Caroline Hebert: My favorite restaurants in the Daytona Beach area

As my time in Daytona Beach ends, I wanted to throw together my top favorite restaurants list before I depart. Volusia and Flagler have treated me well, and I felt like a local despite being here for just a year. Living near the World's Most Famous Beach was an experience I'll never forget — and has now made me rethink my decision to leave since I can't go to the beach every day.

The restaurant scene is constantly growing with locally owned businesses, and watching how dedicated the community is to supporting local eateries is all a restaurant reporter can wish for. I hope the restaurants continue to pop up and the Daytona Beach area continues to thrive despite all obstacles (hurricanes). So as my parting gift, here is a wrap-up of all of my favorite restaurants and bars in Volusia and Flagler counties. Cheers!

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Caroline Hebert: My 5 favorite new restaurants in Daytona Beach area of 2023 — as of April!

In the Daytona Beach area, there's a new pizza joint, Pizza Pazza; a fine-dining fusion restaurant, Ciao Bella; a fried Southern classics spot, Hip-Hop Seafood and Chicken; three wellness eateries, Solberry, Smyrna Smoothie and The Porch; a sandwich shop, The Local Bite; a new location for Jimmy Hula's and many more. The Flagler Beach area is also expecting a few new openings very soon.

While all of these are exciting places to try, my five favorite restaurants that opened in 2023 as of April, are linked to below. They range from an upscale beachfront establishment to a pizzeria and also include places serving seafood, Indian cuisine and Argentinian dishes.

Read the story:Caroline Hebert: My 5 favorite new restaurants in Daytona Beach area of 2023 — so far!

My top 5 favorite restaurants of 2022 in the Daytona Beach area

As the doors of 2022 closed, I reflected on how much my life has changed and some of my favorite moments from this year. Of course, my biggest change was moving to Daytona Beach after graduating from Louisiana State University (becoming an adult), and my favorite thing about the year was landing this dream job of eating and writing. After being here for seven months and exploring the food scene, it was time for me to reveal my favorite spots thus far.

Read the story:Caroline Hebert: My top 5 favorite restaurants of 2022 in the Daytona Beach area

Fieri and Food Network News

As many of you know, I spent quite some time covering the Fieri invasion in Daytona Beach. After he visited six restaurants, I broke down all of the episodes and reported on him having a local chef on his other show "Guys Grocery Games," which is airing soon. Food Network also highlighted another local chef on "Beat Bobby Flay." I think it's safe to say the Daytona Beach area has some flavor!

My time with Guy Fieri:Covering his Daytona invasion and what he ate at all 6 restaurants

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The best seafood restaurants in Daytona Beach area

Living near the beach is a gift that keeps on giving for us in Volusia and Flagler counties. Besides the occasional hurricane, the Atlantic Ocean provides gorgeous views and most importantly, an incredible selection of seafood. Whether you're craving fish or crustaceans you can find it all here in the Daytona area near the World's Most Famous Beach.

Yes, almost every restaurant in Volusia and Flagler serves seafood, but which serves fresh locally caught seafood? Sadly, it's harder than I thought to find establishments that focus on fresh local catches. Luckily, though, it was not impossible. Here are the best restaurants for tasty, locally sourced seafood in the Daytona Beach area.

Read the story:What are the best seafood restaurants in Daytona Beach area? Here are my favorites

The best waterfront restaurants and bars in the Daytona Beach area

Living near Daytona and the World's Most Famous Beach is definitely one of the best perks of my job, but my absolute favorite part is dining at restaurants overlooking our Atlantic coastline and nearby waterways. Being able to enjoy the waterfront landscape at sunset while enjoying anything from a burger and beer to fresh grouper and a cocktail is one of those experiences I can't get enough of. So when it's time to pick a restaurant, and you know you want views alongside your dish, refer back to this list. Here are the best waterfront restaurants in Volusia County.

Read the story:The best waterfront restaurants and bars in the Daytona Beach area

The best waterfront restaurants in the Flagler Beach area

Nothing beats enjoying a meal while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and nearby waterways here in the Daytona Beach area. With lots of coastlines come many waterfront restaurants throughout Volusia and Flagler counties for us to try.

After highlighting the best waterfront restaurants in Volusia, I thought it was only appropriate to show love to the beachfront eateries in Flagler as well. Flagler Beach has a variety of restaurants on and across the street from the Atlantic Ocean for us to eat and drink at while on island time. So when you're looking for a place to eat along Oceanshore Boulevard, refer back to this alphabetized list of the best waterfront restaurants in Flagler County.

