Weekend mornings deserve a little magic, and shrimp and grits deliver it by the spoonful. Across Florida, breakfast counters turn this coastal classic into a comfort ritual with buttery grit pools, peppery shrimp, and smoky surprises. You will find bowls that lean Lowcountry or drift Cuban, Cajun, and coastal Gulf. Ready to chase that first bite that makes the whole day feel easier.
Maple Street Biscuit Company – Jacksonville, Florida
Sidle up to the counter and watch the kitchen slide out bowls that feel like a hug. Their shrimp and grits arrive creamy with a gentle cheddar twang, speckled with scallions, and kissed by smoky bacon. A drizzle of pepper jelly adds sweet heat that wakes everything up without stealing the show.
Order a flaky biscuit on the side and let the butter melt into the sauce like a second gravy. The shrimp are plump, quick seared, and dusted with paprika for color and snap. You will scrape the bowl, then wonder if a second round is unreasonable.
Metro Diner – Jacksonville, Florida
This is the kind of diner where the coffee is bottomless and the grits never clump. Metro Diner loads tender shrimp over rich, buttery grits and layers on andouille for a smoky kick. The gravy is silky with a pepper bite that lingers, perfect for chasing with toast or a biscuit.
You will love how the portion lands right between hearty and responsible. The shrimp snap when you bite, and the onions and peppers bring Sunday cookout vibes. Pull up a stool, swap stories with the server, and enjoy a bowl that tastes like a well kept neighborhood secret.
The Floridian Restaurant – St. Augustine, Florida
Sun bleached walls, easy smiles, and a bowl that sings of the coast. The Floridian leans into local shrimp and a tomato laced gravy that feels bright without losing richness. Creamy grits carry a touch of butter and just enough salt to keep you dipping your spoon back in.
Herbs add garden freshness while a hint of citrus lights up the seafood. You will taste St. Augustine in every bite, from the briny sweetness to the mellow heat. Pair with a fresh squeezed juice and let the morning stroll itself into a perfect day.
O’Steen’s Restaurant – St. Augustine, Florida
O’Steen’s keeps things simple and unforgettable. The shrimp are the star, sweet and clean, perched on grits that are silky but sturdy enough to hold their own. A light garlic butter and a sprinkle of parsley deliver coastal comfort without heavy sauce.
Grab a stool, watch the fryers hum, and consider adding a side of hushpuppies for dunking. You will get that seaside aroma and a bite that feels like vacation. Nothing fussy, just honest flavors cooked by folks who know exactly what shrimp should taste like at breakfast.
Blue Collar – Miami, Florida
Blue Collar serves comfort with swagger. Their shrimp and grits ride under a Creole leaning sauce, smoky and tomato rich, with peppers that nudge rather than shout. The grits are thick, buttery, and ready to catch every drop of that deep red gravy.
You will get prawny sweetness, a little heat, and the kind of savory depth that begs for a poached egg on top. Slide into a counter seat and watch the line cook move like a DJ. Breakfast turns into a groove, and the bowl becomes the track you put on repeat.
Yardbird Table & Bar – Miami Beach, Florida
Yardbird dresses Southern charm in beach light. The shrimp pop with citrus and pepper, then meet stone ground grits that are creamy and gently cheesy. Crispy bacon shards add crunch, while scallions slice through with a fresh green lift.
You will feel like treating yourself here, from the polished service to the handsome plate. A drizzle of hot honey ties sweet to heat without overpowering the seafood. Sip a cold brew coffee, take your time, and let that weekend feeling stretch as long as the coastline.
Foxy Brown – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Foxy Brown leans playful but serious about flavor. The shrimp and grits come lush, with a cream based sauce that clings like a perfect sweater. Notes of white wine and garlic keep things lively, while chives add a clean finish.
