A Flavorful Journey Through DeLand’s Best Bites
Beyond its historic charm, Stetson University, and vibrant arts scene, DeLand, Florida, is quickly establishing itself as a destination for food lovers. What was once a sleepy town is now bustling with creative chefs, diverse cuisines, and a palpable passion for good food. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor eager to explore DeLand’s gastronomic landscape, this guide is your passport to the very best dining experiences the city has to offer. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and discover the culinary gems that make DeLand a true delight.
DeLand’s restaurant scene has blossomed over the past few years, offering everything from classic Southern comfort food to innovative international dishes. This surge in quality and variety means there’s something to satisfy every craving and culinary curiosity. To make your exploration a bit easier, we’ve curated a list of the standout establishments, categorized by what they do best. So, let’s embark on a flavorful journey and discover the spots that truly make DeLand a culinary destination.
The Crown Jewel: Best Overall Restaurant
When it comes to a restaurant that consistently delivers on all fronts – atmosphere, service, and, most importantly, food – one name rises to the top: The Table Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of downtown, The Table Restaurant offers a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance, making it perfect for a special occasion or a memorable weeknight dinner.
The menu is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, showcasing the chef’s commitment to quality and creativity. While the menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest produce, some signature dishes have become local legends. The pan-seared scallops, served with a butternut squash puree and crispy prosciutto, are an absolute must-try. The braised short ribs, slow-cooked to tender perfection, are another perennial favorite.
The Table Restaurant’s wine list is extensive and thoughtfully curated, featuring selections from around the world. The attentive and knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer recommendations and ensure a seamless dining experience. While prices are on the higher end, the exceptional quality and overall experience make The Table Restaurant well worth the splurge. This is a place where you can savor every bite and create lasting memories.
Rise and Shine: Best Breakfast Brunch
For those seeking the perfect start to their day, look no further than Cress Restaurant. While Cress is well-known for their lunch and dinner menus, their weekend brunch is a DeLand institution. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, with plenty of natural light streaming through the windows, creating a welcoming space to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal.
The brunch menu is a delightful mix of classic breakfast staples and innovative culinary creations. The pancakes, fluffy and golden brown, are a perennial favorite, especially when topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. The eggs benedict, with its perfectly poached eggs and creamy hollandaise sauce, is another crowd-pleaser. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the breakfast burrito, packed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and all the fixings.
Cress offers outdoor seating, allowing you to soak up the Florida sunshine while enjoying your meal. The friendly and efficient service adds to the overall positive experience. Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a delicious breakfast, Cress Restaurant is the perfect spot.
Laid Back Flavors: Best Casual Dining
Sometimes, you just want a relaxed atmosphere and delicious, unfussy food. That’s where De La Vega comes in. This popular spot is known for its vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, and mouthwatering menu of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
The burgers are the stars of the show, made with high-quality beef and piled high with toppings. The De La Vega burger, with its crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, is a local favorite. The sandwiches are equally impressive, from the classic Reuben to the creative chicken pesto.
De La Vega is a great option for families or groups, as there’s something for everyone on the menu. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a casual dinner with friends, De La Vega is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Elevated Experience: Best Fine Dining
For a truly special dining experience, head to Santorini Greek Cuisine. This restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and a menu of sophisticated dishes that are sure to impress.
The chef’s specialties include the grilled octopus, the lamb shank, and a variety of seafood dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques. The wine list is extensive, featuring selections from around the world, and the knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer recommendations.
Santorini Greek Cuisine is the perfect choice for a romantic date night, a celebratory dinner, or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance. While the prices are higher than at other restaurants in DeLand, the exceptional quality and overall experience make it well worth the investment.
A Taste of the World: Best Ethnic Cuisine
When cravings for international flavors strike, Siam Terrace Thai & Sushi is the place to go. This popular restaurant offers an authentic and diverse menu of Thai and sushi dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
The Pad Thai is a perennial favorite, with its perfectly cooked noodles, flavorful sauce, and generous portions of shrimp or chicken. The sushi rolls are equally impressive, featuring a variety of creative combinations and high-quality fish. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
Siam Terrace offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. The friendly and efficient service adds to the overall positive experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi connoisseur or a newcomer to Thai cuisine, Siam Terrace is sure to impress.
The Perfect Slice: Best Pizza
For pizza lovers, no visit to DeLand is complete without a stop at Pat’s Pizzeria. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious New York-style pizza for years, earning a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
The pizza is made with fresh dough, homemade sauce, and high-quality toppings. You can order by the slice or get a whole pie to share. The classic pepperoni pizza is always a good choice, but Pat’s offers a variety of specialty pizzas as well, including the Margherita, the veggie, and the meat lovers.
Pat’s offers delivery and takeout, making it a convenient option for a quick and easy meal. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great spot for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Sweet Endings: Best Dessert Treat
No meal is complete without something sweet, and for the best desserts in DeLand, head to Bake Chop. This charming bakery offers a wide selection of pastries, cakes, and other treats, all made with fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love.
The cupcakes are always a popular choice, with a variety of flavors to choose from. The cakes are equally impressive, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion. Bake Chop also offers custom cakes and other special orders, allowing you to create the perfect dessert for your event.
Bake Chop is a great place to stop for a quick treat or to linger over a cup of coffee and a pastry. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot to relax and indulge your sweet tooth.
Late Night Bites: Best Bar Food
After a long day, or for a fun night out, Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company offers excellent bar food. A wide variety of burgers, tacos, and unique appetizers are sure to pair well with any of their excellent craft beers. Located right in the heart of downtown DeLand, this bar is the perfect hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
While many restaurants in DeLand are gaining popularity, one hidden gem is particularly deserving of recognition: El Tacorriendo. This unassuming food truck, parked on Woodland Boulevard, serves up some of the most authentic and delicious tacos in town. The owners, a friendly family from Mexico, pour their heart and soul into every dish.
What makes El Tacorriendo special is their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The carne asada tacos, with their tender and flavorful grilled steak, are an absolute must-try. The al pastor tacos, marinated in a blend of spices and cooked on a vertical spit, are another local favorite.
Be sure to try the homemade salsas, ranging from mild to fiery, to add an extra kick to your tacos. El Tacorriendo is a reminder that some of the best food can be found in the most unexpected places.
Tips for Navigating DeLand’s Culinary Scene
To make the most of your culinary adventures in DeLand, here are a few helpful tips:
- Reservations Recommended: Making reservations, especially on weekends or for special occasions, is highly recommended, particularly at popular restaurants like The Table Restaurant.
- Check the Hours: Double-check restaurant hours before visiting, as they may vary depending on the day of the week or the season.
- Explore Different Areas: Venture beyond the main downtown area to discover hidden culinary gems in other neighborhoods of DeLand.
- Support Local Businesses: When dining out, choose local restaurants and support the hard-working entrepreneurs who make DeLand’s food scene so vibrant.
A Final Bite
DeLand’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and culinary concepts emerging all the time. From casual eateries to fine dining establishments, there’s something to satisfy every taste and budget. So, grab your appetite and get ready to discover the culinary gems that await you in DeLand! Don’t forget to share your favorite dining experiences with us in the comments below. As DeLand continues to flourish, its culinary landscape promises even more delicious surprises to come, solidifying its place as a true haven for food enthusiasts.
