New Restaurants Open Across Florida

Florida, January 9, 2026

Florida’s culinary scene is thriving with 14 new restaurant openings across various counties, showcasing a diverse range of cuisines from Dominican to Italian American. Each new establishment reflects the resilience and creativity of local entrepreneurs. These openings cater to the evolving dining preferences of residents and visitors, contributing to the state’s vibrant economy and rich food culture.

Exciting New Restaurants Open Across Florida in January 2026

Florida is setting the stage for a vibrant culinary scene with 14 new restaurant openings slated for January 2026. These newcomers highlight the resilient spirit of local entrepreneurs and the growing demand for diverse dining options across the state. As the restaurant industry continues to thrive, it reflects a broader trend of economic growth driven by innovative small businesses and the benefits of a more relaxed regulatory environment.

From fast-casual eateries to full-service dining experiences, these restaurants represent the creativity and determination necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive market. With an atmosphere conducive to entrepreneurship, Florida offers a unique opportunity for restaurant owners to explore a variety of cuisines that cater to the diverse palates of residents and visitors alike.

Broward County

• Freda’s Dominican Cuisine: A fast-casual Dominican restaurant is expected to open in mid-to-late February at 6868 Power Line Road, Fort Lauderdale.
• Mr. Shrimp Chicken & Seafood: Anticipated to open in February at 2424 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, marking the brand’s fifth brick-and-mortar location.
• Picky Eater Charcuterie Bar: A mobile catering concept aiming for a late January launch in Pompano Beach, offering a variety of charcuterie options.

Duval County

• Licious Noodles and Bao: This family-run Chinese concept is expanding to Jacksonville and plans to open at 4160 Southside Blvd #2B within the next one to two months.

Marion County

• Tacos Y Mas: A fast-casual Latin restaurant is opening on January 1 at 3100 SW College Road Unit 3094, Ocala, connected to the former Sears space at Paddock Mall.

Miami-Dade County

• Cotidiano: A Guadalajara-based restaurant and specialty market is targeting a January 22 opening in Wynwood at 66 NW 22nd St.
• Heal: An all-day café focused on balanced food and atmosphere is preparing to open later this month in downtown Miami at 2 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 104.

Orange County

• Mochiry Orlando: A fast-casual dessert and snack concept specializing in Korean-style mochi doughnuts and drinks plans to open in downtown Orlando in mid-January at 20 South Orange Avenue.

Palm Beach County

• Cluck Face Chicken: This fast-casual chicken concept is arriving in Boynton Beach with plans to open at 1787 N. Congress Ave., Ste. 2G A, in the first half of April.
• Due Cuori: A new full-service Italian American restaurant aims to open by January 31 at 405 Federal Highway, Lake Park.

Pasco County

• Twisted Garden: A healthy fast-casual café is targeting a January 19 opening at 6633 Forest Ave, New Port Richey, inside Morton Plant North Bay Hospital.

Pinellas County

• Hibachi Express: A new fast-casual sushi and hibachi restaurant is preparing to open at 3605 49th St. North, St. Petersburg, with a target opening on January 10.

Sarasota County

• Coach’s Bar and Grill: Planning to open between February 1 and February 15 at 124 W Venice Ave, Venice, this establishment will serve as a neighborhood gathering spot in downtown Venice.

St. Johns County

• Blackfly: Known for its community-driven bar scene and coastal-focused menu, this long-running St. Augustine restaurant plans to relocate to 410 Anastasia Blvd with a target opening in early March.

These new establishments reflect Florida’s dynamic and diverse dining landscape, showcasing a range of cuisines and experiences that cater to the eclectic tastes of residents and visitors alike.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.