Orlando has most things you could want to eat, but it doesn’t have everything. There’s a whole culinary world out there on the back roads of Central Florida just waiting to be eaten. These 26 small town restaurants are worth the ride out of town.
The Catfish Place
311 S. Forest Avenue Apopka, Florida, (407) 889-7980
Catfish Place has been serving Southern seafood for over 35 years. Homey and full of antiques and collectibles, Catfish is the perfect place to visit.
Photo via The Catfish Place/FacebookCafe Verona
220 Edgewood Dr, Apopka, FL 32703, (407) 886-4411
This Apopka spot’s delicious wings, subs and pasta are worth the trek.
Photo via Cafe Verona/FacebookNorwood’s Eatery & Treehouse Bar
400 E 2nd Ave, New Smyrna Beach, 386-428-4621
Norwood’s used to be a gas station and general store and then it was bought in 1946 to the beautiful restaurant that it is today. They serve delicious seafood and offer live music nighty.
Photo via Norwood’s Eatery & Treehouse Bar/ Facebook1921 by Norman Van Aken
142 E 4th Ave, Mount Dora, 352-385-1921
The restaurant started in a converted home in 1921. They are known for celebrating the traditional cuisine in Florida while giving it a modern twist. 1921 works closely with local farmers and purveyors to have the best ingredients and a great connection with Mount Dora producers.
Photo via natcoch/InstagramThe Garlic & Blu Bar
556 E 3rd Ave, New Smyrna Beach, 386-424-6660
The Garlic not offers authentic Tuscan cuisine in huge portions in a beautiful space.
Photo via The Garlic/ FacebookIce Plant Bar
110 Riberia Street, Saint Augustine, 904-829-6553
Ice Plant Bar and Restaurant dates back to 1927 when it was a factory that used to sell ice to local customers and shrimpers. It now sells cocktails, local seafood and grass-fed burgers.
Photo via Ice Plant Bar/FacebookThe Black Hammock
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Rd, Oviedo, 407-365-2201
The Black Hammock is home to the best fried gator tail in Central Florida. Yes, you read that right.
Photo viaHollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe.La Fonda Mexican Kitchen
1155 W. State Road 434, Longwood, 407-951-8514
La Fonda has delicious Mexican food like enchiladas, flautas, chile relleno and burritos.
Photo via La Fonda/Facebook.Neighbors Artisan Taqueria
112 W. Georgia Ave., DeLand, 386-279-0394
Neighbors is known for their delicious tacos, vegan options and housemade chips. They are actual neighbors with Persimmon Hollow so you can also take advantage and wash it all down with some drinks.
Photo via morginn_ashley/InstagramNineteen 61
1212 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, 863-688-1961
If you are looking for Latin American food in Lakeland, this place is a hidden gem. They have churrasco, empanadas, Peruvian ceviche.
Photo via Nineteen 61/FacebookShantell’s Cafe
501 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, (845) 214-4589
Shantell’s offers comforting food in the historic downtown Sanford. Whether you are craving fried steak, meatloaf or their signature chicken sandwich, you are going to feel at home.
Photo via celebritychef4u/InstagramOcoee Taco Company
40 Taylor St., Ocoee, 407- 614-2990
Don’t let the name fool you, they are more than just tacos. Their menu boasts huaraches, tortas, quesadillas and sopes.
Photo via Ocoee Taco Company/FacebookThe Tennessee Truffle
125 W. First St., Sanford, (407) 942-3977
The Tennesse Truffle is a Southern restaurant that serves delicious swordfish, apple butter ice cream, homemade soup and biscuits.
Photo via thetennesseetruffle/FacebookThird Wave Cafe & Wine Bar
204 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-402-7864
Third Wave has delicious offerings that make Flager County a better place. The expansive menu has everything from charcuterie boards to filet mignon burgers.
Photo via Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar/FacebookWondermade Café
214 E. First St., Sanford, 407-205-9569
Wondermade Cafe sells unusual and handcrafted ice cream flavors as well as delicious marshmallows with literally everything. If you want to go to a fun and yummy place, this is for you. Let the sugar rush begin.
Photo via sibilaman/ InstagramJB’s Fish Camp Seafood Restaurant
859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-427-5747
JB’s Fish Camp has a bit of everything ocean. They are a water equipment rental spot, kayaks, paddle boards while they also have delicious fish sandwiches, seafood platters and shrimp.
Photo via JB’s Fish Camp/InstagramThe Crooked Spoon
200 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont, 352-404-7808
Crooked Spoon started with a food truck growing to a brick-and-mortar spot with fans throughout Central Florida. Come for their delicious craft beers, the 420 burger, mac & cheese and meatloaf.
Photo via chef_acl / InstagramPorkie’s Original BBQ
256 E. Main St., Apopka, 407-880-3351
“You can smell our butts a mile away” is this restaurant’s slogan and they back it up with delicious pork plates.
Photo via Porkie’s Original BBQ/FacebookTea Largo
4634 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33813, (863) 688-6816
Tea Largo is known for their delicious Acai bowls, boba teas, hot teas, matcha, chia pudding and oat bowls.
Photo via Tea Largo/FacebookCoqui Restaurant
4004 S Orlando Dr, Sanford, FL 32773, (407) 732-4660
Coqui has delicious authentic Puerto Rican food like mofongo, empanadas, bistec encebollado and more to delight the Sanford community.
Photo via Coqui Restaurant/FacebookTaqueria LA Tacos
1404 E Silver Star Rd, Ocoee, (407) 339-2272
We don’t want for tacos in Orlando, but these are worth the drive.
Photo viaColorado Fondue CO
1016 Semoran Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707, (407) 767-8232
Here you can cook your own food and fondue, while ordering delicious specialty drinks in a woodsy setting.
Photo via Colorado Fondue CO/FacebookPlant Street Market
426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, 786-671-1748
Literally, there’s a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker all in one spot. Among the 20 vendors, you’ll find wood-fired pizzas from Michael’s Ali, farm-to-table cuisine at Five Thymes Five, expertly rolled sushi at Jodo, artisan chocolates from David Ramirez Chocolates, and craft coffee at Axum Coffee – all within steps of each other, so you can get all your shopping done and have lunch at the same time. The market is open seven days a week, and gets five-deep on weekends.
Photo via Plant Street Market/FacebookCubans On The Run
2956 S US Highway 17/92 Casselberry, FL 32707, (407) 339-2272
They have Cuban classics like ropa vieja, pan con timba, bistec con chimichurri and more.
Photo via Cubans On The Run/FacebookMi Mexico Carneceria Y Taqueria
387 E. Main St., Apopka, 407- 884-7062
This Mexican grocer is a modest spot to satisfy your taco cravings. Complementary thick chips and salsa are served with generous tacos topped with onions, cilantro and limes priced from $2 to $2.75.
Photo via mimexicoapopka/Instagram
