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    The Garlic

    4.0 (2.1k reviews)
    PriceyItalian
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The Garlic Photos

    Business Info

    THE GARLIC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Garlic

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    Brittany N.

    Pros: Ambiance is crazy. The restaurants goes on and on and on and there's a beautiful bar, you walk right by the giant oven that cooked all the bread and garlic, and there's live music, too. Crazy good ambiance. The service was also exceptional. Our guy was so nice, and all the food came out hot, fresh, delicious. And you get a complimentary olive oil, balsamic, and roasted garlic dipping plate for your half of a baguette. Food was awesome, too. They have a very boisterous menu. A one-pound meatball and a market price cioppino. And their bravery pays off. Excellent, eclectic dishes. Cons: The only con is that they don't take reservations, but that's ok. It's worth the wait, I promise. Tips: Both of the aforementioned dishes were very good. There was a whole half a lobster in the cioppino, and the giant meatball was actually very well cooked, somehow.

    Legendary Entrance
    Jason C.

    Garlic is simply legendary and, in my opinion, unmatched--not just among Italian restaurants, but restaurants in general. I honestly can't remember a single time I've ever left hungry. I usually gravitate toward one of their incredible pasta dishes, but this visit the land-and-sea special caught my eye, and I'm glad it did. The steak was cooked beautifully, the lobster was outstanding, and together they made for one of the best specials I've had in a long time. Our group included both first-time visitors and longtime fans, and every single person walked away impressed. The service was exceptional from start to finish, and the ambiance...well, it's The Garlic. If you've been there, you already know. It's one of those places that has a character all its own and continues to set the standard for a memorable dining experience.

    Garlic & bread
    Ally Y.

    We come here each year and love it every time! The vibes are fun and quirky which makes it a great time. The food is SOO good!! We learned our lesson last time and just ordered three plates instead of four with our family of 4 and just enjoyed the plates family style. Their serving sizes are huge and if you're on vacation, that makes leftovers really difficult! So I would recommend getting one plate less than your party and sharing! Our favorite plate hands down was the seafood cannellini! OMG Cons: no reservations and if you have outdoor seating in the summer it gets really hot and muggy!

    the seafood cannelloni
    Catherine L.

    This place was really really cool. I mean it's mostly outside, but an upscale gourmet restaurant centered around garlic. The service is so good and the waitstaff are so charismatic. Plus they have live entertainment on nights and an outdoor bar for those who are waiting for a table. The table comes with their roasted garlic and fresh baked bread. The roasted garlic is drizzled in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I loved this and my only complaint is that since it's mashed and kept in the original clove and not peeled, you do miss some of the garlic and the little bits get into your mouth. So this gets an 8/10 for me. We tried the artichoke dip, which was a 9/10. It was rich and I don't think people know how much prep artichoke takes and how delicious it is. I got the seafood cannelloni. This was cheesy and rich and a lot. The waiter did warn me, I did not finish the dish. I did take it home. The overall meal was on the more expensive end. I do highly recommend trying this place at least once for locals and visitors. Not to mention, I had some drinks and they have dessert in the form of drinks. We did also actually get dessert, which was a key lime pie.

    Linda P.

    Visiting the area for the week. Opens at four, no reservations taken. We arrived about 5:15. There were quite a few people ahead us, we were seated in about 30 minutes. This place is very unique. It has lots of greenery. Unique seating arrangements, very busy and yet everything flows. Plenty of staff. Upon being seated with family, they bring out a huge cutting board with oven roasted garlic, a huge crusty baguette. I ordered chicken parmigiana, huge portions. Hubby ordered a mixed seafood with linguine. Grandkids had chicken tenders & fries, and pasta with Alfredo sauce. It was all fantastic.

    Ravioli Bolognaise
    Kaylee C.

    We went for a friend's birthday with a large party and even though it was very busy, they sat us very quickly! The vibe was so fun and the place is huge! We enjoyed our food and had plenty of leftovers too! Definitely a New Smyrna favorite. We were recommended to get the chicken parm cutlet on the fettuccine Alfredo noodles.

    Chicken Alfredo
    Aidilyn G.

