Florida’s cultural diversity -- from the Caribbean, Latin America, and all parts of the world -- adds to the culinary experiences you can have during your visit. In Northern Florida, you’ll find Southern culinary traditions with influences from the Geechee and Gullah cultures, while the Panhandle offers influences from the Deep South. In south and central Florida you’ll find a wide range of Haitian, Jamaican, Bahamian, Afro-Hispanic and soul food experiences.
FORT LAUDERDALE
Localicious Jax Ice Cream
4220 NW 12th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33313
(954) 533-5566
localiciousicecream.com
Cleveland Smith has been manufacturing and producing ice cream for 40 years and has poured his skills and passion into a creamery offering dozens of flavors.
JACKSONVILLE
The Soul Food Bistro
Soul Food Bistro, West Side location
5310 Lenox Avenue St.1, Jacksonville, FL 32205
904.394.0860
The Potter's House Soul Food Bistro, South Side Location
11876 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225
904.394.2801
https://www.facebook.com/ThePottersHouseSoulFoodBistro/
Reviewers say these spots are hands-down among the best soul food restaurants in the state, where you get treated, and fed, like family.
The Brinkk Restaurant
45 Kernan Blvd. N., Jacksonville, 32225
904-337-1850
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brinkk-Restaurant/339709842799268?rf=516520821743092
The Brinkk has all of the usual favorites you’d find at a soul food restaurant, but also features some new classics on the menu, such as chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits.
See also 2 Jacksonville Restaurants to Nuture Your Soul.
MIAMI
Chef Creole Seasoned Kitchen
200 NW 54th St, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 754-2223
chefcreole.com
Haitian community staple that’s been in the community for years and blends Haitian and Bahamian flavors.
Jackson’s Soul Food
950 NW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
(305) 374-7661
jacksonsoulfood.com
Serving soul food in Miami since 1946.
MLK Restaurant
2469 NW 62nd St Miami, FL 33147
(305) 693-0303
MLK Restaurant has been the cornerstone of the Liberty City community and a breakfast meeting spot for the Black community.
Conch Heaven/Bahamian Connection
11275 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33167
(786) 360-3892
facebook.com/ConchHeavenMIA/
Laid-back eatery specializing in conch-based dishes, plus other Bahamian comfort food staples.
Clive’s Cafe
5890 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 757-6512
clivescafe.com
Jamaican/Caribbean eatery that was in the Wynwood neighborhood for 40 years before the community’s transition and has since called Little Haiti its new home.
ORLANDO
Chef Eddie's
595 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 826-1731
chefeddies.com
Chef Eddie’s is one of Orlando’s largest Black-owned restaurant and has been serving comfort food since 2009.