From longstanding local landmarks to burger joints and beach dives, this list has something for everyone. These are the delightful little places that you’ve probably never heard of, but locals would tell you about (if they really liked you). Hopefully, you’ll be traveling through one of these towns soon, and you can see for yourself just how amazing they are. These little-known scrumptious restaurants in Florida are not to be missed.
- Mister Fish, Lakeland
Facebook/Mister Fish
TripAdvisor/nic_leon2005 It may only have one table, but this tiny family-owned spot on Lake Morton is a local favorite. Don’t leave without trying the fish sandwiches, corn nuggets, and fried mac n cheese. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Peace River Seafood, Punta Gorda
Facebook/Peace River Seafood
TripAdvisor/Tia D Listen up if you love fresh seafood and an Old Florida setting. Seafood fanatics will be especially pleased with the AYCE blue crab. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Little Moir’s Food Shack, Jupiter
TripAdvisor/Jerry M
TripAdvisor/KB_0171 Despite the fact it’s hidden in a strip mall, Food Shack (AKA Little Moir’s) has quite a cult following. It’s best known for creative takes on flavors from around the globe. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Engine No. 9, St. Petersburg
TripAdvisor/Christopher C
TripAdvisor/Lori B Though it has a more traditional sports bar atmosphere, these burgers are best described as works of art. For a special treat, order the Chubby Duck, a huge burger topped with foie gras, pancetta, sauteed onions, brie, and duck cracklings. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak, Lake Wales
Yelp/Lori H.
Yelp/Ernestine E. We can all appreciate a good fish camp around here. This rustic slice of Old Florida sits on Lake Pierce. Cherry Pocket specializes in seafood, steaks, and gator. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Pearl Country Store & Barbecue, Micanopy
Facebook/Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
TripAdvisor/Lagar_7 You’d never guess this little country store that was converted from a gas station would be home to some of the tastiest barbecue in the area. That is, until you’ve seen how long this line can get. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Chowder Ted’s, Jacksonville
TripAdvisor/MichiganKatie
Yelp/Lisa S. Be sure to bring cash when you visit this hidden gem in Jacksonville. The amazing food, cheap beer and awesome service will keep you coming back to Chowder Ted’s again and again. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
- The Front Porch, Panama City Beach
TripAdvisor/Hoke T.
TripAdvisor/Jdehart This laid back spot on the beach has a reputation for serving up some of the biggest, best burgers and burritos around. Click here to learn more about their scrumptious meals.
- The Owl Cafe, Apalachicola
TripAdvisor/rogersober
TripAdvisor/Ro D When you find yourself in the charming Northwest Florida town of Apalachicola, the Owl Cafe is a must-visit. Seafood is the obvious choice in this Old Florida fishing village (oysters especially), but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you ever visited any of these hidden gem restaurants in Florida? What’s your favorite under-the-radar restaurant in the Sunshine State? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Facebook/Mister Fish
TripAdvisor/nic_leon2005
It may only have one table, but this tiny family-owned spot on Lake Morton is a local favorite. Don’t leave without trying the fish sandwiches, corn nuggets, and fried mac n cheese. To learn more, visit their website here.
Facebook/Peace River Seafood
TripAdvisor/Tia D
Listen up if you love fresh seafood and an Old Florida setting. Seafood fanatics will be especially pleased with the AYCE blue crab. To learn more, visit their website here.
TripAdvisor/Jerry M
TripAdvisor/KB_0171
Despite the fact it’s hidden in a strip mall, Food Shack (AKA Little Moir’s) has quite a cult following. It’s best known for creative takes on flavors from around the globe. To learn more, visit their website here.
TripAdvisor/Christopher C
TripAdvisor/Lori B
Though it has a more traditional sports bar atmosphere, these burgers are best described as works of art. For a special treat, order the Chubby Duck, a huge burger topped with foie gras, pancetta, sauteed onions, brie, and duck cracklings. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/Lori H.
Yelp/Ernestine E.
We can all appreciate a good fish camp around here. This rustic slice of Old Florida sits on Lake Pierce. Cherry Pocket specializes in seafood, steaks, and gator. To learn more, visit their website here.
Facebook/Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
TripAdvisor/Lagar_7
You’d never guess this little country store that was converted from a gas station would be home to some of the tastiest barbecue in the area. That is, until you’ve seen how long this line can get. To learn more, visit their website here.
TripAdvisor/MichiganKatie
Yelp/Lisa S.
Be sure to bring cash when you visit this hidden gem in Jacksonville. The amazing food, cheap beer and awesome service will keep you coming back to Chowder Ted’s again and again. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
TripAdvisor/Hoke T.
TripAdvisor/Jdehart
This laid back spot on the beach has a reputation for serving up some of the biggest, best burgers and burritos around. Click here to learn more about their scrumptious meals.