    Decided to finally try out this famous NSB staple and I'm so glad we did. This place gets insanely packed, we literally showed up around 4:20 and they open at 4pm we waited for about 30 minutes for a table for two. The parking was all over the place like literally just shove your car anywhere you can where there is no signs for no parking, that on its own was a bit overwhelming. The food was absolutely delicious so it truly was worth the situation with parking! Service was great and very fast, even with how busy it all was, everything came out super timely. The smells in this place of garlic and delicious fresh food is absolutely the best.

    Fun eclectic restaurant
    Pat P.

    We have been coming here for many years. Tonight was one of the best nights at The Garlic. Our server Jennifer made this night special. Her drink and food suggestions were excellent. This place is true eye candy, every room is different, every person is welcoming. There is live music not too loud, perfect. Yes you may have to wait awhile for a table but trust me, it's worth it.

    Ashley A.

    I think the only disappointment that we had was not being able to check out the entire restaurant! In our 12 years of living in Florida, we have driven by here many times, but have not actually ate here. We came on a Wednesday around 4:50 PM and it was already incredibly busy. This establishment does walk ups only, there are no reservations. We were sat quickly. Our waiter brought out warm bread with two garlic bulbs that he put oil and balsamic on then mashed with a fork. It was so delicious! My mom ordered the eggplant Parmesan with their special red sauce that has olives in it. I ordered the chicken Parmesan. My husband ordered the crazy alfredo, which was a special that day. By the way, they put their specials on a lasagna noodle! The chicken cutlet was as big as the bowl. The Alfredo had sausage, shrimp, and, chicken. All of the food was really good. The weight staff was wonderful. The establishment itself, so beautiful. I love how eclectic it is. 1000000/10.

    Megan T.

    Our server was very nice :) The roasted garlic and bread was a nice complementary starter. The rack of lamb was pretty generous in my opinion. It's market price, which came out to about $56. There were 9 pieces so I think that's fair. The garlic mashed potatoes were very very good! The decor is full of character and has that local restaurant vibe and charm.

    Tres leches cake
    Han V.

    The Garlic is a truly unique restaurant, offering a fun atmosphere and quirky vibe that sets it apart. The space is full of whimsy and character from the moment you step in. The restaurant surrounds a large tree and seating is a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. Visiting during the holiday season is an absolute must because the over-the-top festive décor makes the entire place feel even more magical. Since they do not take reservations, plan to arrive a little before opening or expect a wait. Once seated, you are greeted by kind and attentive staff, and the experience feels both lively and warm. Even their specials are playful, written on a "daily noodle," which is literally a sheet of lasagna and adds to the restaurant's charm. They start you off with complimentary warm bread and roasted garlic, mixed tableside with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. For appetizers, we especially enjoyed the calamari and artichoke dip. The calamari was lightly coated and very tender, while the dip was nicely charred from the oven, was creamy, and had generous chunks of artichoke. For entrées, we have enjoyed the rack of lamb, pork osso buco, and pasta pomodoro. The only dishes that missed the mark for us were the shrimp and scallop scampi, where the linguine was overcooked, and a few of the desserts, which were a bit too sweet for our preference. Portions across the menu are generous, making most dishes easy to share. If you are dining with a group, family style is the way to go so you can try a bit of everything. The Garlic offers memorable food, abundant portions, and an atmosphere you will not forget. It is a standout dining experience and I highly recommend them!

    Calms
    Jackie S.

    I finally made it out to the coast to try the Garlic, and it was so worth the wait! I see why there's a line every night - the ambiance is whimsical and tons of fun, the food is fantastic, and the staff are delightful. We showed up right before they opened at 4pm and didn't have a wait, so I'd recommend that for sure! It was still packed when we left. Our server was attentive, so helpful with the menu, and never rushed us. Of course, we started with their complimentary bread and whole head of roasted garlic for dipping - delish! The bread is so fresh. We went all out on apps, with mussels, calamari, and bruschetta. The bruschetta was the standout for us - the flavor was incredible and the quality really stuck out to us! The mussels were in a white wine sauce with some sweetness to it, which was both different and really nice. Calamari was up to par as well! We both enjoyed the chicken parm as our main, and it was huge. I had plenty to take home, but the flavors here were awesome too! No room for dessert this time, but I do appreciate that the prices are nothing crazy and even getting a couple glasses of wine was reasonable. I can't wait to come back!

