Orlando area's 26 small town restaurants everyone should try at least once

By Orlando Weekly Staff

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.

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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/Facebook

Cafe 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/Facebook

Norwood’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/ Facebook

1921 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/Instagram

The 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/ Facebook

Ice 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/Facebook

The 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 via

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café

205 E. First St., Sanford, 407-321-2204
Hollerbach’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, 407-951-8514
La 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, 352-735-0059
The 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