Following numerous stories this year about the state’s best restaurants and bars — and even best french fries — our USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Dining and Entertainment Team is now turning its attention to another exciting list from TripAdvisor.
The popular travel platform recently unveiled its Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024, which honor the “Best of the Best Restaurants,” including a list of the country’s top 25 hidden gems. Among them are three Florida dining destinations, with Miami Beach’s That’s Amore Italian restaurant making TripAdvisor history by securing the top spots in both the hidden gems and casual dining categories in the U.S.
‘There’s something special about the way food brings people together’
The 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Restaurant Awards are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on TripAdvisor over the 12-month period from June 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024, along with an additional editorial process, as noted on TripAdvisor’s website.
“There’s something special about the way food brings people together,” said Kristen Dalton, president of TripAdvisor, in a statement. “Some of my fondest travel memories are gathering the people I care about the most around a table and sharing a meal. From discovering hidden local favorites to unique dining experiences, our TripAdvisor community is here to guide travelers to meals worth remembering.”
Continue reading for information on all three Florida restaurants named among the 25 Best of the Best Hidden Gems in the country by TripAdvisor.
That’s Amore in Miami Beach ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s 2024 best hidden gems restaurant list
620 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 786-278-5533; thatsamorerestaurant.com
That’s Amore specializes in pasta dishes and pizza, drawing inspiration from “Nonna’s kitchen and the picturesque landscapes of the Italian countryside,” according to their website. TripAdvisor notes: “One visit to this relaxed, homey restaurant, and you’ll understand why they chose the name.”
Square Grouper Bar and Grill on Cudjoe Key ranked No. 6 on TripAdvisor’s 2024 best hidden gems restaurant list
22658 Overseas Highway, Cudjoe Key; 305-745-8880; squaregrouperbarandgrill.com
This hidden gem located in the lower Florida Keys is best known for its fresh and locally sourced seafood. TripAdvisor notes: “Try the house smoked fish dip and conch chowder — they’re standouts — but all of the fresh, local seafood is innovatively prepared, and the presentation is spot-on.”
Casa Benedetto’s in St. Augustine ranked No. 7 on TripAdvisor’s 2024 best hidden gems restaurant list
197 Blackford Way, St. Augustine; 904-471-5999; casabenedettos.com
Tucked away in a St. Augustine shopping plaza, Casa Benedetto’s delights its many loyal regulars with authentic Sicilian cuisine made from scratch. TripAdvisor notes: “The friendly staff, intimate setting, and good music add to the relaxed atmosphere.”
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida restaurants on TripAdvisor 2024 best ‘hidden gems’ list
