Florida’s dining scene has everything from famous waterfront restaurants to special-occasion steakhouses — but it’s also powered by the hidden gems locals return to again and again.
From a rustic seafood shack and gas-station barbecue to an intimate Italian hideaway and an unforgettable sandwich shop, these beloved spots are worth the drive.
To find the very best, USA TODAY Network food writers from across Florida — living and working in communities large and small — spotlighted the places where they take friends and loved ones for meals that are truly worth the time and money…