12 Florida Restaurants Guy Fieri Loved on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Florida is stacked with flavor, and Guy Fieri has the receipts to prove it. If you are chasing crispy, saucy, smoky, and downright outrageous bites, these Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives picks are the road map you need. From gas-station gems to seafood shacks and family-run pubs, every stop brings serious personality and big-time craveability. Buckle up, because Flavortown is cruising the Sunshine State and you are riding shotgun.

1. Cheffrey Eats (Boca Raton)

Cheffrey Eats feels like a dare in burger form, and you are absolutely up for it. The Barnyard stacks juicy Angus beef, crispy fried chicken, smoky bacon, and melted cheese into one glorious, nap-required tower. Every bite hits sweet, salty, crunchy, and savory, with sauces that drip like liquid gold.

You catch that backyard barbecue vibe even in a parking lot, thanks to loud sizzles and louder smiles. The truck’s creativity goes beyond shock value, though. Seasoning is dialed, textures pop, and the buns hold it all together without giving up the ghost.

Guy Fieri’s Flavortown radar went off here for a reason. You will leave sticky-fingered, happy, and planning your next round.

2. Germain’s (Gainesville)

At Germain’s, chicken gets the headliner treatment and never phones it in. You bite into the Good Feather and meet a crackly, juicy cutlet, cooling slaw, and a balanced heat that lingers without bullying. Then the fusion fun lands: chicken birria eggrolls dunked in rich consommé, crisp on the outside, stewy and spiced within.

The menu feels playful but disciplined, like comfort food with a passport. Sauces run bold, pickles snap bright, and bread never overpowers. Portions satisfy without sinking you.

Guy Fieri called out the big flavors, and you will taste why. It is chicken-only with zero boredom, just solid technique and swagger. Bring napkins, bring friends, and bring curiosity.

3. Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine (Hollywood)

Krakatoa brings Indonesian soul to Hollywood, and the semur daging steals the show. Tender beef swims in sweet soy depth, clove and cinnamon warmth, and a whisper of star anise. A spoonful of house sambal lifts everything with a measured burn that invites another bite.

You spoon it over rice and the sauce soaks in like a hug. The balance is masterful, savory and sweet in conversation, never shouting. Aromatics bloom, and you catch gentle caramel notes from slow braising.

Guy Fieri called this a top Florida bite, and it tracks. You taste patience, tradition, and confident restraint. If you want comfort that still thrills, start here and thank yourself later.

4. Milly’s Empanada Factory (Miami)

Milly’s Empanada Factory is where crunch meets comfort, the kind you can hear before you taste. Each empanada arrives golden and blistered, with fillings packed to the edges and juices waiting to escape. The dough is sturdy yet tender, never greasy, just the right salty kiss.

You tear one open and steam rushes out, perfumed with slow-cooked meats or melty cheese. Sauces land like exclamation points, from creamy garlic to tangy heat. It is handmade daily, and you feel the pride in every crimp.

Guy called it a righteous empanada, and you will nod between bites. Order a mix, share a few, and selfishly stash one for later. No regrets, only crumbs.

5. Mr. and Mrs. Bun (Miami)

Mr. and Mrs. Bun treats bread like a love language, and you feel it immediately. The buns are airy and warm, with a whisper of sweetness that frames the fillings. Then comes the Peruvian magic, especially the asado roast beef sandwich that made Guy catch goosebumps.

Thin slices of beef, rested and juicy, soak in pan drippings that cling to every bite. Sauces stack flavor without weight, bright with herbs and just enough tang. The result is plush, savory, and wildly craveable.

You could chase trends, or you could chase this sandwich. It is the kind of simple that takes real skill. One bite, and you will be planning the return visit.

6. Los Bocados (Parkland)

Los Bocados looks unassuming, then swings like a flavor heavyweight. The citrus pork quesadilla crackles with griddled edges and bursts of orange-lime brightness. Melty cheese glues it together while house salsas bring heat and herbaceous lift.

