Head to New Smyrna for Eclectic and Funky Restaurants with Amazing Flavors
New Smyrna Beach isn’t just a paradise for surfers and sun-seekers—it’s also a big foodie town! Quirky cafés serving up unexpected flavors and artistic hidden gems with eclectic and delicious dishes make this charming beach town full of one-of-a-kind dining experiences. We’ve rounded up the five most unique places to eat in New Smyrna that you won’t want to miss on your next trip!
There’s a reason Guy Fieri from the Food Network has filmed several episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in New Smyrna!
Five of the Most Unique Restaurants in New Smyrna Beach
The Garlic
The Garlic in New Smyrna is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. This Italian eatery is famous for its enchanting, garden-like atmosphere, where twinkling lights, lush greenery, and rustic décor make you feel like you’ve stepped into a (very eclectic) Tuscan villa. There is something new and totally off-the-wall to check out around every corner!
The open-air setting, complete with fire pits and live music, adds to its charm and makes for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. As for the food, the star of the show is, of course, the garlic—featured in everything from their famous roasted garlic appetizer to rich, flavorful pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas.
Plan on a wait when you arrive, The Garlic is open 364 days a year starting at 4PM and does not take reservations. Grab a drink at one of the two outside bars and settle in for good music while you smell the mouthwatering dishes being prepared in one of their five kitchens.
Who else serves their daily specials on a lasagna noodle?
Guy Fieri visited while filming an episode for Triple D and ordered the Spuntitori Italiano and the sous vide pork chop. Warning: don’t watch the episode if you’re hungry!
Norwoods Restaurant & Treehouse Bar
Norwood’s offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience, famous for its enchanting treehouse bar that makes you feel like you’re sipping cocktails in a magical forest canopy. Nestled among lush, sprawling oaks, this elevated bar offers craft cocktails, fine wines, and coastal breezes in a relaxed yet whimsical setting.
The Treehouse only serves those 21+, but there is plenty of space for families down below.
Down below the main restaurant exudes a cozy, old-Florida charm, serving up fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and Southern-inspired dishes with a creative twist. Whether you’re indulging in their famous crab cakes, blackened mahi, or a decadent seafood platter, Norwood’s delivers a meal that’s as memorable as its atmosphere. It’s the perfect blend of rustic charm and upscale dining and is one of the most unique restaurants in New Smyrna.
Third Wave Café and Wine Bar
Third Wave Café in New Smyrna Beach is truly a hidden gem that blends a laid-back beach vibe with an upscale, garden-like setting. Tucked discreetly beneath a canopy of green tropical plants, the café’s outdoor patio feels like a secret oasis perfect for a relaxed brunch or a romantic evening.
So much more than your ordinary café, their menu is a creative fusion of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering everything from gourmet wood-fired pizzas to vibrant seafood dishes and craft cocktails. What makes Third Wave truly unique is its balance of casual coastal charm with a sophisticated, almost European-inspired ambiance.
David and I tried Guy Fieri’s Triple D recommendation: the pastrami beef rib board served with sauerkraut and paprika-rubbed applewood smoked cheddar cheese… This dish now lives in the top 3 best meals we have ever had!
Panheads Pizzeria
Panhead’s Pizzeria is the only pizza place we’ve been where you can order a large “pizza flight” with pizzas done four different ways, great for a family with very different flavor profiles. Combining rock ‘n’ roll vibes with incredible handcrafted pizza makes it truly unique, and the dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients, including house-made sauces and dough prepared daily create delicious pizza pies.
Their pizzas are loaded with creative toppings and baked to perfection, with a crispy-yet-chewy crust that keeps locals and visitors coming back. The atmosphere encompasses a laid-back vibe with music-inspired decor that pays homage to classic rock legends.
We tried Guy’s recommendation, Grandma Mabel’s Gnocchi. Talk about melt-in-your-mouth pillows of heaven in a butter bacon sauce- yummm.
David’s favorite: Paradise City, ham-bacon-pineapple | Erin’s favorite: Dr. Feelgood, spinach-broccoli-garlic-tomatoes-ricotta | Emily’s pick: Kickstart My Heart, pepperoni-sausage-bacon
Yellow Dog Eats
Yellow Dog Eats is on our unique restaurants list as a funky, eclectic eatery known for its relaxed, artsy vibe and outrageously delicious food. Housed in a charming and colorful space with quirky décor, this spot feels like a mix between a beachside café and a cozy bohemian hideaway.
The menu is packed with creative sandwiches, fresh salads, and smoked meats, all piled high with unique flavor combinations. Favorites include the “Holy Crap” loaded with pulled pork, bacon, and gouda, and the Thai-inspired “What the Fig”- pulled pork with bacon and goat cheese and a jalapeño-fig drizzle. Dine outside on the breezy patio or inside among the playful dog-themed décor.
Yes, dogs are welcomed at Yellow Dog Eats! Bring them in through the front and pick a spot outside to eat, there are dog water dishes scattered throughout the patio.
New Smyrna Beach proves that great food and unforgettable experiences go hand in hand. If you like indulging in locally inspired dishes with a view of the waves, discovering a hidden foodie gem, or savoring bold flavors in an unexpected setting, this coastal town is full of tasty surprises.
Bon appétit!
