It’d take a lifetime to eat your way through all the culinary creations Orlando has to offer, but that doesn’t mean we should miss out on the storied eateries just outside the city’s core.
Only a drive away are decades-old fish camps, treehouse bars, diners, steakhouses, tapas bars and some very homegrown restaurants everyone should know about. Here are 27 hidden gems worth the drive from Orlando.
142 E. Fourth Ave., Mount Dora
The 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. Credit: 1921 Mount Dora/Facebook
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: Catfish Place/Instagram
14531 E. County Road 325, Hawthorne
The Yearling Restaurant is as Florida as you can get. The standstill eatery offers dishes you can’t get just anywhere — think frog legs, catfish, alligator tail and more. Plus, you’ll dine while surrounded by taxidermy versions of the very dishes you’re dining on.
503 Sanford Ave., Sanford
Shantell’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. Credit: Google Maps
204 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach
Third 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. Credit: Third Wave Cafe/Facebook
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-filled dishes. Credit: Black Hammock/Facebook
125 W. First St., Sanford
The Tennesse Truffle is a true Southern restaurant that serves creative entrees and desserts like swordfish, apple butter ice cream, homemade soup and biscuits. Credit: Tennessee Truffle/Instagram
139 N. Central Ave., Oviedo
The Town House, located in Oviedo, is known for its small-town restaurant feel and its award-winning breakfast. The spot has been family-owned and operated since it first opened in the 1950s. Credit: Image via Google Maps
859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach
This storied fish shack on the water serves up seafood and all the with-a-view dishes you can eat in NSB. Credit: JB's Fish Camp
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: Norwood's/Facebook
215 E. Main St., Lakeland
If you are looking for Latin American food in Lakeland, this place is a hidden gem. They have churrasco, empanadas, and Peruvian ceviche. Credit: Nineteen61
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
220 Edgewood Drive, Apopka
This Apopka spot offers simple pizzas, calzones, wings, subs and pasta. The spot markets itself as “unpretentious” and definitely delivers. Credit: Google Maps
200 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont
Crooked 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. Credit: The Crooked Spoon/Facebook
Locations in Sanford and Longwood
With dishes and flavors entirely inspired by Louisiana-style cooking, The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge is a casual spot to grab a bite of New Orleans cuisine and a taste of the city’s culture. Credit: The Bayou Kitchen and Lounge/Facebook
722 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora
PizzAmore is a family-friendly eatery serving up speciality pies, Italian entrees, beer and wine in a casual, intimate Mount Dora outpost. Credit: Pizzamore/Facebook
1518 S. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach’s Spanish River Grill recently reopened, offering contemporary Latin cuisine and creative cocktails, all wrapped up in a vibrant setting.
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, crab bisque with sherry, and escargots vol-au-vent. Credit: Goblin Market/Facebook
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: The Garlic/Instagram
4004 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford
Coqui serves up authentic Puerto Rican food like mofongo, empanadas, bistec encebollado and more to the Sanford community. Credit: Coqui/Facebook
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: MMB Pub
201-205 E. First St., Sanford
Hollerbach’s offers German classics like schnitzel and wurst, plus plenty of beer and regular live music — all making for a friendly, fun atmosphere. Credit: Photo via Hollerbach's/Facebook
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. Credit: Google Maps
1236 Hempel Ave., Gotha
This quaint cafe in Gotha has everything you could want for a fun, casual dining experience: the barbecue, the history and a garden to enjoy your food in. Check out Yellow Dog’s live music schedule to catch a show in that very same garden. Credit: Yellow Dog Eats/Facebook
40 Taylor St., Ocoee
Don’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. Credit: Google Maps
3751 Cypress Gardens Road, Winter Haven
Harry’s Old Place offers plenty of seafood and Florida-focused dishes in a nautical-themed casual atmosphere. Credit: Harry's Old Place
12500 FL-33, Groveland
Red Wing has been open since the 1940s, standing the test of time and continuing to serve its guests a wide array of hand-cut steaks, fresh fish and various other meat-centric entrees. Credit: Photo via Red Wing Restaurant/Facebook