From trendy farm-to-table eateries to old-school diners serving up hearty comfort fare, Toledo offers some fantastic dining options. The city’s diverse neighborhoods and cultural influences create a tasty blend of culinary experiences.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine/Highlights |
|---|---|
| Registry Bistro | Upscale American bistro with contemporary cuisine in a historic setting. |
| Mancy’s Steakhouse | Toledo institution for quality steaks and seafood since 1921. |
| Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar | Mediterranean flavors from Greece to Morocco. |
| Grumpy’s | Huge deli sandwiches with quality meats and cheeses. |
| Pacifico Loco | Mexican fare with freshly made tortillas and bold flavors. |
| Publix Delicatessen & Market District Cafe | Supermarket cafe with outstanding soups, sandwiches, and salads. |
| Table Forty 4 | Cozy bistro serving elevated comfort food. |
| Koreana | Authentic Korean BBQ and banchan in a modern setting. |
| Barry Bagels | Local chain offering a variety of fresh bagels and sandwiches. |
| Fleetwood’s Tap Room | Upscale pub grub and craft beers in a 1930s bus terminal setting. |
| ICE Restaurant and Bar | Upscale New American fare with stunning skyline views. |
| Manhattan’s | Classic vibes with old-fashioned drinks and comfort food. |
These 12 restaurants highlight Toledo’s thriving food scene with delicious dishes, creative cocktails, cozy atmospheres, and top-notch service.
Registry Bistro
Name and Location: Registry Bistro is located in Sarasota, Florida.
History and Significance: Registry Bistro opened in 2021 in the historic Registry Building in downtown Sarasota. It quickly became a popular local spot for fresh, seasonal new American cuisine.
What to Expect: Creative dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes often based on what’s in season. Knowledgeable staff provides excellent service in an intimate, upscale setting. Reservations recommended.
Visitor Information: Open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Sunday-Monday. Valet parking available. Dress code enforced.
For a fine dining experience in downtown Toledo, make a reservation at Registry Bistro. Located in a former department store built in 1897, this upscale American bistro serves artfully plated contemporary cuisine.
Start with roasted bone marrow or crispy duck wings before moving on to mains like seared scallops or braised short ribs. The Registry Burger comes stacked with foie gras and truffle aioli for luxury. Try a craft cocktail or select a bottle from the extensive wine list including over 40 varieties by the glass.
Mancy’s Steakhouse
Name and Location: Mancy’s Steakhouse, located in Naples, Florida.
History and Significance: Mancy’s has been serving premium steaks and seafood in Naples since 1985. It’s considered one of the top fine dining steakhouses in southwest Florida.
What to Expect: Mancy’s is known for its exceptional service, elegant atmosphere, and perfectly cooked, aged steaks. The wine list features over 400 selections. Jackets required for gentlemen.
Visitor Information: Open daily for dinner. Reservations strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Valet parking available.
Mancy’s Steakhouse is a Toledo institution, having served up quality steaks and seafood since 1921. The current downtown location exudes old-school charm with white tablecloths, dark wood, and velvet booths. USDA prime beef expertly aged and fire-grilled is the highlight.
Can’t miss picks are the center-cut filet mignon, New York strip, or ribeye. Seafood lovers will delight in lobster tail, ahi tuna, and jumbo shrimp entrees. Don’t skip Mancy’s famous relish tray starter! Make reservations for this cherished special occasion spot.
Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
Name and Location: Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar in downtown St. Petersburg, FL.
History and Significance: Opened in 2016, Souk brings the flavors of the Mediterranean using fresh local ingredients. The exotic decor transports diners to the markets and cafes of Morocco and Tunisia.
What to Expect: Shareable small plates, fresh hummus, baba ghanoush, kebabs, and flavorful tagines. Full bar with unique cocktails and an extensive wine list. Lively atmosphere with belly dancers on weekends.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Outdoor patio seating available. Free valet parking nights and weekends. Reservations recommended.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, check out charming Souk in downtown’s Warehouse District. Their menu reflects various regional cuisines from Greece to Morocco. Small plates like hummus, falafel, and grape leaves make it easy to sample a few.
Hearty lamb and chicken kebabs are served with rice or wrapped in warm pita. Save room for the Baklava Cheesecake! The bright interior, with colorful pillows and hanging lanterns, will transport you. Stop in on a warm day and dine al fresco on their patio.
