Whether you live in Florida, you are a snowbird, or you are just visiting Florida as a tourist, Florida is a food lover’s dream. No matter where you are, from the beaches to the swamps, and everywhere in between, you will find amazing food here in the Sunshine State.
Today, we are going to take a look at some of the most famous and well-known foods in Florida from the typical Southern food you might find in the Deep South like fried green tomatoes and fried chicken to the highlight of the Keys: real key lime pie.
So, pour a glass of orange juice, grab a slice of pie, and settle in to learn more about the best food you will find in Florida.
Florida Oranges – An Iconic Florida Food
Many states are known for their fruits. For instance, Michigan is known for cherries and Washington is known for apples. Florida, of course, is known for oranges. These orange fruits are found in grocery stores around the world, and almost 75% of the oranges sold in the United States do, indeed, come from Florida.
Whether you like to peel and eat an orange while sitting in the sun or sip on a glass of freshly squeezed OJ, you will certainly be familiar with the sweet and tart taste of an authentic Florida orange. From Valencia to Navel, as soon as you cross into the state, make sure to stop at the Welcome Center and get your own glass of cold, delicious juice.
Joe’s Stone Crab – Fresh Catch of the Day
Florida is known for a lot of seafood, and you can find a fresh catch almost anywhere along the coast. One type of seafood that stands above the rest, however, is Joe’s Stone Crab, which can be found in Miami Beach. Joe Weiss opened a lunch counter in Miami is 1913, and when a local fisherman brought him a stone crab, a Florida culinary delight was born.
Today, Joe’s Stone Crab is a must-try when in Miami, but you can find stone crab at most restaurants along the coast, especially near the Keys and Tampa, where populations flourish. It’s often served with mustard sauce and lemon, that’s it. Just keep in mind that you can only get fresh stone crab from October to May. If you don’t visit then, you will have to wait until the following year; stone crab season is strictly enforced.
If you find yourself further north in Broward County, I recommend you check out Billy’s Stone Crabs in Hollywood. (It’s a lesser known, but IMO better version of Joe’s.)
Columbia Restaurant – A Florida Institution
If you are near Ybor City in Tampa, Sarasota, Clearwater, Orlando, or St. Augustine, do yourself a favor and have a meal at Columbia Restaurant. Founded in 1905, Columbia Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Florida, and is still run by the family of it’s founder, Casimiro Hernandez, Sr.
With a menu featuring Spanish and Cuban food, dining at Columbia is not only a feast for the tastebuds, but it’s a feast for the eyes, too, as every location is beautifully decorated. If you want a popular dish here try Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad.
Sandwich Cubano – Don’t Forget the Cuban Sandwich
Whether you call it a Cuban Sandwich or a Sandwich Cubano, you must get this pressed sandwich filled with sliced roast pork or pulled pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Made popular at lunch counters in and around Tampa — specifically in Ybor City…you can also find these freshly made in Little Havana in Miami, or really at any restaurant. There aren’t too many sandwiches as famous as the Cuban sandwich in Floria, unless you are near the Gulf and get a grouper sandwich — PS — you should try that, too.
If you are craving good Cuban food, check out Cafe La Trova in Little Havana. It’s a bit on the fancier side for Cuban, but it’s elevated bar experience (award winning by the way) makes it an unforgettable experience.
Conch Fritters – Best Fresh Seafood Around the Islands
They don’t call Key West the Conch Republic for nothing. It’s partially because of the delicious conch found in the crystal clear, blue green waters around the islands. Conch fritters are extremely popular fried seafood nuggets that are best when golden-brown and served with citrus aioli or remoulade.
Conch is generally found mostly in South Florida and throughout the Caribbean, but you can find it in northern areas too, as some ship the conch north.
Craft Brewery Trails – Beer Lover’s Unite in This Great State
In the past couple of decades, Florida has become known for more than just delicious dishes. It’s also becoming known for it’s bustling beer scene. It doesn’t matter where you are, you are sure to find some type of brewery trail to follow.
