Stereotypical Sunshine State restaurants are not hard to come by in Florida, and there are some especially impressive examples not far from you right here in Orlando. Think fish camps, waterfront dives, historic dives and homegrown outdoor cafes with a classic Florida ambience.

Here are 25 places just a drive from Orlando to find the perfect Florida dining experience. 

Black Hammock

2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo
The Black Hammock is a classic Central Florida eatery that offers laidback lakeside dining, a casual bar and plenty of gator-centric dishes. Credit: Photo via Black Hammock Restaurant/Yelp

JB’s Fish Camp

859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach
Located on New Smyrna Beach, this beloved fish shack also offers a full bar, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Grab some classic Southern fried fish, get out on the water and make a day of it. Credit: Photo via JB's Fish Camp/Facebook
Shady Oak Restaurant 2984 New York Ave. West, DeLand This casual seafood spot in DeLand offers riverside dining and a bar. Menu highlights include fried catfish, scallops, coconut shrimp and every other fried fish combo you can think of. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill 4940 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet Near the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Central Floridians can find this waterfront shack perfect for enjoying seafood, drinks and a sprawling waterfront view. Credit: Photo via Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill/Facebook
Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar 400 E. Second Ave., New Smyrna Beach Once 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. Credit: Photo via Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar

Aunt Catfish’s on the River

4009 Halifax Drive, Port Orange
This family-owned Port Orange spot serves up classic Southern-style seafood right on the water. Don’t forget to snap a picture with the giant catfish. Credit: Photo via Aunt Catfish's on the River/Yelp

Fish Camp on Lake Eustis

901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares
This old-fashioned restaurant on Lake Eustis offers waterside dining and a bounty of seafood (plus some turf to go with your surf) and craft beers. Credit: Photo via Fish Camp on Lake Eustis/Facebook
Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood Shak 3100 Canal Road, Lake Wales Attached to the Cherry Pocket Motel on Lake Wales, Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood Shak offers heaping helpings of fried seafood and Florida vibes. Credit: Photo via Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak/Facebook
Fish on Fire 7937 Daetwyler Drive, Orlando Fish on Fire is a rustic Orlando seafood spot and fish fry. The restaurant, open since 2004, boasts fresh seafood and frequent live music and lively events. Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps

Salt Shack on the Lake Clermont

846 W. Osceola St., Clermont
After years of success, Tampa’s waterfront restaurant Salt Shack on the Bay opened a second location in a vacated lakefront space in downtown Clermont. The “rustic-refined” eatery serves fresh seafood, seasonal cuisine and tropical cocktails. Credit: Photo via Salt Shack on the Lake Clermont/Facebook

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. Credit: Image via Google Maps

Cuban Sandwiches to Go

1605 Lee Road, Orlando
This walk-up restaurant is a perennial Best of Orlando winner for its traditional Cuban cuisine and unique efficiency. Even tourists know what’s up. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Our Deck Down Under 78 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange This Volusia county favorite seafood shack offers not only a beefy menu and waterfront views in every direction, there’s also a full bar and a boat dock for easy river access. Credit: Image via Google Maps

Best Seafood Restaurant


Winner: High Tide Harry’s
Finalists: The Nauti Lobstah, The Current Seafood Counter Credit: Image via Google Maps
Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill 4650 FL-46, Geneva This riverfront spot has seafood classics (as well as some not-so-classic gator burgers), plus karaoke and live music, making for a lively, very Florida vibe. Credit: Photo via Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill/Facebook
Salt Cracker Fish Camp 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach Clearwater beach haven for those hungering for local seafood and cocktails, conveniently located right near the marina. Credit: Photo via Salt Cracker Fish Camp/Facebook

The Garlic

556 E. Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach
This beloved New Smyrna Beach restaurant is best known for its casual ambience with tons of outdoor, indoor and covered seating, colorful lights and vibrant antique decor. The Garlic offers authentic Italian cuisine and a full bar. Credit: Photo via The Garlic/Facebook

The Catfish Place

2324 13th St., St. Cloud
Catfish Place has been serving seafood for more than 35 years at this homey Central Florida location full of antiques, collectibles and Southern vibes. Credit: Photo via The Catfish Place/Yelp

Crabby’s

203 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach
With 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. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Swamp House Riverfront Grill 488 W. Highbanks Road, DeBary DeBary’s Swamp House boasts a prime location on the St. Johns River, fried seafood, a tiki bar and frequent live music. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar 5621 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando You can’t get more Florida than a seafood spot shaped like a boat and covered in taxidermy fish. Located right here in Orlando, Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar first opened back in 1950 with just nine seats and an oysters-only menu. Now the family-run local favorite offers plenty of seafood and ample seating to enjoy it in. Credit: Photo via LeeandRicksOysterBar.com

Best Windermere Restaurant


Winner: Yellow Dog Eats
Finalists: Agave Azul Cocina Mexicana Windermere, Hawkers Windermere Credit: Photo via Yellowdog Eats/Facebook

Gators Riverside Grille

4255 Peninsula Point, Sanford
Gator’s Riverside Grill, located in Sanford, is nestled along the St. Johns River and offers cheap drinks and tons of good old-fashioned Southern fried seafood. Credit: Photo via Gators Riverside/Grill

Relax Grill

211 Eola Parkway, Orlando
A Lake Eola Park staple, Relax Grill is an ideal spot for those looking to do just that: relax. No frills, no hustle and bustle, just casual patio seating and some classic American dishes and drinks. Credit: Photo via Relax Grill/Facebook

Chloe Greenberg is the Digital Content Editor for Orlando Weekly.