Offering a rich history and representing local flavors, Florida is home to a collection of iconic restaurants that are famous for being crowd favorites. Chicago might have deep-dish pizza and New York has their bagels, but here in the Sunshine State, we’ve got fresh seafood like blue stone crabs and oysters, vibrant Cuban cuisine, and tasty key lime pie. Standing the test of time, these are the most iconic restaurants in Florida.
Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach
Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach might be the most famous restaurant in all of Florida, beloved by seafood-loving locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has been in operation since 1913, serving its signature stone crabs to hungry patrons through decades of Miami’s history. Visit this iconic restaurant and soak up its historic grandeur before going on a seafood dining adventure in Joe’s menu of seafood, steaks, and fried chicken, or indulge in a slice of indulgent key lime pie.
Bern's Steak House, Tampa
An iconic restaurant in Tampa, Bern’s Steak House is internationally known for its vast collection of wine, perfectly aged steaks, and an upstairs dessert room. It boasts the largest private wine collection of any restaurant in the world and has been in operation since 1956, offering its guests a unique dining experience with locally grown vegetables and 21 choices of caviar. The restaurant will lure you in with the opportunity to indulge in its meticulously cooked steaks, while the top-notch service is what keeps patrons returning every decade.
Versailles Cuban Restaurant, Miami
A culinary landmark in Little Havana, Versailles is a Cuban diner that has been delighting visitors with its vibrant flavors since 1971. Walk inside to admire its golden chandeliers and mirrors, then indulge in its extensive menu of classic Cuban cuisine. Nosh on ham croquetas, Medianoche sandwiches and heaping portions of rice and black beans, or visit the outdoor takeaway window and grab your morning guava pastries and cafe cubano.
Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City
Coupling as one of the most historic and most beautiful restaurants in Florida, Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City has been owned and operated by five generations for over 110 years. Said to be the oldest restaurant in Florida and the oldest Spanish eatery in the United States, this restaurant offers guests the chance to dine on fresh paella and sangria to the sounds of castanets and flamenco dancers.
Victoria & Albert's, Orlando
The creme de la creme of fine dining in Florida, Victoria & Albert’s is a high-end New American restaurant with just one seating each evening. With Victorian-style decor and impeccable service, this Orlando jewel is an elegant and romantic award-winning restaurant located in the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Offering one of the most luxurious dining experiences in the Sunshine State, Victoria & Albert aims to anticipate your every need.
Blue Heaven, Key West
There’s no better place to start your key lime pie-tasting adventure than at Blue Heaven in Key West. Sitting in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, this funky shop has been serving delightful slices of pie for over 20 years. Enjoy the live music and laid-back vibes, then sample the much-loved slice of key lime pie. Made daily with fresh squeezed limes and a graham cracker crust, it is served with a heaping portion of meringue on top.
Hunt’s Oyster Bar, Panama City
One of the most popular seafood restaurants in Florida, Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant in Panama City is considered an institution. They’ve been serving delicious platters of oysters to hungry patrons for over half a century, earning their reputation as one of the best dining options in Florida. This laid-back restaurant is family-run and offers a diverse menu of seafood choices, from grouper sandwiches, and grilled crab cakes to their famous three-cheese Cajun baked oysters.
Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village, Sarasota
A mom-and-pop Florida favorite and iconic shop in Sarasota, Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village is a family-owned landmark that has been open since 1975. An unassuming dining establishment and a local favorite for many years, hungry patrons come to Yoder’s for their hearty portions of comfort food dishes and made-from-scratch pies. Made from scratch every day, dig into a bite of one of the oversized pie slices of Peanut Butter, Coconut Cream and classic Florida Key Lime.
McGuire's Irish Pub, Pensacola
McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola is a local landmark. It has been serving Irish food and pub fare since 1977, and in 1982 it moved to its current location in a 1927 old firehouse with a turn-of-the-century New York Irish saloon-themed 615-seat restaurant. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and one million signed dollar bills hanging from the ceilings and walls, stretching across its various themed rooms such as the Pipers Den, Notre Dame Room, The Irish Links Room, and the Ruprecht O’Tolf Wine Cellar.
O'Steens, St. Augustine
Located on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, O’Steens has found the perfect recipe for success with its delicious seafood offerings and laid-back, fun atmosphere. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, the line at O’steens keeps at a steady pace, as this over 50-year-old seafood joint is known for its delicious fried shrimp, Minorcan clam chowder, and side of hush puppies.
Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant, Hollywood
Known more for their ice cream concoctions than the food, Jaxson’s old-fashioned ice cream shop is a childhood dream come true. The vintage 1950’s style restaurant that serves up crazy portions of ice cream had to be included on the list, as it has been an iconic place to indulge in sweet treats for decades. Both kids and kids at heart can split the Chocolate-Peanut Gargantuan, Fudge-ana goblet, or an Old Fashioned Banana Split.
