Farm to Table Dining in Central East Florida

By Julie Landry Laviolette

Surfing spots, the Space Coast and the Daytona 500 are the adrenaline-inducing draws of Florida’s Central East region.

But look beyond the thrills and you’ll find a mellow farm-to-table scene, providing fresh fruits, veggies and small-batch artisanal goods to local restaurants.

U Pick blueberry and muscadine grape farms and acclaimed Indian River citrus are just some of the stars.

Here’s a sample of locales that support farm-to-fork eating.

Dining

Farm to Fit, Daytona Beach – Mindfully sourced urban cuisine and meal prep company supporting local beef, chicken and vegetable farmers. Familiar American standards are offered in casual surrounds on historic Beach Street.

The Daley Trade, Titusville – Laid-back haunt with a daily changing menu focusing on local and seasonal produce, seafood and meats for its tapas and wine bar. A small market has housemade pasta, sauces, artisan breads and wine. An easygoing, leafy back bar offers wine and craft beer on a welcoming covered patio.

28 North Gastropub, Melbourne - Elevated pub surroundings and a chef-driven menu incorporate local produce in its entrees and crafted cocktails. The energetic eatery has a wrap-around patio dining area and an open kitchen.

The Fat Snook, Melbourne – Upscale coastal mainstay turning out sophisticated seafood plates in a casual atmosphere. The menu offers Florida cuisine with a Caribbean twist while supporting local purveyors and showcasing Florida ingredients.

Backwater, Melbourne – Two down-home spots dish up Southern American cooking, a downtown location and a larger space in Suntree with an outside patio. The focus is make-your-own-pancakes while seated around griddle tables. Ingredients are sourced from Florida when possible, including local shrimp, alligator, meats and grains.

Garden Party, Rockledge- Homespun, low-key locale turning out plant-based, health-conscious favorites from the wares of local farmers and producers. Has bright, cheery outdoor seating overlooking a garden and offers market-to-table dinners. Specializes in sandwiches, baked goods and farm-to-bottle cold-pressed juices.

Cress, DeLand – Warm, inviting standby in the historic downtown area with exposed brick walls and outdoor seating. It’s known for turning out elevated American comfort dishes with a global twist. The menu focuses on thoughtful sourcing and supports local farmers.

BakeChop, DeLand – Airy, light café serving casual American eats using local produce when possible. A market has grab-and-go meals, sandwiches and baked goods.

Organic Girly, Palm Bay – Cheery, cozy spot with outdoor seating whipping up grain- and gluten-free health-conscious foods with a Latin American twist. Offers housemade elderberry products and syrup.

Djons Village Market, Indiatlantic – Vast gourmet market with Florida artisanal goods, wine and cigars, plus a restaurant sourcing American classics from local farmers and producers when possible, and a rooftop bar.

AKOHO (A Kitchen of her Own), Sebastian – Bright, simple gourmet takeaway shop selling upmarket baked goods, quiche, sandwiches and bowls sourced from local purveyors.

Michael’s on 7^th, Vero Beach - Sophisticated takes on American cooking in an easygoing setting, with a raw bar, outdoor tables and a focus on locally farmed produce and artisanal fare.

The Tides, Vero Beach – Casually elegant fine-dining venue plating Floridian and New American cuisine with Southern, Latin, Caribbean and French influences. The menu is sourced from local seafood and locally grown, organic produce, and has an award-winning wine list.

Farms

Ever After Farms, Mims – The largest U Pick blueberry farm (also a wedding venue) along the east coast of Florida, with more than 30,000 blueberry bushes on 17 acres. The destination has hay rides and a petting zoo. A separate 30-acre U Pick peach farm is located nearby.

Meadows Blueberry Farm, Mims – A U Pick blueberry farm and market featuring four types of blueberries, plus homemade goods like blueberry muffins, bread, jams and jellies.

Williams Blueberry Farm, Mims – A U Pick blueberry farm also selling blueberry leaf tea and blueberry preserves.

True Trail Farms, DeLand – Tree-covered small farm with an Airbnb studio apartment selling fresh eggs, goat milk, goat cheese and apothecary items.

Common Ground Farm, DeLand – Small, organic garden with cooking classes, produce boxes and a Saturday market with produce, local dairy and proteins.

River House Vineyard, Palm Bay – A U Pick muscadine grape vineyard with seasonal art workshops for kids and adults.

Countryside Family Farms, Vero Beach – Citrus farm and U Pick strawberry field specializing in tropical Indian River fruit, with citrus gift boxes, fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juices, seasonal fruits, veggies and baked goods. Has a fall festival and crop maze.

Peterson Groves, Vero Beach – Family farm since 1913 growing Indian River citrus and offering a nursery farm stand with produce, eggs and local artisanal goods.

Al’s Family Farm, Vero Beach – Third-generation family farm for Indian River citrus and fresh-squeezed juice, with seasonal tours of the packing house, a bake shop, grill and a produce market.

Schacht Groves and Market, Vero Beach – Long-standing Indian River citrus grove with themed farm-to-table dinners in a covered, alfresco setting and live entertainment. The grove also has a farm market with produce, artisanal items and fresh-squeezed juice.

Ye Ole Davis Farm, Sebastian – Fourth-generation organic family farm producing veggies and seasonal U Pick items. A rustic, open air covered patio houses tables for café dining, baked goods and locally roasted coffee.