{"id":163089,"date":"2026-02-20T21:53:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T21:53:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/163089\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T21:53:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T21:53:21","slug":"27-hidden-gem-small-town-restaurants-only-a-drive-from-orlando","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/163089\/","title":{"rendered":"27 hidden gem small town restaurants only a drive from Orlando"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019d take a lifetime to eat your way through all the culinary creations Orlando has to offer, but that doesn\u2019t mean we should miss out on the storied eateries just outside the city\u2019s core.<\/p>\n

Only a drive away are decades-old fish camps, treehouse bars, diners, steakhouses, tapas bars and some very homegrown restaurants everyone should know about. Here are 27 hidden gems worth the drive from Orlando.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"1921 Mount Dora
<\/a>142 E. Fourth Ave., Mount Dora
The restaurant started in a converted home built 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.\u00a0 Credit: 1921 Mount Dora\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"The Catfish Place<\/a>
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: Catfish Place\/Instagram<\/p>\n

\"\"The Yearling
<\/a>14531 E. County Road 325, Hawthorne
The Yearling Restaurant is as Florida as you can get. The standstill eatery offers dishes you can\u2019t get just anywhere \u2014 think frog legs, catfish, alligator tail and more. Plus, you\u2019ll dine while surrounded by taxidermy versions of the very dishes you\u2019re dining on.<\/p>\n

\"\"Shantell\u2019s Just Until Restaurant & Lounge
<\/a>503 Sanford Ave., Sanford
Shantell\u2019s 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: Google Maps<\/p>\n

\"\"Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar
<\/a>204 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach
Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar\u2019s 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.\u00a0 Credit: Third Wave Cafe\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"Black Hammock
<\/a>2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo
The Black Hammock is a classic Central Florida eatery that offers laidback lakeside dining, a casual bar and plenty of gator-filled dishes. Credit: Black Hammock\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"The Tennessee Truffle
<\/a>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: Tennessee Truffle\/Instagram<\/p>\n

\"\"The Town House
<\/a>139 N. Central Ave., Oviedo
The Town House, located in Oviedo, is known for its small-town restaurant feel and its award-winning breakfast. The spot has been family-owned and operated since it first opened in the 1950s. Credit: Image via Google Maps<\/p>\n

\"\"JB\u2019s Fish Camp
<\/a>859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach
This storied fish shack on the water serves up seafood and all the with-a-view dishes you can eat in NSB. Credit: JB’s Fish Camp<\/p>\n

\"\"Norwood\u2019s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar
<\/a>400 E. Second Ave., New Smyrna Beach
Once upon a time, Norwood\u2019s 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.\u00a0 Credit: Norwood’s\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"Nineteen61
<\/a>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.\u00a0 Credit: Nineteen61<\/p>\n

\"\"Crabby\u2019s
<\/a>203 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach
With a waterside location and a menu bursting with seafood-focused dishes, Crabby\u2019s offers everything you need to enjoy some truly beachside dining in New Smyrna Beach. Credit: Image via Google Maps<\/p>\n

\"\"Verona Cafe
<\/a>220 Edgewood Drive, Apopka
This Apopka spot offers simple pizzas, calzones, wings, subs and pasta. The spot markets itself as \u201cunpretentious\u201d and definitely delivers.\u00a0 Credit: Google Maps<\/p>\n

\"\"The Crooked Spoon
<\/a>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, the 420 burger, mac & cheese and meatloaf.\u00a0 Credit: The Crooked Spoon\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge
<\/a>Locations in Sanford and Longwood
With dishes and flavors entirely inspired by Louisiana-style cooking, The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge is a casual spot to grab a bite of New Orleans cuisine and a taste of the city\u2019s culture. Credit: The Bayou Kitchen and Lounge\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"PizzAmore
<\/a>722 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora
PizzAmore is a family-friendly eatery serving up speciality pies, Italian entrees, beer and wine in a casual, intimate Mount Dora outpost.\u00a0 Credit: Pizzamore\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"Spanish River Grill
<\/a>1518 S. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach\u2019s Spanish River Grill recently reopened, offering contemporary Latin cuisine and creative cocktails, all wrapped up in a vibrant setting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Goblin Market Restaurant
<\/a>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\u2019s historic downtown. The spot serves retro dishes like chicken avocado, crab bisque with sherry, and escargots vol-au-vent.\u00a0 Credit: Goblin Market\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"The Garlic<\/a>
556 E. Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach
This beloved New Smyrna Beach restaurant is best known for its casual ambience 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: The Garlic\/Instagram<\/p>\n

\"\"Coqui Restaurant
<\/a>4004 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford
Coqui serves up authentic Puerto Rican food like mofongo, empanadas, bistec encebollado and more to the Sanford community.\u00a0 Credit: Coqui\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"Magical Meat Boutique<\/a>
322 Alexander St., Mount Dora
Mount Dora\u2019s British-inspired pub mainstay, Magical Meat Boutique is a kitschy casual spot perfect for grabbing a pint, afternoon tea or some meaty eats. The spot also regularly offers live music on its outdoor patio. Credit: MMB Pub<\/p>\n

\"\"Hollerbach\u2019s German Restaurant<\/a>
201-205 E. First St., Sanford
Hollerbach\u2019s offers German classics like schnitzel and wurst, plus plenty of beer and regular live music \u2014 all making for a friendly, fun atmosphere. Credit: Photo via Hollerbach’s\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"Shiraz Market
<\/a>188 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
This Middle Eastern market has a selection of grocery items as well as traditional Mediterranean treats. Yelp reviewers and our own dining critic, Faiyaz Kara, have raved about Shiraz\u2019s falafel, Turkish delight and baklava among many, many other eats. Credit: Google Maps<\/p>\n

\"\"Yellow Dog Eats
<\/a>1236 Hempel Ave., Gotha
This quaint cafe in Gotha has everything you could want for a fun, casual dining experience: the barbecue, the history and a garden to enjoy your food in. Check out Yellow Dog\u2019s live music schedule to catch a show in that very same garden. Credit: Yellow Dog Eats\/Facebook<\/p>\n

\"\"Ocoee Taco Company
<\/a>40 Taylor St., Ocoee
Don\u2019t let the name fool you; this spot is much more than just tacos (although you definitely shouldn\u2019t pass up these). The menu boasts huaraches, tortas, quesadillas and soups.\u00a0 Credit: Google Maps<\/p>\n

\"\"Harry\u2019s Old Place
<\/a>3751 Cypress Gardens Road, Winter Haven
Harry\u2019s Old Place offers plenty of seafood and Florida-focused dishes in a nautical-themed casual atmosphere. Credit: Harry’s Old Place<\/p>\n

\"\"Red Wing Restaurant
<\/a>12500 FL-33, Groveland
Red Wing has been open since the 1940s, standing the test of time and continuing to serve its guests a wide array of hand-cut steaks, fresh fish and various other meat-centric entrees. Credit: Photo via Red Wing Restaurant\/Facebook<\/p>\n

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