9 Noteworthy Florida Restaurants | Listen

Lotus Noodle Bar | St. Augustine, Florida

After introducing his sophisticated ramen dishes to St. Augustine through a series of pop-ups, chef Barry Honan opened Lotus, an intimate brick-and-mortar restaurant. The menu reflects his passion for creating modern Japanese cuisine using French cooking techniques. Seasonally inspired dishes include shareable plates like beet “carpaccio” and smoked potato salad along with pork, seafood, and vegan ramen dishes.

Oaxaca Club | Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Located in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, this contemporary restaurant is inspired by the cuisine from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The dishes are characterized by flavorful moles, salsas, fresh herbs, quesillo cheese, and mezcal, which pairs deliciously with the agave-centric cocktail bar, freshly made margaritas, and a large variety of tequila and mezcal flights. The beverage program also features a private label mezcal custom distilled for the restaurant.

Ostrow Brasserie | Miami, Florida

Created by chef Olivia Ostrow and partner Eli Dadon, this French kosher eatery is making waves in Buena Vista with its innovative menu, charming space, and wide appeal. The versatile brasserie aims to elevate kosher dining into an unforgettable culinary adventure by featuring traditional French dishes, a sophisticated design, an open kitchen, and a tropical oasis back patio.

Earthy Picks | Orlando, Florida

This small cafe in the South Eola neighborhood serves vegan food inspired by owner Tatiana Henao’s upbringing in Colombia and her love of Mexican cuisine. The menu reflects Henao’s holistic lifestyle principles and consists of plant-based versions of traditional Latin American dishes such as burritos, tacos, and tostadas, along with smoothies and cold-pressed juices.

Columbia Restaurant | Ybor City, Florida

Operating since 1905, this Spanish restaurant is considered Florida’s oldest and now has seven locations around the state. Fan favorites include Columbia’s original “1905” salad tossed tableside, Cuban sandwich, and sangria.

Campiello Ristorante & Bar | Naples, Florida

Inventive Italian cuisine inspired by a traditional Tuscan country cooking includes savory meats cooked over open fire, pizzas from the wood-burning oven, and modern interpretations of familiar Italian dishes. Each month, the nuances of Italian cooking are presented with a different regional “Tour di Italia” menu.

Ravenous Pig | Orlando, Florida

Husband-and-wife duo James and Julie Petrakis opened this American gastropub in 2007. The dinner and weekend brunch menus feature dishes that highlight seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.