Florida beer is different than other beers. Breweries tend to use ingredients that the Sunshine State is known for including tropical fruits like guava, citrus, and spicy peppers.
One of my favorites in Broward County is 3 Sons Brewing.
Gator Meat – From Gator Tail to Gator Jerky
In other areas of the country, if you throw alligator meat on a plate, you might see some raised eyebrows. However, in Florida, alligator is much more common. Once an endangered animal, these days, alligators are farmed and raised for culinary purposes.
Alligator meat is a lean meat that is high in protein and low in fat, and it tastes a little like a mix between fish and chicken. It’s commonly served deep-fried, but you will also find blackened gator tail and gator jerky. This is a Florida specialty that you will find at at many restaurants, seafood shacks, or even at a walk up window at a county fair.
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish – Stop Here When in St. Pete
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, located in St. Petersburg, has been a Florida favorite since 1947. This hidden gem has been featured on TV shows and food blogs alike for its dedication to traditional smoking techniques. If you love fish, you will love this place.
Using Red Oak wood, Ted Peters smokes Mahi-Mahi, Mullet, Mackerel, and Salmon until the flavor is deeply infused. It is usually served with onions, pickles, tomatoes, and lemon wedges, and the fish arrives as a hearty slab or flaked into a creamy fish spread. It’s a local secret well worth uncovering when you are in the St. Pete area.
Island Hotel & Restaurant – Landmark Food Since 1946
Located between Tampa and Tallahassee, Cedar Key is a great stop for lunch or dinner. Here, the Island Hotel & Restaurant will welcome you with amazing ambiance and a coastal flair featuring a menu based on local seafood, desserts, and more.
Right next store you will find the Neptune Lounge & Bar, which is rumored to be haunted, plus, since the Island Hotel & Restaurant still has 10 rooms available, you might just get lucky and be able to spend the night.
Key Lime Pie – An Acquired Taste Worth Acquiring
A Florida trip isn’t complete without a slice of the state’s signature dessert: Key Lime Pie. Made with Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, this creamy, tart pie is set in a graham cracker crust and often topped with meringue or whipped cream.
Native to the Florida Keys, this dessert is an acquired taste, as some people don’t like the tartness that the pie filling is known for. Determining the best key lime pie has sparked friendly rivalries over which bakery or restaurant serves the most authentic version. You can find key lime pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate, or served on a plate. However you have it, you are taking a bite of Florida history.
Here’s a quick guide on when to visit the Florida Keys from a local’s perspective.
Dole Whip – First Found in Florida
Most of the foods mentioned already have been found along the coastline of Florida, but Dole Whip is different. Though these days, you can find Dole Whip around the country, that wasn’t always the case. It used to be found at Walt Disney World right here in Orlando.
Originally, Dole Whip was pineapple flavored, but now you can get it in other flavors, like mango. You can also get Dole Whip floats, which are made with Dole Whip and pineapple juice. If you are ready for a cool, sweet treat to beat the heat, pick up a Dole Whip.
Strawberry Shortcake – The Newest Florida Food
Florida is home to the Florida Strawberry Festival, which happens each year in Plant City. Many people don’t realize that Florida is one of the top producers of strawberries, and because of this, over the years, the state has also become known for strawberry shortcake.
In Florida, the dessert is served with a biscuit or sponge cake that is topped with fresh strawberries, and then topped with a huge dollop of whipped cream.
Final Thoughts About Florida Food
Florida’s cuisine is a rich, flavorful journey shaped by sunshine, saltwater, and cultural fusion. Each dish—whether steeped in tradition, born from immigrant innovation, or plucked fresh from the land or sea—tells a story of the state’s people, heritage, and resources. From zesty Key Lime Pie and smoked fish, to gator tail and stone crab, Florida is one of America’s most exciting food destinations.
For travelers with a passion for flavor, Florida’s culinary scene isn’t just something to try—it’s something to savor, celebrate, and return to again and again. So the next time you’re in the Sunshine State, ditch the guidebook, follow your taste buds, and prepare for a foodie experience like no other.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