Read the story:The best waterfront restaurants in the Flagler Beach area

The best rooftop restaurants and bars in the Daytona Beach area

Rooftop restaurants and bars are always great spots for having fun, and here in the Daytona Beach area there is a wide variety of elevated eateries. Whether you're looking for a fun night out drinking with friends, a casual bite, waterfront views, or even an upscale dinner, Volusia County has a rooftop restaurant or bar to fit everyone's needs. The best ones have spectacular views, impressive food, clever cocktails and inviting vibes complemented by energetic music. Here are five of my favorites in the Daytona Beach area.

Read the story:The best rooftop restaurants and bars in the Daytona Beach area

My favorite romantic restaurants in the Daytona Beach area

Whether you're trying to score brownie points from your significant other of 10 years, impressing a first date or even celebrating galentine's day, finding a restaurant perfect to dine at for any romantic holiday is crucial. Many restaurants throughout Volusia and Flagler are ready for all your romantic needs but here are my favorite romantic restaurants, in random order, to wine and dine at in the Daytona Beach area.

Read the story:Caroline Hebert: My favorite romantic restaurants in the Daytona Beach area

The best restaurants for pizza in the Daytona Beach area

To find the best pizzas in the area, I ate more slices than I'm willing to admit. With pizza being one of my favorite dishes, I had no problem eating it multiple times a week for the past month. I love pizza. I even like it cold, at midnight, with a large glass of room-temperature water to wash it down.

And how do I judge if a pizza is good? The most important thing to me is the crust; I like a good crunch with a fluffy dough interior. Next is the sauce, I don't like super saucy pizzas; the toppings just need something to bind them all together, and that's exactly what red sauce does. Lastly, I love creative toppings. Yes, traditional pizza is always necessary, but sometimes we need something a little different, like fig pizza, to remind us that pizza can be more than just marinara and mozzarella. Here's where to get the best pizza in Volusia and Flagler counties.

Read the story:What are the best restaurants for pizza in the Daytona Beach area? Here are my favorites

The best restaurants for brunch in the Daytona Beach area

Brunch will forever be my favorite meal of any day. Why you might ask? Because it's socially acceptable to drink before noon, oh, and because the dishes are delicious. Let's celebrate with bottomless mimosas, bloody Marys and espresso martinis; of course, alongside dishes like shrimp and grits, breakfast burritos and loaded waffles.

Luckily, the Daytona Beach area has many restaurants offering brunch whether you want to get dressed up, continue the weekend bender or both. Now, I haven't found the cure for the brunch hangover but I did find six of the best restaurants for brunch in Volusia County.

Read the story:What are the best restaurants for brunch in the Daytona Beach area? Here are my favorites

Best restaurants near Daytona Beach for a great breakfast

To many, including myself, picking a breakfast restaurant is a serious matter. Making sure there is something for everyone on the menu is crucial but the restaurant being aesthetically pleasing is a big plus, too. Sometimes you want a cute spot with light bites and other times, you're craving a breakfast of champions. Luckily, the Daytona Beach area has all sorts of breakfast spots, including those offering a classic American breakfast as well as a not-so-typical morning dish. Below is a list of some of the best restaurants and diners in Volusia and Flagler counties for the most important meal of the day.

Read the story:5 best restaurants near Daytona Beach for a great breakfast

What are the best restaurants for burgers in the Daytona Beach area?

It's time to celebrate one of the most famous dishes in America, the cheeseburger. The beloved sandwich comes off as simple but is more complex than you think. As someone who has mastered their cheeseburger, smash burger to be exact, there is a science to it. As a self-titled burger snob, I can pick apart the good burgers from the great burgers. So what am I looking for in a great burger?

If I am eating a smash burger, the patty needs to be thinner than my finger, but for a traditional burger, the ground meat patty must be medium with a pinkish center with a charred texture on the outside, which is called a Maillard reaction. This reaction is why we love grilled meat, and to sum it up it is the formation of those browned spots that give off the rich, flavorful and crispy part of the burger. No one likes greyish meat!

Now for the toppings, I'm a little more liberal with those. I love creative toppings and unique combinations, but nothing beats a classic burger fully dressed with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles when your craving a traditional patty of meat with cheese between buns.

At last, here's my link to the restaurants that have mastered their burgers. Find out where to get your "cheeseburger in paradise" here in Volusia and Flagler counties.

