There are plenty of amazing restaurants in the Sunshine State. Some of our favorites are unassuming spots or waterfront seafood shacks in coastal towns. Of course, there will always be the places worth waiting for. The places on this list are either known for their long lines or for the need to make a reservation to get in. It’s a little bit more work, sure, but it’s totally worth it.
- Bern’s Steak House, Tampa
Yelp/John N.
Yelp/Jefferson S. To some people, it’s like a trip back in time, and to others, a trip to the Haunted Mansion. Either way, you have to admit this place has a unique atmopshere…and mouthwatering steaks. To top it off, they have one of the most impressive wine lists in the country. Make reservations ASAP because this iconic establishment is popular, to say the least.
- Visa-O1, Miami Beach
TripAdvisor/Paula_MIA This place is hard to get into, first of all, because it’s hard to find. Hidden in an office building, most people would drive right by this restaurant and never know it was there. If you do manage to find it, however, you’re in for a treat. This is guaranteed to be some of the best, freshest homemade pizza you’ve ever tasted.
- Collage Restaurant, St. Augustine
TripAdvisor/rnmteach The menu at this cozy spot in St. Augustine is like a collage of food from all over the world, but the food is sourced locally as much as possible.
- Le Cellier Steakhouse, Epcot, Orlando
TripAdvisor/Cleso C
TripAdvisor/Jessica M It’s notoriously hard to get a reservation for this steakhouse in the Canadian Pavillion at Epcot, and if you could taste these tender steaks, you’d understand why. Do yourself a favor and get a reservation well in advance, and order the cheddar cheese soup.
- Latitudes, Key West
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor/triphopper This very special restaurant requires a reservation, and the reservation includes the ferry ride you will need to this private island. This is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic sunset and an upscale meal. For a special treat, ask to be seated as close to the shore as possible.
- The French Pantry, Jacksonville
TripAdvisor/rogersober
TripAdvisor/brenttcumbaa This popular lunch spot serves up some of the best sandwiches, salads, and pastries in Jacksonville. Despite its popularity, it’s only open a few hours a day on weekdays, so you can expect to wait in line.
- Donut Hole, Destin
TripAdvisor/Photogchicky
TripAdvisor/Nick S Come on down and try some of the best donuts, breakfast foods and Key lime pie in the Sunshine State. This is one place that’s always worth the wait.
- Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant, Dania Beach
TripAdvisor/Markie1929
TripAdvisor/Patricia P This legendary, longstanding institution is like a time machine, full of classic American memorabilia. The gigantic portions of creamy, dreamy treats have kept locals coming back for generations.
- Our Deck Down Under, Port Orange
TripAdvisor/Randy C
TripAdvisor/mamabeac This waterfront restaurant in Port Orange is known for its long lines. This casual restaurant is most famous for its fried seafood, crab legs, and hush puppies.
Have you been to any of these restaurants? What are your favorite hard-to-get-into restaurants in Florida?
Yelp/John N.
Yelp/Jefferson S.
To some people, it’s like a trip back in time, and to others, a trip to the Haunted Mansion. Either way, you have to admit this place has a unique atmopshere…and mouthwatering steaks. To top it off, they have one of the most impressive wine lists in the country. Make reservations ASAP because this iconic establishment is popular, to say the least.
TripAdvisor/Paula_MIA
This place is hard to get into, first of all, because it’s hard to find. Hidden in an office building, most people would drive right by this restaurant and never know it was there. If you do manage to find it, however, you’re in for a treat. This is guaranteed to be some of the best, freshest homemade pizza you’ve ever tasted.
TripAdvisor/rnmteach
The menu at this cozy spot in St. Augustine is like a collage of food from all over the world, but the food is sourced locally as much as possible.
TripAdvisor/Cleso C
TripAdvisor/Jessica M
It’s notoriously hard to get a reservation for this steakhouse in the Canadian Pavillion at Epcot, and if you could taste these tender steaks, you’d understand why. Do yourself a favor and get a reservation well in advance, and order the cheddar cheese soup.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor/triphopper
This very special restaurant requires a reservation, and the reservation includes the ferry ride you will need to this private island. This is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic sunset and an upscale meal. For a special treat, ask to be seated as close to the shore as possible.
TripAdvisor/rogersober
TripAdvisor/brenttcumbaa
This popular lunch spot serves up some of the best sandwiches, salads, and pastries in Jacksonville. Despite its popularity, it’s only open a few hours a day on weekdays, so you can expect to wait in line.
TripAdvisor/Photogchicky
TripAdvisor/Nick S
Come on down and try some of the best donuts, breakfast foods and Key lime pie in the Sunshine State. This is one place that’s always worth the wait.
TripAdvisor/Markie1929
TripAdvisor/Patricia P
This legendary, longstanding institution is like a time machine, full of classic American memorabilia. The gigantic portions of creamy, dreamy treats have kept locals coming back for generations.
TripAdvisor/Randy C
TripAdvisor/mamabeac
This waterfront restaurant in Port Orange is known for its long lines. This casual restaurant is most famous for its fried seafood, crab legs, and hush puppies.
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