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.
Orlando area's 26 small town restaurants everyone should try at least once
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Aug 6, 2021 at 6:49 pm
Norwood’s Eatery & Treehouse Bar
400 E 2nd Ave, New Smyrna Beach, 386-428-4621Norwood’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/ Facebook
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The Catfish Place
311 S. Forest Avenue Apopka, Florida, (407) 889-7980Catfish 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/Facebook
Cafe Verona
220 Edgewood Dr, Apopka, FL 32703, (407) 886-4411This Apopka spot's delicious wings, subs and pasta are worth the trek.
Photo via Cafe Verona/Facebook
1921 by Norman Van Aken
142 E 4th Ave, Mount Dora, 352-385-1921The 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/Instagram
The Garlic & Blu Bar
556 E 3rd Ave, New Smyrna Beach, 386-424-6660The Garlic not offers authentic Tuscan cuisine in huge portions in a beautiful space.
Photo via The Garlic/ Facebook
Ice Plant Bar
110 Riberia Street, Saint Augustine, 904-829-6553Ice 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/Facebook
The Black Hammock
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Rd, Oviedo, 407-365-2201The Black Hammock is home to the best fried gator tail in Central Florida. Yes, you read that right.
Photo via
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café
205 E. First St., Sanford, 407-321-2204Hollerbach’s just celebrated their 20th anniversary on August 2. If you're having trouble pronouncing some of the German offerings, just go for the schnitzel.
Photo via Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe/Facebook
La Fonda Mexican Kitchen
1155 W. State Road 434, Longwood, 407-951-8514La Fonda has delicious Mexican food like enchiladas, flautas, chile relleno and burritos.
Photo via La Fonda/Facebook.
Goblin Market Restaurant
330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mount Dora, 352-735-0059The Goblin Market has been serving the Mount Dora community since 1996 right in the heart of their historic downtown. They have famous dishes like chicken avocado, cashew chicken sandwich and the blackened pork plate.
Photo via Goblin Market/Facebook
Neighbors Artisan Taqueria
112 W. Georgia Ave., DeLand, 386-279-0394Neighbors 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/Instagram
Nineteen 61
1212 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, 863-688-1961If 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/Facebook
Shantell’s Cafe
501 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, (845) 214-4589Shantell’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/Instagram
Ocoee Taco Company
40 Taylor St., Ocoee, 407- 614-2990Don'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/Facebook
The Tennessee Truffle
125 W. First St., Sanford, (407) 942-3977The Tennesse Truffle is a Southern restaurant that serves delicious swordfish, apple butter ice cream, homemade soup and biscuits.
Photo via thetennesseetruffle/Facebook
Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar
204 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-402-7864Third 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/Facebook
Wondermade Café
214 E. First St., Sanford, 407-205-9569Wondermade 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/ Instagram
JB’s Fish Camp Seafood Restaurant
859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-427-5747JB’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/Instagram
The Crooked Spoon
200 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont, 352-404-7808Crooked 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 / Instagram
Porkie'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/Facebook
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