Sanford is undoubtedly a blossoming restaurant hub. From boozy brunches to some of the best barbecue in Central Florida, here are a few Sanford digs you probably should definitely put on your radar.  So the next time you visit our friends in the North, keep these places in mind when your stomach starts to growl.

The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar 112 E. First St., Sanford, 407-878-1284,thebreezewayrestaurantandbar.com Get your surf n’ turf fix at this casual eatery that serves up fresh seafood, steaks and everything in between. Photo via mo0nchild__/Instagram
The Tennessee Truffle 125 W. First St., Sanford, 407-942-3977,facebook.com/thetennesseetruffle This breakfast-and-lunch restaurant gives Southern staples a new twist and introduces Sanford to the delicious secrets of pickled ramps. Photo via thetennesseetruffle/Instagram
Wondermade Café 214 E. First St., Sanford, 407-205-9569,wondermade.com Marshmallow lovers, meet your match. This unique café puts the dessert on a stick, in a s’more or in a cup of hot Lineage coffee. Photo via wondermade/Instagram
Shantell’s Cafe 501 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 845-214-4589,ordershantells.com With tasty, comforting soul food options including mac and cheese and crispy fried chicken and waffles, at this spot, you’ll feel like part of the family. Photo via celebritychef4u/Instagram
Fuel BBQ 120 S. Park Ave., Sanford, 407-328-4848,fuelbbq.com Served straight up on a metal tray, this restaurant’s food is a no-frills barbecue get-down right next door to the Alley, a live blues venue owned by the same folks. Photo via karenkleyla1/Instagram
Gator’s Riverside Grille 4255 Peninsula Point, Sanford, 407-322-2150,gatorsriversidegrille.com Pull up to this pet-friendly restaurant by car or boat to enjoy bar grub favorites like chili cheese fries and jalapeño poppers, or dive into the Captain’s Sampler Platter to get your fill of oysters, clams, crab legs and shrimp. Photo via gabbyjbogan/Instagram
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café 205 E. First St., Sanford, 407-321-2204,willowtreecafe.com Come for the German food and beer, stay for the gemütlichkeit atmosphere, complete with oompah music. Photo via Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe/Facebook
The District Eatery, Tap & Barrel 112 W. Second St., Sanford, 407-330-2730,districtsanford.com The District puts a modern, elegant twist on classic American cuisine and serves it up in a classy atmosphere, with architecture highlighting Sanford’s Historic District. A rotating list of craft beers and cocktails compliments a menu featuring sophisticated entrees such as braised short ribs and a black angus burger with white truffle aioli. Photo via tunesbyalex/Instagram
The Smiling Bison 107 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford, 407-915-6086,smilingbison.com/sanford Chef Josh Oakley’s gastropub gets raves for good reason, with beer-friendly but upscale dishes like the duck-lover’s pizza and the shaved-beef sandwich on a smoked salt-caraway roll. Ask for mushroom ketchup on your fries. Photo via Rob Bartlett
Jimotti’s Restaurant 2545 S. French Ave., Sanford, 407-952-3329,jimotti.com This self-described Japanese-style tapas restaurant run by a former Morimoto Asia head sushi chef is a culinary adventure, located in an unlikely neighborhood. Brave it. Photo via yotedesco/Instagram
Wolfy’s Lakefront Bar & Grill 520 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 407-322-2150,wolfyslakefront.com Kick back on the shores of Lake Monroe with a burger, a cold one and some friends while enjoying the live music and laid back atmosphere. Photo via Wolfy’s Lakefront Bar & Grill/Facebook
Sanford Brewing Company 400 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-6419,sanfordbrewing.com Opened earlier this year, this brewery and gastropub serves up brunch, lunch, and dinner, where you can try any Sanford Brewing Co. beers, some guest taps and delicious apps and entrees. The “Make Your Own Mac and Cheese” menu option is sure to please. Photo via Sanford Brewing Company/Facebook
Buster’s Bistro 300 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-6880,bustersbistro.com This self-proclaimed Belgian Beer Bar offers an extensive, high-quality draft beer list and a multicultural menu featuring dishes such as poutin and tikka masala. If you’re looking for a more intimate evening, check out the beer garden in the back. Photo via bl00dw0rth/Instagram
Chianti’s Pizza & Pasta 685 Towne Center Blvd., Sanford, 407-878-5900,chiantispizza.com Chianti’s, named after the popular Tuscan table wine, offers classic Italian cuisine in a family-oriented atmosphere. Grab a fork and take a stab at the lobster ravioli, or share a large basil margherita pizza and good conversation with friends and family. Photo via Chianti’s Pizza and Pasta – Italian Restaurant/Facebook
St. Johns River Steak & Seafood 550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 407-878-0980,stjrss.com Feel the breeze blowing off the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe while munching away on fried gator bites or frog legs. If you’re not feeling particularly adventurous, try the New Orleans Po’ Boys or ask about the Chowder of the Day at this riverside bar and grill. Photo via kerrijosmith/Instagram
The Corner Café 101 W. First St., Sanford, 407-322-3779,thecornercafesanford.com If you’re looking to impress your friends with a lunch date, you should consider this elegant bistro in the heart of the Historic District. Try the french onion soup, which is served in a bread bowl toasted with Muenster cheese on top. Photo via The Corner Cafe/Facebook
Mel’s Family Diner 3221 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford, 407-321-4294,facebook.com/MelsDiner1987 Southern classics are served up at this retro American diner. Sink your teeth into the country fried steak or the biscuits and gravy, and wash it down with a cup o’ joe to start your morning right. Photo via Mel’s Family Diner/Facebook
Negril Spice Cuisine 114 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-878-2726,negrilspices.com Jamaican-American staples such as curry goat, oxtail and jerk chicken can be found at this authentic spot, which won “Best Caribbean Restaurant” in My Sanford Magazine’s “Best of Sanford” the last two years in a row. Photo via Negril Spice Cuisine/Facebook
Zorba’s Greek Restaurant 115 E. First St., Sanford, 407-915-6082,zorbasgreekfood.com Zorba’s brings authentic Greek cuisine to Sanford, with olive oil imported directly from Greece—which you can try in their house Greek dressing. Aside from classic Greek dishes such as spanakopita and chicken souvlaki pitas, you can nosh on pizza, calzones and other mediterranean treats. Photo via anthony_paitaris/Instagram