We asked the best chefs in Miami for their favorite weekend getaway destinations.
People used to head to Florida for just thebeachesandtheme parks , but now the Sunshine State is make waves in the culinary world . Led by Miami ’s gastronomic Renascence , the rest of the country is also stepping up .
Orlando is no longer just a place for Mickey - shaped junk food for thought , it ’s now also home to seven Michelin - starred restaurants . Just this year , two Tampa restaurants were each awarded a whizz , signal the country ’s growing recognition in the culinary sphere . This transformation can likely be attributed to the recent influx of transplants to Florida , let in top culinary gift , and hotel leader recognizing chef - led eatery as a coveted hotel amenity .
While Miami house physician are spoiled for pick with plenty oftop - snick restaurant , we wanted to fuck the best blank space to gossip in Florida if your only end is a good repast . So we went to the experts and tapped four of South Florida ’s top chef for their good advice on where to go and what to eat on your next trip out of doors of Miami .
Photo courtesy of Lilac at the Tampa Bay EDITION
Key West, recommended by chef Erhan Kostepen
As the executive chef and Centennial State - owner of Miami ’s belovedDOYA , Erhan Kostepen has discerning preference bud . The breezy Wynwood restaurant is one of the neighborhood ’s most coveted spots , but when he ’s not hanging in Miami , Kostepen is direct down the Overseas Highway toKey Westto get his fill of fresh seafood .
“ Living in Miami for 20 class , I ’ve expend a lot of time feed my manner through Key West , ” Kostepen says . “ The island posture between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean , making it an incredible place to revel fresh seafood in Florida . Commercial and non - commercial-grade sportfishing boats deliver amazing fresh rampantly - caught fish , shrimp , lobster , and crab from the unequaled waters of Key West . ”
If it ’s been a while since you made the route trip to Key West , look at this your sign , and add Kostepen ’s preferent restaurants to your leaning . begin atLouise ’s Backyardfor brunch and hit upSantiagos ’s Bodegafor tappa . Kostepen also recommend earn room for the yellow rear end cracker bonbon atBlue Heavenand a slice of central lime pie atKermit ’s Key Lime Shop .
Photo courtesy of Kermit’s Key Lime Pie
Key West is filled with gorgeous boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts , but Kostepen say his top pick isThe Gardens Hotel . The magical hotel , built in the 1800s , has two heated up pools and costless bike for exploring the island .
Tampa Bay, recommended by chef Timon Balloo
Tampa Bayhas always had good solid food ( it ’s home to the original Cuban sandwich ) , but the opening of The Tampa EDITION and the hotel ’s Michelin - starred Mediterranean eatery , Lilac , really put the metropolis on the map . So for three - clock time James Beard - nominatedchef Timon Balloo , Tampa is where he goes to chow down .
“ I tend to gravitate to Tampa since its culinary scene has grow vastly over the years , ” says Balloo , the chief chef and possessor of Fort Lauderdale’sThe Katherine . “I’m a immense devotee of Ferrell Alvarez’sRooster & The Tilland John Fraser’sLilacatThe Tampa EDITION . ”
Balloo is also a medicine aficionado . At his Fort Lauderdale eating house , Balloo curates an eclectic mix of music , ranging from ’ ninety hip - hop to reggae . When he is not at his eating house , Balloo says he likes to check out the music scene in Tampa .
Photo by Keir Magoulas, courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay
“ I love call new cities and exposing myself to their bona fide medicine scenes between live euphony venues , underground hearing bars , and speakeasies , ” he say . “ When plan my change of location , I wish to see in advancement and see who ’s performing atJannus Liveor contain out a reggae festival at Vinoy Park , both locate in nearbySt . Pete . ”
Orlando, recommended by chef Shingo Akikuni
Since chef Shingo Akikuni just secured a Michelin principal for his restaurant , SHINGO , it ’s safe to say the Coral Gables eatery and its 14 - buttocks Omaske experience keep him pretty busy . But when he can get out and hunt down salutary nutrient outside of Miami , Akikuni heads to Orlando . Long know for entertainment parks and family amusement , the town has quiet been building a portfolio of telling eating house .
“ Orlando is a fast - grow food city with a ton of keen construct opening night , ” Akikuni says . “ It‘s also pretty well labialise in offering many dissimilar cuisines , and some of my favorite spots arePapa Llama , Zaru , andDomuat East End Market . ”
If you ’re looking for a chef - approved hotel , check out theEtte Hotel , Akikuni ’s top choice in Orlando . One of the hotel ’s dining options isSalt & the Cellar , a Mediterranean - Asiatic fusion restaurant headed by chef Akira Back , who has been awarded a Michelin star for his eating place , DOSA .
Photo courtesy of Downtown Orlando
While theme ballpark are usually top of mind for Orlando visitor , Akikuni uses his time to check out the many smashing golf game courses in the metropolis . Some top - rated course of study includeShingle Creek Golf ClubandHawk ’s Landing Golf Course .
Jacksonville, recommended by chef Kenny Gilbert
It may be Florida ’s biggest city , butJacksonvillehas a “ belittled town ” smell , accord tochef Kenny Gilbert , a Top Chef alum , Jacksonville restaurateur , and one of Oprah Winfrey ’s personal chefs . Though Gilbert has work in award - winning kitchen from Japan to Barbados , he has a soft point for Jacksonville .
“ I love Jacksonville ’s unparalleled neighborhoods , which put up cracking experience depend on your preference , ” Gilbert tell . “ regret San Marcis a nifty French eating place in the historical San Marco district , and if you ’re expect for a good Asiatic restaurant , tryTimiwah Dim SumorPattaya Thaion King Street . ”
About five hours from Miami , this locale ask a right weekend pickup . So if you require to flux your hotel stay with a visit to a top eating place , moot checking into one of Gilbert ’s favourite Jacksonville hotel : One Ocean Resort & Spa . The hotel is home toAzurea , where pop breakfast dishes let in homemade banana bread Gallic toast and lobster brie omelets .
Photo by Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock
Two other properties that top Gilbert ’s list are theRitz Carlton , Amelia Island , and theOmni Amelia Island Resort , both about 45 minute from Jacksonville . The Ritz Carlton ’s Five Diamond restaurantSalthas a seven - course dinner service , and The Omni Amelia Island Resort hosts the popularFish to Forkfood fete every saltation .
