Explore These Top James Beard-Awarded Dining Spots in Florida

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to experience the many different restaurants and when you head down to the Sunshine State, there’s no shortage of restaurants and activities to keep you busy. Whether you head to Miami or wander up and down the East Coast, you’ll likely find something exciting from exploring the Everglades National Park to visiting the Manatee Lagoon. And of course, you’ll need to eat. But when you’re on vacation, finding a good dining spot can be a bit tricky.

We often rely on recommendations or do extensive research to ensure we pick just the right spot and even then it doesn’t always mean we’ll pick a good one. If you’re looking for something slightly more upscale, Moms Who Think has you covered. We’ve compiled a list of top James Beard-awarded dining spots in Florida you should check out (the first four are winners followed by six honorable mentions).

Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink

A local favorite in Miami, Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink is an award-winning restaurant for good reason. Chef Michael Schwartz is known for serving comfort food in a refined way.

Joe’s Stone Crab

We love seafood, and so do Florida residents and visitors. Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami is a local favorite that gained popularity from its famous crab, key lime pie, and other dishes.

Versailles

When Miami residents find a stellar Cuban restaurant, they often frequent it. Versailles is one such eatery serving authentic Cuban food. You’ll want to visit it repeatedly.

Maty’s

Valerie Chang is at the helm of Maty’s, a Peruvian restaurant located in Midtown Miami. Chang won the prestigious Best Chef: South and she approaches Peruvian cuisine with an innovative creative twist, featuring a contemporary take on old standards like

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

If you live in Miami or have visited, you’ve most likely heard of Yardbird. They are known for their inventive food and Southern comfort vibe. However, if you can only have one meal here, we recommend brunch. You can’t miss it!

The Katherine

Heading slightly north in Fort Lauderdale is The Katherine. Its unassuming name surprises diners when they experience a menu that includes flavors from all over the world. It’s an intimate spot that will become your next favorite.

Cafe Boulud

As one of the top French restaurants in Palm Beach and arguably the state, Cafe Boulud is renowned for its delectable offerings. Located in the historic Brazilian Court, stop at this location if you’re ever in Palm Beach.

Buccan Palm Beach

You don’t want to sleep on this upscale yet approachable eatery. Chef Clay Conley has made this popular restaurant what it is today: a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Take note: reservations are highly recommended.

Stage Kitchen & Bar Palm Beach Gardens

Last but not least, Stage Kitchen & Bar in Palm Beach Gardens has gained its reputation for good reason. Not only will the food take you on a culinary adventure with its diverse, global menu, but the ambiance will have you frequenting this always-packed eatery.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Atsushi Hirao/Shutterstock.com.