Zak the Baker
Zak Stern’s DIY bakery gets high marks for its Nova salmon sandwich, the spiced-up shakshuka, avocado toast and more.
405 N.W. 26th St., Miami. 786-347-7100, zakthebaker.com.
The Owl Cafe
Locals love the locally caught seafood, and tourists follow suit. Oysters, grouper, fried shrimp and crabcakes rise to the top.
15 Avenue D, Apalachicola. 850-653-9888, owlcafeflorida.com.
Rutabaga Cafe
This foodie find sits amid small-town charm. French sensibilities go South, and seafood and steaks take the spotlight.
23 Jackson St., Chattahoochee. 850-663-3851, rutabagacafe.com.
Sushi Bear
Raw fish fans often splurge for the copious Love Boat, teeming with rolls and sashimi. Check in to yelp.com and you might score a free glass of sake or wine.
4530 St. Johns Ave., Suite 9, Jacksonville. 904-503-0690, sushibearjax.com.
Planet Hollywood Observatory
Treat the kids to an over-the-top experience at the newly renovated eatery at Disney World’s Disney Springs. Better-than-average bar food and movie memorabilia await. Even the shortest of attention spans will transfix on the gargantuan projections on planetarium-style walls.
1506 E. Buena Vista Drive, Orlando. 407-827-7827, planethollywoodintl.com/restaurants/orlando.
Sulphur Springs Sandwich Shop
Call this tiny joint a hidden gem, but the real jewels are found between its sandwich buns. The devoted crow loudly for its Spring Chicken sandwich. Others rave over the Slap Your Mommy Salami, while some swear by the Reuben.
9000A N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-932-3663, tampasandwichshop.com.
Liberty Bar & Restaurant
From small plates such as kogi barbecue tacos and more plentiful entrees — think quail and bistro filet — Liberty rings loud on the discernment scale.
1307 N. Monroe St., #2, Tallahassee. 850-284-7966, libertytlh.com.
Kush
The intimate Kush puts most of its focus on smart burgers featuring locally sourced ingredients and craft beer chasers. Alligator bites and the Kush and Hash burger remain fan faves.
2003 N. Miami Ave., Miami. 305-576-4500, kushwynwood.com, @KushWynwood.
Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show
Asian-inspired entrees and more than 50 tropical drinks are among the highlights of this Polynesian pop holdover from the late 1950s. Don’t miss the floor show starring fire dancers, hula girls and more.
Mai-Kai Restaurant, 3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. 954-563-3272, maikai.com, @TheMaiKai.
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