19 Florida Diners Filling Plates With True Southern-Style Favorites
Florida knows how to do Southern comfort food right, blending classic recipes with sunshine-state charm.
From crispy fried chicken to creamy grits, these diners serve up the kind of meals that make you feel right at home.
Whether you’re craving soul food or traditional diner classics, the Sunshine State has plenty of spots where flavor meets hospitality.
Get ready to explore some of the best places serving up authentic Southern-style dishes that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
1. Grampa’s Restaurant
Home-cooked meals taste better when they’re made with love and decades of experience.
Grampa’s Restaurant earned its spot on national television back in 2014 when it appeared on a famous food show.
The diner sits right in Dania Beach where locals and visitors gather for breakfast and lunch daily.
You’ll find the place at 17 SW 1st St, Dania Beach, tucked into a friendly neighborhood strip.
Fresh pastries line the display cases each morning, tempting everyone who walks through the door.
Biscuits arrive fluffy and golden, perfect for soaking up rich sausage gravy.
The pancakes stack high and come with real butter melting slowly down the sides.
Eggs get cooked exactly how you ask, whether scrambled soft or fried crispy around the edges.
Regulars swear by the meatloaf, which tastes just like grandma used to make on Sunday afternoons.
Service feels warm and genuine, like catching up with family you haven’t seen in months.
2. Flakowitz of Boynton
Sometimes the best Southern food comes with a New York attitude and a Florida twist.
Flakowitz of Boynton blends deli traditions with comfort classics in ways that surprise and satisfy.
The restaurant welcomes guests at 7410 W Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, where parking is always easy.
Breakfast platters arrive loaded with eggs, potatoes, and toast that’s perfectly browned.
The corned beef hash gets cooked until crispy bits form on the edges, adding texture to every bite.
Bagels come fresh daily, giving you that chewy texture that pairs beautifully with cream cheese.
French toast arrives dusted with powdered sugar and served with warm syrup on the side.
Sandwiches stack tall with generous portions of meat, cheese, and all the fixings.
The matzo ball soup soothes souls on cooler Florida days when comfort food calls loudest.
Families fill the booths during weekend brunch, creating a lively atmosphere that feels welcoming and fun.
3. Se7en Bites
Creative twists on Southern classics make every meal feel like a delicious adventure.
Se7en Bites has built a loyal following in Orlando by respecting tradition while adding playful touches.
The bakery and restaurant operates at 617 Primrose Dr, Orlando, in a cozy neighborhood setting.
Biscuits here aren’t just good, they’re legendary, flaky and buttery with layers that pull apart perfectly.
The fried chicken arrives with a golden crust that crackles when you bite into the juicy meat.
Mac and cheese gets baked until bubbly, with a crispy top layer that adds satisfying crunch.
Shrimp and grits come loaded with flavor, combining creamy corn with perfectly seasoned shellfish.
Pies rotate seasonally, showcasing fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations that surprise your taste buds.
The small dining room fills quickly, especially during breakfast and brunch hours on weekends.
Staff members treat everyone like regulars, remembering faces and offering recommendations with genuine enthusiasm.
4. P & D Soul Food Kitchen Inc
Family recipes passed down through generations taste different, richer, deeper, more satisfying somehow.
P & D Soul Food Kitchen Inc keeps those traditions alive in Orlando with cooking that feels authentic.
The kitchen operates at 927 S Goldwyn Ave #120, Orlando, serving hungry guests daily.
Fried chicken emerges from the fryer with a crackling golden crust that stays crispy bite after bite.
The seasoning blend hits all the right notes without overwhelming the natural chicken flavor underneath.
Mac and cheese arrives creamy and cheesy, with elbow noodles coated in a sauce that clings perfectly.
Collard greens simmer slowly with smoked meat, creating a side dish that’s worth the trip alone.
Cornbread comes out moist and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up pot liquor from the greens.
Yams get candied until tender, glazed with butter and brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully.
Portions run generous, ensuring nobody leaves the table feeling anything less than completely satisfied.
5. Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant
Caribbean spices dancing with Southern classics create flavor combinations that wake up your whole palate.
Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant brings island heat to traditional comfort food in West Palm Beach.
The restaurant serves guests at 14519 5th St, Dade City, in a welcoming space.
Oxtails arrive so tender the meat falls off the bone with just a gentle fork nudge.
The rich gravy coating those oxtails soaks into rice, creating bites that burst with deep savory flavor.
