Why Florida is a dream holiday destination for food lovers
From budget-friendly local delicacies to exceptional fine dining with an international feel, there’s a world of glorious cuisine to explore across the Sunshine State
lorida has long been the UK’s favourite long-haul destination – for good reasons. But some of those reasons might come as a surprise, even to regular visitors. As well as being the Sunshine State, Florida is also the Astounding State – a destination of immense contrasts, culture and history, in addition to the obvious lure of fabulous beaches, theme parks, nightlife and shopping. Thanks to their flight network to Orlando, Miami and Tampa, you can experience all this and more with British Airways.
This is the place to come for the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States; for cutting-edge art museums and events; for one of the world’s most biodiverse eco-systems in the shape of the Florida Everglades; and for truly original cuisine and internationally recognised restaurants.
The Michelin seal of approval
The cities of Miami, Orlando and Tampa all received the supreme accolade of Michelin Guide approval in 2023. An impressive 144 Florida restaurants currently enjoy that prestigious dining distinction, representing 38 cuisines: 19 received a Michelin Star and, in addition, 33 received Bib Gourmand honours and four received special awards.
Uber-cool Miami has the lion’s share of the endorsements, with 12 restaurants rated as Michelin-worthy, including a rare two-Star rating for the true gourmet experience of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. The two other cities that received recognition were Orlando and Tampa.
More choice than ever
Not only is there plenty to celebrate in the gastronomic world of Florida’s dining delectation, but there’s also more good news on the menu for foodies: wherever you are in Florida, more than ever before, you are truly spoiled for choice.
The state’s proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America means masses of diversity, both in terms of imported cuisines from the likes of Cuba, Puerto Rico and Brazil, as well as their influences rubbing off on local chefs, notably for tasty tapas and other small-plate delicacies.
You’ll discover fresh foodie scenes from St. Augustine to Key West and Naples to Tallahassee, as well as a proliferation of tantalising food festivals and vegetarian and vegan offerings. Beer drinkers can also savour a genuine bonanza in craft breweries throughout the state.
Score with seafood
Florida’s other claim to cuisine fame is its preeminence in the realm of seafood. For fish, lobster and crab, no other US destination has the wealth of fresh-from-the-sea goodness that the Sunshine State can provide.
From tuna to mahi-mahi and stone crabs to prawns (or shrimp in the US), this is the place to indulge your inner pescatarian, with an absolutely astonishing array of fish dishes. At the very least you should try conch fritters or chowder, plus the Southern delicacy of shrimp and grits.
Even better, you can have the satisfaction of catching it yourself and having a local restaurant cook it for you in places such as the Keys, Destin, Miami and Sarasota. Or there’s scalloping in Crystal River, a unique opportunity to go snorkelling for these tasty molluscs, and then have them for dinner.
Great eats without breaking the bank
As a final endorsement of Florida’s fab foodie profile, the good news is this is still a destination that offers maximum value for your holiday dollar. Dining out remains such a local staple that even the most superior restaurants keep their prices competitive.
Look out in particular for early-bird specials, buffet choices and daily dishes that all add value to the bottom line, while you’ll definitely find ‘exclusive’ items such as steak and lobster much more affordable than at home.
Plus, you can’t really put a price on dining alfresco with a view of the sea – and that’s the Sunshine State’s ultimate culinary commendation.
Where to stay in Florida
Caribe Royale Orlando – with plenty of fine fare to sample in Orlando, you’ll want to stay somewhere that also knows how to serve memorable meals, and Caribe Royale – featuring the award-winning Venetian Chop House – is just the place. The feature-packed resort is also ideal for families with its fab pool deck.
Tampa EDITION – ensure your Tampa foodie adventure goes with an epicurean swing by staying at a hotel that revels in its dining options, including a rooftop bar and terrace, plus a signature restaurant, Lilac, overseen by Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, in addition to the latest word in luxury accommodation.
To find out more and to book your perfect Florida holiday with British Airways visit ba.com/florida