12 Florida Landmark Restaurants That Never Go Out of Style

Florida is home to some of the most incredible dining spots that have stood the test of time. These restaurants are not just places to eat—they are pieces of history, culture, and tradition that locals and visitors treasure.

From fresh seafood shacks by the water to family-owned bakeries with recipes passed down through generations, each spot tells its own unique story. Get ready to explore twelve timeless Florida restaurants that continue to serve up amazing food and unforgettable experiences.

1. Columbia Restaurant – Tampa

Stepping into Columbia Restaurant feels like traveling back to 1905 when Spanish immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr. opened its doors in Ybor City. This family-owned gem has been serving authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine for over a century, making it Florida’s oldest restaurant.

The flamenco dancers twirling across the stage add magic to every meal, while the hand-painted tiles and fountains create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Their famous 1905 Salad, tossed tableside with a secret dressing recipe, has delighted generations of diners.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving incredible paella, this landmark delivers unforgettable memories with every visit.

2. Cap’s Place – Lighthouse Point

Getting to Cap’s Place is half the adventure—you can only reach this hidden treasure by boat! Since 1928, this former gambling club has welcomed everyone from presidents to movie stars seeking fresh seafood in a truly unique setting.

The wooden structure sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway, where hearts of palm are harvested fresh from nearby trees for their signature salad. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill once dined here, and the restaurant proudly displays photos of its famous guests throughout the cozy dining rooms.

Their catch of the day arrives straight from local fishermen, ensuring every bite tastes as fresh as the ocean breeze.

3. Alessi Bakery – Tampa

The aroma of fresh-baked Cuban and Italian bread has filled the air around Alessi Bakery since 1912, making it one of Tampa’s most beloved institutions. Five generations of the Alessi family have kept their original recipes and baking methods alive, using brick ovens that have been firing for over a century.

Their Cuban bread features a palmetto leaf placed on top before baking, creating that signature split that makes it perfect for authentic Tampa sandwiches. Locals line up early in the morning to snag warm loaves straight from the oven.

This isn’t just a bakery—it’s a delicious piece of Tampa history you can actually taste.

4. Jerry’s Drive-In – Pensacola

Cruising into Jerry’s Drive-In takes you straight back to the golden age of American diners, where carhops still deliver burgers and milkshakes right to your window. Since 1939, this Pensacola institution has been slinging some of the best comfort food in the Florida Panhandle.

Their famous chili cheeseburgers are messy, delicious, and absolutely worth the napkins you’ll go through. The retro atmosphere, complete with vintage signs and classic diner vibes, makes every meal feel like a nostalgic celebration.

Families have been making memories here for generations, and the friendly service keeps everyone coming back for more.

5. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop – Tampa

Brocato’s has been crafting mouthwatering Italian sandwiches in Tampa since 1948, and their loyal customers swear nothing else comes close. This no-frills shop focuses on what matters most—quality ingredients piled high between fresh bread that’s delivered daily.

The Brocato Special, loaded with Italian meats and cheeses, has achieved legendary status among Tampa locals who guard this spot like a precious secret. You won’t find fancy decorations or trendy menu items here, just honest, delicious food made with care and tradition.

The family recipes and old-world techniques have remained unchanged for decades, proving that perfection doesn’t need updating.

6. Owen’s Fish Camp – Sarasota

Owen’s Fish Camp captures the spirit of Old Florida with its laid-back atmosphere and seriously good Southern-style seafood. Mounted fish, vintage photos, and antique fishing gear cover every wall, creating a cozy cabin feel that makes you want to settle in for hours.

Their blackened fish tacos and gator bites give visitors a true taste of Florida cuisine, while the hush puppies arrive hot and perfectly crispy. The restaurant honors Owen Burns, a Sarasota pioneer who helped shape the city’s early development.

Live music on the patio adds to the fun, making this spot perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

7. Singleton’s Seafood Shack – Jacksonville

Beach vibes and fresh catches define Singleton’s Seafood Shack, where flip-flops are totally acceptable and the Mayport shrimp are always perfect. This Jacksonville favorite has been serving the local fishing community and hungry beachgoers since the 1960s, keeping things simple and delicious.

Their commitment to locally sourced seafood means your meal was probably swimming in the Atlantic just hours before landing on your plate. The casual atmosphere encourages you to relax, enjoy the ocean breeze, and savor every bite without any pretense.

Families gather here after beach days, making it a cherished tradition that spans multiple generations of Jacksonville residents.

8. Star Fish Company – Cortez

Tucked away in the historic fishing village of Cortez, Star Fish Company sits right on the docks where commercial fishing boats unload their daily catches. This family-run spot has been feeding locals and savvy travelers since the late 1990s, though the building and location have maritime roots stretching back much further.

You can watch pelicans dive for fish while enjoying grouper sandwiches or stone crab claws at picnic tables overlooking the water. The market side sells fresh seafood to take home, while the restaurant prepares it perfectly if you’d rather eat immediately.

Everything about this place screams authentic Florida—no tourist traps, just real fishing village charm.

9. The Yearling Restaurant – Cross Creek

Named after Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Yearling Restaurant sits in the heart of Cross Creek’s timeless Florida wilderness. This rustic spot has been serving up authentic Cracker cuisine since the 1950s, offering dishes you won’t find on most modern menus.

Adventurous eaters can try gator tail, frog legs, or cooter (soft-shell turtle), while those preferring traditional options enjoy catfish and hush puppies. The screened porch overlooks a beautiful Florida landscape, complete with Spanish moss draping ancient oak trees.

Dining here feels like stepping into Old Florida, where life moves more slowly and every meal tells a story.

10. Alabama Jack’s – Key Largo

Conch fritters and cold drinks taste even better when you’re sitting on the water at Alabama Jack’s, a legendary Keys hangout since 1947. Located on a canal card sound, this open-air spot attracts bikers, boaters, and anyone seeking an authentic slice of island life.

Live music fills the air on weekends while customers arrive by boat, motorcycle, or car to enjoy the famously relaxed atmosphere. The seafood is fresh and simple, prepared the way locals like it—no fuss, just flavor.

Sunsets here are absolutely spectacular, painting the sky in brilliant colors that perfectly complement the tropical surroundings and easygoing vibes.

11. Cabbage Key Restaurant – Pineland

Over 70,000 signed dollar bills cover every surface of Cabbage Key Restaurant, creating one of Florida’s most unusual and memorable dining experiences. Accessible only by boat, this island hideaway has been welcoming adventurous diners since 1938 in a house built by novelist Mary Roberts Rinehart.

The tradition of leaving a signed dollar started with fishermen ensuring they’d have money for their next meal, and it’s grown into the restaurant’s signature feature. Their famous cheeseburger allegedly inspired Jimmy Buffett’s hit song “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

Climbing the water tower offers stunning views of Pine Island Sound, making the journey to this remote spot absolutely worthwhile.

12. Seafood Atlantic – Cape Canaveral

Right on the working waterfront of Cape Canaveral, Seafood Atlantic serves the freshest catches in a no-nonsense atmosphere that locals absolutely love. Since opening its doors, this spot has focused on one thing—delivering quality seafood without the fancy prices or pretentious atmosphere found at tourist traps.

Their rock shrimp, a local specialty, arrives sweet and tender, while the fish market next door lets you take home the same quality ingredients. You might spot fishing boats unloading their haul right outside your window, proving just how fresh everything truly is.

Space Coast residents consider this their go-to spot for authentic Florida seafood that never disappoints.