Places to Eat in Daytona Beach, FL

The dining scene in Daytona Beach is very similar to that of any beach destination and mid-sized city. Just about every kind of food is available and options range from typical fast food like burgers to boardwalk-style munchies like hot dogs, popcorn, and fries, to popular chain eateries, to elegant privately-owned sit-down restaurants that serve up fresh food made from the best local ingredients.

There are plenty of restaurants in the downtown area that are within walking distance of the beach and even the pickiest of eaters can find something they like in this part of town. Many visitors and locals also travel to the outskirts of the city to places like Ormond Beach or Port Orange to test a number of other restaurants that are favorites with the critics. Many provide views of the Halifax River, the Intracoastal Waterway, or the ocean, making dining at these locations an even more pleasant experience.

Restaurants in Daytona Beach range in price from very affordable to pretty pricey, so there’s going to be something for everyone’s budget. Because there are so many choices, a family of four can spend a week here without blowing all their cash on eating out. On the other hand, however, those who desire more than standard beach cuisine certainly have that option at their disposal.

            Here’s a list of restaurants that continually earn top grades from both critics and the general public:

• The Chart House – Though The Chart House is a chain restaurant with locations in many beach areas, you don’t really get standard fare here. The restaurant’s menu includes wonderful local seafood selections served with a twist as well as great steaks and chops. The restaurant is lovely and the location on the water is stunning, but guests should expect to pay for the elegance and the view.
• Gene’s Steak House – Gene’s is a local legend, having been in business in Daytona for more than 60 years. Aged beef and fresh seafood are part of the legend as is the extensive wine list. Dining is by candlelight and the atmosphere is very relaxing. Due to its location just a few miles from the racetrack, however, it gets quite crowded during race season.
• Hog Heaven – If you’re a fan of BBQ, you’ll love this Atlantic Avenue restaurant that’s a favorite with locals and visitors. Look for standard barbecue fare here, like ribs, chicken, pork, and beef with scrumptious sides like a baked sweet potato, baked beans, fries, and slaw. There’s an inexpensive kids menu as well and take-out is available.
• Deck Down Under – Situated on the Halifax River, this Port Orange favorite is an old-fashioned, hands-on seafood joint that’s popular for its steamed oysters, fish sandwiches, pick-and-peel shrimp, and cold beer. The price is right as well!
• European Café and Schnitzel House – If you’re looking for something decidedly German, you’ll love this café, which serves 16 different kinds of schnitzel and many other ethnic favorites like sauerbraten, a wurst platter, spaetzles, and delicious desserts.
• La Crepe en Haut – More European flair is available at this French restaurant in Ormond Beach, where many say the wine list is the best in the city. French nouvelle cuisine is the name of the game here, and this eatery has been recognized by the Zagat Survey and other similar reputable publications. Elegant and pricey but worth the splurge if you like French food with a modern twist.

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