Hidden Culinary Gems in Florida

 
EDIBLE TAMPA BAY Robin Sussingham, publisher

Red Door Lakeland (bottom right), 733 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland, 863-937-9314,
This comfortable, welcoming restaurant hits all the right notes: a locally-sourced, elevated menu where everything is produced inhouse; a talented chef; and a location inside a charming 100-year old bungalow in downtown Lakeland.

Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-0222
Everything you could need to populate your Instagram feed, including a stylishly elegant French-inspired champagne bar. Afterbrunching on poppy seed pancakes with sweet mascarpone or a Cuban sandwich with house-roasted pork, you can browse the bookstore or other retail shops in the historic building.

Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-250-3725
You can dine at any eatery at this eclectic food hall and bring your drink on the Riverwalk, or hang out in their outside seating area on the water. It's unique because you can arrive by bike, boat or car, and there's something for every kind of diner, whether they prefer a quick fast-casual bite and a craft cocktail or a formal sit-down experience at a higher end restaurant like Oak + Ola (top left) or Steelbach. For an elevated rooftop experience, you can also head to M.Bird for tropical vibes, eclectic food and a beautiful view of the river.

EDIBLE ORLANDO Kendra Lott, publisher

Island Roasters Coffee Company, 398 N. Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, 386-847-2920
There are several places to grab a joe-to-go within a short walk from the beach, but Island Roasters is where locals fuel up on their way to work or stock up on house-roasted organic beans. Since 2014, roast master Scott Clawson and his wife Tara have made their neighborhood spot an essential stop and partnered with other small businesses to expand their pour beyond their one outpost.

Wake Up Café North, 306 N. Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, 386-410-5102
Wake Up Café, 749 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-410-4719
Menu items from Argentina and Spain wow at both locations of this family-owned breakfast-and-lunch spot. Buttermilk pancakes are dusted with powdered sugar or slathered with dulce de leche, and a trip to the "Lomito Republic" section of the menu will reward you with beef tenderloin topped with chimichurri and a host of other toppings on artisan bread. Argentine chorizo and pisto manchego – a Spanish dish that marries eggplant, tomatoes, squashes, onions, peppers and feta – pop up in omelets, on sandwiches and as sides.

Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grill (top right, bottom left), 200 Boatyard St., New Smyrna Beach, 386-428-6888
There's no shortage of booze with a view in NSB, but for bird's eye views of the marina and a Yacht Master's Margarita made with Herradura Double Reposado crafted just for them, Outriggers it is. Local craft beer and nitro cold brew from Island Roasters round out the ample offerings at the bar.

 
EDIBLE SARASOTA, Tina Bossy-Freeman, publisher

Indigenous, (bottom left), 239 S. Links Ave., Sarasota, 941-706-4740
Indigenous is located in a beautifully restored building in historic Towles Court Artist Colony in Downtown Sarasota. James Beard Award-nominated chef and owner Steve Phelps and his team produce creative dishes with a focus on sustainability and seasonality. Start with the decadent and addictive wild mushroom bisque and save room for a delectable dessert that’s likely to be as inventive as the entree special — donut ice cream, anyone?

Made Restaurant, (bottom right), 1990 Main St. #112, Sarasota, 941-953-2900
The best thing about brunch at Made is the Billionaire Bacon. No, wait, it’s the SRQ Famous Made Bloody Mary. Actually, it’s the beignets. Whatever your favorite part of brunch usually is, you’ll find that it’s better at Made — comfort food and craft cocktails are a winning combination. “Made” stands for “Modern American Delicious Eats” and brunch at Made stands for Things We Can’t Miss.

The Waterfront Restaurant and Craft Bar, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 941-778-1515
The Waterfront on Anna Maria Island features a spacious front patio with a view of the ocean. We love sitting out on the patio enjoying a big plate of Frutti di Mare and a cold glass of Chardonnay — but if you want to make like the locals do, belly up to the bar inside and have one of the bartenders serve you a craft cocktail and a story. We’re partial to the Jalapeño Margaritas.

EDIBLE SOUTH FLORIDA, Gretchen Schmidt, publisher

Threefold Cafe, (top right), 141 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 305-704-8007
Two Aussies, Nick and Teresa Sharp, introduced their friendly, unpretentious café to Coral Gables’ pedestrian-only Giralda Plaza, serving a full range of excellent coffee beverages, including local favorite cortadito, cold brews and teas. Breakfasty choices lean toward the savory, like Indonesian nasi goreng, corned beef hash and avocado toast variations.

Square Grouper Islamorada, (top left), 80460 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, 786-901-5678
Weekend brunch in the Florida Keys should reflect island living: leisurely, revolving around fresh seafood and generous with libations. Located on a sleepy waterway on the bayside, this stylish getaway delivers on all fronts, emphasizing local produce when possible and serving up creative comfort foods.

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale/Rivertail, 20 W. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-372-7606
Choices, choices, choices! At Fort Lauderdale’s new open-air riverfront event venue, you can take in the Happy Hour at Rivertail, Jose Mendin’s seafood spot, Tuesdays through Fridays from 4-7 pm. Or check out what’s happening at The Wharf’s four bars plus rotating pop-up dining like Mrs. Balloo Pan-Asian cuisine and Even Keel seafood.