They're coming: Here are 12 restaurants to visit before Daytona's tourist season starts
While many of us are lucky enough to call the Daytona Beach area home, it won't be long before the tourists and snowbirds descend on our little piece of paradise.
As a Jersey girl born and raised, I’m more than familiar with the bitter-cold temperatures that begin to trickle in as the fall season departs and the winter months settle in up north. And while I certainly live for ski season, a good snowfall and bundle-worthy weather, I think it’s safe to say that many northern natives do not.
In the coming weeks — even months — it seems as though the Sunshine State will expect its usual influx of snowbirds and tourists alike, fleeing the cold, soaking up the Florida sun, and filling up our favorite restaurants. For those looking to beat the incoming crowds, here are 12 already-popular restaurants in the Daytona Beach area, serving seafood, Italian, Asian and more, that are worth visiting before their lines get even longer.
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Third Wave Café and Wine Bar
204 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-7864, thirdwavensb.com
Located on New Smyrna Beach’s Flagler Avenue, Third Wave Café and Wine Bar has become a popular dinner destination, known for its twinkling garden-like atmosphere, high-class dinner service and Food Network feature on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." Built around light-strung trees and a bamboo wall enclosure, the café and wine bar offers an extensive menu that frequently changes, composed of “globally influenced” cuisine.
Several of Third Wave’s alluring selections have included the local, pasture-raised, bone-in oak-roasted half chicken and cabernet braised Wagyu short rib, the wild Alaskan king salmon and a frequently revisited favorite of mine, the Spanish Country Farm Girl pizza, topped with shredded mozzarella, provolone, arugula, Spanish Serrano ham, pecorino Romano and a sunny-side-up egg.
Third Wave also offers a variety of both affordable and “special occasion” wines and is a dog-friendly dining location for those bringing along their furry friends. With fairly limited outdoor seating, the eatery often fills up quickly, so be sure to make a visit before the snowbirds take your seat.
The Breakers
518 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-428-2019, breakersnsb.com
Every burger-lover's dream, The Breakers is one of New Smyrna Beach’s most iconic beachfront restaurants. Known for its casual atmosphere, oceanfront views and unbeatable handhelds, the local gem is notoriously packed with customers new and returning. The go-to spot offers a wide array of lunch and dinner favorites, ranging from its Buffalo wings, chili cheese fries and steamed half-pound shrimp, to its mahi sandwich, classic Reuben or Philly cheese steak.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the eatery’s burgers, with must-try selections that include the NSB Burger — provolone, sautéed onions, green peppers, mushrooms, lettuce and tomato — the Hawaiian Burger — aloha sauce, American cheese, pineapple, lettuce, tomato and onion — and the Blue Cheese Burger — blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, tomato and onion.
Whether grabbing a drink at the bar or kicking back and enjoying a burger, be sure to start planning your next visit to The Breakers, because its traffic won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
63 Sovereign
63 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach; 386-238-9032, 63sovereign.com
Located in a two-story Granada Boulevard home, this Ormond Beach eatery embodies the warmth and comfort of the fall season. Its knowledgeable, class-act waitstaff only amplifies the dining experience, while its diverse menu of seasonal and staple offerings keeps me, like many others, always wanting to come back — not to mention the availability of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Designed for sharing, the eatery’s menu features a variety of small and large plates, ranging from the white truffle flatbread, king kimchi roll and and garlic burrata bread to the pork belly bao buns, gouda burger and, one of my go-tos, the fried egg-topped Leslie Chow.
The eatery’s raw bar is also worth a glance, offering fresh coldwater oysters that are flown in daily as well as the oyster, shrimp and ceviche layered petite tower. This popular spot's cuisine never disappoints, making it consistently worth the trip, whatever the occasion may be.
The Garlic
556 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-424-6660, thegarlic.net
Described as an Italian country grille, The Garlic captivates customers with its rustic vibe, whimsical design and twinkling greenery. Simply enjoying the vintage décor by taking a walk under the glowing, vine-covered arbor and a seat in the eclectic courtyard space is half of the enchanting experience.
This New Smyrna Beach staple offers an extensive menu of pasta, seafood, beef, chicken and other plates, ranging from the quattro cheese manicotti, pasta puttanesca, and pepper bacon-wrapped filet mignon to the shrimp and scallop scampi, garlic rack of lamb, and cioppino seafood stew. Whether making your first appearance or returning for another tasty visit, be sure to arrive early, as the local eatery opens daily at 4 p.m. and does not take reservations.
