The fish dip at The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas in Apalachicola.

When one travels for work, sampling the local cuisine is a must, particularly when writing a travelogue. What better excuse to try a bit (OK, maybe more than a bit) of everything until you have to slink off to your room and hole up for a while? So many unforgettable eats, so little time. Here are some musts by area.

Apalachicola

The Owl Cafe is a charming hideaway that perfectly captures the town’s quirky, relaxed vibe. With its unique owl-themed decor and welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to unwind—whether you’re starting your day with a carefully brewed coffee or taking a leisurely afternoon break. And the best part is the owl theming is inspired by the building’s history, as it used to be a lodging house with a cafe called, you guessed it, Owl Cafe. Beers on tap are from Forgotten Coast Brewing. Don’t sleep on the fish and chips. 

The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas is a hidden gem, as it is a bit of a drive from downtown Apalachicola, but a definite destination for all the cyclists in the area who are drawn to the Old Florida vibes of the island trails. Set in a cozy, rustic atmosphere reminiscent of 4 Rivers, The Smokehouse is serving up some great smoked goodies, like their fish dip, which I’m still thinking about months later. 

Weber’s Little Donut Shop on St. George Island is a charming little outpost that has quickly become a local favorite for its fresh, handmade donuts, often with lines around the building. They offer a delightful mix of classic glazed options with creative seasonal flavors, but my favorite is their standout Key Lime Pie Donut, which they’ve been serving for over seven years. 

Key West

El Dom is a vibrant little cafe in the historic La Concha resort that stands out for its exceptional Cuban coffee and gorgeous atmosphere. The rich, well-crafted cappuccino—especially when made with almond milk— sets the tone for a true taste of Key West and is the perfect accompaniment for their medianoche sandwich, which is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Ever. The friendly, welcoming staff and the laid-back, colorful ambiance make it an ideal pit stop for both locals and travelers exploring Duval Street. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix or a cozy hangout, El Dom offers a genuine slice of Key West café culture without the day-drinking cruisegoers and tourists.

Cafe Marquesa offers an exceptional fine dining experience in the heart of Old Town Key West. The menu features creative, gourmet coastal cuisine—from standout dishes like She Crab Soup to exquisitely prepared seafood—each plate bursting with fresh, flavorful ingredients. While the prices are on the higher side, the impeccable service and intimate, elegant ambiance make it well worth the splurge for a special night out. Try their beignets if you’re going for breakfast.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Pizza Joe’s has probably saved more lives than penicillin. This no-frills pizza spot is perfect for a quick, affordable slice on the go. They serve up delicious, New York-style pizza by the slice with traditional options like pepperoni and Hawaiian that are both fresh and satisfying. The ease of access and the tasty crust make Joe’s a favorite late-night stop on Duval Street especially after a visit to the neighboring Bourbon St. Pub. While it’s cash-only and can be a bit hit-or-miss on busier nights, most locals and visitors agree it offers great value for a tasty bite with lots of life-saving carbs to soak up some of those Hurricanes. 

New Smyrna Beach

Norwood’s in New Smyrna Beach is a one-of-a-kind dining spot that blends a playful treehouse atmosphere, straight out of Swiss Family Robinson, with a serious commitment to quality food and drinks. The restaurant’s charm—enhanced by its unique treehouse setting—is perfect for both a romantic evening and a fun night out with friends. Online reviews often praise the inviting ambiance, which is especially magical when lit up at night, and the friendly, attentive service adds a personal touch to the overall experience.

While the menu is diverse and ranges from hand-cut filets and seafood platters to creative, well-crafted cocktails, the standout features are the atmosphere and the inventive drink selections like the signature cocktails served during happy hour. Be mindful that on busy weekends, reservations are a good idea—Norwood’s is a hot spot for vacationers, locals and Orlando staycationers alike.

Luma is a charming neighborhood gem with a laid-back vibe that feels like a beachy backyard Tulum rather than a roadside restaurant. The outdoor seating, complete with quirky touches like swinging chairs and uplifting phrases straight from Crate & Barrel, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for a relaxed coffee break or a casual hangout. Guests rave about the quality of the coffee and the overall aesthetic, although a few have mentioned that the small bites can feel a bit pricey. Not to say that it’s expensive, it’s just not a venue for people who don’t like paying more than $5 for coffee. This is a place to see and be seen and to take some killer selfies with your girlfriends before stumbling up the street to Flagler Tavern. 

Flagler Tavern is a beloved New Smyrna Beach staple that effortlessly blends a relaxed pub vibe with a lively music scene. Perched on Flagler Avenue, this hot spot is perfect for both families and beachgoers during the day, with its inviting outdoor patio ideal for people-watching and enjoying a hearty meal. The pub-style menu features everything from shrimp cocktails and fried mozzarella sticks to black grouper sandwiches. With live music seven nights a week (switching to a 21+ crowd later in the evening), Flagler Tavern offers an authentic local experience that keeps visitors coming back for its casual charm and memorable vibe. 

Grouper sandwich from Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill in Clearwater.

St. Pete/Clearwater

At this point, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill has become ubiquitous with Clearwater. The beachfront restaurant is known as much for its fresh seafood as it is for its vibes and stunning Gulf views. Menu staples like the signature grouper sandwich and the she-crab soup keep people coming back year after year. Be sure to time your visit to their live music schedule. 