Read the story:What are the best restaurants for burgers in the Daytona Beach area? My top five favorites

The best restaurants for sandwiches in the Daytona Beach area

Ahh, sandwiches. Definitely, one of my favorite foods because the combinations are endless. As someone from New Orleans, I take my sandwiches seriously, po-boys and muffulettas are top-tier handhelds. To make it to my top favorites these restaurants went the extra mile with fresh bread, creative topping combinations and packed their sandwiches to the brim with flavorful ingredients. Now this list does not include Cubanos because those belong in their own category, but it does contain the best sandwiches and sandwich shops in Volusia County.

Read the story:What are the best restaurants for sandwiches in the Daytona Beach area? My top 5 favorites

Where to find the best Cuban sandwiches in the Daytona Beach area

When I think of Florida cuisine, my mind immediately goes to seafood, Key lime pie and some kind of fruity cocktail, but now, after writing this, I know a staple in Florida's food history that must not be forgotten — Cuban sandwiches. 

After doing my research and getting a mini-lesson on Cubanos from my editor, I was ready to conquer the task of finding Cuban sandwiches made just right, here in the Daytona Beach area.

In Daytona Beach, I have yet to find a quality Cuban sandwich served Tampa-style containing salami, with each commendable one here served Miami-style: buttered and pressed with ham, roast pork, melted Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles but sans the salami. I also learned these are just typically called "traditional" Cuban sandwiches in Volusia County. There's just something about the simplicity of an elevated ham sandwich.

Read the story:Where to find the best Cuban sandwiches in the Daytona Beach area

Best Mexican restaurants near Daytona Beach

To me and I am sure many others, Mexican cuisine is a form of comfort food. If you're having a bad day, you get Mexican food; if you're celebrating, you get Mexican food; or even if you're just hungry and need something that tastes like a warm hug, you get Mexican food. No matter your current state of mind, margaritas paired with fresh guacamole never sounds like a bad idea.

After trying almost every South of the Border-themed restaurant in the area, I was able to pick out the best eateries for Mexican dishes. This list has it all with restaurants fit for everyday dining, to-go-focused service, and great ambiance. Here are the best Mexican restaurants in Volusia County.

Read the story:For taco Tuesday or any day, here are the best Mexican restaurants near Daytona Beach

Where to find the best chicken wings near Daytona Beach

The perfect beer companion, the popular football game snack, the go-to for late-night cravings and the ideal shareable appetizer, wings are one of America's favorite foods. The many ways of cooking the handheld poultry favorites — such as fried, baked, grilled and smoked — all hold flavors bigger than the wings themselves. Whether you're team flats or drums, ranch or blue cheese, finding a place with great wings is a must.

Read the story:Finger-lickin' good: Where to find the best chicken wings near Daytona Beach

Best restaurants for barbecue in the Daytona Beach area

Who knew Florida is home to fantastic barbecue? Well, I do, now. I had no clue that 'cue by was so popular, especially here near my new Daytona Beach home. Each restaurant puts its spin on classic barbecue with distinctive dishes and to my surprise always has dessert options for something sweet after a savory meal. I found a new love for mustard-based barbecue sauce and an appreciation for the art of smoked meat made in the Florida heat. After trying multiple barbecue joints, different types of meat, sandwiches and sides throughout Volusia and Flagler counties all recommended by fellow locals, I created a list of my four favorite places to check out. 

Read the story:Where to find the best BBQ restaurants in Volusia and Flagler counties

The best restaurants for Asian food in the Daytona Beach area

Finding your go-to Asian restaurant is vital. If you're like me, you always want your food to hit the spot when you're craving it most. So luckily for you, I tried over a dozen establishments that serve Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and Thai food throughout the Daytona Beach area, so you don't have to. Whether you're in the mood for a date night at a nice restaurant or need to pick up food for a night in, I've got a restaurant for each craving. Here are the best Asian restaurants in Volusia County.

Read the story:What are the best restaurants for Asian food in the Daytona Beach area? Here are my favorites

Best restaurants for salads in the Daytona Beach area

With what seems like a neverending heatwave, sometimes eating a hot and heavy meal is just too much. After experiencing this myself, I decided what better time to find restaurants with tasty salads that pair well with our 90-degree weather. Eating a crisp summer salad after a day at the beach, during a workday, or while running errands can leave you feeling full and refreshed. Below is a list of restaurants in Volusia County that put an extra effort into their salad menu with homemade dressings, creative spins and salads so good you forget you're eating a bowl of greens. 

