Most people think of Cuban sandwiches and key lime pie when they picture Florida food, but there’s a surprising culinary secret hiding in plain sight.
Across the Sunshine State, a small but passionate community of Hungarian restaurants and bakeries is serving up authentic dishes that transport diners straight to Budapest. From flaky chimney cakes to hearty goulash, these hidden gems offer flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
Whether you’re Hungarian yourself or just love trying new foods, these five spots are the perfect starting point for your Eastern European food adventure.
1. Vernona Gourmet — Bradenton, FL
Tucked away in Bradenton, Vernona Gourmet brings the warmth of a Hungarian grandmother’s kitchen to Florida’s Gulf Coast. The restaurant specializes in home-style Hungarian cooking that feels both comforting and exotic at the same time. Owners prepare traditional dishes using family recipes passed down through generations…