Melissa Donovan
As the holiday season approaches, Florida becomes a hotbed for those seeking luxury dining experiences. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the Sunshine State offers a wide array of 3+ star-rated fine dining restaurants perfect for celebrating Christmas in style. According to a recent study by Cabo Villa Vegas Dave, Miami ranks as the top destination for fine dining in Florida this Christmas, with Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and other cities closely following. If you’re looking to indulge in gourmet meals this holiday season, here are the top 10 cities in Florida for luxury dining.
1. Miami – The Fine Dining Capital of Florida
Miami takes the crown as the ultimate fine dining hotspot this Christmas, with a luxurious restaurant on almost every corner. The city boasts 102 three-plus star-rated fine dining restaurants within its 35.87 square miles, which translates to one top-tier dining establishment every 0.4 square miles. Miami’s vibrant culinary scene includes famous restaurants like House of Food Porn, The Capital Grille, and Zuma Miami, all offering unforgettable meals for the holiday season.
2. Fort Lauderdale – Luxury Dining on Every Block
Ranked second, Fort Lauderdale is another incredible dining destination for those looking to enjoy a refined Christmas feast. The city is home to 38 fine dining restaurants spread across 34.77 square miles, with one luxury restaurant every 0.9 square miles. Favorites like Steak 954 and Casa D’Angelo Ristorante continue to attract food lovers seeking upscale holiday dining in South Florida.
3. Orlando – A Magical Dining Experience
Known for its theme parks and family-friendly attractions, Orlando also offers a wealth of fine dining options for those in search of exceptional holiday meals. The city has 78 three-plus star-rated restaurants spread across 102.4 square miles, resulting in one fine dining spot every 1.3 square miles. Highly regarded spots like Bacán and the Michelin-certified Victoria & Albert’s are perfect for a luxurious holiday dinner.
4. Hollywood – Waterfront Dining and More
Hollywood, Florida, ranks fourth in the study, offering a variety of fine dining choices with scenic waterfront views. This city features 11 fine dining restaurants within its 27.37 square miles, averaging one upscale restaurant every 2.5 square miles. GG’s Waterfront Bar and Grill and Billy’s Stone Crab Hollywood are popular choices among locals and visitors alike, making Hollywood an ideal dining destination for Christmas.
5. Tampa – Traditional and Contemporary Dining
Tampa is another top choice for fine dining this Christmas. With 40 luxury restaurants spread over 113.41 square miles, Tampa offers one fine dining experience every 2.8 square miles. Restaurants like Ocean Prime and Bern’s Steak House are consistently ranked among the best in the area, providing an excellent setting for holiday meals.
6. Miramar – Hidden Gem for Fine Dining
Ranked sixth, Miramar features a more intimate fine dining scene with six 3+ star-rated restaurants across its 29.52 square miles, resulting in one restaurant every 4.9 square miles. Top spots like SunQuest Cruises and Ocean Club Restaurant serve up exquisite meals perfect for a holiday celebration in this cozy Florida city.
7. Hialeah – Affordable Fine Dining in the Heart of Florida
With a strong mix of quality and affordability, Hialeah offers a selection of four fine dining restaurants within 21.45 square miles, meaning there’s one luxury restaurant every 5.4 square miles. Graziano’s – Hialeah and Pan.com Sandwicheria are top-rated places for dining in the city, especially for those looking for upscale meals without the hefty price tag.
8. St. Petersburg – Coastal Dining in Florida’s Gulf Coast
St. Petersburg takes eighth place, offering a scenic dining experience on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The city hosts 10 fine dining restaurants across 61.74 square miles, with one restaurant every 6.2 square miles. Notable establishments like Sea Salt and The Birch & Vine ensure a memorable holiday dining experience by the coast.
9. Gainesville – Fine Dining in a College Town
For those in search of an upscale dining experience in a more laid-back setting, Gainesville ranks ninth with seven fine dining restaurants in 61.3 square miles, averaging one fine dining spot every 8.8 square miles. Embers Wood Grill and Paramount Grill are top choices for a gourmet holiday meal in this bustling college town.
10. Tallahassee – Capital City Dining
Tallahassee, the state capital, rounds out the top 10 with 10 luxury dining restaurants across its 100.25 square miles, giving it one fine dining restaurant every 10 square miles. Enjoy a delightful Christmas meal at local favorites like Shula’s 347 Grill and Sage, offering a refined atmosphere perfect for a holiday gathering.
Why Florida is a Top Destination for Luxury Dining This Christmas
With a minimum of 331 star-rated restaurants across the state, Florida is a luxury dining destination like no other. Whether you’re in search of a Christmas feast in Miami’s cosmopolitan streets, a romantic dinner in Fort Lauderdale, or a family-friendly meal in Orlando, the Sunshine State provides a rich tapestry of fine dining options for every taste and budget.
These findings, based on a study conducted by Cabo Villa Vegas Dave, highlight the best places to indulge in the finest holiday meals in Florida. If you’re planning to enjoy a gourmet Christmas dinner this season, these cities should be at the top of your list.
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