Grits come creamy and smooth, with a slight kick from peppers that adds excitement without burning.
Jerk chicken shows up with authentic seasoning that balances heat, sweetness, and aromatic spices perfectly.
Plantains get fried until golden, offering sweet contrast to the savory richness of the main dishes.
Cabbage simmers with seasonings that transform this simple vegetable into something special and craveable.
The atmosphere feels lively and warm, with music and conversation creating a dining experience that feeds more than just your stomach.
6. We Shuckin Southern Eatery
Seafood done Southern-style means crispy coatings, bold seasonings, and portions that impress even the hungriest diners.
We Shuckin Southern Eatery specializes in bringing coastal flavors inland to Pembroke Pines with authentic flair.
The eatery welcomes seafood lovers at 8913 Taft St, Pembroke Pines, ready to serve daily.
Catfish gets fried until the cornmeal crust turns golden and crunchy, protecting the flaky white meat inside.
Each bite delivers that satisfying crackle followed by tender fish that’s been seasoned just right.
Shrimp and grits arrive as a complete meal, with plump shrimp nestled into creamy stone-ground grits.
Andouille sausage adds smoky depth and a little spice that elevates the entire dish beautifully.
Hush puppies come hot from the fryer, crispy outside and fluffy inside with bits of onion throughout.
Coleslaw provides cool, crunchy contrast to the fried items, dressed in a tangy sauce that refreshes your palate.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for family dinners or catching up with friends over seriously good food.
7. Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin
Three generations of cooking wisdom show up on every plate at this Jacksonville treasure.
Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin operates at 1527 Cesery Blvd, Jacksonville, serving traditional favorites.
Meatloaf arrives moist and flavorful, topped with a tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking.
The texture stays tender throughout, never dry or crumbly like lesser versions you might find elsewhere.
Lima beans simmer slowly with chunks of ham and butter that melt into the cooking liquid.
Each spoonful delivers comfort in vegetable form, seasoned with care and cooked until perfectly tender.
Mashed potatoes come whipped smooth with butter and cream, ready to cradle gravy in every scoop.
Green beans get cooked Southern-style with bacon, onions, and enough time to develop deep flavor.
Biscuits arrive warm and ready to split open for butter that melts into the fluffy interior.
The dining room feels like visiting family, with staff who remember your name and your favorite dishes after just a few visits.
8. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Celebrity chef meets Florida farm-to-table at this Disney Springs destination that elevates Southern cooking.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ brings refined comfort food to 1602 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista.
The Shine Burger tops juicy beef with pimento cheese and bacon jam, creating flavor layers that wow every time.
That combination sounds wild but tastes absolutely perfect, balancing richness with sweetness and tang.
Fried chicken gets brined in sweet tea before frying, adding subtle sweetness to the crispy coating.
Church lady deviled eggs arrive as perfect bites, creamy and tangy with a sprinkle of paprika.
Thigh-high chicken biscuits stack fried chicken between fluffy biscuits with a drizzle of hot honey.
Shrimp and grits showcase Florida ingredients, with local shrimp and stone-ground grits from nearby mills.
Hummingbird cake finishes meals with Southern sweetness, layered with banana, pineapple, and cream cheese frosting.
The rustic-elegant atmosphere suits both theme park visitors and locals celebrating special occasions with style.
9. Starlite Diner
Step back in time at this authentic 1948 diner where chrome gleams and vinyl booths invite you to stay awhile.
Starlite Diner serves classic American comfort food at 401 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, right near the beach.
The retro space features red and white vinyl booths that look like they belong in old photographs.
Breakfast runs all day, which means you can order pancakes and eggs whenever the craving strikes.
The pancakes arrive fluffy and golden, stacked high and ready for butter and syrup.
Hash browns get cooked on the griddle until crispy edges form, adding crunch to every forkful.
Burgers come thick and juicy, cooked to order and served with all the classic toppings you want.
Milkshakes blend thick and creamy, available in classic flavors that pair perfectly with fries.
The atmosphere feels genuinely nostalgic, not like a theme restaurant trying too hard to recreate the past.
Locals and tourists alike pack the place, especially during breakfast hours when the smell of bacon fills the air.
10. Metro Diner
Oversized portions and bold flavors define this Jacksonville original that’s now spreading Southern comfort across multiple states.
Metro Diner started at 9802 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, before becoming a regional favorite.
Chicken and waffles arrive as a towering creation, with crispy fried chicken perched atop fluffy Belgian waffles.
