Uncover 8 culinary hotspots in Florida for foodie clients
With Jimmy Doherty’s A Taste of Florida airing this week, there’s no better time to put the Sunshine State’s culinary scene in the spotlight – Lucy McGuire rounds up nine gastronomic experiences foodies won’t want to miss
With influences from Southern, Creole, Caribbean, Hispanic and European cuisines, Florida’s food scene is as eclectic and exciting as it gets. Plus, there’s no better time than now to inspire travellers to head to the Sunshine State, with Jimmy Doherty’s new ITV show A Taste of Florida hitting our screens this week.
In the five-part series, airing on ITV1 and ITVX, the presenter explores the delicious flavours and cooking styles found across the state, between Pensacola and Miami. Why not inspire your clients with a similar Taste of adventure? Here are some Floridan dining experiences to recommend for clients with budgets ranging from modest to generous:
Cook your catch at J Michael’s, Panama City Beach – $$
Seafood fans staying close to Panama City Beach (featuring in episode one of Jimmy's Taste of Florida) will enjoy the year-round cook-your-catch excursions, discovering the Emerald Coast’s rich fishing heritage. Via angling trips that depart from the historical Captain Anderson’s Marina, they can try their luck catching the highly prized red snapper which restaurants like the characterful J Michael’s will then cook for around $15, serving it southern style alongside a medley of bell peppers, onions and corn fritters.
- captandersonmarina.com
- jmichaelstheoriginal.com
Happy Fish Peruvian Fusion Restaurant, Tampa Bay – $$
Hailed a ‘hidden Peruvian gem’ by diners, this unassuming restaurant, set within a shopping plaza, surprises the most hard-to-please diners with its lomo saltado (stir-fry beef), chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder), varied ceviche, and Latin staples like sweet plantains and fried cassava. Its picarones (Peruvian doughnuts) and Sangria are popular while service is super friendly. Its vicinity to the international airport makes for a handy pre-travel pit-stop. Plus, look out for Tampa Bay in episode three of Jimmy's Taste of Florida.
- instagram.com/happyfishtampa
Melting Pot, Orlando – $$-$$$
This fun and interactive dining venue, which specialises in fondue and DIY grilling, is a real crowd-pleaser, with a menu that offers some of the most innovative melted cheese recipes going. Couples will love dipping into a jalapeno-based Fiesta fondue or cooking lobster tails and Memphis-style pork on the tabletop skillet. A ‘Kids Fun-Due’ menu keeps young diners happy and there are vegan and gluten-free options. There is wheelchair access too. Clients can explore the destination of Orlando further in episode five of Jimmy's Taste of Florida.
- meltingpot.com
Stubborn Seed, Miami – $$$
Occupying the southern end of Miami Beach, this sleek Michelin-starred venue, helmed by award-winning chef James Beard, is close to the buzz of Ocean Drive. And with highly creative dishes – like scallop aguachile (a type of ceviche) and carbonara egg with guanciale (an Italian ham) – offered across its tasting menus, it’s a fantastic high-end option for those happy to book ahead (walk-ins are welcome to order from the à la carte menu at the bar). Keep your eyes peeled for Miami too in episode five of Jimmy's Taste of Florida.
- stubbornseed.com
Pier Teaki and Teak, St Petersburg – $
A combination of rooftop bar and air-conditioned restaurant mean this waterside destination is an ideal spot to grab a bite, no matter the weather. Think tiki beach bar vibes with frozen daiquiris and blackened mahi tacos or shrimp ceviche upstairs and nautical charm with grouper sandwiches, seafood linguine and paella downstairs. No matter which seat in the house visitors choose, dramatic St Pete coastline views are guaranteed.
- pierteaki.com
- teakstpete.com
World Food Trucks, Kissimmee – $$
Travellers should arrive hungry (and download the website’s interactive map) when they visit this eye-opening food attraction, just south of Walt Disney World Orlando. Covering everything from Latin-style hotdogs and BBQ classics to Puerto Rican and Venezuelan grills, its 60-plus vendors comprise the largest permanent food truck park in central Florida, serving exciting takes on classic fast food 365 days a year. Live music often features, and the souvenir-packed Flea Market is next door.
- worldfoodtrucks.com
Safe Harbor Seafood, Mayport, Jacksonville – $
Mayport shrimp is renowned in the namesake coastal community, beside the mouth of the St John’s River. This family-owned business dishes up shrimp in a seemingly endless matter of ways: with fries, in tacos, in ‘build-your-own’ fish-and-rice Kona bowls, blackened, fried or in salads. Sides like fried okra and bacon black-eyed peas add a southern touch and kids eat for $6. Outside, diners will glimpse the boats hauling in the next catch.
- safeharbor-seafood.com
Blue Heaven, Key West, Florida Keys – $$
This backyard garden venue, in Key West’s colourful Bahama Village neighbourhood, epitomises the quirky Florida Keys style: a breakfast of sautéed shrimp and cheddar grits comes with a backdrop of whimsical artwork, strutting chickens and even a rooster graveyard. There are plenty of Creole influences on the Floridian-Caribbean menu – think jerk chicken and black beans, and pan-blackened shrimp deglazed with Red Stripe beer – with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Seasonal stone crab claws (October to May) and its moreish key lime pie are among the top dishes. Book ahead.
- blueheavenkw.com
For more Florida selling tips and destination information, visit our Florida Selling Guide.
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