Gone But Not Forgotten: Florida Restaurants We Still Crave Every Day
Florida’s restaurant scene has always been a wild, delicious ride—full of bold flavors, creative chefs, and places that felt like home before you even sat down. But over the years, some of the state’s most beloved spots have quietly closed their doors, leaving behind empty tables and a whole lot of nostalgia.
From Miami’s food-truck pioneers to beachside legends that fed generations, these restaurants are gone, but they’re definitely not forgotten.
1. Sugarcane (Miami)
Sugarcane wasn’t just a restaurant—it was the place that made Midtown Miami feel like a real neighborhood. Chef Timon Balloo brought together flavors from everywhere, packing them into shareable small plates that made every meal feel like a celebration. The energy was electric, especially during weekend brunch when the place buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses.
After 15 incredible years, Sugarcane closed in early 2025, and the loss hit hard. People still talk about the short rib tacos, the crispy pork belly, and the way every dish surprised you. It was one of those rare spots where the food, the vibe, and the people all came together perfectly—and Miami misses it every single day.
2. Ms. Cheezious (Miami – MiMo)
Before gourmet grilled cheese became a thing everywhere, Ms. Cheezious was already doing it right from a bright yellow food truck. What started as a mobile operation turned into a beloved MiMo storefront where comfort food ruled and creativity never stopped. Every sandwich was a cheesy masterpiece, from classic combinations to wild inventions that somehow just worked.
When it closed in 2025, fans mourned like they’d lost a family member. Ms. Cheezious helped define Miami’s food-truck era and proved that simple comfort food, done with love and imagination, could become legendary.
3. Osteria del Teatro (North Bay Village)
Tucked away in North Bay Village, Osteria del Teatro was the kind of Italian spot that felt like a secret. The dining room was small, the service was warm, and the pasta was made with the kind of care that reminded you why Italian food is so universally loved. Regulars treated it like their personal kitchen, coming back week after week for familiar flavors and friendly faces.
Its closing left a real void in the neighborhood. Osteria wasn’t flashy or trendy—it was just genuinely good, the kind of place where you could taste the tradition in every bite and feel welcomed every single time.
4. Malanga Cuban Café (Miami)
Malanga was the kind of Cuban café that anchored a neighborhood—where regulars knew each other by name and breakfast felt like coming home. Croquetas were crispy and perfect, the pan con lechón was legendary, and the cafecito was strong enough to power your whole morning.
After a long, beloved run, Malanga closed in 2025. Locals still talk about it with the kind of sadness you reserve for a relative who moved far away—because that’s what it was: family.
5. Le Zoo (Miami Beach)
Le Zoo brought a slice of Paris to Miami Beach, serving French brasserie classics in a sleek, sophisticated setting. The menu was full of timeless dishes—steak frites, fresh oysters, and perfectly roasted chicken—all executed with precision and style. It was the kind of place where you could dress up, slow down, and enjoy a meal that felt both elegant and effortless.
Its closure was a blow to Miami Beach’s dining scene. Le Zoo offered something rare: classic European dining without pretension, where the food was always excellent and the experience always felt special, whether you were celebrating or just craving a great meal.
6. Ethos Vegan Kitchen (Winter Park)
Ethos Vegan Kitchen made plant-based eating feel exciting and accessible, long before every menu had a vegan section. The food was colorful, creative, and genuinely delicious—whether you were vegan or just curious. From hearty bowls to inventive comfort food, everything proved that eating plants didn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun.
It wasn’t just a restaurant for vegans; it was a welcoming spot for anyone who appreciated fresh, thoughtful food served with care. The community it built around healthy, sustainable eating is still missed today.
7. Farm + Haus (Winter Park)
Farm + Haus championed local ingredients and seasonal menus before farm-to-table became a buzzword. The vibe was rustic yet polished, with a menu that changed based on what was fresh and available. Every dish told a story about Florida’s farmers and producers, and the chefs made sure nothing went to waste or lost its flavor along the way.
8. Datz (St. Petersburg)
Datz was brunch chaos in the best possible way—a place where the food was as big and bold as the personality behind it. The menu was packed with over-the-top comfort classics: towering burgers, indulgent mac and cheese, and desserts that defied logic. Weekend mornings meant long waits, loud conversations, and plates that looked almost too good to eat (but you ate them anyway).
When the last Datz location closed in 2025, an era officially ended. St. Petersburg lost a spot that didn’t just serve food—it served fun, creativity, and a whole lot of heart on every single plate.
9. Woody’s Waterfront (St. Pete Beach)
For 35 years, Woody’s Waterfront was the kind of place that defined St. Pete Beach—a laid-back spot where the sunsets were free and the seafood was always fresh. Families gathered on the deck, tourists fell in love with the view, and locals treated it like their backyard. It wasn’t fancy, but it didn’t need to be; the location and the vibe did all the talking.
Hurricane damage made rebuilding impossible, and Woody’s closed permanently—a loss that stings extra because it wasn’t really a choice.
10. Ragtime Tavern (Atlantic Beach)
Ragtime Tavern was Atlantic Beach’s living room for more than 30 years—a place where everyone knew your name and the seafood was always spot-on. It was equal parts restaurant and community hub, hosting birthdays, anniversaries, and countless weeknight dinners that turned into long conversations.
The menu was reliable, the staff felt like friends, and the atmosphere was pure coastal comfort.
