Food Tours
Part of the fun of Scenic Highways and traveling the less populated stretches of the road, is finding a place with some good food and nice people. It’s those lesser-known, mom & pop places which are memorable finds. On most of the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor, you won’t be too far from a busy hub with plenty of fast food and franchise restaurants. But since the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor has a number of legs and side roads and small community towns, we thought we’d let you know where you can find a good meal when you’re in some of those quieter zones, off the beaten path.
Pierson’s Family Restaurant
In the northern leg of this corridor through the Lake George State Forest along US 17, Pierson Depot used to be an important stop along the railroad that moved produce and citrus. Today that train depot is preserved at the Pioneer Settlement for the Arts in Barberville (near the US 17 & SR 40 intersection).
Stop by the Pierson Family Restaurant when you’re in this area for some comfort food in a downhome setting.
Pierson’s Family Restaurant
302 S Center St, Pierson, FL 32180
(386) 749-9979
Old Sugar Mill Pancake House
The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House is located inside DeLeon Springs State Park. The waitresses bring you pancake mix and you grill and customize your pancakes on a griddle built into your table. The restaurant is in the historic Mill situated on the edge of one of the areas artesian springs, De Leon Springs.
Breakfast is served until 4:00pm.
Old Sugar Mill Pancake House
601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 871-7573
Airport Restaurant & Gin Mill
Located near the DeLand Municipal Airport, the Airport Restaurant & Gin Mill offers a fun and friendly dining and entertainment experience. We have an inviting deck for outdoor seating where you can watch the skydivers during the day or kickback and listen to the great bands that play in the evenings.
Airport Restaurant & Gin Mill
1120 Flight Line Blvd, DeLand, FL 32724
(386) 734-9755
El Coqui Bakery
El Coqui Bakery is known for its freshly baked bread, which sets it apart from other bakeries in the area. Their most popular item, the coquitrón sandwich, features bistec, pastrami, and turkey on their signature bread. In addition to sandwiches, they offer a variety of baked goods, including quesitos, turnovers, flan, tembleque, and tres leches, all made fresh daily at their Deltona location on Providence Blvd.
El Coqui Bakery
1878 Providence Blvd, Deltona , FL 32725
(386) 218-6202
Sinatra’s L’Aldila Ristorante
Built in 1927 the historic Cassadaga Hotel is the centerpiece of Cassadaga’s Spiritualist Camp and the hotel is home to Sinatra’s Ristorante. Recently renovated the hotel and restaurant provide a pleasant and classic atmosphere for Sinatra’s Italian cuisine. With a full wine and liquor bar, you may get some extra spirits with your spirits here. The owner is related to old blue eyes himself.
Sinatra’s L’Aldila Ristorante
355 Cassadaga Rd, Lake Helen, FL 32744
(386) 218-3806
Mi Tierra
You won’t be far off the beaten path in Orange City, where there are plenty of restaurants right off I-4. But if you are looking for a good local restaurant, Mi Tierra serves authentic Mexican food in a colorful, festive atmosphere. Sizzling fajitas, an extensive menu, great prices and irresistible margaritas.
Mi Tierra
2235 S. Volusia Ave. Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 774-1438
Swamp House Riverfront Grill
If you’re looking for a meal on the St. Johns River, this place has a second-floor view of the river from Highbanks Marina. It’s not far off the beaten path, but it feels like it! The full name is The Swamp House River Front Grill and the Happy Snapper Tiki Bar. With all manner of fish dishes, wings, steaks, chicken, burgers, sandwiches and salads, there’s something for everyone. St. Johns Eco Tours is located adjacent to the restaurant, so it’s a good place to eat and take a pontoon boat tour on the historic St. Johns River.
Swamp House Riverfront Grill
488 W Highbanks Rd., DeBary, FL 32713
(386) 668-8891
Osteen’s Diner
There’s nothing quite like being out on a rural stretch of road, you’re hungry, and you find a welcome oasis of good comfort food. Some places are not only places to get a good meal, they are cultural attractions. Osteen’s Diner is such a place. It wasn’t long ago, that they only accepted cash.
Osteen’s Dinner
195 S State Rd 415, Osteen, FL 32764
(407) 323-6469
Gators Riverside Grille
Since this scenic highway is named for the St. Johns River, it’s nice to find those out-of-the-way places on the river. Gators Riverside Grille will put you right on the river. Located on the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor on the eastern edge of Sanford, the restaurant is south of Lake Monroe on the St. John’s River. With outdoor seating over the river, regular entertainment, and a distinct local feel, this is a genuine Florida establishment. Fish is their specialty with shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels, crabs legs; they also serve gator bites, wings, cheesesteaks and salads. Open seven days a week and easily accessible by either car or boat.
Gators Riverside Grille
4255 Peninsula Point, Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 688-9700
Salted Goat
Situated along the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor in DeBary, The Salted Goat is a farmer-driven gastropub featuring a locally sourced menu and a fresh, innovative dining experience.
Salted Goat
2 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd, DeBary, FL 32713
(386) 320-0217
