10 James Beard Restaurants Worth Visiting on Your Trip to Florida

Whether you travel often or only occasionally, finding a truly great restaurant can be one of the most challenging parts of planning a trip. Many people rely on recommendations from friends and family or spend hours scrolling through online reviews. While those methods work well for casual local favorites, sometimes you want something a little more special and truly memorable.

If Florida is on your travel list, you are in luck. Moms Who Think has put together a curated selection of James Beard Award winning, nominated, and semifinalist restaurants across the Sunshine State. The James Beard Awards are among the most respected honors in the culinary world, recognizing outstanding talent, creativity, and achievement in food and hospitality. Florida is home to several restaurants and chefs who have earned recognition in categories such as America’s Classics, Outstanding Restaurant, and Best Chef South.

If you find yourself visiting Florida, here are 10 James Beard-recognized restaurants that food lovers should experience at least once.

• Location: 130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL

A local favorite in Miami, Michael's Genuine is on our list of must-visit restaurants for good reason. Michael's Genuine is helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, who is known for serving comfort food in a refined way.

• Location: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL

We love seafood, and so do Florida residents and visitors. Joe's Stone Crab in Miami, a James Beard America's Classics Award winner, is a local favorite that gained popularity from its famous crab, key lime pie, and other dishes

• Location: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL

When Miami residents or visitors find a stellar Cuban restaurant, they often frequent it. Versailles, a James Beard America's Classics Award winner, is one such eatery serving authentic Cuban food. It's known as the 'world's most famous Cuban restaurant,' and you'll want to visit it repeatedly.

• Location: 3225 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL

This popular spot's chef, Nando Chang, was a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South. Unlike other restaurants, Itamae offers a multi-course, unconventional Omakase at a 10-seat counter in Miami. Needless to say, if you want to dine here, you'll have to plan ahead.

As of July 2025, Itamae is temporarily closed with plans to reopen in a new location.

• Location: 1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach, FL

If you live in Miami or have visited, you've most likely heard of Yardbird. They are known for their inventive food and Southern comfort vibe. However, if you can only have one meal here, we recommend brunch. You can't miss it!

• Location: 723 E Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Heading slightly north in Fort Lauderdale is The Katherine. Its unassuming name surprises diners when they experience a menu that includes flavors from all over the world. It's an intimate spot that will become your next favorite.

• Location: 301 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, FL

As one of the top French restaurants in Palm Beach and arguably the state, Cafe Boulud is renowned for its delectable offerings. Located in the historic Brazilian Court, you'll want to stop at this location if you're ever in Palm Beach.

• Location: 350 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL

You don't want to sleep on this upscale yet approachable eatery. Chef Clay Conley has made this popular restaurant what it is today: a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Take note: reservations at Buccan Palm Beach are highly recommended.

• Location: 115 E Lyman Ave, Winter Park, FL

Ômo by Jônt in Winter Park, Florida, was a 2025 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant. Here, you'll find a unique tasting menu and an interactive kitchen experience where you get to experience what happens behind the scenes.

• Location: 2000 PGA Blvd, Suite 5502, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Last but not least, Stage Kitchen & Bar in Palm Beach Gardens is helmed by 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist chef Pushkar Marathe and has gained its reputation for good reason. Not only will the food take you on a culinary adventure with its diverse, global menu, but the ambiance will have you frequenting this always-packed eatery.