Orlando's restaurant scene has already made waves this year, with major new eateries, celebrated chefs and a bustling foodie scene. But that doesn't mean all the great spots just outside the city's core should go unnoticed.
Central Florida is home to storied fish camps, upscale steak houses, classic diners and even treehouse bars that'll help expand locals' culinary horizons. Here are 30 Central Florida small town restaurants worth the drive from Orlando.
30 small town Central Florida restaurants worth a drive from Orlando
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Jun 21, 2024 at 12:48 pm
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Photo via 1921 Mount Dora/Facebook
1921 Mount Dora
142 E. Fourth Ave., Mount DoraThe restaurant started in a converted home built in 1921. The spot is known for celebrating traditional Florida cuisine with a modern twist. The eatery works closely with local farmers and purveyors to offer the best ingredients and maintain a connection with local producers.
Image via Google Maps
Ocoee Taco Company
40 Taylor St., OcoeeDon't let the name fool you, this spot is much more than just tacos (although you definitely shouldn't pass up these). The menu boasts huaraches, tortas, quesadillas and soups.
Photo via The Catfish Place/Yelp
The Catfish Place
2324 13th St., St. CloudCatfish Place has been serving seafood for more than 35 years at this homey Central Florida location full of antiques, collectibles and Southern vibes.
Photo via The Garlic/Facebook
The Garlic
556 E. Third Ave., New Smyrna BeachThis beloved New Smyrna Beach restaurant is best known for its ambient atmosphere complete with tons of outdoor, indoor and covered seating, colorful lights and vibrant, antique decor. The Garlic offers authentic Italian cuisine and a full bar.
Photo via Google Maps
Shantell’s Just Until Restaurant & Lounge
503 Sanford Ave., SanfordShantell’s offers comforting food in the historic downtown Sanford. Whether you are craving chicken-fried steak, meatloaf or their signature wings, you are going to feel at home.
Image via Google Maps
Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar
204 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna BeachThird Wave Cafe & Wine Bar's expansive menu boasts everything from charcuterie boards to filet mignon burgers. The cozy spot also has gourmet coffee, sandwiches, pizzas, global wines and craft beers, plus a garden patio to sit back and dine in.
Photo via Black Hammock Restaurant/Yelp
Black Hammock
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, OviedoThe Black Hammock is a classic Central Florida eatery that offers laidback lakeside dining, a casual bar and plenty of gator-filled dishes.
Image via Google Maps
The Tennessee Truffle
125 W. First St., SanfordThe Tennesse Truffle is a true Southern restaurant that serves creative entrees and desserts like swordfish, apple butter ice cream, homemade soup and biscuits.
Photo via Hollerbach's/Facebook
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe
201-205 E. First St., SanfordHollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe offers German classics like schnitzel and wurst, plus plenty of beer and regular live music – all making for a friendly, fun atmosphere.
Photo via JB's Fish Camp/Facebook
JB's Fish Camp
859 Pompano Ave, New Smyrna BeachWith a beachside location, this fish camp offers a variety of activities such as fishing pole, kayak and paddleboard rentals in addition to their spicy Cajun-style food. Enjoy fried or blackened fish, sandwiches, shellfish, award-winning soups and more.
Photo via Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar
Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar
400 E. Second Ave., New Smyrna BeachOnce upon a time, Norwood's was a gas station and general store. It was bought in 1946 and transformed into the cozy restaurant and treetop bar it is today. The menu boasts seafood creations, drinks and plenty of live music.
Image via Google Maps
Nineteen61
215 E. Main St., LakelandIf you are looking for Latin American food in Lakeland, this place is a hidden gem. They have churrasco, empanadas, and Peruvian ceviche.
Image via Google Maps
Crabby's
203 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna BeachWith a waterside location and a menu bursting with seafood-focused dishes, Crabby's offers everything you need to enjoy some truly beachside dining in New Smyrna Beach.
Photo via Google Maps
Verona Cafe
220 Edgewood Drive, ApopkaThis Apopka spot's offers simple pizzas, calzones, wings, subs and pasta. The spot markets itself as "unpretentious" and definitely delivers.
Photo via The Crooked Spoon/Facebook
The Crooked Spoon
200 Citrus Tower Blvd., ClermontCrooked Spoon started with a food truck, growing to a brick-and-mortar spot with fans throughout Central Florida. Try the craft beers, the 420 burger, mac & cheese and meatloaf.
Photo via Google Maps
Cuban Sandwiches on the Run
2956 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, CasselberryCuban Sandwiches on the Run is a much-beloved grab-and-go Casselberry spot serving up classic Cuban fare, like ropa vieja, pan con timba, bistec con chimichurri and way more.
Photo via PizzAmore
PizzAmore
722 E. Fifth Ave., Mount DoraPizzAmore is a family-friendly eatery serving up speciality pies, Italian entrees, beer and wine in a casual, intimate Mount Dora outpost.
Photo via Neighbors Artisan Taqueria/Facebook
Neighbors Artisan Taqueria
112 W. Georgia Ave., DeLandNeighbors is known for its tacos, vegan options and house-made chips. The location is actual neighbors with Persimmon Hollow brewery, so guests can grab some food and then wash it down with a brew or two.
Image via Google Maps
La Fonda Mexican Kitchen
1155 W. State Road 434, LongwoodLa Fonda Mexican Kitchen serves up tons of authentic Mexican food like enchiladas, flautas, chile relleno and burritos at this Longwood location.
Photo via Spanish River Grill/Facebook
Spanish River Grill
1518 S. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna BeachNew Smyrna Beach's Spanish River Grill recently reopened, offering contemporary Latin cuisine and creative cocktails, all wrapped up in a vibrant setting.
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