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.
1921 Mount Dora
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: Photo via 1921 Mount Dora/FacebookOcoee Taco Company
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: Image via Google Maps
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
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/FacebookShantell’s Just Until Restaurant & Lounge
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: Photo via Google MapsThird Wave Cafe & Wine Bar
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: Image via Google MapsBlack Hammock
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo
The Black Hammock is a classic Central Florida eatery that offers laid back lakeside dining, a casual bar and plenty of gator-filled dishes. Credit: Photo via Black Hammock Restaurant/YelpThe Tennessee Truffle
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: Image via Google Maps
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/FacebookCredit: Photo via JB's Fish Camp/FacebookNorwood’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 BarNineteen61
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: Image via Google Maps
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 MapsVerona Cafe
220 Edgewood Drive, Apopka
This Apopka spot’s offers simple pizzas, calzones, wings, subs and pasta. The spot markets itself as “unpretentious” and definitely delivers. Credit: Photo via Google MapsThe Crooked Spoon
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: Photo via The Crooked Spoon/FacebookCuban Sandwiches on the Run
2956 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Casselberry
Cuban 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. Credit: Photo via Google MapsPizzAmore
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: Photo via PizzAmoreNeighbors Artisan Taqueria
112 W. Georgia Ave., DeLand
Neighbors 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. Credit: Photo via Neighbors Artisan Taqueria/FacebookLa Fonda Mexican Kitchen
1155 W. State Road 434, Longwood
La Fonda Mexican Kitchen serves up tons of authentic Mexican food like enchiladas, flautas, chile relleno and burritos at this Longwood location. Credit: Image via Google MapsSpanish River Grill
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. Credit: Photo via Spanish River Grill/FacebookGoblin 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. Credit: Photo via Goblin Market/FacebookCoqui Restaurant
4004 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford
Coqui serves up authentic Puerto Rican food like mofongo, empanadas, bistec encebollado and more to the Sanford community. Credit: Photo via Coqui/FacebookPlant 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. Credit: Photo via Plant Street Market/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: Image via Google MapsShiraz 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. Credit: Image via Google Maps
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. Credit: Image via Google MapsAunt 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. Credit: Photo via Aunt Gingibread's Bakery/FacebookWondermade
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. Credit: Photo via Wondermade
Best Windermere Restaurant
Winner: Yellow Dog Eats Finalists: Agave Azul Cocina Mexicana Windermere, Hawkers Windermere Credit: Photo via Yellowdog Eats/Facebook
