Are you a foodie that’s new to Florida’s central Atlantic coast and does not know where to satisfy your inherent cravings? Or are you visiting Daytona Beach for one of its world-famous events, such as Bike Week or Spring Break?
Furthermore, are you a health enthusiast or someone who’s not afraid of getting their fingers covered in chicken wing sauce?
Wherever you land in the above categories, the following list of the Top Fifteen Best Restaurants in Daytona Beach (in no particular order) is sure to have something for you!
While Daytona Beach’s often crowded beach is world-famous for a reason, mainstays like Ocean Deck and Zen Bistro are just as famous and worth a visit while you are vacationing at Daytona Beach.
From the best specialty sushi bar in town to ocean-side coconut curry shrimp to die for, Daytona Beach has you covered!
Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club
$$ | (386) 253-5224 | WEBSITE
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Mexican, Cajun & Creole Seafood This is an ocean-front Daytona must stop with a fun atmosphere, live music, and a great view. Enjoy flavorful appetizers, crafty cocktails, and burgers that will make you fall in love and not want to leave.
This place is very popular amongst locals and tourists alike, so try to go during non-peak hours to avoid an extended wait time.
Vegetarian and gluten-free menu selections are available.
Sessions Restaurant
$$ | (386) 947-7387 | WEBSITE
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American, Bar, Contemporary Sessions restaurant is most well-known for its rock-star style and panoramic Atlantic Ocean views.
With the restaurant being located inside the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, both the food and the atmosphere will exceed your expectations.
From live bands to DJs, diners can also enjoy a memorable breakfast, lunch, or dinner of good old American food as well as craft cocktails at the indoor/outdoor bar.
Vegetarian vegan and gluten-free menu selections are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$$$ $40 – $60
1100 Marina Point Dr, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-5060
+1 386-255-9022
American, Seafood
For more than 50 years, Chart House, a fine-dining chain eatery, has been redefining Daytona’s ideal dining experience.
Famous for their spectacular waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean, magnificent surf and turf, and excellent service, anyone who hopes to eat fresh seafood should plan a visit to Chart House while visiting Daytona Beach.
Because Chart House only serves a dinner menu, plan an evening at the restaurant. The chart house happy hour, open every day between 4:30-7 pm, is a guest favorite.
Kale Cafe Juice Bar & Vegan Cuisine
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$ – $$$ $8-$20
116 N Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3308
+1 386-872-5097
Caribbean, Café, Jamaican, Rasta
At Kale Café, you will taste the freshness in each bite of your veggie burger or sip of your smoothie.
While the Café is ultra-packed with delicious vegan quality food, your non-vegan friends are sure to love this place as well given the fun island vibe atmosphere and excellent health-conscience offerings on the menu.
The casual atmosphere makes it easy to pop in straight from the beach for a refreshing smoothie or an entire meal. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$ – $$$ $10 – $15
137 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-4321
+1 386-492-7935
Italian, Pizza, Sicilian
This dinner-only restaurant can be described as a casual throwback Italian eatery. Family-owned and operated, using fifth-generation Italian and Sicilian recipes, you may feel like you are vacationing in Italy when you eat at Don Vito’s.
This restaurant greets you with warm staff and a comfortable atmosphere.
Eat like a local with favorites like the homemade lobster ravioli or Don Vito’s unique style of pizza while taking in the intimate yet relaxed atmosphere that includes classic movie posters and artwork decorating the interior.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$$$ $40 – $500
220 Magnolia Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-4348
+1 386-258-0011
Italian Seafood European
Another dinner-only establishment, The Cellar is Daytona Beach’s most acclaimed fine-dining classical Italian cuisine restaurant. Located in a historic building, The Cellar lures diners in with its fine dining ambiance and upscale Italian food.
The Cellar Restaurant has been voted as one of the United States’ 100 most romantic restaurants and offers one of the area’s most extensive wine lists.
The Cellar is operated by CIA Graduate chef Sam Moggio, and his wife. Make sure to call ahead for dinner reservations as this eatery fills up fast.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$$$ $16-$45
101 2nd St Suite 500, The Market, Daytona Beach, FL 32117-4903
+1 386-239-0548
Latin, Spanish, Central American
Named for the Honduran word for “finger food,” Chucherias offers diners both charming scenery and the chance to dine in the indoor/outdoor courtyard for lunch or dinner.
Along with the delightful atmosphere, chef Mayra Rodriguez cooks up Latin American-Caribbean fusion menu choices such as Octopus from the northern coast of Spain or Conch directly from the Honduran Bay Islands for diners to enjoy.
Live music is also offered at select times, adding to the Caribbean island vibe.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu choices available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$ – $$$ $9-$25
223 Magnolia Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-4305
+1 386-248-0453
Asian, Thai
Since 2008, Zen Bistro has been renowned for having one of the best Thai menus in the Daytona Beach area. The menu offers outstanding dishes such as the pumpkin, yellow, and green curry.
