Florida, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Tripadvisor’s latest report showcases Florida’s culinary scene, highlighting five out of ten eateries recognized as ‘hidden gems’ across the U.S. Featured restaurants include Urban Prime in Melbourne, known for its modern vibe and sunset views, as well as Cabbage Key, Bungalow By The Sea, Portugal Wine Bar & Grill, and Golden Lyon Vintage Pub. This recognition reflects Florida’s diverse dining options and commitment to quality service, making it an attractive destination for both locals and travelers seeking unique dining experiences.
Melbourne, Florida — Tripadvisor’s latest list of lesser-known restaurants has put Florida in the spotlight, with five of the top 10 entries on a nationwide list of “hidden gem” eateries.
Top points
Tripadvisor released a report on September 23 highlighting lesser-known “hidden gem” restaurants across the U.S. The rankings were based on the “quality and quantity of reviews and ratings” collected from customers over a year leading to July 31. The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title is given to establishments that receive a high volume of exceptional reviews, with fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings achieving this status. The list emphasizes “under-the-radar” dining spots that allow visitors to experience local flavors.
What this means for Florida diners
Florida is prominently represented, featuring five restaurants in the top 10 of the nationwide list. Among those Florida entries, Urban Prime in Melbourne secured the highest rank among Florida eateries; it’s about a 70-mile drive southeast from Orlando. Urban Prime earned attention for a contemporary vibe, a lively atmosphere, a diverse menu that includes made-to-order sushi and charcuterie, and outdoor seating with sunset views that attract diners.
Other Florida restaurants recognized on the list include: Cabbage Key in Pineland, approximately 135 miles south of Tampa, received commendation for its waterfront views and relaxing dining experience, serving burgers and seafood. Bungalow By The Sea in Miami Beach was also noted for its scenic dining atmosphere. Portugal Wine Bar & Grill in Palm Coast was recognized for excellent customer service and seafood offerings. Golden Lyon Vintage Pub in Fort Lauderdale garnered reviews for its inviting ambiance and drink selection.
Nationwide context and related categories
Nationwide, the top “under-the-radar” restaurant was identified as 1 Kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee. The Tripadvisor list highlights smaller and less-prominent operations that consistently receive strong guest feedback. The methodology used in the rankings focuses on the “quality and quantity of reviews and ratings” gathered over the twelve months leading to July 31, producing a list driven by customer experiences.
In addition to the “hidden gem” list, Florida restaurants also ranked well in other Tripadvisor categories, including best date-night restaurants and beloved casual dining spots. The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best status remains rare across the platform, held by fewer than 1% of listings.
Local travel and dining implications
For travelers and residents seeking under-the-radar dining experiences, the list provides specific leads in Florida towns and cities spanning coastal and urban locations. Urban Prime’s proximity to Orlando positions it as a feasible destination for day trips or evening drives, while Cabbage Key and the coastal Miami Beach and Palm Coast entries point to scenic-dining options tied to waterfront or ocean-adjacent settings. Fort Lauderdale’s Golden Lyon Vintage Pub represents a more urban, nightlife-oriented choice among the Florida entries.
How Tripadvisor determined the list
The rankings were based on metrics that measure both the number of positive assessments and the overall strength of guest sentiment. That approach is intended to identify places that are less widely known but deliver a consistently positive dining experience. The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best designation is a separate recognition for establishments receiving a high volume of exceptional reviews.
What to expect when visiting
Expect a range of dining styles among the Florida selections: from fine-dining and made-to-order sushi at Urban Prime to casual burgers and seafood at Cabbage Key, scenic seaside meals at Bungalow By The Sea, seafood and attentive service at Portugal Wine Bar & Grill, and a pub atmosphere with a broad drink selection at Golden Lyon Vintage Pub. Nationwide selections highlight similar variety across regions, with 1 Kitchen in Nashville noted as the Nationwide leader among under-the-radar restaurants on this list.
FAQ
- When was the Tripadvisor report released?
- Tripadvisor released a report on September 23 highlighting lesser-known “hidden gem” restaurants across the U.S.
- How were the rankings determined?
- The rankings were based on the “quality and quantity of reviews and ratings” collected from customers over a year leading to July 31.
- What is the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title?
- The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title is given to establishments that receive a high volume of exceptional reviews, with fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings achieving this status.
- How did Florida perform on the nationwide list?
- Florida is prominently represented, featuring five restaurants in the top 10 of the nationwide list.
- Which Florida restaurant ranked highest among Florida eateries?
- Urban Prime in Melbourne secured the highest rank among Florida eateries; it’s about a 70-mile drive southeast from Orlando.
- Which restaurants in Florida were highlighted?
- Cabbage Key in Pineland, approximately 135 miles south of Tampa, received commendation for its waterfront views and relaxing dining experience, serving burgers and seafood. Bungalow By The Sea in Miami Beach was also noted for its scenic dining atmosphere. Portugal Wine Bar & Grill in Palm Coast was recognized for excellent customer service and seafood offerings. Golden Lyon Vintage Pub in Fort Lauderdale garnered reviews for its inviting ambiance and drink selection.
- Which restaurant was identified as the top “under-the-radar” Nationwide?
- Nationwide, the top “under-the-radar” restaurant was identified as 1 Kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Did Florida restaurants appear in other Tripadvisor categories?
- Florida restaurants also ranked well in other Tripadvisor categories, including best date-night restaurants and beloved casual dining spots.
Simple chart: Key features of highlighted restaurants
| Restaurant | City | Noted Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Prime | Melbourne | Contemporary vibe, made-to-order sushi, outdoor sunset seating |
| Cabbage Key | Pineland | Waterfront views, burgers and seafood, relaxing dining experience |
| Bungalow By The Sea | Miami Beach | Scenic dining atmosphere |
| Portugal Wine Bar & Grill | Palm Coast | Excellent customer service, seafood offerings |
| Golden Lyon Vintage Pub | Fort Lauderdale | Inviting ambiance, drink selection |
| 1 Kitchen | Nashville | Top Nationwide “under-the-radar” restaurant |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Phil Rosenthal Highlights Las Vegas and Orlando as Culinary Gems
Central Florida Welcomes Autumn with Family-Friendly Festivals
Mills 50 Neighborhood in Orlando Receives National Recognition
Grande Lakes Orlando Launches Family-Friendly Fall Festival
Mills 50 District: Orlando’s Culinary Epicenter
Ocala/Marion County VCB Wins at 2025 VISIT Florida Flagler Awards
Transformations in Orlando’s Culinary Landscape
Orlando Welcomes Ji Bei Chuan: A New Noodle House
Orlando’s Best Late-Night Food Spots
Orlando’s Hidden Eats: Discover Secret Culinary Gems
Additional Resources
- Miami Herald
- Florida Today
- Only in Your State
- Google Search: Florida restaurants
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
