A FOODIE'S GUIDE TO 72 HOURS IN THE NEW SMYRNA BEACH AREA
Fresh Flavors and Artisanal Creations
Food is fast becoming a favorite of travelers of all ages and the New Smyrna Beach area boasts several independent restaurants serving fresh, farm-to-table, local and sustainable offerings that are not only two thumbs up on gooey goodness, but that provide visitors with a real flavor of the local area. Here are some thought starters for enjoying three days of food and fun in this authentic artsy beach town along Central Florida's east coast. Please feel free to include your favorite activities from one of our other suggested itineraries to make your stay even more memorable.
Day One
Following a walk along a stretch of our 17 miles of coastline, begin your day with the drip coffee of the day from Island Roasters on the North Causeway. Also serving their own cold brew and espresso, Island Roasters is not only a local favorite, but the chosen beans of several area restaurants. From there, it's a short walk to Wake Up Cafe North where a hearty breakfast awaits. Visitors enjoy traditional dishes and more artful creations inspired by the owners' Spanish and South American influences.
Just over the Causeway in New Smyrna Beach's historic downtown Canal Street district, several restaurants await the midday crowds. Yellow Dog Eats Kitchen & Bar is a popular spot for those who love pork, but the menu speaks to veggie lovers too. Make it a late lunch and you'll be just in time to enjoy a tall pint at their next-door neighbor, the New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company. In 2018, the taproom celebrates four years of great beer. Favorites include their seasonal brews like the Pineapple Mango IPA or staples including Disappearing Island Apricot or Coronado Beach Cream Ale.
After a busy day exploring the New Smyrna Beach area, you deserve a real treat and there's no better place than the iconic Dairy Queen of New Smyrna, a third-generation family-owned ice cream shop serving up "old fashioned goodness."
For dinner it's back to beachside to enjoy American seafood at its finest from Executive Chef David Moscoso at Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar on bustling Flagler Avenue. Guests enjoy a true dining experience in its rustic and enchanting outdoor courtyard where a globally influenced menu is enhanced with locally sourced foods. Try Chef David's signature Fresh Blackened Redfish with whisky butter sauce, local honey, and pecan crumbles, a dish that is part of the James Beard Fresh Catch program.
If you're up for a nightcap, take a short stroll east on Flagler Avenue to The Bounty at Flagler Tavern, a second-floor speakeasy offering a more intimate space and mixologists dedicated to creating craft cocktails and serving fine wines.
Day Two
Heading south on A1A and just across from the beach, enjoy brunch at The Baker's Table, which is only made better if you try their homemade doughnuts. Lemon ricotta is a local favorite.
After a day at the beach, head to Norwood's Eatery & Treehouse Bar where lunch can be enjoyed in the restaurant or up in the treehouse. Wine is on tap and fresh seafood is on the menu. What better way to welcome midday.
Heading back south and on the way to Canaveral National Seashore, JB's Fish Camp is the perfect spot for happy hour and a place to take in the sunset right on the Indian River Lagoon.
Normally, a locals' favorite for breakfst, the Beacon Restaurant, a beachside diner located just one block from the ocean, is now open on Saturday evenings serving their authentic Greek menu. The flaming Greek cheese is something to be seen!
Day Three
There's just something about brunch outdoors in Florida and you can't beat the tropical garden at Riverpark Terrace. With a focus on locally sourced food, the restaurant goes beyond traditional breakfast dishes to create plates like the Sheep's milk ricotta, marmalade toast, truffle oil & local honey. Yum!
Just around the corner on Canal Street, the Corkscrew Bar & Grille welcomes guests with incredible appetizers, sandwiches and salads and a drink menu equally appetizing. Wine is on tap, they feature a Bloody Mary menu and margaritas are $5 all day, every day.
