Unearth The Voyage
Florida’s restaurant scene goes far beyond seafood shacks and theme park fare. Hidden across the Sunshine State are dining destinations that transform eating into an unforgettable adventure. From space stations to underwater worlds, these restaurants aren’t just about the food—they’re about creating memories that last a lifetime. Ready for a culinary journey unlike any other?
Space 220 Restaurant – Orlando (Epcot)
Imagine dining 220 miles above Earth without leaving Florida. This futuristic marvel at Epcot whisks you away in a special “Stellarvator” that simulates a journey to orbit. While savoring modern American cuisine like Space Greens and Starry Calamari, you’ll gaze through massive windows at a constantly changing view of our planet below. The attention to detail is spectacular—astronauts float by, and you might even spot familiar spacecraft. The price tag is hefty, but the experience is genuinely otherworldly. Make reservations well in advance, as this cosmic dining adventure quickly fills up with eager space explorers.
Coral Reef Restaurant – Orlando (Epcot)
What could be more mesmerizing than enjoying fresh seafood while actual sea creatures swim by your table? Since 1986, this Epcot gem has been serving up ocean-inspired cuisine alongside a six-million-gallon aquarium. The wall-sized windows reveal an underwater paradise where sharks, sea turtles, and over 4,000 sea creatures glide peacefully past diners. Sometimes you’ll even spot scuba divers waving as they feed the fish. The contrast is delightfully ironic—savoring seafood while watching its living cousins. For the full experience, request a table right next to the aquarium when making reservations.
Mai-Kai Restaurant – Oakland Park
A blast from the past awaits at this legendary tiki paradise. Opened in 1956 during America’s Polynesian pop culture craze, Mai-Kai recently reopened after a stunning $20 million renovation that preserved its vintage charm. Walking through the entrance feels like stepping into a different era. Thatched roofs, tribal artifacts, and lush tropical gardens create an immersive South Pacific fantasy. The crown jewel is their legendary Islander Revue—the longest-running Polynesian show in America. The potent rum drinks come in souvenir mugs worth collecting. Don’t miss the Mystery Drink, served with a theatrical presentation that will have everyone at nearby tables watching enviously.
Cap’s Place – Lighthouse Point
Florida’s oldest restaurant comes with a side of adventure—you’ll need to take their ferry to reach this historic hideaway built on a beached barge. Cap’s began life in 1928 as a rum-running speakeasy during Prohibition. The wooden structure creaks with stories. Winston Churchill once dined here, as did Meyer Lansky and other notorious figures. Black and white photos covering the walls tell tales of its colorful past. Fresh seafood is the star, often caught the same day. The rustic, weathered atmosphere can’t be manufactured—it’s been earning its character for nearly a century. The journey to get there makes the meal all the more special.
Koya – Tampa
Eight lucky diners. That’s all this intimate Michelin-starred sanctuary accommodates each seating. Opened against all odds during the pandemic in 2020, Koya quickly earned its prestigious star for what critics call a “singular interpretation of Japanese cuisine.” The omakase experience puts your culinary journey entirely in the chef’s hands. Each meticulously crafted dish arrives with a story, often featuring ingredients you’ve never encountered before. Reservations open exactly 30 days in advance and disappear within minutes. The hefty price tag reflects not just food but theater—watching master chefs transform pristine ingredients into edible art mere inches from your seat.
EntreNos – Miami Shores
By day, it’s an unassuming coffee shop. By night, this culinary chameleon transforms into one of Miami’s most exciting dining destinations. EntreNos earned its Michelin star just months after opening in late 2023—a meteoric rise even in Florida’s competitive food scene. The name translates to “between us,” perfectly capturing the intimate atmosphere. With only a handful of tables, dining here feels like being invited to a private chef’s home. The menu changes constantly based on what’s fresh and inspiring. Farmers often deliver ingredients personally throughout service. This farm-to-table connection isn’t just marketing—it’s the heart of their philosophy, creating a dining experience that feels deeply personal and genuine.
Old Spanish Sugar Mill – De Leon Springs
“Cook your own pancakes” might not sound revolutionary until you’re seated at a table with a griddle built right into it. This historic gristmill-turned-restaurant inside De Leon Springs State Park offers a deliciously interactive breakfast experience. Servers deliver pitchers of homemade pancake batter—both regular and stone-ground whole wheat. You pour, flip, and customize with toppings ranging from blueberries to chocolate chips. The DIY approach creates natural conversation and memorable family moments. After breakfast, work off those pancakes with a swim in the adjacent spring, which maintains a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. The combination of history, hands-on cooking, and natural beauty makes this a uniquely Floridian experience.
