Florida is well known as a vacation destination for its stunning beaches, exciting theme parks, and stunning natural beauty. But did you know it is also a hidden gem for foodies?
Often flying under the radar, Florida’s dining scene is surprisingly varied and exciting, with some truly great restaurants as well as a fantastic array of culinary influences from around the world. From fresh seafood to tasty multicultural cuisine, the Sunshine State is packed with delicious flavor which makes it a paradise for food lovers.
So if you are packing your bags for a weekend cruise from Port Canaveral or driving down the Overseas Highway to Key West, take the opportunity to sample the delights of Florida’s food scene. You won’t be disappointed with what is on offer. Here are a few highlights to tantalize your taste buds and get you ready to dine out in the Sunshine State!
Florida, often known for its stunning beaches and theme parks, is also a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. From fresh seafood to multicultural cuisine, the Sunshine State offers a diverse range of flavors waiting to be explored. If you’re a foodie looking to savor the best of Florida in one week, here’s a delectable itinerary that will tantalize your taste buds.
Miami – A Taste of Cuba
Thanks to a rich Cuban community, Miami is famous for its vibrant Latin food scene. In Little Havana, you can satisfy your cravings for cafe con leche, bocadillos, empanadas, picadillo, and ropa vieja. It is also a superb place to get a taste for Latin rhythm, as the night life is as good as the food! Don’t miss the chance to down a few mojitos and try your hand at a few salsa steps.
Key West – A Seafood Extravaganza
As you might expect from an archipelago of tiny islands strung out into the Gulf of Mexico towards the Caribbean, the Florida Keys are renowned for seafood. As a sports fishing destination, the Keys are unparalleled, so it is hardly surprising that snapper, grouper, and even shark feature regularly on menus in Key West and beyond. Try the famous Key West pink shrimp, conch fritters, and crab claws, and always be on the lookout for the catch of the day!
Naples – A Taste of Italy
Naples, on the Gulf Coast, is a testament to its European namesake and offers a glorious taste of Italy in the heart of Florida. The city’s downtown area is full of charming trattorias serving up wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta dishes, as well as an array of delicious Italian cuisine.
Tampa Bay – Craft Beer and Food Trucks
Tampa Bay is the center for Florida’s craft brewing scene, which comes, as is traditional these days, with a fantastic smattering of food trucks as well. Enjoy punchy IPAs, smooth pale ales, and rugged porters, paired with some of the best gourmet street food in the state.
St. Augustine – Southern Comfort Food
Up in the north of Florida, historic St. Augustine borrows heavily from the cuisines of its neighboring states just across the border, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in classic Southern comfort food. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of biscuits and gravy move on to shrimp and grits or a po’ boy sandwich for lunch, and get stuck into a traditional Southern barbecue feast in the evening!
A culinary journey through Florida takes you through a diverse array of flavors from around the world. From Cuban cuisine in Miami to seafood in Key West and Italian delicacies in Naples, Florida is a foodie’s paradise waiting to be explored—one delicious dish at a time.
