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30 small town Central Florida restaurants worth a drive from Orlando

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Jun 21, 2024 at 12:48 pm

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.

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Photo via Goblin Market/Facebook

Goblin Market Restaurant

330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mount Dora
The Goblin Market has been serving the Mount Dora community since 1996, right in the heart of the town's historic downtown. The spot serves retro dishes like chicken avocado, a cashew chicken sandwich and a blackened pork plate.

Photo via Coqui/Facebook

Coqui Restaurant

4004 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford
Coqui serves up authentic Puerto Rican food like mofongo, empanadas, bistec encebollado and more to the Sanford community.

Photo via Plant Street Market/Facebook

Plant Street Market

426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden
This jewel in Winter Garden's historic downtown is an indoor artisan market featuring dozens of vendors and local fare plus organic, homemade goods all under one roof.

Image via Google Maps

Magical Meat Boutique

322 Alexander St., Mount Dora
Mount Dora's British-inspired pub mainstay, Magical Meat Boutique is a kitschy casual spot perfect for grabbing a pint, afternoon tea or some meaty eats. The spot also regularly offers live music on its outdoor patio.

Image via Google Maps

Shiraz Market

188 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
This Middle Eastern market has a selection of grocery items as well as traditional Mediterranean treats. Yelp reviewers and our own dining critic, Faiyaz Kara, have raved about Shiraz’s falafel, Turkish delight and baklava among many, many other eats.

Image via Google Maps

Mediterranean Street Food By Shishco

118 Lake Ave., Maitland
This casual, quick-serve Mediterranean destination offers shish kebabs, gyros, falafel and more, plus a small patio for on-site dining.

Photo via Aunt Gingibread's Bakery/Facebook

Aunt Gingibread's Bakery

409 S. Park Ave., Apopka
Family-owned and hidden off the main drag of Park Avenue, Aunt Gingibread's sells homemade tarts, cupcakes and other sweets; treat yourself to some sugar.

Photo via Wondermade

Wondermade

214 E. First St., Sanford
This dessert cafe might be known for their marshmallows, but the ice cream is nothing to scoff at. Wondermade serves up handcrafted ice cream, with all the classic flavors you love plus some wilder ones like avocado, maple bacon and cornbread, as well.

Photo via Yellowdog Eats/Facebook

Yellow Dog Eats

1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere
Yellow Dog puts a little bit of a twist on Southern BBQ. Sure, you can go there to get ribs, but you would be missing out on their more original sandwiches and other off-script dishes.Try to make room for dessert (even though portions are huge) because their bakery is next-level.