Orlando may already be home to some of Florida’s best eats (that’s right), but it never hurts to expand your culinary horizons. There’s a whole foodie-focused world out there on the back roads of Central Florida, all just waiting to be devoured. Some are nearby, some are more of a day trip, but they’re all worth it.

Here are 28 small town restaurants in Central Florida every Orlandoan should try.

Third 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 Maps

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
1921 Mount Dora 142 E. Fourth Ave., Mount Dora The restaurant started in a converted home 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/Facebook
Black 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/Yelp
The Garlic 556 E. Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach This beloved New Smyrna Beach restaurant is best known for its ambient atmosphere complete 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
JB’s Fish Camp 859 Pompano Ave, New Smyrna Beach; 386-427-5747 With a beachside location, this fish camp offers a variety of activities such as fishing pole, kayak and paddleboard rentals in addition to their spicy Cajun-style food. Enjoy fried or blackened fish, sandwiches, shellfish, award-winning soups and more. Photo via JB’s Fish Camp/Facebook Credit: Photo via JB's Fish Camp/Facebook
Neighbors 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/Instagram
Wa Sushi 924 FL-436, Casselberry This casual Casselberry spot is a Japanese eatery offering sushi, sashimi, noodle bowls, meat entrees and more authentic and modern dishes. Credit: Photo via Wa Sushi/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
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe 201-205 E. First St., Sanford Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe 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 Willow Tree Cafe/Yelp
La 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: Photo via La Fonda Mexican Kitchen/Facebook
Colorado Fondue Company $40 a Day 1016 Semoran Boulevard | (407) 767-8232 Orlando had its own episode of $40 a Day dedicated to our food scene, so when it came time for dessert Rachael Ray headed over to the Colorado Fondue Company where she sampled specialty dishes such as the original cheddar fondue and the mocha white chocolate fondue. Photo via Colorado Fondue Company Credit: Photo via Colorado Fondue Co.
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. Credit: Photo via Goblin Market/Facebook
Nineteen61 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: Photo via Nineteen61/Facebook
Shantell’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 Shantell's Just Until/Facebook
Ocoee 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: Photo via Ocoee Taco Company/Facebook
The 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: Photo via Tennessee Truffle/Facebook
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 avocado, maple bacon and cornbread flavors, as well. Credit: Photo via Wondermade/Facebook
The 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 on offer, the 420 burger, mac & cheese and meatloaf. Credit: Photo by Rob Bartlett
Tea Largo 4632 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland Tea Largo, located in Lakeland, is known for their delicious açai bowls, boba teas, hot teas, matcha, chia pudding and oat bowls. It’s the ideal spot for a quick, refreshing treat for summer. Credit: Photo via Tea Largo/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. Credit: Photo via Coqui/Facebook
Verona 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 Cafe Verona/Facebook
Taqueria L.A Tacos 1404 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee Orlando has no shortage of iconic taco spots, but it doesn’t hurt to venture outside of your go-to Mexican spots. Taqueria L.A. Tacos is a little shop offering plenty of authentic Mexican dishes and quick eats. Credit: Photo via Taqueria LA Tacos/Facebook
Stroll through 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. Credit: Photo via Plant Street Market/Facebook
Cubans on the Run 2956 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Casselberry Cubans 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 Cubans on the Run/Instagram
Mi Mexico Carneceria Y Taqueria 387 E. Main St., Apopka This Mexican grocer is a modest spot to satisfy your taco cravings. Complimentary crispy tortilla chips and salsa are served with each order of generously proportioned tacos. Credit: Photo via Mi Mexico Carneceria Y Taqueri/Instagram
Spanish 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/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. Credit: Photo via Aunt Gingibread's Bakery/Facebook

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Chloe Greenberg is the Digital Content Editor for Orlando Weekly.