They say the best way to truly immerse yourself in a community’s culture is to dine as the locals do. After all, when in Rome, eat as the Romans ate. Here are seven local favorites in West Volusia that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of both locals and visitors alike. From historic haunts to fresh fusion, these spots showcase the region’s vibrant culinary scene that will make that empty belly a thing of the past.
Mongoose Restaurant
A cozy, intimate eatery serving Asian-inspired street food, Mongoose Restaurant evokes the vibe of a Tokyo yokocho alley bar. A two-seat bar overlooks the bustling kitchen, with room for 20 indoors and more on the wraparound porch. Quirky decor and soulful tunes await; complement your meal with imported beer, wine, or sake.
Recommendation: The Dan Dan Noodles are the ultimate comfort food.
The Salted Goat
With a quirky, modern vibe and a spacious, shaded patio, The Salted Goat is a laid-back gastropub built around fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Central Florida farms. Live music on weekends adds a lively touch, blending DeBary’s small-town roots with a creative edge.
Recommendation: Go-to is the Drunken Piggy Pasta—a rich entrée with pork, pasta, and a unique Chardonnay-Bloody Mary broth, served generously. Perfect for an empty belly.
Old Sugar Mill Pancake House
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not start it with pancakes? Located within DeLeon Springs State Park, the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House equips each table with a flat, rectangular griddle embedded in the center. Guests receive pitchers of two homemade pancake batters—one a multi-grain blend of stone-ground corn, wheat, rye, whole wheat, and buckwheat flours, and the other unbleached white flour. You’re given free rein to cook your own pancakes right at the table, flipping them with a provided spatula after spraying the griddle with non-stick oil. It’s interactive and fun, especially for families or groups, turning breakfast into a hands-on activity. The best way to fill up that empty belly in the morning.
Recommendation: The pancakes (of course) with blueberries; sprinkle them in while the pancakes cook for a fruity burst.
Blue Springs Brewing and Riverwalk Pizzeria
Blending a microbrewery with a family-friendly pizzeria, Blue Springs Brewing and Riverwalk Pizzeria is a go-to for everything from date nights to family outings. The spacious 250-seat interior sports a modern yet cozy feel with granite counters and New York-themed photos honoring the owner’s Brooklyn heritage. Head brewer Tim Nowlin, a Deltona native who won a 2020 Great American Beer Festival bronze for his White Water Vanilla Cream Ale, crafts nine core beers plus seasonals.
Recommendation: Stuffed-crust pizza and a glass of the Manatee Pilsner.
Hunters & Gatherers
DeLand’s newest restaurant, Hunters & Gatherers opened in December 2024, paying homage to the legendary Hunter’s Restaurant (1949–2022), which once occupied the same space. “Hunters” nods to quality meats, while “Gatherers” reflects fresh produce and a communal dining atmosphere—plush seats, soft lighting, and water pitchers invite guests to stay awhile.
Recommendation: The Beef Stew with a side of Caesar Brussels is to die for.
Santorini Greek Cuisine
A family-run gem in Downtown DeLand, Santorini Greek Cuisine has been serving authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes for over 14 years. Capturing the essence of Greece with a cozy, bright, casual atmosphere—think white walls reminiscent of Santorini’s iconic architecture—the restaurant is accented by large photos of Greece and the Aegean Islands. It’s a bustling spot, often packed, reflecting its status as a local favorite and a draw for visitors exploring DeLand’s historic charm.
Recommendation: You have to try the moussaka. Layered with eggplant, potato, and meat sauce topped with béchamel, it’s often called life-changing by new diners.
The Twisted Chopstick
This cozy, eclectic eatery blends Japanese sushi traditions with modern twists. The Twisted Chopstick is a DeLand highlight, growing from a regular stall at the Artisan Alley Farmers’ Market to now occupying a historic 1925 building just south of Downtown DeLand. The open sushi bar lets you watch the sushi chef at work, with seating indoors and on a covered outdoor patio.
Recommendation: A standout favorite is their Bento Box. You have a choice between Korean BBQ, Teriyaki chicken, or Tofu.
Pick up more information on West Volusia County at the Visitor Center, located at 116 W. New York Avenue in Downtown DeLand, FL or online at www.visitwestvolusia.com. Call 386-734-0162 for more information.