You Gotta Try This Restaurant …
OK, here’s the scenario: Imagine that I’m traveling to your neck of the woods for a hearing or a deposition. When it’s over, I’m going to want to find a good restaurant with good food and maybe a little local color. Where would you send me?
Please share your recommendations with our readers by adding a comment to this post. Extra credit if you can recommend a specific dish to try!
If you’re anywhere close to Brandon, you need to try First Choice for the best barbecue in town. They have great collard greens and the sweetest sweet tea you’ll ever try. They’re in the back corner of the shopping center at Falkenburg and SR60.
Best food going!
Latino y mas in Ocala has great Cuban food. When ever Barbara and I have to go to South or Central Florida we always plan our travel to catch lunch or supper there. Just as good as the Columbia without all the show. Frank Maloney
If you are in the Tampa Bay area, I would suggest Oyster Catchers for the food and local color. The menu is a bit pricey but well-worth it. Oyster Catchers features lunch and dinner. I think you’ll like the restaurant.
Jennifer A. Dietz
If you are on your way to or from Gainesville, Blue Highway Pizza in Micanopy’s a funky place with great pizza and calzones.
In downtown Gainesville my favorite eatery is Liquid Ginger in the Sun Center. It is open for lunch and dinner and has delicious food like Thai Curry Shrimp.
Brasserie Les Halles is modeled after a fancy French restaurant. The cuisine is very fresh and authentic. I would strongly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the Miami.
Jennifer
If you are coming to Ft. Myers, I suggest The Veranda downtown. Very quaint with Southern charm. The food is even better.
Ditto on First Choice but if you are heading south on I-75 take Exit 246 to 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd for Circles. Wonderful seafood and asian fusion dishes with a view of the mooring for Tampa Sailing Squadron.
If you are stepping out of the court house in downtown St Petersburg you may be tempted to travel down Beach Drive and try one of the many new restaurants that have opened. All nice and a bit pricy. But I think it is worth a ten minute drive to Red Mesa on 4912 4th Street. Southwest/mexican and great tuna steak. My all time favorite. Enjoy!
If you find yourself in rural north Florida, you must visit the Great Outdoors Cafe in High Springs. Only here can you enjoy a truly fine bottle of wine with your alligator tail and fried green tomatoes! This is genuine Cracker Cuisine at its best!