Read the story:Best salads at Daytona Beach area restaurants? Check out our favorites in Volusia County

Where to find great Key lime pies in the Daytona Beach area

Key lime pie, the dessert of Florida. This sweet yet tart treat dates back to the 1800s, and despite being made of the classic ingredients of sugar, butter, eggs, sweetened condensed milk and Key limes, you can still find many variations of the pie. I decided to research the dessert and find some of the best places to grab a slice in the Daytona Beach area. 

Key limes, also known as Mexican limes, are different than regular limes in shape, color and taste. These small yellowish limes are more tart yet sweet and have floral notes. It makes complete sense to use Key limes over regular limes for this pie; the depth of this little citrus fruit can impact the flavor profile of any dish, but add it to classic pie ingredients, its flavors are embraced, and after one taste you're hooked. 

When I began this quest for Key lime pie, the bond between Key lime pie and Florida reminded me of my hometown New Orleans' love for king cake. Now, being honest, I am a chocolate lover when it comes to dessert, so without a second thought, I would pick a chocolate cake over Key lime pie. But, something about living in Florida now and immersing in the food culture makes me understand why Key lime pie is so loved. Coming back from a day at the beach or just walking from your car to your house, it's hot, and when you are in the mood for a sweet treat something rich and heavy doesn't seem appealing. Nonetheless, Key lime pie awaits to cure your sweet tooth and leaves you refreshed. 

Read the story:Grab a slice of paradise: Where to find great Key lime pies in the Daytona Beach area

Five of my favorite sports bars in the Daytona Beach area for food, drinks and fun

Between NASCAR races and football season, it seems my TV only has sports channels available. Growing restless from watching games at home almost every day, it seemed necessary to find fun sports bars in the Daytona Beach area for fans and those like me who end up watching almost every sporting event (not by choice but because your significant other is a sports fanatic). Finding a bar that makes any sport enjoyable, even if it is the fifth game you've watched that day, is a must.

A good sports bar has TVs everywhere, great bar food, drink specials, a large crowd that's into the game and of course the N.F.L. Sunday Ticket, so all games are on at all times. As preseason football ends and playoff races begin, here is a list of sports bars here in Volusia and Flagler counties that have the full experience to check out this season. 

Read the story:Five of our favorite sports bars in the Daytona Beach area for food, drinks and fun

10 fun dog-friendly restaurants, bars and a ballpark in the Daytona Beach area

Leaving your four-legged furry best friend home when you're off to get lunch or drinks is hard. Once you go, the guilty feeling worsens when you think of their sad puppy dog eyes. To alleviate the shame of leaving your pup at home, local restaurants and bars (plus a ballpark) around the Daytona Beach area not only welcome dogs but have created menus just for our pooches. For everyone's safety, check each business's rules and regulations, and ensure your dog is vaccinated and well behaved. 

Read the story:10 fun dog-friendly restaurants, bars and a ballpark in the Daytona Beach area

What's the best Irish pub in Daytona Beach area? Here's my pick

I may not be Irish, but I've mastered the Irish goodbye, and I like Jameson, so I think that makes me qualified to tell you what's the most authentic Irish pub in Volusia County: McK's Tavern and Brewery.

Located in a sweet spot on Beach Street, McK's Tavern has a view of the Jackie Robinson Ballpark and is front and center for all the festivities downtown Daytona Beach has to offer.

The tavern opened in 1996 and was purchased by current owner Scot Lawson in 2006 after deciding he wanted to own a bar once he completed his service in the military. Since then, the business has gone through a few cosmetic changes, but Lawson made sure to keep it authentic yet innovative by adding a brewery three years ago.

Read the story:What's the best Irish pub in Daytona Beach area? Here's my pick

Best restaurants, bars to visit on Daytona Beach Boardwalk, Pier for waterfront views, fun!

Summer is here, and the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pierhave fun opportunities for vacationers and, of course, us locals. The beach, music, food, sweets and entertainment are all in one spot along The World's Most Famous Beach.

While waiting for the band to start, grab a drink or dine in near the historic Bandshell or enjoy a sweet treat from Zeno's Boardwalk Sweet Shop is just around the corner. Here's a list of fun restaurants that have food and cocktails all located seconds from the beach. 

Read the story:Best restaurants, bars to visit on Daytona Beach Boardwalk, Pier for waterfront views, fun!

Caroline Hebert is the restaurant and entertainment writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Orleans native and food enthusiast, she can be contacted at chebert@news-jrnl.com. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Support local journalism by subscribing.