The combination of savory chicken and sweet waffle with syrup creates that perfect sweet-salty balance.
Fried chicken livers show up as a specialty item that converts even skeptics into believers.
The meatloaf gets wrapped in bacon before baking, adding smoky flavor to the already rich dish.
Shrimp and grits come loaded with cheese and andouille sausage, creating a hearty Southern classic.
Biscuits arrive warm and ready to split for butter or sausage gravy that flows thick and peppery.
The banana bread French toast transforms breakfast into dessert, sweet and indulgent without being overwhelming.
Service stays friendly and efficient even during busy weekend brunch hours when the wait can stretch long.
11. The Floridian
Local ingredients meet Southern tradition at this St. Augustine spot where sustainability and flavor walk hand in hand.
The Floridian operates at 687 Central Ave N, St. Petersburg, in the heart of the lovely district.
Shrimp and grits feature locally caught shrimp paired with stone-ground grits from regional mills.
The kitchen sources vegetables from nearby farms, ensuring peak freshness in every colorful plate.
Fried green tomatoes arrive with a crispy cornmeal coating and remoulade sauce for dipping.
Southern fried chicken gets made with free-range birds, resulting in meat that tastes noticeably better.
Collard greens simmer with smoked turkey instead of pork, offering a lighter take on the classic.
Sweet potato pancakes provide a twist on breakfast, naturally sweet and topped with pecans and syrup.
The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from tourists exploring the old city to locals grabbing weekend brunch.
Outdoor seating lets you enjoy your meal while watching life pass by on the historic streets outside.
12. Southern Charm Kitchen
Authentic soul food cooked with pride fills plates and hearts at this Tampa favorite.
Southern Charm Kitchen brings generations of recipes to 8501 Astronaut Blvd, Port Canaveral, every single day.
Fried chicken emerges perfectly golden with a crust that shatters when you bite into the juicy meat.
The seasoning blend remains a closely guarded secret that keeps customers guessing and coming back.
Candied yams arrive sweet and tender, glazed with butter and brown sugar until they shine.
Mac and cheese bakes until bubbly, with multiple cheese varieties creating complex, creamy richness.
Collard greens cook low and slow with smoked turkey, developing deep flavor without heaviness.
Cornbread comes out slightly sweet and incredibly moist, perfect for soaking up pot liquor.
Black-eyed peas simmer with onions and seasonings, offering protein and comfort in equal measure.
The family-run operation shows in the care taken with every dish and the warmth of every greeting.
13. Sunrise Eatery
Breakfast done right starts early at this Fort Lauderdale institution where the coffee’s always fresh.
Sunrise Eatery has been serving guests at 5883 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills, for decades.
Eggs Benedict arrives with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise sauce that’s rich but not heavy.
The home fries get cooked with onions and peppers until crispy bits form on the edges.
Biscuits and gravy provide pure Southern comfort, with fluffy biscuits drowning in peppery sausage gravy.
Pancakes stack high and cook evenly, achieving that perfect golden-brown color across the entire surface.
Omelets come stuffed with fresh ingredients and fold perfectly, never leaking filling onto the plate.
Grits arrive creamy and smooth, available plain or loaded with cheese for extra richness.
The counter seating offers great people-watching opportunities while you enjoy your meal and coffee.
Regulars fill the booths every morning, creating a neighborhood atmosphere that makes newcomers feel instantly welcome.
14. Porch Therapy Southern Kitchen
Upscale Southern cooking meets laid-back Florida vibes at this Sarasota spot that reimagines comfort classics.
Porch Therapy Southern Kitchen welcomes diners at 801 Federal Hwy, Lake Park, with style and substance.
Fried green tomatoes arrive stacked with goat cheese and drizzled with balsamic reduction for sophistication.
The presentation looks restaurant-fancy while the flavors stay true to Southern roots and traditions.
Shrimp and grits get elevated with local shrimp and a sauce that balances cream with brightness.
Fried chicken stays classic but uses high-quality birds that make a noticeable difference in taste.
Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon show how Southern cooking can make vegetables absolutely craveable.
The pimento cheese arrives house-made, served with crackers or as a topping for burgers.
Sweet tea gets brewed fresh daily, sweetened just right without being cloying or syrupy.
The modern dining room features porch-inspired decor that creates a relaxed yet polished atmosphere for any occasion.
15. Sisters Soul Food Cafe
Soul food made by sisters who learned from their mother creates meals that taste like home.
