Imagine walking just outside the archways of Rollins College, crossing the street, and stepping into the hustle and bustle of the Park Avenue District. A multitude of restaurants and dessert shops line both sides of the avenue, presenting an exciting yet somewhat daunting prospect. Despite your excitement, you are stopped in your tracks. ‘Where should I go first?’ You are unsure where to start looking, your head spinning from the sheer number of possibilities. With so much to see and taste, you will want to allocate time as efficiently as possible to make the most of every moment.
Worry not! As someone who frequents Park Avenue, I am here to provide you with a guide to what I consider the best spots around. Park Avenue features all sorts of diverse food locations; from Japanese cuisine at Umi Japanese Restaurant, Turkish cuisine at Bosphorous, American cuisine at Briarpatch, to Italian cuisine at Prato, Park Avenue has something for everyone. In this guide, I will highlight some of the most notable locations to ensure you can choose from the best this Family Weekend.
A Taste of Park Avenue
Rome’s Flavours – Ever wanted to feel as though you were in Italy and Park Avenue at the same time? Then I have the perfect place for you to dine. Rome’s Flavours has been faithfully serving “the authentic Italian taste” on Park Avenue for 13 years. The restaurant itself is a trattoria, meaning it is more traditional than modern restaurants. Walking to the restaurant, you will immediately be greeted by rows of string lights and outdoor seating that give off the vibes of a tiny Italian café off the busy streets of Rome (indoor seating features a similar atmosphere). As for the food, chefs bring Italian flavors straight to your table. Everything you can order at the restaurant is finely prepared, most notably bakery pizzas, homemade pasta, and a custom rotating wine list showcasing the different wine regions of Italy. You can even view the homemade pasta as they are hung to dry, showcasing the restaurant’s culinary prowess. If you are looking for a mellow option to enjoy your food away from the hustle of the avenue, this is the place.
The Imperial on Park – Want to be enthralled by some of the finest American cuisine? The Imperial on Park, which is a relatively new addition to the avenue (having opened its location on Park Avenue in February 2025), will satisfy that desire. The restaurant showcases a wide variety of American options, most notably the salmon tacos and chicken Milanese. One of the main features of the restaurant is a bar that offers a wide variety of drinks and amazing craft beers. Everything in the restaurant looks like it came straight out of an antique shop, making diners feel as though they have been transported to an old speakeasy. The Imperial on Park also frequently has musicians playing live music, a pleasant addition to any meal.
Something to Sip, Flavors to Discover:
The Spice & Tea Exchange – Looking for a place to immerse yourself in a highly stimulating sensory experience? Check out The Spice & Tea Exchange, a shop that has been on the avenue for around 20 years. It is part of a chain with over 100 locations across Florida and the East Coast. With their core mission of “Creating & sharing the experience of a more flavorful life,” The Spice & Tea Exchange takes the customer experience and the making of their custom spice, sugar, and tea blends very seriously. Their teas come from all over the world, with custom tea and spice blends being made in-house every day. Some of their most popular blends include their Florida Sunshine spice, and the dragon fruit herbal blend. The shop also features a tea bar, where you can try out any custom tea blends that catch your eye, whether you want them hot or iced. If you are into drinking tea or checking out spices and sugars, The Spice & Tea Exchange is definitely a nice spot to stop and relax.
Delectable Treats on Park Avenue
AJ Chocolate House – AJ Chocolate House is a unique dessert shop located on the corner of Park Avenue and Fairbanks, just across the street from Rollins College. Open since September 2023, the shop sells handmade Belgian-style chocolates. It offers over 150 different chocolate treats, in addition to cakes, ice cream, coffee, and more. You will feel as if you were transported to an old-world European chocolate café with the moody lighting, chandeliers, and murals. This provides a wonderful atmosphere to sit down and enjoy some delectable treats while chatting with loved ones. The bottom line is that if you and your family have a major sweet tooth, AJ Chocolate House is the place to go.
The Glass Knife – The Glass Knife is another must-visit restaurant and dessert spot on Park Avenue. Though it only opened its Park Avenue location in late November 2025, it quickly gained popularity. It offers various cakes, cookies, donuts, brownies, coffees, and other treats. I personally recommend the chocolate chip cookie warmed up, the oatmeal cream pie, or the seasonal snack cake. Additionally, the restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with one of my all-time favorite menu items being grilled cheese with tomato bisque, a small and savory meal. However, no matter what you choose, you cannot go wrong! One final tidbit: The Glass Knife features a variety of events. From afternoon tea and hands-on cake decorating to seasonal pop-ups and special celebrations, there is always something going on at The Glass Knife.
Closing Remarks
Overall, the Park Avenue District offers a concentrated diversity of restaurants that you will have trouble finding anywhere else. There is something for every palate and mood, all surrounded by incredible scenery. What makes it perhaps the most special, though, is that it does not merely feature various restaurants; it hosts a celebration of different cultures, one that you and your family can partake in this Family Weekend.
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur or Rollins College. Have any additional tips or opinions? Send us your response. We want to hear your voice.
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