The Garlic in New Smyrna Beach
Who says you can’t find fine dining at the beach?! The folks at The Garlic Restaurant market themselves as a casually sophisticated restaurant with an ambiance and menu reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside. It’s a big leap, New Smyrna Beach to Tuscany, but believe me when I say, I was sold the minute I walked in! OK, admittedly, I was wary of the big gimmicky garlic bulb on the outside of the building but I got over it! Just approaching the entrance, the savory aromas were calling me, inviting me! Once inside, it became evident that this wouldn’t be the run of the mill beachside food.
When my friends and I walked inside The Garlic, it was as though we had walked onto a Tuscan patio. The walls are stucco and painted with the deep colors of the Tuscan region. The vine covered arbor and tiled floors also added authenticity to the décor. When I saw the fireplace, that removed any remnants of the beach that may have lingered in my thoughts! While we waited to be seated, I got lost in the most wonderfully aromatic scent. My mouth watered as I saw the waiters walking the soft, butter-like, roasted cloves of garlic over to the tables with hot bread. Although they were busy, our wait was short and before long we had our own basket of goodies!
The menu was filled with the usual Italian options and a few that I don’t see often. That said, I cautiously ordered the Chilean Sea Bass. It’s one of my favorite meals but never have I had it prepared in an Italian kitchen. Given what I had already sampled, however, I was feeling confident that these folks could pull it off…and I was right! The fish was superb! The flavor was just incredible, and the texture was perfect; it just melted in my mouth! The rest of my party was also quite impressed with their meals; the eggplant parmigiana and the chicken alfredo, all spectacular! The portions were generous and although we usually take home leftovers, they was nothing left on our plates! ….and yet, we had to have dessert! Tiramisu, of course! …and I say that with some reservation. Soggy ladyfingers are usually not my thing, but this was creamy and just sweet enough. Somehow, and once again, the flavors and textures came together to make even my dessert experience a memorable one! Another skepticism overcome, the Garlic is now my go-to restaurant in New Smyrna Beach.
Don’t take my word for it, though! Go and experience The Garlic for yourself. Get past that big garlic bulb, and let them show you what beach food should taste like.
Visit the Garlic at:
556 E. Third Avenue New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
(386) 424-6660
