The best restaurants Florida

Timetable

Most restaurants are open all day long, although this is less the case since the pandemic. The restaurants have slightly different hours than in France, as Americans eat dinner earlier than we do. So you can easily get a table at 5pm and the restaurant will close around 10pm, later if it has a bar. So it is better to check the schedule in advance to avoid disappointment. Some fast food restaurants and diners can operate 24 hours a day.

Budget & Tips

You can eat on the run for less than 10 US$ but it will usually be tacos or sandwiches. In a traditional restaurant, you will find dishes from 15 US$, up to 60 US$ or more depending on the range. The bill can quickly rise if you add a drink and dessert. It is very common to ask for a doggy bag if you do not finish your plate.

To eat healthy at a reasonable price, you should know that large supermarkets like Publix or Wholefood Market have huge catering departments. You can find salads to compose, hot dishes such as soups, marinated meats or cooked vegetables. The principle: you choose a tray (different sizes to choose from) that you fill with whatever you want. The price per kilo is indicated next to each dish, and you pay in full at the cash desk. Traditional pizza slices and sushi are also available. It is also possible to customize your sandwich on the spot. You will see a lot of locals in these departments, especially in the evening. Indeed, the inhabitants of Florida as well as the Americans in general cook less than the Europeans.

What costs extra

Prices shown on menus are exclusive of tax. You must therefore add a 6% tax as well as tips. It's a bad idea not to leave a tip. In general, the minimum is 15% of the price before tax, 18% for satisfactory service and 20% for exceptional service. So bear in mind that the final cost of your meal will inevitably be higher. You can leave tips in cash, or add them manually via the TPE when paying by credit card. Tipping is part of American culture, but is not mandatory in fast-food establishments.

In some tourist areas, such as South Beach, tips are automatically included in the bill. Be sure to check this before you pay, or you risk paying them twice!

The local way

Most bars and restaurants in Florida offer happy hours on weeknights, usually between 4pm and 7pm. This is an opportunity to enjoy drinks and food at reduced prices.

On weekends, brunch is the order of the day in most restaurants, especially in the city: pancakes, waffles and eggs Benedict are yours!

It is also not uncommon to see restaurants offering breakfast at any time of the day (the famous all day breakfast).

Traveling in Florida is also an opportunity to discover world cuisines, especially Cuban cuisine. The Cuban sandwich (hot sandwich with ham, roasted pork and cheese) or thearroz con pollo (rice with chicken) with guava pastries and a Cuban coffee (sweetened when extracted). You'll have the most choices in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood.

Finally, don't be surprised when you read the menus: the appetizer is called appetizer, and the main course is called entree.

Kids

Children are welcome in most restaurants in Florida. Children's menus are usually available. Some places are particularly kid friendly, especially near the theme parks.

Smokers

Smoking is not allowed in restaurants, but some allow smoking on the terrace. Otherwise, there are smoking areas nearby.

Tourist traps

In some very touristy areas - Ocean Drive in Miami, Duval Street in Key West, 5th Avenue in Naples... -it is interesting to compare the prices of restaurants and the reviews on the platforms. Indeed, some restaurants do not hesitate to inflate their prices.