One of the top restaurants to try in America is in Cortez, Florida, according to USA Today

USA Today recently released its list of the top restaurants to try in America – and while no Tampa spots made the list, a waterfront gem about an hour outside of downtown Tampa did make the list: Star Fish Company in Cortez.

In total, the USA Today team selected 47 restuarants from across the country. In addition to Star Fish Co. in Cortez, other highlighted Florida restaurants include Brother Fox in Pensacola, The Daley Trade in Titusville, and Stage Kitchen & Bar in Palm Beach Gardens.

“The Restaurants of 2024 include buzzy Instagram-worthy spots backed by award-winning chefs, tried-and-true small-town standbys, and pantheons of fine dining worthy of foodies pilgrimages,” writes the editorial team at USA Today.
“They’re the places we love — a mix of old, new and in between. They’re places with stories to tell, places that should be on your dining bucket list and, lest we forget, places serving delectable  dishes we can’t stop talking about.”

Star Fish Company is located at 12306 46th Ave. W. in Cortez. “Star Fish Company offers exceptional Gulf seafood with a generous serving of Old Florida charm” writes Wade Tatangelo of the Sarasota Herald Tribune.

The restaurant has served the area for decades, and the cash only business keeps things simple. They offer Florida seafood prepared in the simplest of ways. Most items are either fried, grilled, blackened or sauteed, according to the restaurant’s website. Sides include the faithful seafood partners such as cole slaw, cheese grits and french fries — and hush puppies.

Recently featured fresh seafood items include smoked mullet, snow crab claws, and red grouper. Follow the restaurant on Facebook for updates on the menu, and the fresh catch of the day.

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