The Florida Restaurants in Yelp's 2024 Top 100 in America
Welcome to our exclusive journey through the culinary wonders of Florida! Here, we're taking you on a tantalizing tour of the Florida-based restaurants in Yelp's recent list of "100 Best Restaurants in the US". Among these highest-ranked restaurants in the Sunshine State, each offers a unique gastronomic experience that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart. From the classic Italian elegance of Fratellino in Coral Gables to the vibrant Asian fusion of Kubo in Fort Lauderdale, we're showcasing a diverse array of culinary artistry. Prepare to be enthralled by the flavors, aromas, and stories of these esteemed establishments.
Fratellino, Coral Gables, Florida (#5)
Fratellino in Coral Gables, led by third-generation restaurateur Beto DiCarlo, has made a remarkable name for itself with nearly 1,500 5-star reviews and high rankings in Florida's best restaurant lists for 2022 and 2023. The restaurant, evoking the feel of a cozy trattoria with family photos and a white-tablecloth setting, specializes in classic Italian dishes and homemade pastas. Signature dishes include the Ossobuco Alla Milanese, a tender veal shank served over champagne risotto, and an array of homemade pastas like fettuccine, cannelloni, pappardelle, and gnocchi. Seafood options such as the Chilean Sea Bass are also popular, known for their perfect pan-sear and flavorful sauces. Patrons rave about the quality of the food, calling every dish a culinary masterpiece, and highlighting the tiramisu as a must-try dessert.
Mio’s Grill & Cafe, St. Petersburg, Florida (#12)
Mio's Grill & Cafe, a gem of Mediterranean authenticity, offers a dining experience reminiscent of a vacation in the region. Celebrated for its genuine Turkish music and decor, the restaurant's menu features standout dishes like the baba ganoush, hummus, falafel, and a highly acclaimed Greek salad. A particular favorite among patrons is the Yogurt Kebap, a dish of thinly sliced beef-lamb gyro served with rice and yogurt. People recommend saving space for the baklava and Turkish coffee.
The chef-owner, Bora Caliskan, brings nearly 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry from his time in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. He launched Mio’s in December 2019, naming it after his American Boxer dog. Mio's made an impressive mark by ranking #14 on Yelp's Top 100 Florida Restaurants in 2022, followed by the opening of a second location in Clearwater in 2023. Bora's vision for Mio’s revolves around a small, intimate setting serving fresh, healthy dishes with a warm, Mediterranean hospitality. He finds great joy in guests feeling as though they're visiting his home rather than a business. Signature dishes include the Greek Salad, Falafel Wrap, Turkish Pistachio Baklava, Chicken Gyro Salad, and the Spinach Feta Borek.​.
Amy’s French Bakery & Bistro, Pompano Beach, Florida (#34)
Amy's French Bakery & Bistro in Pompano Beach is the epitome of a charming beachside bistro, blending American and French culinary traditions. Co-owner and trained French pastry chef, Laurent Demoss, presents a delightful all-day breakfast menu. Highly praised, the menu features dishes such as omelets, almond and Nutella croissants, and French toast topped with fruit and almonds. A standout is their fresh-squeezed orange juice, hailed as the best in Florida by some. Lunch offerings include a variety of salads and both hot and cold sandwiches.
Named after their daughter, Amy's is a family-run establishment where Laurent's philosophy is to prepare food as if he were eating it himself. His wife, Silvia, along with the staff, ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere, both inside the bistro and on the outdoor patio. Customers commend the quality and charm of Amy's, referring to it as a "stunning hidden gem." Popular dishes include the French Toast Breakfast, Chocolate and Almond Croissants, and Nutella Crepes, which can be enjoyed with or without banana.
EDOBOY, Orlando, Florida (#44)
Edoboy, a unique sushi restaurant in Central Florida, offers an intriguing dining concept inspired by traditional standing sushi bars in Japan. Limited to just 48 reservations per night, diners have the opportunity to enjoy a one-hour sushi experience, standing at the bar, with a maximum of 12 pieces of sushi. This standing-only setup has garnered attention and a Michelin Guide listing within its first year of operation.
