DESTINATIONS usa florida eating-out-30

TRAVEL TIPS

Eating Out

Smoking is banned statewide in most enclosed indoor workplaces, including restaurants. Exemptions are permitted for stand-alone bars where food takes a backseat to libations.

One caution: raw oysters pose a potential danger for people with chronic illness of the liver, stomach, or blood, or who have immune disorders. All Florida restaurants that serve raw oysters must post a notice in plain view warning of the risks associated with their consumption.

Floribbean Food

A true marriage of Floridian, Caribbean, and Latin cultures yields the stylized cuisine known as "Floribbean." (Think freshly caught fish with tropical fruit salsa.) A trip to the Tampa area or South Florida, however, isn’t quite complete without a taste of Cuban food. The cuisine is heavy, including dishes like lechon asado (roasted pork) that are served in garlic-based sauces. The two most typical dishes are arroz con frijoles (the staple side dish of rice and black beans) and arroz con pollo (chicken in sticky yellow rice).

Key West is famous for its key lime pie (also served elsewhere throughout the state) and conch fritters. Stone-crab claws, a South Florida delicacy, can be savored during the official season from October 15 through May 15.

Meals and Mealtimes

Unless otherwise noted, you can assume that the restaurants we recommend are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Reservations and Dress

We discuss reservations only when they're essential (there's no other way you'll ever get a table) or when they’re not accepted. It's always smart to make reservations when you can, particularly if your party is large or if it's high season. It's critical to do so at popular restaurants (book as far ahead as possible, often 30 days, and reconfirm on arrival).

We mention dress only when men are required to wear a jacket or a jacket and tie. Expect places with dress codes to truly adhere to them.

Contacts

OpenTable. www.opentable.com.

BACK TO

Ready for a trip of a lifetime to Florida?

CONTACT US TODAY