Then the brisket tostada lands, smoky and tender over a shattering shell. Crema cools, pickled onions spark, and you keep chasing that perfect bite. It is Mexican-ish on purpose, rule-breaking in all the best ways.

Guy loves spots that cook with confidence, and this joint cooks like it has nothing to prove. You will eat standing up, smiling, and probably ordering seconds. Gas-station origins, cult-favorite destiny.

7. Millie’s Restaurant (Daytona Beach Shores)

Millie’s flips Florida expectations with smoked barbecue alligator ribs that eat like a revelation. The meat pulls from the bone with gentle persuasion, rich and clean, kissed by smoke. A lacquered glaze brings sweet heat, and you chase every sticky edge.

The sides play backup singer, but you still notice the harmony. Think tangy slaw, cornbread with crunch, and a hit of citrus to reset. It is bold yet balanced, comfort with coastal swagger.

Guy called them among the best gator dishes he has had, and you will believe it. This is a road-trip anchor, the kind you tell friends about. Save room, because dessert whispers too.

8. The Pastrami Project (Orlando)

The Pastrami Project brings New York attitude to Orlando, and your taste buds clock in happy. House-cured, pepper-crusted pastrami gets sliced thick and layered on rye that bites back. Mustard does the heavy lifting, sharp and clean, no frills, no fluff.

You take a bite and the spices bloom, smoky edges giving way to buttery fat. The meat’s warmth fogs the paper, and you chase the drips with pickles. It is a truck, but the craft is brick-and-mortar serious.

Guy recognized the discipline here, and you will too. Simple becomes special when technique shows up. One sandwich delivers a Manhattan daydream without the flight.

9. Coolinary Cafe (Palm Beach Gardens)

Coolinary Cafe cooks like the coast is its pantry. The cornmeal-crusted snapper lands crackly and moist, propped by a spicy aioli that hums. Chow-chow relish cuts through with tang and crunch, making each forkful pop.

The vibe is casual but the technique runs polished. You watch the line move with intention, seafood gleaming and herbs bright. Seasoning is confident without being loud, letting freshness lead.

With Michelin Guide recognition in 2025, the secret is out, but it still feels welcoming. Pull up, order what looks best from the board, and trust the team. You will leave lighter, happier, and planning another coastal bite.

10. Mrs. Potato (Orlando)

Mrs. Potato starts with the humble spud and turns it into a stage. The chicken Catupiry brings creamy, cheesy richness that fills every nook. Then the shrimp stew arrives, fragrant and tomato-kissed, carrying just enough heat to keep you reaching back.

This place grew from baked-potato legend to full Brazilian comfort without losing heart. Portions are generous, textures playful, and the seasoning honest. It is indulgent, but never clumsy, always anchored by balance.

Guy visited twice, which tells you plenty. You will appreciate the warmth, the stories, and the way potatoes become possibility. Save a corner of appetite for dessert, because temptation is everywhere.

11. D.J.’s Clam Shack (Key West)

D.J.’s Clam Shack feels like vacation in a basket. The lobster roll overflows with sweet claw meat, barely dressed, on a toasted split-top that squeaks with butter. Fried clams bring briny snap and crunch, lemon ready to wake everything up.

The menu bridges New England roots and Keys sunshine, and you taste both. Sauces stay simple, letting seafood do the talking. Picnic tables, sea breeze, and that carefree mood seal the deal.

Guy called it the real deal, and you will not argue. Order big, eat fast, and savor slow. The line moves quick, but your memories will linger long after.

12. Culhane’s Irish Pub (Atlantic Beach)

Culhane’s Irish Pub delivers a hug in stew form. The Guinness-marinated beef goes spoon-tender, bathing in a gravy that is deep, roasty, and rounded. Mashed potatoes catch every drop like a loyal friend.

The sisters from Limerick run the show with warmth and pride. You taste that home-cooking heartbeat in the slow simmer and seasoned vegetables. It is comfort without compromise, pub fare elevated by patience.

Guy praised the depth and balance, and you will taste it from first spoonful. Grab a pint, settle in, and let the evening stretch. The kind of place you find once and keep forever.