I stumbled into Bon Appetit Restaurant in Dunedin on a sexy, foggy night, with a mysterious chill and a scent of steak in the air. It was love at first bite too, when I saddled up in the award-winning waterfront restaurant. Specializing in contemporary seafood dishes, the restaurant offers a diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The service is top-notch, the chef is fantastic, and the clientele feels like they flew in just to have the evening’s special and will be helicoptering back to their yachts as soon as they’ve finished mopping up the gravy with their free bread. 

Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber in Clearwater is what classic dining is all about and has been serving guests since 1948. Known for its old Florida charm, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, prime steaks, and its renowned fried chicken. Their live piano music is cheeky and tasteful, and they’re serving one of the best slices of Key Lime pie in the area.

Grouper Ceviche at Little Limon in Islamorada. ©Three Waters Resort and Marina

Notes from the Editor: When you’re in the Keys, head over to Islamorada—home to some of the best seafood I’ve ever had in my life, at the Three Waters Resort—I’d be surprised if the seafood I had at a property called Three Waters wasn’t delicious. 

   The name Three Waters comes from the three bodies of water that meet at the resort’s location: the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

    But I digress.

   At Little Limon, you can indulge in jumbo shrimp and lobster cocktails, hamachi and local crudo snapper and shrimp and grouper ceviche. Or, try a little bit of everything with decadent seafood towers that serve up to six people.

   Feeling the need for something even more casual? Take it slow at the Kokomo pool bar and kick back with a lobster roll, a chilled salmon wrap or a tuna poke bowl. And don’t miss out on the signature cocktails, because in the Keys, if you’re not day drinking, you’re just not committed to the island lifestyle. We suggest the Coconut Margarita and the Watermelon Mojito. 

   You’ll also find stunning selections from the sea at Three Waters’ sister property, Amara Kay Resort. If you’re feeling adventurous and love the feel of the wind in your hair, take the Rum Runner pontoon boat between the two.

   Amara Kay’s ReelCatch has three dishes we can’t get enough of: the Snapper Matecumbe, made with local yellowtail snapper; the Scallop and Pork Belly Panzanella, with seared scallops and smoked pork belly; and Seafood Cioppino, with local mahi, Gulf shrimp, calamari, mussels and scallops. Good to the last drop! 

Enjoy stone crabs through May 1 at destinations such as Billy’s Stone Crab in Hollywood. ©Shutterstock/Comeirrez

The Publisher’s Favorites

By Catherine Walters

There are two types of seafood lovers: those who crave an extravagant seafood tower piled high with oysters and crab legs, and those who know—deep in their soul—that fried seafood is where it’s at. If you belong to the second camp, Florida is your playground, packed with spots that serve up golden, crispy, deep-fried perfection.

So how do you spot a legit fried seafood joint? Look for hushpuppies made in-house, slaw that’s more than just an afterthought, a blackened fish sandwich with just the right amount of kick and a basket loaded with fried scallops, shrimp, and clam strips. Oh, and if the sweet tea is anything less than authentically Southern, just turn around.

  If fried seafood is comfort food, stone crab claws are the ultimate indulgence—seasonal, exclusive and as fancy as seafood gets in Florida. Available October 15–May 1, these beauties are known for their sweet, tender and flaky meat, with a hint of briny goodness. They’re best enjoyed with a classic mustard sauce or melted butter (because, obviously).

   One of the coolest things about stone crabs? They’re the comeback kings of the seafood world. Instead of being harvested whole, only one or both claws are taken before the crab is released back into the ocean, where it regenerates its missing limbs in about 18 months. That means your indulgence comes with a side of sustainability.

Ready for some good eatin’? We just can’t get enough of these local legends—and bet you won’t either: 

JB’s Fish Camp, New Smyrna Beach

A true New Smyrna Beach institution, JB’s Fish Camp has been serving up fresh seafood and old-school Florida vibes since the ‘70s. What started as a humble river shack by founder John “JB” Bollman has evolved into a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Here, it’s all about killer hushpuppies, rock shrimp (a Florida classic!) and a crab cake that’s worth the hype. Pair that with a cold drink and a waterfront view, and you’ve got yourself a perfect day. Just be warned—once you go to JB’s, you’ll find yourself coming back again. And again. jbsfishcamp.com

Dixie Crossroads, Titusville

This place and I share a birthday (1983, if you must know), and let me tell you—we both look fantastic for our age, especially when covered in powdered sugar. For more than 40 years, Dixie Crossroads has been the go-to spot for wild-caught seafood straight from Port Canaveral, including their famous rock shrimp—a cross between shrimp and lobster, with the best of both worlds. But let’s be honest, what steals the show here are the hushpuppies. These things are dangerous. Served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, they’re almost too good. Get them before your meal at your own risk—you might fill up before your entrée even arrives. And yes, if you’ve ever seen someone inhaling rock shrimp on Colonial Drive from their Jeep… no, you didn’t. dixiecrossroads.com

Billy’s Stone Crab, Hollywood

If you’re looking for the ultimate stone crab experience, Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant is the place to go. Their upscale indoor dining is top-tier, but if the weather allows (aka, if it’s not Florida-in-August hot), opt for their outdoor glider-rocker tables for a one-of-a-kind waterfront experience. And if you’re going to do it, do it big. Order the seafood tower stacked high with stone crab claws, king crab, jumbo shrimp, oysters, Florida lobster tails and jumbo lump crab meat. Feeling ambitious? They offer an all-you-can-eat stone crab entrée, but fair warning—it’s market price, so check with your server before committing to seafood gluttony. crabs.com