Grumpy’s
Name and Location: Grumpy’s Restaurant in Fort Myers, FL.
History and Significance: Grumpy’s has been a beloved Fort Myers institution since 1978. The diner is known for its big portions, friendly service, and unique character.
What to Expect: Large selection of classic breakfast offerings served all day like omelets, pancakes, and home fries. Famous for their foot-long grilled hot dogs and 1-lb burgers. Cash only.
Visitor Information: Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Can get very busy on weekends. Street parking available nearby. Cash only payments.
Grumpy’s is a Toledo institution known for huge deli sandwiches piled high with quality meats and cheeses. Customize your own sandwich or choose a signature like the Cordon Bleu with honey ham, grilled chicken, and Swiss.
Other favorites include the Godfather with salami, capicola, pepperoni, and smoked provolone. They smoke their own corned beef, turkey, and pastrami in-house. Save room for one of Grumpy’s mammoth homemade cookies. Enjoy patio seating or take your sandwich to go for a picnic.
Pacifico Loco
Name and Location: Pacifico Loco in Naples, Florida
History and Significance: Opened in 2018, Pacifico Loco provides a fusion of Mexican and Peruvian inspired cuisine and cocktails. The fun, laid-back setting makes it a local favorite.
What to Expect: Inventive ceviches, tacos, shared plates and more. Extensive tequila and mezcal selection. Daily happy hour. Lively environment with music. Dog friendly outdoor patio.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted. Free parking lot on site.
For delicious tacos and other Mexican fare, head to Pacifico Loco in Old Orchard. Freshly made tortillas, slow-cooked meats, and bold flavors are menu highlights. The al pastor and shrimp tacos come highly recommended.
Other standouts include the Veracruz-style red snapper, sizzling fajita platters, and their tender barbacoa. Don’t miss the tableside guacamole. Margaritas come in wild flavors like cucumber chili and passionfruit. The festive interior dotted with woven lampshades helps set the mood.
Publix Delicatessen & Market District Cafe
Name and Location: Publix Delicatessen & Market District Cafe are cafe areas located within Publix grocery stores across Florida.
History and Significance: Founded in 1930 in Florida, Publix is one of the largest supermarket chains in the US. Their popular in-store cafes offer convenient, quality meals.
What to Expect: Wide selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads, hot meals. Also breakfast items, desserts, and more. Order at the counter to take out or eat in.
Visitor Information: Located within Publix stores. Open daily during store hours, usually 8am-8pm. No reservations needed.
Yes, the cafe inside the suburban Publix supermarket makes the list for its outstanding soups, sandwiches, and salads. Grab and go options like paninis, wraps, and pre-made meals are perfect to take on a picnic. Or sit down in the market cafe for made-to-order entrees and custom omelets cooked up fresh at breakfast.
The Publix deli also shines with its prepared foods, Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, and killer subs. Grocery shopping at Publix guarantees a delicious quick bite or meal.
Table Forty 4
Name and Location: Table Forty 4 in Jacksonville, FL
History and Significance: Established in 2004 in a historic 1940s house, Table Forty 4’s intimate setting and impeccable service made it a Jacksonville classic.
What to Expect: Creative New American cuisine with nightly specials. Extensive wine list and craft cocktails. Knowledgeable staff provides a fine dining experience. Reservations essential.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday evenings for dinner. Closed Sunday-Monday. Valet parking available. Jacket and collared shirts required for men.
Cozy neighborhood bistro Table Forty 4 serves elevated comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere. Hearty dishes like beer cheese soup, chicken pot pie, and meatloaf reflect the Midwest locale. Highlights from their scratch kitchen include the pretzel-crusted walleye and fork-tender pot roast.
For brunch, try the unique options like polenta cakes Benedict or biscuits with chicken sausage gravy. Table Forty 4 maintains an extensive gin cocktail list along with local craft beers. Friendly service in the candlelit dining room enhances the welcoming vibe.
Koreana
Name and Location: Koreana restaurant located in Gainesville, FL.
History and Significance: Koreana opened in 1982 and has been Gainesville’s go-to spot for authentic Korean cuisine for over 35 years. Family owned and operated.
What to Expect: Wide selection of Korean classics like bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi jjigae. Complimentary banchan sides. BYOB alcohol allowed. Friendly, welcoming service.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays. Free parking in adjacent lot. Cash only payments. Reservations recommended for large parties.