You will enjoy a bowl that feels brunchy yet grounded, great with a side of fried green tomatoes. The shrimp are seared for that caramel edge you crave. Slide into the bar seat, chat with the bartender, and let the first bite set your day to cruise control.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe – Orlando, Florida
Keke’s keeps breakfast cheerful and satisfying. Their shrimp and grits feature a buttery base with sautéed peppers and onions for color and crunch. A touch of Cajun seasoning warms the edges without turning up too much heat.
You will appreciate the balance if you like bold but not fiery. The portion is generous, and pairing with a waffle is highly encouraged for sweet and savory harmony. Sit near the kitchen, inhale the sizzle, and savor a bowl that tastes like comfort designed for a sunny Orlando morning.
First Watch – Sarasota, Florida
First Watch gives shrimp and grits a daytime polish. Expect a bright tomato herb sauce that plays well with creamy, stone ground grits. The shrimp are tender, lightly seasoned, and the bowl stays light enough to keep your day moving.
You will enjoy clean, fresh flavors and a tidy presentation, great with a side of avocado or greens. Coffee is excellent and the vibe is unhurried. It is the kind of breakfast that nudges you toward a beach walk, energized but comfortably full.
Peach Valley Cafe – Orlando, Florida
Peach Valley serves shrimp and grits that taste like your neighbor handed down a cherished recipe. The grits are smooth and buttery, with a whisper of cheddar. Shrimp arrive hot and juicy, dusted with paprika and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
You will want their warm apple fritters as a sweet counterpoint. The bowl delivers comfort without heaviness, making it perfect before parks or errands. Friendly servers keep the refills coming, and the morning feels easy from the first spoonful to the last.
Another Broken Egg Cafe – Destin, Florida
On the Emerald Coast, this cafe brings a Cajun kiss to a Southern staple. Plump shrimp crown a buttery grit base while andouille and a spicy cream sauce deliver smoky heat. The bowl is rich but balanced, especially with a squeeze of lemon.
You will find yourself alternating bites with sips of iced coffee. Add a poached egg if you like extra silk in your sauce. The vibe is beach morning casual, and the shrimp taste like they barely left the Gulf before landing in your breakfast.
Columbia Restaurant – Tampa, Florida
Columbia nods to Spain and Cuba while honoring Southern comfort. The shrimp and grits here lean garlicky with a whisper of olive oil and paprika. Creamy grits provide a mellow canvas while parsley and lemon keep the finish bright.
You will taste heritage in the details, from the careful sear on the shrimp to the restrained seasoning. It is elegant without losing the warmth you want from breakfast. Sit near the tiles, sip café con leche, and let the old world charm carry you into the day.
Ulele – Tampa, Florida
Ulele brings fire and Florida flair. The shrimp are flame kissed, picking up smoky edges that play beautifully against lush grits. A savory sauce built on peppers, onions, and a splash of local inspiration ties everything together.
You will want a seat with a view if the morning cooperates. The dish feels both rustic and refined, like campfire cooking upgraded with city polish. Take your time, enjoy the river breeze, and spoon up every last bit of that smoky goodness.
Undertow Beach Bar – St Pete Beach, Florida
Flip flops acceptable, appetite required. Undertow serves a beach ready version of shrimp and grits with a little spice and plenty of butter. The shrimp are quick seared, tossed with a chili kissed sauce, and piled over grits that stay creamy even in the salt air.
You will want to watch the waves between bites. Grab a cold drink and treat this as your pre beach fuel. The whole scene feels like the official breakfast of vacation mode, easygoing and delicious.
The Cottage – Siesta Key, Florida
The Cottage brings island light to a Southern classic. The shrimp shimmer with citrus and herbs, and the grits carry a gentle coconut note that reads creamy, not sweet. A sprinkle of scallions and a hint of chili keep the bowl lively.
You will feel relaxed the moment the plate hits the table. It is vacation in spoonable form, perfect before a walk on powdery sand. Linger on the patio, let the breeze do its thing, and finish every last silky bite.