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.
Explore Central Florida at these 28 small town restaurants outside Orlando
By Chloe Greenberg on Wed, Jul 19, 2023 at 10:16 pm
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Image via Google Maps
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.
Photo via Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar
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.
Photo via 1921 Mount Dora/Facebook
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.
Photo via Black Hammock Restaurant/Yelp
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.
Photo via The Garlic/Facebook
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.
Photo via JB's Fish Camp/Facebook
JB's Fish Camp
859 Pompano Ave, New Smyrna BeachWith 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 Neighbors Artisan Taqueria/Instagram
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.
Photo via Wa Sushi/Facebook
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.
Photo via The Catfish Place/Yelp
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.
Photo via Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe/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.
Photo via La Fonda Mexican Kitchen/Facebook
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.
Photo via Colorado Fondue Company
Colorado Fondue Company
1016 Semoran Blvd., Casselberry Feed your culinary dreams at Colorado Fondue Company, where you can cook your own food before drowning each bite in melted cheese and sauces.
Photo via Goblin Market/Facebook
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.
Photo via Nineteen61/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.
Photo via Shantell's Just Until/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.
Photo via Ocoee Taco Company/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.
Photo via Tennessee Truffle/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.
Photo via Wondermade/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 ones like avocado, maple bacon and cornbread, as well.
Photo by Rob Bartlett
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.
Photo via Tea Largo/Facebook
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.
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