The Best Family Restaurants in Florida

Florida is known for its stunning beaches. Moreover, it’s also where one of the Disneylands is, making it a perfect summer getaway for families on the East Coast.

While it isn’t as famous as Texas for smoked meats, Florida is also a culinary hot spot. It caters to a wide range of preferences. Finding the perfect restaurant must be done ahead of time if you’re going out with the family. Here’s a list of the best family restaurants in the Sunshine State.

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, DeLeon Springs

Nestled within DeLeon Springs State Park, The Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a unique dining destination where families can cook their own pancakes at the table. Each table is equipped with a griddle, and diners can pour their own pancake batter and add a variety of toppings, from blueberries to chocolate chips. The rustic setting and interactive cooking experience make it a hit with kids and adults alike. After breakfast, families can explore the park, swim in the springs, or take a boat tour.

The Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City

The Columbia Restaurant, located in the historic Ybor City in Tampa, is Florida’s oldest restaurant, established in 1905. This family-owned restaurant offers a rich history and a menu filled with Spanish and Cuban cuisine. The vibrant decor and lively flamenco shows provide an entertaining backdrop for a family meal. Signature dishes like the 1905 Salad, paella, and Cuban sandwiches are sure to please every palate.

Datz, Tampa

Datz is a family-friendly restaurant in Tampa known for its inventive comfort food and welcoming atmosphere. The menu is filled with fun and indulgent dishes like the Cheesy Todd, a burger with fried mac and cheese “buns,” and the Nashville Chicken Doughnut, a spicy chicken sandwich served on a doughnut. Kids will love the playful presentation, and parents can enjoy a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails. Datz also offers a dedicated kids’ menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach

A Miami Beach institution since 1913, Joe’s Stone Crab is famous for its fresh seafood and legendary stone crabs. The restaurant’s elegant yet casual atmosphere makes it suitable for families, and the extensive menu offers something for everyone. Kids can enjoy dishes like fried chicken or macaroni and cheese, while adults savor the seafood specialties. Be sure to save room for Joe’s Key Lime Pie, a dessert that’s as iconic as the restaurant itself.

The Bubble Room, Captiva Island

The Bubble Room on Captiva Island is a whimsical restaurant that feels like a trip back in time. The eclectic decor, filled with vintage toys, Christmas lights, and nostalgic memorabilia, creates a magical atmosphere that captivates both kids and adults. The menu features American classics with a twist, including Bubble Bread, Orange Crunch Cake, and hearty entrees like prime rib and seafood. The Bubble Room’s enchanting ambiance and delicious food make it a must-visit for families.

Mellow Mushroom, Multiple Locations

Mellow Mushroom is a family-friendly pizza chain with several locations across Florida. Known for its creative pizza combinations and colorful, funky decor, Mellow Mushroom offers a relaxed dining experience that kids and parents will love. The menu includes a variety of pizzas, calzones, hoagies, and salads, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Each location has its unique vibe, often featuring local art and themes, making it a fun place to visit wherever you are in Florida.

The Rainforest Cafe, Orlando

Located in Disney Springs, The Rainforest Cafe offers an immersive dining experience that transports families to a tropical rainforest. The restaurant features animated animals, cascading waterfalls, and periodic thunderstorms, creating an exciting atmosphere for kids. The extensive menu includes something for everyone, from burgers and sandwiches to pasta and seafood. The Rainforest Cafe is a great spot to take a break from the theme parks and enjoy a fun, family-friendly meal.

How Food Handling Certification Helps Florida’s Best Restaurants

Behind the scenes of these fantastic family dining experiences lies a commitment to food safety and quality, significantly bolstered by food handling certification. Florida’s best family restaurants prioritize food handling certification to ensure that their staff is well-trained in proper food safety practices. This certification plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety, which is particularly important in family-friendly establishments where young children and vulnerable individuals may be dining.

Ensuring Cleanliness

Certified food handlers are trained in essential hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing techniques, maintaining clean workspaces, and preventing cross-contamination. These practices are critical in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring that every meal served is safe for consumption. In busy family restaurants, where the pace is fast and the stakes are high, having a team of certified food handlers ensures that cleanliness and hygiene are never compromised.

Proper Food Storage and Preparation

The Florida food handler certification also covers the proper storage and preparation of food, which is vital in preserving the quality and safety of the ingredients. Certified staff members are knowledgeable about the correct temperatures for storing perishable items, the safe handling of raw meats, and the importance of avoiding cross-contamination. This expertise is especially important in family restaurants that serve a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood at Joe’s Stone Crab to innovative pizzas at Mellow Mushroom.

Compliance with Health Regulations

In Florida, food handling certification is a requirement for many restaurant staff members, ensuring that establishments comply with state health regulations. This compliance not only protects customers but also enhances the restaurant’s reputation. Families dining at these establishments can feel confident that the food they are served meets stringent safety standards, allowing them to enjoy their meals without worry.

Creating a Culture of Safety

When a restaurant emphasizes the importance of food handling certification, it fosters a culture of safety and responsibility among its staff. Employees understand that their role is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of their customers. This culture of safety extends beyond the kitchen to the entire dining experience, contributing to the overall excellence and reliability of the restaurant.