Best Restaurants in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach has a food scene that surprises people. Behind the boardwalk corn dogs and hotel buffets, there’s serious seafood, local institutions that have been serving for decades, and waterfront dining that rivals anything on the Florida coast.

Seafood — The Reason You’re Here

Inlet Harbor (Ponce Inlet) — Waterfront dining right on the inlet. Watch fishing boats come in while you eat grouper, shrimp, and fresh-catch specials. The blackened fish tacos and peel-and-eat shrimp are local favorites. Sunset views are outstanding.

Down the Hatch (Ponce Inlet) — Tiki bar vibes on the Halifax River. Fried shrimp baskets, fish and chips, and one of the best outdoor dining settings in the area. Live music on weekends. Very casual — flip-flops encouraged.

Hull’s Seafood (Ormond Beach) — A seafood market and restaurant. Fresh-off-the-boat fish prepared simply. The smoked fish spread and fried oysters are excellent. No-frills setting, outstanding quality.

Aunt Catfish’s on the River (Port Orange) — Sunday brunch institution. Waterfront on the Halifax River with all-you-can-eat catfish and Southern comfort food. The cinnamon rolls alone are worth the trip. Arrive early on weekends — the line gets long.

Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor (Ponce Inlet) — Upscale seafood from the same ownership as Inlet Harbor. Cedar-plank salmon, seared scallops, and a raw bar. The best “nice dinner” in the Ponce Inlet area.

Beachside Eats

Racing’s North Turn (Ponce Inlet) — Built on the actual location of the old beach racing course turn. The walls are covered in racing photos and memorabilia from the days when stock cars raced on the sand. Burgers, seafood, and beer with a side of Daytona racing history.

Ocean Deck (beachside) — The quintessential Daytona beach bar. Feet in the sand, reggae on the speakers, cheap drinks, and above-average bar food. Burgers, wings, and the Rasta Pasta. This is where Daytona comes to unwind.

Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill (boardwalk area) — Waterfront bar and grill near the Main Street Pier. Crab legs, fried grouper sandwiches, and beach views. Tourist-adjacent but the food delivers.

Local Institutions

The Garlic (Ormond Beach / New Smyrna Beach) — Italian restaurant that’s been a local favorite for years. The garlic bread alone draws people in. Pasta, seafood, and veal in generous portions.

Ceviche Tapas (Daytona Beach) — Spanish tapas and cocktails. One of the more upscale dining options downtown. The sangria is excellent.

Rose Villa (Ormond Beach) — Upscale Southern-inspired fine dining in a historic house. One of the best restaurants in Volusia County for a special occasion.

Sapporo (Port Orange) — The local sushi favorite. Consistent quality, reasonable prices, and a regular crowd that comes weekly.

Port Orange & South Daytona

Tom Bowman’s home turf. The communities south of Daytona proper have their own dining scene:

Dustin’s BBQ (Port Orange) — Smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. One of the best BBQ spots in Volusia County. Laid-back, fast, and the meat is the star.

El Patio Mexican (multiple locations) — Authentic Mexican food that locals swear by. The salsa is made fresh and the portions are generous.

Ronin Sushi & Ramen (Port Orange) — The newer sushi/ramen option in Port Orange. Quality fish and rich broth bowls.

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