This elegant Florida steakhouse was just named the best in the state

The restaurant’s seafood and key lime pie also are highlights.

An elegant Fort Lauderdale restaurant that recently opened a second location in Coral Gables was crowned the best steakhouse in the state of Florida.

Digital media company Tasting Table, which reports on food and drink trends, evaluated steakhouses across the country and decided that Daniel’s, a Florida Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale was the best in the state.

Tasting Table praised the wagyu tartare and Florida oysters and the restaurant’s commitment to in-state sourcing and pointed out that despite the staggeringly delicious wagyu ribeye and porterhouse, the menu also features “outstanding seafood dishes.”

And don’t even get them started on how to end the meal: “Save room for dessert — it’s the key lime pie that steals the show.”

“In order to be considered the best, we looked for places that not only served highly recommended and favorably reviewed high-quality steaks, but we also looked for places that put as much care and effort into the quality of the sides and the wine list as the steak,” Tasting Table writes. “Atmosphere, service, and — in some cases — longevity all needed to

he creation of Gioia Hospitality Group, the first Daniel’s opened on Federal Highway near the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel in October 2024 and was recognized by the Michelin Guide only six months after it opened. With a menu from Gioia culinary director, Chef Daniel Ganem, the restaurant also opened the upscale sports bar D’s next door.

The concept was so successful that Gioia founder and CEO Tom Angelo decided to bring Daniel’s to Miami, converting his Italian restaurant Fiola in Coral Gables into a classic, luxurious steakhouse in August 2025.

That move has proven wildly successful (try and get a reservation, and you’ll understand). And the restaurant isn’t just being recognized locally. This week, Daniel’s Miami is hosting one of the most exclusive dining experiences in the world: The Rare Tour from World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, which ranks steakhouses from around the globe. The two-night dinner, which quickly sold out, pairs Daniel’s with Rockpool Bar & Grill from Sydney Australia.

This is the first time the tour has been held in the United States. Ekkehard Knobelspies, founder and CEO of World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, said that Daniel’s Miami is “the perfect stage” to introduce The Rare Tour to the U.S.

“Choosing Daniel’s in Miami as the first U.S. host of The Rare Tour was no coincidence,” he said via email. “Miami is a city of energy, culinary excellence and bold flavors — and Daniel’s embodies that spirit with its passion for prime steak and uncompromising quality.”

Angelo said the Daniel’s team was honored to be the first U.S. host.

“It’s a testimony to the hard work of our entire culinary team, led by Danny Ganem,” he said. “It’s a testament to our commitment to excellence in hospitality.”

The response to the Coral Gables Daniel’s has been “spectacular,” he said.

“I really am gratified,” he said. “The rebranding has been well received by Fiola regulars but also an entire new clientele that appreciates our level of hospitality.”

Gioia Hospitality, which also includes beverage director Daniel Bishop and Kassidy Angelo, also plans to open the luxury Italian restaurant La Sponda at Grove Isle in Coconut Grove this winter.

Daniel’s, a Florida steakhouse

Where: 620 S. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale

Reservations: Resy; 954-451-1200

Daniel’s Miami

Where:1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables

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READ SOURCE ARTICLE HERE:  www.tampabay.com