Sanford is undoubtedly a blossoming restaurant hub. From boozy brunches to some of the best barbecue in Central Florida, here are a few Sanford digs you probably should definitely put on your radar. So the next time you visit our friends in the North, keep these places in mind when your stomach starts to growl.
20 essential Sanford restaurants you probably should've tried by now
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Dec 15, 2017 at 9:56 pm
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The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar
112 E. First St., Sanford, 407-878-1284,thebreezewayrestaurantandbar.comGet your surf n’ turf fix at this casual eatery that serves up fresh seafood, steaks and everything in between.
Photo via mo0nchild__/Instagram
The Tennessee Truffle
125 W. First St., Sanford, 407-942-3977,facebook.com/thetennesseetruffleThis breakfast-and-lunch restaurant gives Southern staples a new twist and introduces Sanford to the delicious secrets of pickled ramps.
Photo via thetennesseetruffle/Instagram
Wondermade Café
214 E. First St., Sanford, 407-205-9569,wondermade.comMarshmallow lovers, meet your match. This unique café puts the dessert on a stick, in a s'more or in a cup of hot Lineage coffee.
Photo via wondermade/Instagram
Shantell’s Cafe
501 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 845-214-4589,ordershantells.comWith tasty, comforting soul food options including mac and cheese and crispy fried chicken and waffles, at this spot, you’ll feel like part of the family.
Photo via celebritychef4u/Instagram
Fuel BBQ
120 S. Park Ave., Sanford, 407-328-4848,fuelbbq.comServed straight up on a metal tray, this restaurant's food is a no-frills barbecue get-down right next door to the Alley, a live blues venue owned by the same folks.
Photo via karenkleyla1/Instagram
Gator’s Riverside Grille
4255 Peninsula Point, Sanford, 407-322-2150,gatorsriversidegrille.comPull up to this pet-friendly restaurant by car or boat to enjoy bar grub favorites like chili cheese fries and jalapeño poppers, or dive into the Captain’s Sampler Platter to get your fill of oysters, clams, crab legs and shrimp.
Photo via gabbyjbogan/Instagram
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café
205 E. First St., Sanford, 407-321-2204,willowtreecafe.comCome for the German food and beer, stay for the gemütlichkeit atmosphere, complete with oompah music.
Photo via Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe/Facebook
The District Eatery, Tap & Barrel
112 W. Second St., Sanford, 407-330-2730,districtsanford.comThe District puts a modern, elegant twist on classic American cuisine and serves it up in a classy atmosphere, with architecture highlighting Sanford’s Historic District. A rotating list of craft beers and cocktails compliments a menu featuring sophisticated entrees such as braised short ribs and a black angus burger with white truffle aioli.
Photo via tunesbyalex/Instagram
The Smiling Bison
107 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford, 407-915-6086,smilingbison.com/sanfordChef Josh Oakley's gastropub gets raves for good reason, with beer-friendly but upscale dishes like the duck-lover's pizza and the shaved-beef sandwich on a smoked salt-caraway roll. Ask for mushroom ketchup on your fries.
Photo via Rob Bartlett
Jimotti’s Restaurant
2545 S. French Ave., Sanford, 407-952-3329,jimotti.comThis self-described Japanese-style tapas restaurant run by a former Morimoto Asia head sushi chef is a culinary adventure, located in an unlikely neighborhood. Brave it.
Photo via yotedesco/Instagram
Wolfy’s Lakefront Bar & Grill
520 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 407-322-2150,wolfyslakefront.comKick back on the shores of Lake Monroe with a burger, a cold one and some friends while enjoying the live music and laid back atmosphere.
Photo via Wolfy’s Lakefront Bar & Grill/Facebook
Sanford Brewing Company
400 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-6419,sanfordbrewing.comOpened earlier this year, this brewery and gastropub serves up brunch, lunch, and dinner, where you can try any Sanford Brewing Co. beers, some guest taps and delicious apps and entrees. The “Make Your Own Mac and Cheese” menu option is sure to please.
Photo via Sanford Brewing Company/Facebook
Buster’s Bistro
300 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-6880,bustersbistro.comThis self-proclaimed Belgian Beer Bar offers an extensive, high-quality draft beer list and a multicultural menu featuring dishes such as poutin and tikka masala. If you’re looking for a more intimate evening, check out the beer garden in the back.
Photo via bl00dw0rth/Instagram
Chianti’s Pizza & Pasta
685 Towne Center Blvd., Sanford, 407-878-5900,chiantispizza.comChianti’s, named after the popular Tuscan table wine, offers classic Italian cuisine in a family-oriented atmosphere. Grab a fork and take a stab at the lobster ravioli, or share a large basil margherita pizza and good conversation with friends and family.
Photo via Chianti’s Pizza and Pasta - Italian Restaurant/Facebook
St. Johns River Steak & Seafood
550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 407-878-0980,stjrss.comFeel the breeze blowing off the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe while munching away on fried gator bites or frog legs. If you’re not feeling particularly adventurous, try the New Orleans Po’ Boys or ask about the Chowder of the Day at this riverside bar and grill.
Photo via kerrijosmith/Instagram
The Corner Café
101 W. First St., Sanford, 407-322-3779,thecornercafesanford.comIf you’re looking to impress your friends with a lunch date, you should consider this elegant bistro in the heart of the Historic District. Try the french onion soup, which is served in a bread bowl toasted with Muenster cheese on top.
Photo via The Corner Cafe/Facebook
Mel’s Family Diner
3221 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford, 407-321-4294,facebook.com/MelsDiner1987Southern classics are served up at this retro American diner. Sink your teeth into the country fried steak or the biscuits and gravy, and wash it down with a cup o’ joe to start your morning right.
Photo via Mel’s Family Diner/Facebook
Negril Spice Cuisine
114 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-878-2726,negrilspices.comJamaican-American staples such as curry goat, oxtail and jerk chicken can be found at this authentic spot, which won “Best Caribbean Restaurant” in My Sanford Magazine’s “Best of Sanford” the last two years in a row.
Photo via Negril Spice Cuisine/Facebook
Zorba’s Greek Restaurant
115 E. First St., Sanford, 407-915-6082,zorbasgreekfood.comZorba’s brings authentic Greek cuisine to Sanford, with olive oil imported directly from Greece—which you can try in their house Greek dressing. Aside from classic Greek dishes such as spanakopita and chicken souvlaki pitas, you can nosh on pizza, calzones and other mediterranean treats.
Photo via anthony_paitaris/Instagram
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