(Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Express)
With so many restaurants out there, it's quite an honor that 1 Florida restaurant has been nominated for the most outstanding restaurant in America.
When I think of my favorite restaurants, it's hard to narrow it down to just one. Just here in Fort Myers, I have my favorites. In Tampa I have a list, also a list in Miami. Then you add in other cities I frequent like Vegas, Chicago, New York City..it's impossible to choose just one. And I like them all for a variety of reasons. It could be that there food is just that good. Could be that there's an amazing environment. But I know my list could vary from my best friends, or yours for that matter. However, there are some that a great majority of people can agree that are the very best.
1 Florida Restaurant Nominated For Most Outstanding In America
The James Beard Foundation has released their list of nominees for the 33rd annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. To make the list is an incredible honor. In fact, it's one of the highest honors a restaurant or a chef can get. The winners will be announced June 10th at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony in Chicago. Awards will be given for Outstanding Restaurateur, Chef, Restaurant, Bakery, Pastry Chef/Baker and Hospitality. Also for Emerging Chef and Best New Restaurant.
For Most Outstanding Restaurant, one Florida restaurant has been nominated. Kaya is a Filipino restaurant in Orlando featuring fresh Florida ingredients. They are best known for their multi-course tasting that is very seafood and vegetable forward showcasing the finest offerings of the season. They also have an a la carte dinner menu that changes daily. Kaya is in the Mills50 district at 618 N Thornton Ave. They serve dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 5pm. Also brunch Sunday from 10am-2pm.
You can see a full list of the nominees here
Local Cuisine refers to the cooking and serving of dishes typical of the culture of the area. Many of the dishes contain food that has been produced within that area. So for Southwest Florida that of course means seafood. But that's not all. There's a lot of other fresh foods produced right here in the Sunshine State. Like oranges, tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, strawberries and more. Those locally grown crops are found on the plates in Florida restaurants that want the freshest foods possible. There's also cattle ranches. Places like Beach Bistro on Anna Maria Island serve steaks from a ranch just north of North Port. Local. Southwest Florida restaurants that serve food from Florida. That's what we mean by 'local cuisine' restaurants.
As a local, I know about these places. I can personally vouch for several of the rankings on the list. But rather than talk about my favorites, we'll defer to the reviews on Tripadvisor. By using keywords and the site's algorithms, I was able to pinpoint what they would consider the top 10 local cuisine restaurants in Southwest Florida. As a way to show my work, here's a direct link to what I've done. Sure, there may be some places that you think should be on the list, but I don't think you could say any of these places shouldn't be mentioned.
If you're from out of town, good, I'm glad you found this list for the best local cuisine.
It's actually embarrassing how many people go to the chain restaurants when they come to Southwest Florida to visit. You can go to those places anytime. Also, this list stretches from Sarasota to the south end of Naples. So, some of these places won't be very close, depending on where you are. Now let's take a look at the best local cuisine restaurants in Southwest Florida. I'll drop a couple a couple of links at the end for even more options.
1. Dixie Fish Company
I can't believe we almost lost this place. The Dixie Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach was almost wrecked by Hurricane Ian. There was a boat on their front steps. Seriously.
Thankfully, they were able to put everything back together, and according to Tripadvisor it's the number one spot for fresh local seafood in Southwest Florida. It's an open air bar/restaurant and has everything you could possibly want from a waterfront restaurant on an island. It's an absolute must for anyone visiting the Fort Myers area. Us locals love it, too. This is true original Southwest Florida.
2. Doc Ford's
It should come as no surprise that number 2 on the list is owned by the same people that own the Dixie Fish Company. Doc Ford's on Fort Myers Beach is right next to the Dixie Fish Company. Doc Ford's also has a Sanibel location. You cannot fail ordering a grouper taco with beans and rice. That's my go-to. The shrimp and grits are pretty amazing, too. You're also gonna love the decor. And the view.
3. Farlow's On The Water
At number 3 on the list is an entry from Englewood. Englewood is full of Snowbirds this time of year, and this is one of their favorites. A reviewer stated "Had the mango pecan wahoo on Jamaican rice and it was as good as it sounds." Oh my.
4. Baleen
Baleen is just incredible. But keep in mind it's location in Naples does make it a little pricier than some of the others. But you will not find a better view of the Gulf while you dine. Get some mango bread pudding, trust. People come here to propose, it's just beautiful. One note, go when the weather is good for the full experience. Maybe one day these clouds will clear out...
5. The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies
This one's in Sarasota, and elegant European indoor and outdoor garden setting. Their specialty is events. I don't know much about this place, but I wanted to stay true to the list. It's been referred to a a 'hidden treasure' in Sarasota. It's also very Instagrammable.
6. Harold's
Harold's in Fort Myers comes in at number 6 and is the first on the list that doesn't benefit from a waterfront location. It's on 41 near 6 Mile Cypress. So it must be the food. Some reviewers mention Harold's as the best restaurant in Fort Myers. Getting to watch the chefs cook your food through the big window is a treat. Not sure what to get? Do the scallops. Or this:
7. Clayton's Siesta Grille
Back to Sarasota for this one, it's a local favorite on Siesta Key. Lots of fresh seafood on the menu, or they'll cook up what you catch. If you have someone with you who's not a seafood lover, they also have a few pizza options.
8. Fresh Catch Bistro
And to Fort Myers Beach for Fresh Catch Bistro. Upscale dining with a fabulous Estero Bay view. The mahi is a favorite. Really, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I still remember before the hurricane bringing my parents there. The first time I ever saw Soapy Tuna was at Junkanoo. This place has history. This video really tells the story.
9. Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
Fresh fish and paired wine at this place in Sarasota. The name really says who they are, and that's what they do.
10. Shore
Next up is Shore by Lido Key in Sarasota. Not just a seafood restaurant, Shore is a mix of on shore and off-shore menu items. Incredibly touristy area, but they manage to stand out with a local feel.
11. Flippers on the Bay
For as much damage as we took from that last hurricane, Fort Myers Beach restaurants have really managed to rebuild and maintain a local feel. Next up is Flippers On The Bay. Their view of the bay is absolutely amazing. Seafood is on the menu.