Sisters Soul Food Cafe operates at 436 S Parramore Ave, Orlando, serving the community with love.
Oxtails simmer until fork-tender, falling apart in a rich gravy that deserves to be savored slowly.
The meat practically melts in your mouth while the gravy soaks into rice or mashed potatoes perfectly.
Collard greens cook with smoked turkey legs, developing layers of flavor that simple recipes never achieve.
Cornbread arrives golden and moist, slightly crumbly in texture with a hint of sweetness throughout.
Fried fish comes out crispy and hot, seasoned well and fried in oil that’s kept clean and fresh.
Mac and cheese bakes until the top forms a golden crust while the inside stays creamy and cheesy.
Lima beans simmer with ham hocks, transforming humble ingredients into something special and satisfying.
The small cafe fills quickly during lunch hours when workers and families crowd in for daily specials.
16. Maple Street Biscuit Company
Biscuits big enough to hold entire meals form the foundation of this Florida-based chain’s success.
Maple Street Biscuit Company started in Jacksonville and now serves locations across Florida including 11810 Glass House Ln #140, Orlando.
The biscuits themselves deserve awards, fluffy and buttery with layers that pull apart beautifully.
Each sandwich starts with these massive biscuits, split and stuffed with creative combinations of ingredients.
The Five combines fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and sausage gravy for an indulgent breakfast experience.
Squawking Goat features fried chicken with goat cheese and pepper jelly, balancing savory and sweet perfectly.
Grits arrive as a side option, creamy and cheesy, complementing the biscuit sandwiches wonderfully.
The Maple Jam provides a vegetarian option with fried green tomatoes and house-made pimento cheese.
Coffee flows freely with refills, ensuring your cup never sits empty during your meal.
The community-focused atmosphere encourages lingering over breakfast while chatting with neighbors and making new friends.
17. Cracker Barrel
Country cooking and rocking chairs on the porch define this Southern institution found throughout Florida.
Cracker Barrel maintains numerous locations including 155 N Krome Ave, Florida City, serving travelers and locals.
The menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Southern classics available any time you visit.
Chicken and dumplings arrive in a bowl of comfort, with fluffy dumplings floating in rich broth.
The meatloaf comes topped with tomato glaze and served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Biscuits arrive warm in a basket, perfect for spreading with butter and apple butter simultaneously.
Grits come as a breakfast side, creamy and mild, ready for butter or gravy additions.
Fried okra provides a crispy vegetable option that even okra skeptics tend to enjoy.
The country store attached to each location sells nostalgic candy and gifts for browsing before or after meals.
Consistent quality across locations means you know what to expect whether you’re in Pensacola or Key West.
18. Kountry Kitchen
Home cooking at diner prices keeps this Tallahassee favorite packed from morning until afternoon.
Kountry Kitchen serves guests at 1749 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, with genuine Southern hospitality daily.
Breakfast plates arrive loaded with eggs, grits, bacon, and toast for prices that seem stuck in time.
The portions run generous without being wasteful, giving you plenty to eat without overwhelming the table.
Lunch specials change daily, featuring meat-and-three options that let you customize your Southern plate.
Fried chicken shows up crispy and well-seasoned, with meat that stays juicy under the crunchy coating.
Turnip greens simmer with ham hocks, offering that authentic Southern vegetable experience with every spoonful.
Mashed potatoes come real and lumpy in the best way, never from a box or instant mix.
Sweet tea flows freely with refills, brewed strong and sweetened to proper Southern standards.
The no-frills atmosphere focuses attention where it belongs: on good food served hot and fast.
19. Big Mama’s on the Bayou
Recipes passed down through Big Mama herself fill plates at this Pensacola soul food destination.
Big Mama’s on the Bayou operates at 620 W Beach Dr, Panama City, keeping family traditions alive through food.
Fried chicken gets seasoned with a special blend that’s been perfected over generations of cooking.
The crust stays crispy even after sitting for a few minutes, protecting the juicy meat inside.
Yams arrive candied and sweet, cooked until tender and glazed with butter and cinnamon sugar.
Collard greens simmer slowly with smoked meat, developing the deep flavor that quick cooking never achieves.
Cornbread comes out slightly sweet and wonderfully moist, perfect alongside greens and beans.
Black-eyed peas cook with onions and seasonings, offering hearty comfort in a simple side dish.
Peach cobbler finishes meals with Southern sweetness, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The family atmosphere makes everyone feel like a welcomed guest at Big Mama’s own dining table.