Owned by Sean “Sonny” Nguyen, Edoboy is modeled after a Japanese standing restaurant he frequently visits. The restaurant aims to deliver an authentic Japanese experience in Florida. Customers have praised the extraordinary experience provided at Edoboy. The chefs, accessible at the sushi bar, craft fresh hand rolls, nigiri, and Aburi Sushi, ensuring a close and personal culinary experience.
Patrons can choose their menu, including the preset tasting experiences such as the Everyday Set or the more luxurious Baller Set, which features extravagant items like caviar and 24K-gold embellishments. A standout dessert recommendation is the Matcha S’more, made with house-made matcha chocolate and marshmallow, toasted right before the diner's eyes.
Bunbury, Miami, Florida (#56)
Bunbury, recognized as the best Argentinian restaurant in South Florida, combines serious cuisine with an eclectic and moody ambiance. The steakhouse has made a name for itself with its unique speakeasy-style entrance and distinctive decor, featuring walls adorned with old newspaper comic strips, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and neon green bottles. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a 24-foot-long bar, presenting an impressive selection of 150 wines, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date night.
The culinary experience at Bunbury is crafted by the talented owner, chef, and sommelier Paula Costa, along with her wife and general manager, Geraldine Quintero. The menu is inspired by Paula’s Argentinian heritage and her grandmother's recipes. Highlighted dishes include a variety of "unbelievably delicious" empanadas with creative fillings like braised lamb and mozzarella, hand-cut beef with chimichurri, and a vegetarian option with spinach, zucchini, and parmesan. A standout dish is the Duck Confit, which is served with sweet potato purée, Malbec-caramelized shallots, and mushrooms, showcasing the rich flavors developed through patient and skillful slow cooking.
How Ya Dough’n, Boca Raton, Florida (#70)
How Ya Dough'n, founded by Garett and Gabby Goodman, transformed from a hobby into a thriving family business in Boca Raton. It started with the couple making pizzas in a home oven and sharing them with neighbors. The positive response led to wider sales through social media, attracting customers from as far as Miami and Palm Beach. This success led to the opening of their own brick-and-mortar location, much to the delight of their fans.
The pizzeria now offers a menu of 12 distinct pies, headlined by The OG, a combination of mozzarella, Havarti, house-made red sauce, and basil on a sourdough crust. Another popular choice is The Cremini, topped with roasted mushrooms, onions, and mushroom cream. They also feature three monthly rotating pizzas, experimenting with unique flavors like Lemon Ricotta with rosemary and arugula.
Garett's sourdough, a key component of their pizzas, is made daily from organic, high-protein flour imported from San Francisco. It undergoes a 5–7 day fermentation process to minimize gluten content, making it more digestible for those with gluten sensitivities. Their use of New Jersey tomatoes, chosen for their ideal balance of sweetness and acidity, complements the distinctive char from the oven. Garett emphasizes that both he and his wife pour their hearts and souls into their business, creating a product that resonates with their customers.
Abstrakt Filipino Essence, Jacksonville Beach, Florida (#71)
Chef Jojo Hernandez is redefining Filipino cuisine in Jacksonville, debunking the notion that it's limited to lumpia. As a key figure among Jax Filipino Chefs, his goal is to elevate the city's Filipino food scene. His culinary creations offer a modern twist on traditional dishes. Among the most popular items at his restaurant, Abstrakt Filipino Essence, are the Crispy Pork Belly Adobo, which is served with toasted pinipig (flattened rice), a succotash containing longanisa sausage, and toyomansi, a traditional Filipino condiment. The menu also features a creamy Ube Cheesecake, crafted from sweet purple yams, and Crispy Turon, a sweet variant of lumpia filled with banana. These dishes exemplify Chef Jojo's commitment to presenting Filipino food with both authenticity and innovative flair.
Bulegreen Cafe Yard, Oakland Park, Florida (#73)
Bulegreen Cafe Yard, a cherished local spot, offers an all-day brunch experience, uniquely brewing their coffee in a bule, a traditional Brazilian pot. Patrons are particularly fond of their Breakfast Pillow, which consists of a soft yet crispy tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, sausage, and bacon, with an alternative vegan version available. Another highlight is their signature Pao de Queijo, Brazilian cheese bread balls, crafted from gluten-free yucca root flour and baked fresh upon order. This café has earned acclaim for its inventive approach to brunch and coffee, providing a delightful culinary experience.