TripAdvisor/rogersober
TripAdvisor/Ro D
When you find yourself in the charming Northwest Florida town of Apalachicola, the Owl Cafe is a must-visit. Seafood is the obvious choice in this Old Florida fishing village (oysters especially), but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. To learn more, visit their website here.
If you’re hungry for more tasty eats, visit this no-frills seafood restaurant in Florida or this whimsical castle restaurant.
Know another local business we should feature? Nominate them in our online form here!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801, USAAddress: 5337 Duncan Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982, USAAddress: Little Moir’s Food Shack, 103 US-1 D3, Jupiter, FL 33477, USAAddress: 56 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705, USAAddress: 3100 Canal Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USAAddress: 106 NE Hwy 441, Micanopy, FL 32667, USAAddress: 5215 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226, USAAddress: 9526 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USAAddress: 15 Ave D, Apalachicola, FL 32320, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
little-known scrumptious restaurants in Florida April 18, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best seafood shacks in Florida? There are so many wonderful seafood shacks in Florida. If you’re hungry for some wonderful fresh eats, visit Killer Seafood on Mexico Beach. Here, you’ll feel a million miles away from it all. Soak up the sunshine and munch on tasty fish tacos, soft shell crab, and perfect shrimp dishes. To learn more about this wonderful eatery, read our featured article here. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to visit Boondocks in Port Orange. This place is known for its great atmosphere, delicious eats, and excellent service. To learn more about it, read our feature article here. What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida? BeckyJack’s Food Shack, located in Weeki Wachee, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida. Most known for its whimsical mermaid show, Weeki Wachee is a fun family adventure for all. This thrilling day trip will certainly work up an appetite, so you’ll definitely want to visit this charming eatery for some tasty fish tacos and clam chowder. Sunnyside Grill, located in Panama City Beach, is another amazing little-known restaurant in Florida. This quirky eatery serves some of the most delicious surf ‘n turf dishes around. There is something for everyone on this impressive menu. What is Florida’s most famous food? Florida is most famous for its delicious key lime pie. This amazing dessert is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. When tangy custard is piled into a flaky crust and coated with a light and fluffy topping, the end result is pure bliss. These treats taste even better when enjoyed on a sunny patio overlooking the waves. If you’ve never tried one, you’re really missing out!
The OIYS Visitor Center
little-known scrumptious restaurants in Florida
April 18, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best seafood shacks in Florida? There are so many wonderful seafood shacks in Florida. If you’re hungry for some wonderful fresh eats, visit Killer Seafood on Mexico Beach. Here, you’ll feel a million miles away from it all. Soak up the sunshine and munch on tasty fish tacos, soft shell crab, and perfect shrimp dishes. To learn more about this wonderful eatery, read our featured article here. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to visit Boondocks in Port Orange. This place is known for its great atmosphere, delicious eats, and excellent service. To learn more about it, read our feature article here. What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida? BeckyJack’s Food Shack, located in Weeki Wachee, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida. Most known for its whimsical mermaid show, Weeki Wachee is a fun family adventure for all. This thrilling day trip will certainly work up an appetite, so you’ll definitely want to visit this charming eatery for some tasty fish tacos and clam chowder. Sunnyside Grill, located in Panama City Beach, is another amazing little-known restaurant in Florida. This quirky eatery serves some of the most delicious surf ‘n turf dishes around. There is something for everyone on this impressive menu. What is Florida’s most famous food? Florida is most famous for its delicious key lime pie. This amazing dessert is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. When tangy custard is piled into a flaky crust and coated with a light and fluffy topping, the end result is pure bliss. These treats taste even better when enjoyed on a sunny patio overlooking the waves. If you’ve never tried one, you’re really missing out!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many wonderful seafood shacks in Florida. If you’re hungry for some wonderful fresh eats, visit Killer Seafood on Mexico Beach. Here, you’ll feel a million miles away from it all. Soak up the sunshine and munch on tasty fish tacos, soft shell crab, and perfect shrimp dishes. To learn more about this wonderful eatery, read our featured article here. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to visit Boondocks in Port Orange. This place is known for its great atmosphere, delicious eats, and excellent service. To learn more about it, read our feature article here.
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida?
BeckyJack’s Food Shack, located in Weeki Wachee, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida. Most known for its whimsical mermaid show, Weeki Wachee is a fun family adventure for all. This thrilling day trip will certainly work up an appetite, so you’ll definitely want to visit this charming eatery for some tasty fish tacos and clam chowder. Sunnyside Grill, located in Panama City Beach, is another amazing little-known restaurant in Florida. This quirky eatery serves some of the most delicious surf ‘n turf dishes around. There is something for everyone on this impressive menu.
What is Florida’s most famous food?
Florida is most famous for its delicious key lime pie. This amazing dessert is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. When tangy custard is piled into a flaky crust and coated with a light and fluffy topping, the end result is pure bliss. These treats taste even better when enjoyed on a sunny patio overlooking the waves. If you’ve never tried one, you’re really missing out!
