Eating Out in Florida – Taking in the sights on a full stomach

Article by Jess    No Comments

We have scoured the sunshine state to find some neat attractions and dining experiences that go hand in hand to create a well-rounded holiday for you.

All American

Holmes Beach on the west coast of Florida is home to sandy strips, exotic marinas and one of Florida’s top restaurants, The Beach Bistro, boasting the highest ratings on Zagat.com and entrant to Florida’s Golden Spoon Hall of Fame. The Bistro offers a selection of American food, serving Prime American beef, domestic lamb and ‘the best Smoked Salmon in the world’, according to owner Sean Murphy.

Touch of the Ocean

If seafood is really your thing then The Oceanaire Seafood Room, with locations in Miami and Orlando, is the place for you. The Oceanaire is the perfect venue for sleek and sophisticated dining, whilst eating fresh fish flown in daily from around the world, with friendly staff on hand to recommend wines and beverages to complement every meal. And if this isn’t enough to spur you on, The Miami New Times named The Oceanaire the ‘Best Chain Restaurant’. Surely it’s a must-visit for any Orlando holiday!

European

Seafood and American dining experiences not your thing? How about a taste of Europe at Sette Bello Ristorante, the Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, with authentic Sicilian dishes that will have you screaming ‘mamma mia!’ after every mouthful.  Whether it’s a family meal or a romantic dinner, the Sette Bello has extensive lunch and dinner menus with awards of excellence for the long list of wines on offer.

Ideal after-dinner activities include a swamp safari through 2200 acres of untamed Everglades, with an abundance of native and exotic wildlife, located just over 70 miles away if you’re feeling adventurous.

Tip:

• Head west on I-95 and travel until you reach the aptly named Snake Road

If this is too much of a trek, perhaps something slightly closer will tickle your fancy with a trip to the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens  a mere six miles distance to help the food down!

Tip:

• Head south on North Federal Highway, turning left onto East Sunshine Boulevard and following until your reach North Birch Road.

Steak House

And finally, what better way of rounding off the tastes of Florida than with a bite what the Wine Spectator calls the ‘number one steak in America’, from The Forge. If you fancy something a little special, you can arrange an award-winning private dining experience, accredited by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, or if you’re just in need of a good old traditional steak you can eat from the restaurant menu which has 13 meaty main courses!

A cut above the standard Disney holidays and a definite treat for all the family, Florida has something to offer bon viveurs from all around the globe, from all-American treats and exotic seafood, to hearty European dishes and monstrous steaks.

Have you visited some of these restaurants? What’s your review? Share your thoughts below.