For the flavors of Korea, Koreana is Toledo’s go-to spot. A family owned favorite for over 35 years, Koreana turns out authentic BBQ and banchan (side dishes). The do-it-yourself tabletop grills are popular for cooking marinated short ribs, beef bulgogi, and pork belly yourself.
Bibimbap comes sizzling in a hot stone bowl alongside kimchi and pickled radish. Cool off with a refreshing Korean iced coffee. The dining room’s modern decor provides a sleek backdrop for this culinary adventure.
Barry Bagels
Name and Location: Barry Bagels has two locations in Palm Beach County, FL.
History and Significance: Founded in 1999, Barry Bagels serves authentic New York-style bagels baked fresh daily. A local favorite for breakfast and lunch.
What to Expect: Huge selection of bagels and schmears. Also deli sandwiches, soups, salads and more. Casual counter-service spot. Expect a line on weekends.
Visitor Information: Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Free parking at both locations. Order ahead online for pickup.
Barry Bagels has been a beloved local chain since 1962, serving over a dozen varities of fresh bagels daily alongside tasty breakfast and lunch fare. Pick up a dozen warm bagels like poppy, whole wheat, and jalapeño cheddar on your way to the office or lake.
Create your own massive bagel sandwich or try a classic like the Lox and Locks loaded with nova salmon, onions, capers, and herb cream cheese. You can’t go wrong with a cup of Barry’s chicken noodle matzoh ball soup either.
Fleetwood’s Tap Room
Name and Location: Fleetwood’s Tap Room in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
History and Significance: Opened in 2018 in a restored 1950s gas station, Fleetwood’s is a retro-themed craft beer bar known for its extensive tap list and fun atmosphere.
What to Expect: 30 rotating craft draft beers, indoor and outdoor seating areas, live music nights, bar games like shuffleboard and darts. Food trucks often parked outside.
Visitor Information: Open daily noon to midnight. Kitchen closes at 11pm. All ages until 9pm. Valid ID required for alcohol purchases. Street parking available.
Housed in a former 1930s bus terminal, Fleetwood’s Tap Room delivers upscale pub grub and a stellar craft beer list. Sip a sour while munching on baked brie pretzel dippers or spicy buffalo cauliflower bites.
For dinner, opt for entrees like the cast iron seared salmon in lemon caper butter or brick chicken served with gnocchi. Food arrives at red leather booths and on tin lunchboxes for a retro diner ambiance. Check the taps for dozens of regional IPAs, stouts, ciders, and more.
ICE Restaurant and Bar
Name and Location: ICE Restaurant and Bar, 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
History and Significance: ICE Restaurant opened in 2015 as an interactive dining experience. The entire interior is made of carved ice sculptures and kept at a chilly 21 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Expect: An immersive, chilled dining room with seating carved from blocks of ice. The seasonal menu features classic American fare and cocktails. Staff provide coats and gloves.
Visitor Information: Open daily for dinner. Reservations required. Pack warmly as the interior temperature is 21°F. Valet parking available.
For stunning skyline views and upscale New American fare, make reservations at ICE Restaurant and Bar inside the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. Creative takes on beef tartare, goat cheese ravioli, and Chilean sea bass exemplify their approach.
Luxe touches like a tableside guacamole service and Kobe beef sliders elevate the experience. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace, this is the ideal spot for a romantic dinner with sweeping downtown views. Don’t miss handcrafted cocktails like the Elderfashion with bourbon and sherry.
Manhattan’s
Classic vibes and old-fashioned drinks reign at comfy Manhattan’s, opened in the 1960s. Red leather booths, vintage New York photos, and Rat Pack hits set the mood. House specialties include patty melts, Reubens, liver and onions, and pork tenderloin sandwiches.
Hand-cut steaks, like the Manhattan strip and filet mignon, satisfy carnivores. Pull up a seat at the U-shaped bar to watch bartenders whip up retro cocktails like the Old Pal with rye whiskey and vermouth. A time capsule into 20th century dining, Manhattan’s charms with comfort and nostalgia.
Conclusion
Toledo offers diners excellent variety from steakhouses serving superb cuts of meat and seafood to ethnic eateries dishing out international flavors. Trendy modern kitchens in converted warehouses share the scene with old-school taverns and delis that have been neighborhood fixtures for decades.
Foodies will relish the farm-to-table restaurants focused on locally sourced ingredients. Whatever you crave, from upscale to casual to ethnic, Toledo delivers top-notch locally loved dining destinations.