At the same time, guests to Zen Bistro are not overwhelmed with options. If you do not like hot and spicy food, do not worry!
One of the best things about Zen Bistro is that meals are prepared according to your spice preference, ranging from no spice at all to Thai-style hot. You and your “spicier” friends can all enjoy a meal at Zen Bistro.
The courtyard/garden, surrounded by luscious bamboo trees, is a clean and delightful place to sit and eat your meal — spicy or mild.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$ – $$$ $10-$30
721 Ballough Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-2209
American Caribbean Bar
If you plan to be out on the water while visiting Daytona Beach, this is a unique dining option just for you. Pull up in your boat or on your jet skis to the harbor at Caribbean Jacks for lunch or dinner and be greeted with a lively atmosphere.
Enjoy the scrumptious coconut shrimp and margaritas from your choice of indoor or outdoor seating with a water view. Be sure to call ahead for no wait time as this place can get pretty busy during peak dining times.
$$ | | WEBSITE
$ $2 – $16
401 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118-3924
+1 386-301-5796
American Diner
The throwback vibe and casual atmosphere of the Starlite dinner is perfect for a meal right while visiting the “World’s most famous beach.” You can order a collection of yummy food provided for guests, such as great Americano and milkshakes galore.
Whether you stop by the Starlight for breakfast before hitting the beach, pop over for lunch while shopping on the strip, or head over for dinner after a long day of water sport, the Starlite will not let you down.
If you brought Fido with you on your vacation, feel free to bring him with you as the Starlite is dog friendly.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$ – $$$ $8-$25
111 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-4321
+1 386-252-6320
Japanese ,Sushi, Asian
While dining right on the beach is certainly something you should do while visiting Daytona Beach, do not limit yourself to beachfront dining if you want to truly enjoy all that Daytona Beach has to offer.
Instead, get away from the beach for lunch or dinner and find this gem of a sushi bar that the locals love and frequent. For sushi lovers, Ronin Sushi bar is said to be the best specialty sushi bar in the area.
On Dynamite Mondays you can even enjoy $6 Dynamite Shrimp and Chicken Appetizers.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$ – $$$ $10-$30
747 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3539
+1 386-253-2270
American Bar Pub
Inspired by Daytona’s exciting race week, this race-themed sports bar boasts a menu of delicious American favorites. Daytona brickyard is a top Bike Week fan pick for lunch or dinner.
This fun and friendly restaurant is a popular place to go to watch the races and sports games as well. Its highlights include quick service with delicious juicy burgers and mouth-watering wings.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$ – $$$ $6 – $16
110 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-4402
+1 386-947-2022
Contemporary, Healthy, Eastern European
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or a carnivore, everyone will find something to love at the eclectic Dancing Avocado Kitchen.
Their creative, locally sourced, minimally processed, el fresco menu features fresh, healthy, and gluten-free options for guests on their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Also, feel free to bring your dog with you when dining at the Dancing Avocado Kitchen.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$$ – $$$ $8 – $19
1615 S Atlantic Ave Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
+1 386-255-0921
American, Bar
Open for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
H20 is located directly on the beach, tucked inside the Holiday Inn Hotel, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. One thing you can count on is that when you dine at H20 Daytona you will not leave hungry.
From pasta and seafood to casual burgers and sandwiches, this spot is loaded with filling food choices. While enjoying a meal here, you can spend some time soaking up the stunning views of the sparkling pool and the Atlantic Ocean.
Have a drink with the super friendly bar staff, then walk right out onto the beach for an evening stroll. They also have some of the best brunches on the beach, and you can bring your dog with you!
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options are available
$$ | | WEBSITE
$ $2-$15
2011 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118-3303
+ 1 386-252-7340
American Diner
Steve’s Famous Diner is a great value option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serving up generous portions of delicious homemade food at cost-friendly prices, you cannot go wrong at Steve’s Famous Diner.
Be sure to try the homemade bread and soup that is made fresh seven days a week.
Summary
If you were like some people who think Daytona Beach is just one touristy chain restaurant after another, hopefully, this article has broadened your outlook on Daytona’s restaurant landscape.
As you see, your options range from fine dining in the yacht harbor to a “sandy toes allowed” little number on the beach, or, everything in between.
As eating out slowly returns to a state of normalcy, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to try one, if not all, of the above top fifteen restaurants in Daytona Beach.
Hopefully, you find some amazing restaurants to fall in absolute love with and give yourself even more of a reason to come back to visit the beautiful, vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere of Daytona Beach, Florida!
Daniela Hall lives in Berkley, California. She’s a graduate of Fine Arts. At Birch Restaurant, she layout each page and provides excellent graphic visuals to make our food blog appealing to everyone. Daniela spends most of her free time getting the most out of every food experience.
