Who doesn’t love a little local gem, the kind you have to know someone to know about? These are always the coziest restaurants with the best food (and service, too). Here are a few of the best neighborhood restaurants in Florida that you’ve probably never visited (but you should, right away):

1. The Blue Hen Cafe, St. Augustine
TripAdvisor/jerseyjeanette
TripAdvisor/ccr1018
This neighborhood restaurant in Florida serves some of the most delicious southern food around. Trust us, you need these chicken biscuits in your life. To learn more, check out The Blue Hen Cafe's website.
2. Sweet Pea Cafe, Tallahassee
Facebook/Sweet Pea Cafe
Facebook/Sweet Pea Cafe
If you've never had tofu (or never liked tofu), this is the place to try it (or try it again). Sweet Pea serves farm-to-table vegan sandwiches, salads and baked goods in an adorable setting. Try the tempeh reuben or buffalo tempeh. You don't have to be vegan to love this eatery. Check out Sweet Pea Cafe's website to learn more.
3. Hardy Park Bistro, Fort Lauderdale
Facebook/Hardy Park Bistro
Facebook/Hardy Park Bistro
This charming little restaurant is everything you could want in a neighborhood bistro. The ambiance is upscale but friendly, and the food is creative and fresh. Definitely stop by when you're in Fort Lauderdale. Visit Hardy Park Bistro's website to learn more.
4. Francesco's New York Pizzeria & Ristorante, Sarasota
Facebook/Francesco's Pizza
Facebook/Francesco's Pizza
If you can't live without New York pizza, but you live in Florida, you can finally rejoice. Give it a try, and this little family-owned gem will be your new go-to Italian spot in Sarasota. To learn more, visit the website for Francesco's New York Pizzeria.
5. Paris Bakery & Cafe, West Palm Beach
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor
No one makes a better breakfast than the French, especially if you love a well-prepared omelet or crepe. This adorable little cafe brings a bit of France to West Palm Beach. To learn more, check out the website for Paris Bakery & Cafe.

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6. Casa Mia Trattoria, North Miami
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor
If you're in search of great homemade Italian food, add Casa Mia to your bucket list. Casa Mia is well named, because they always go out of their way to make you feel at home. For a variety of fresh, delicious classics of Northern Italy, head to Casa Mia Trattoria. Check out Casa Mia Trattoria's website to learn more.
7. Cafe Tango, Santa Rosa Beach
TripAdvisor/loozianafoodie
TripAdvisor/Beachguy2010
This little cottage on 30A is intimate, to say the least. With only eight tables, you never have to worry about a big crowd ruining your evening. This is the perfect place for a romantic evening or special occasion. Prices are high, but so is quality. Visit Cafe Tango's website to learn more.
8. Owl Cafe, Apalachicola
TripAdvisor/rogersober
TripAdvisor/Ro D
When you find yourself in the charming Northwest Florida town of Apalachicola (and hopefully you will), the Owl Cafe is a must. Seafood is the obvious choice in this Old Florida fishing village (oysters especially), but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. To learn more, visit the website for Owl Cafe in Apalachicola.
9. Philly's Cheesesteaks & Hoagies, Pensacola
TripAdvisor/Kevin G
TripAdvisor/Kevin G
You probably thought you couldn't find an authentic Philly cheeseteak or hoagie in Florida, right? Wrong! You won't be disappointed, even if you're from the Northeast. To learn more, visit the website for Philly's Cheesesteaks & Hoagies.
10. Simply Sara's, Jacksonville
Facebook/Simply Sara's
Facebook/Simply Sara's
Simply Sara's will take you back in time to your mother's or grandmother's table, with homemade meals in a low-key, relaxed setting. Everything served here is Southern comfort food at its finest. Don't leave without trying one of their desserts, which are simply scrumptious. To learn more, visit the website for Simply Sara's Restaurant.

Have you been to any of the best neighborhood restaurants in Florida? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another incredible eatery in the Sunshine State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Hungry for more of Florida’s best food? Try these 10 riverside restaurants in Florida with excellent views.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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best neighborhood restaurants in Florida

Elisa Regulski | November 07, 2020

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida?

The Freezer, located in Homosassa, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida. This delightful seafood shack serves nothing but fresh fish, and you’ll want to try everything on the menu. Sure, it’s not fancy. But sometimes the best food is served in humble environments. For some classic American fare, head over to The Burg Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and mouthwatering meals will keep you coming back again and again. Try their epic chicken and waffle sandwich! Every bite is pure bliss. Want to learn more about our state’s tasty hot spots? Check out our full list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida.

What are the best comfort food restaurants in Florida?

If you’re looking for comfort food in Florida, you can’t do much better than BeckyJack's Food Shack in Weeki Wachee. This little eatery serves some of the most satisfying fried food around, and you’ll savor every last bite. From crispy fish sandwiches to comforting clam chowder, this place has it all. Hungry for a hearty breakfast? Then you need to head over to Sunnyside Grill in Panama City Beach. Start off your morning with one of their giant omelettes, and you’ll certainly have a wonderful day.

What are the best small town restaurants in Florida?

Momma’s Dixie Kitchen, located in Old Town, is one of the best small town restaurants in Florida. This inviting eatery serves breakfast all day, and everything is cooked to perfection. If you loved this place, head to the town of Brooksville and enjoy a meal at Florida Cracker Kitchen. This place serves comfort food just like your momma makes, and they have an impressive craft beer selection. To learn more about the exciting eateries in The Sunshine State, check out our full list of the best small town restaurants in Florida.

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Featured Addresses
117 M L King Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
832 W Tharpe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA
21 SW 7th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA
3662 Webber St, Sarasota, FL 34232, USA
212 S Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, USA
1950 NE 123rd St, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
14 Vicki St, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA
15 Ave D, Apalachicola, FL 32320, USA
3900 Creighton Rd STE 4, Pensacola, FL 32504, USA
2902 Corinthian Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210, USA