Bayshore Mediterranean Grill, Tampa, Florida (#75)
Bayshore Mediterranean Grill in Tampa offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience, thanks to the expertise of Turkish chefs with over 30 years in the culinary field. The restaurant is known for its generous portions that truly embody the flavors of the Mediterranean. A highly recommended starter is the Oven Baked Hummus, which comes with melted mozzarella cheese and lavash bread. The menu features a variety of lamb and chicken kebab dishes, available in different styles such as adana (minced meat), doner (thinly sliced and roasted), and kofte (seasoned ground meat, similar to meatballs). For those who find it hard to choose, the Bayshore Mix Grill offers a sampling of different flavors. The dining experience is not complete without trying their classic Baklava, a dessert made of sweet pastry layers, syrup, and chopped nuts, for a delightful finish.
Shaker & Peel, Oldsmar, Florida (#80)
Shaker & Peel is revolutionizing the taco scene with its innovative approach, aiming to transform the traditional taco into a gourmet experience. The restaurant caters to a diverse range of dietary preferences, offering meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Some of their distinctive tacos include the "Flower Power," featuring quinoa, jicama slaw, and cotija cheese in a purple tortilla infused with hibiscus; the "Kobe Cheeseburger" taco with ground beef and aged cheddar; and the "Tampa Hot Chicken," consisting of buttermilk-battered chicken breast with a habanero glaze and garlic buttermilk aioli. In addition to these unique offerings, Shaker & Peel takes pride in making organic tortillas in-house. Their commitment to quality extends to their bar, where cocktails are created using small-batch, locally sourced liquors, further enhancing the dining experience.
The Tiny Turtle, Cocoa Beach, Florida (#84)
The Tiny Turtle in Cocoa Beach has been a popular dining destination for over ten years, known for its Caribbean-Puerto Rican fusion cuisine. The restaurant has earned acclaim for its exceptional service, friendly atmosphere, and unique breakfast dishes. Among their standout offerings are the Bacon Mac Daddy Cakes, which feature two pancakes filled with bacon mac and cheese, topped with whipped cream, maple syrup, and extra bacon. Another favorite is the Tropical Cakes, consisting of three banana pancakes adorned with a tropical sauce made from mango, pineapple, guava, and passion fruit. These dishes exemplify The Tiny Turtle's commitment to offering creative and flavorful culinary experiences.
Twice Removed, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (#86)
Twice Removed, an "eclectic American" restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, prides itself on creating a family-like atmosphere and features a daily happy hour. The menu is a celebration of international cuisine, offering a variety of poutine styles – a classic Canadian dish made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Another highlight is the Ropa Vieja, a traditional Cuban dish of slow-cooked shredded beef brisket in a rich roasted tomato sauce. The restaurant also boasts a comprehensive selection of craft cocktails, including non-alcoholic, zero-proof options, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
KUBO Asian Fusion & Bar, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (#97)
This restaurant offers a unique dining experience, combining Japanese, Thai, Filipino, and Asian fusion cuisines in an anime-themed environment. Guests can start their meal with Kubo Wings, which are deep-fried chicken wings marinated and tossed in either Thai sweet chili or Korean BBQ sauce. Main dishes include Beef Bulgogi, featuring Korean BBQ beef with sautéed onions, and Kubo Fried Rice, a combination of sautéed rice with shrimp, chicken, egg, and pineapple. Another highlight is the Sinigang Hot Pot, a traditional Filipino sour pork rib soup with cabbage and daikon radish. For a sweet finish, the Tiger Boba is a must-try, made with milk, brown sugar, and tapioca balls, offering a delightful end to the meal.
Some of Florida's Best Restaurants in 2024
As our journey through Florida's finest dining destinations concludes, we're left in awe of the gastronomic richness our state has to offer. Each restaurant provides a unique window into the world of culinary excellence, from authentic international flavors to innovative fusion cuisines. These establishments don't just serve food; they offer experiences that linger in memory long after the last bite. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these top-rated Florida restaurants are destinations in their own right, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.
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