stay with you long after your visit.