The Golden Lion Café
501 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-439-3004, goldenlioncafe.com
Frequently recommended to me as a “Flagler staple,” over the last several months, The Golden Lion Café is a popular beachfront spot known for its ocean views, seafood offerings and laid-back atmosphere. The frequented eatery offers indoor, outdoor and roof deck seating overlooking the waves and beach town’s bustling street. Although famous for its fish and chips, a generous serving of white Alaskan pollock filet coated in the eatery’s own golden beer batter, The Golden Lion offers a wide variety of both small and shareable plates.
The eatery’s menu ranges from the jumbo butterflied shrimp, Alaskan snow crab clusters and ginger soy mahi mahi to the Golden Lion Burger, fresh shucked oysters and clams, and, my personal favorite, the pesto-grilled shrimp tacos — pesto-marinated and grilled shrimp, layered with baby spinach, fire roasted red peppers, creamy goat cheese and a sweet balsamic reduction. The tacos are served with a show-stealing side of the Golden Lion’s tangy, house-made Key lime tartar sauce.
Corkscrew Bar and Grille
235 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-957-3955, corkscrewbarandgrille.com
CorkScrew’s inviting atmosphere, decked out in rustic brick, ambient lighting and twinkling foliage, always reels me in, but its top-notch menu and exceptional service keeps me, and many others, coming back.
Whether stopping in with friends for one of the eatery’s decadent cocktails or mocktails, or enjoying a sit-down dinner, the frequented New Smyrna Beach restaurant is a lasting favorite, known for its vibrant menu that ranges from the Southern smothered chicken and parmesan encrusted mahi to the candied pork belly and pineapple Corkscrew burger, 16-ounce hand-cut ribeye and, a personal favorite, the flavor-packed steakhouse salad, layered with juicy, grilled filet tips, sautéed mushroom and onions, blue cheese crumbles, onion straws and a balsamic reduction drizzling.
The popular spot fills up rather quickly, as it will when the snowbirds arrive, so if you’ve been craving one of Corkscrew’s famous salads, burgers or steaks, this is your sign to make the reservation.
Norwood’s Restaurant and Treehouse Bar
400 E. 2nd Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-428-4621, norwoods.com
An undeniable favorite for New Smyrna Beach restaurant goers, Norwood’s Restaurant and Treehouse Bar is one of the area’s most popular spots — and for good reason. While you can choose to be seated indoors or outside at the eatery’s garden patio, the local favorite’s dining allure is given away in its title, as it offers diners a romantic evening escape upstairs at its twinkling treehouse bar — for guests 21 and older. Whether seated at the covered bar or the uncovered treehouse deck, the eatery’s live music, vibrant atmosphere and glowing greenery makes for a dinner to remember.
Norwood’s extensive menu caters to diners of varied preferences, with seafood, vegan plates and chef specials. The maple ham chop, a personal favorite, features a five-day maple brined, seared pork chop, served with sweet potato and bacon hash, fresh vegetables and a tangy apple balsamic compote. For seafood lovers, the bacon-wrapped scallops is a generously portioned, slightly sweet yet savory plate, while the chef’s special spinach ricotta dumplings are a sauce smothered treat, served with vodka sauce, mozzarella cheese and a locally sourced sliced baguette. The eatery also offers mid-day plates and handhelds from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., including the stuffed haddock, a chicken salad wrap and Mediterranean mahi.
Millie’s Restaurant and Catering
3218 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores; 386-275-1492, milliesrestaurant.com
A community favorite and Daytona Beach Shores' go-to, Millie’s restaurant and Catering is one local gem you don’t want to miss out on. When it comes to quality service and exceptionally fresh seafood, Millie’s hits the nail on the head. The local eatery is Guy Fieri approved — need I say more — and serves a full menu of locally-sourced fish dinners, handhelds and more, ranging from the grilled local fish collars, Florida Sweet Rum BBQ Burger, and local shrimp and grits to the lettuce, tomato, pickle and house tartar-topped fish sandwich, served blackened, grilled or fried and the BBQ smoked alligator ribs.
A personal favorite, the juicy fish po’boy, is served with the fish of the day and topped with tomato, sliced pickles, and a delicious, tangy house-made remoulade. The eatery prides itself on its relationship with local fishermen, allowing it to serve only the freshest plates of seafood daily, making it a popular spot for local and vacationing seafood lovers, alike. The Food Network-featured favorite is perfect for a post-beach bite or romantic date night dinner, inviting guests to keep it casual or dress it up and enjoy a seafood feast to remember.
Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar
127 S. Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach; 386-253-5224, oceandeck.com
Ocean Deck is everything tourists love about a beach town dining experience, with food and service that keep locals frequenting the restaurant year-round. The nautical themed eatery sits right on the beach, offering diners stellar oceanfront views — best during a sunset-timed dinner. Ocean Deck’s vibrant atmosphere is the perfect vacation-like destination for a small party of two or three or when bringing along the whole family.
The eatery offers a full bar and an extensive menu — consisting mostly of seafood dishes — ranging from the grilled grouper, Caribbean lobster tail and “Tuna Boat” grilled tuna steak, to the Spicy Rasta Chicken sandwich, Tequila Shrimp Salad and, a personal favorite, the mahi mahi sandwich — a fresh and flaky, mild fish selection, flame-grilled and perfectly spiced with a blend of Cajun seasonings.
For burger lovers, Ocean Deck offers several options, including the onion ring-topped Ocean Deck Burger, avocado and mango salsa-topped Caribbean Burger and, my go-to, the Big Daddy Burger — a 10-ounce juicy handheld, seasoned to perfection an topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and bacon (for an extra $1.50).
Rose Villa
43 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach; 386-615-7673, rosevillarestaurant.com
This beloved Ormond Beach eatery, radiating with 1920s inspiration, is a classic Granada Boulevard restaurant for elevated Southern comfort food. The two-story building, built in the 1800s, is an eye-catcher for those passing by, bordered with flowering shrubbery and colored in rich berry hues. Not only does the ambient lighting and cozy, wallpapered interior make for a charming date-night option, but the eatery’s menu offers a tempting array of layered, fried and gravy-smothered plates.
Dinner options range from the green tomato and lobster — fried green tomatoes topped with Maine lobster and Cajun remoulade — and the signature fried chicken, served with collard greens and mashed potatoes and gravy, to the Statler chicken breast — roasted and smothered in pan jus and caramelized onions over Cajun rice and seasonal vegetables, and, a personal favorite, the Rose Villa Burger — Wagyu beef on a brioche bun, layered with a fried green tomato, creamy goat cheese and pepper jelly. Whether planning a weekend dinner feast or stopping by for drinks a side of Rose’s Mac and Cheese, Rose Villa is always worth the trip.
Funky Pelican
215 Highway A1A, Flagler Beach; 386-439-0011, funkypelican.com
Known for its oceanfront views and beachy, casual atmosphere, Funky Pelican is a go-to Flagler Beach staple among locals and vacationers alike, serving a wide array of small and large plates that range from the bacon-wrapped shrimp, mahi tacos and double cheeseburger to the jambalaya, Twisted Seafood Mac and Island Chicken and Shrimp — not to mention the eatery's funky list of tropical cocktails, including the Orange Creamsicle, The Floor is Guava and the Florida Mule.
My personal favorites are the chicken Caesar flatbread — decorated with chicken, pesto, fresh mozzarella and, yes, a generous topping of delicious Caesar salad — as well as the grilled shrimp tacos — layered with juicy shrimp, shredded cabbage and island salsa, accompanied by a side of crispy fries. Whether planning a family outing, a beachfront date or a relaxing solo lunch, Funky Pelican is a popular spot whose food, views and service make it a local community favorite.
Riptides Raw Bar and Grill
869 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach; 386-256-4799, riptidesrawbar.com
Described as having a “surf-shack vibe” this popular Ormond Beach restaurant is known for its mainly seafood menu and beachy atmosphere — a go-to spot for those looking to enjoy a few drinks, live music and a casual meal out on the patio. The frequented spot’s menu offers soups, sandwiches, seafood, shareable platters and more ranging from the bacon and gouda cheese-topped Ponce Inlet chicken sandwich, the Rum-Glazed Tuna and Sunset Key Pork Tenderloin, to the all-you-can-eat snow crab platter, Royal Red peel-and-eat shrimp, Coconut Cay mahi and the Riptide Mixed Grill — shrimp and juicy steak tips skewered with onions and peppers, coated in a rich, creamy lemon beurre blanc sauce (typically made from butter, white wine and lemon juice) and served over yellow rice.
A personal favorite, the stuffed grouper, features fresh, firm and flaky grouper stuffed with crabmeat and a bay scallop and shrimp blend, coated in the same delicious lemon beurre blanc and served over island coconut rice and fresh veggies.
Helena Perray is the restaurant and dining writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Jersey native and passionate storyteller, she can be contacted at hperray@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Support local journalism by subscribing
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 12 popular Daytona area restaurants to try before tourist season starts