    Amaia S.

    Came here while on a trip to New Smyrna and we definitely left with our stomachs full! We started off with ordering the raspberry mojito- delicious! Our servers name was Vivian. She was very sweet, warm, and kind. We had the bruschetta as an appetizer and WOW it was SO GOOD!! Probably too much bread though if you also eat the roasted garlic that they give you to start with. Anyways, for entrees I got the Shrimp Scampi and my boyfriend for the Spuntitan. Spuntitan is MASSIVE. Easily can split for 3-4 people. Nobody has ever finished it before but my boyfriend took it upon himself to finish the entire plate let's just say he was very full . vivian our waiter was amazing and so charismatic encouraging him and being very hospitable. Really recommend this place!

    Live music, Joseph Harrison

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    The Garlic Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Garlic

    Is there still an early bird menu?

    No. We got there as soon as they open and they did not have any earlybird menu.

    Is there a call ahead wait list?

    They do not. It's seated as you arrive! I certainly suggest arriving early as their seating fills up very quickly; as does their parking!

    Does the Garlic take reservations?

    No, they don't take reservations.

    Whats the wait on Valentine's Day ? I know they don't accept reservations but do we risk the chance to not be seated at all? Or can I just expect a wait time.?

    I've never been there on that day, but I assume it has to be very tough.

    Does The Garlic have Happy hour?

    I don't have a yes/no answer. Every day when The Garlic opens they have around 40 people lined up at the door. I think I read some reviews about HH food but this place literally does not need to offer happy hour. Don't miss the house wine in a… 

    Are there any vegan friendly options?

    yes there a few

    Can you wear nice shorts?

    Yes, no dress code but I would say a nice casual at least :)

    Do they have desserts?

    Fantastic deserts. The very best!

    Gluten free pasta?

    Yes

    Can we bring our small doggo in?

    NO!!

    Is it possible to call in an order and schedule a time for pick up the same day?

    Yes

    How is the restaurant doing with safety guidelines right now? Masks on servers, tables set up with social distancing, etc? The Garlic is always so packed so I'm nervous but would hate to be in town and not go there...but HAVE to be safe.

    Hi Cyndy the time I went no one was wearing masks. Everyone was at close distance especially at the outside bar. I felt a bit out of place being the only one with a mask on… 

    Does The Garlic have a corking fee?

    View All 16 Questions

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    The Grille  - Bone-in veal chop with pesto

    The Grille

    4.1(108 reviews)
    2.6 mi
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    Locally owned & operated
    Veteran-owned & operated

    This place just keeps getting better!…read more Last night Karen and I went to The Grille fir a quick local bite. We have been many times and we live the vibe, eay to kick back and enjoy a great meal. Anthony started by expressing the night's features. But I would not be distracted. I was going for the Veal Saltimbocca. Karen switched up and fid not ho for her normal Chicken Marsala and instead ordered the Pesto Bucatini with Burrata with added grilled chicken. We started eating prior to my getting pics, sorry. My Saltimbocca was flawless and I will be finishing Karen's meal for lunch! My compliments to my brother from another mother. You nailed this service!

    I've been coming here for years and I'm so glad after an ownership change it remains one of my…read morefavorites in the area. The service here has always been outstanding and that continues and what can I say about the kitchen, Chef Pete continues to knock it out of the ballpark, his soups are the best in the area no matter which one is on the menu they all are a must try. The menu has changed a little over the years but there are still plenty originals that remain today, I've enjoyed so many it would be difficult to pick a favorite. If your looking for a great cocktail or a cold beer the bar is always a great place to start - the live music creates a wonderful atmosphere and is always entertaining. It's great to see a local restaurant that always delivers a great experience and is supported by the community. If you haven't given them a try you're missing out The Grille never disappoints...

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    Ciao Bella

    Ciao Bella

    4.2(141 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    We went to Ciao Bella for dinner and we had an amazing experience…read more We came into the restroom which had a great atmosphere and ambiance. It was all decorated up for Easter Sunday which is tomorrow. The serves was great, we were greeted right away and sat right away. They filled our waters and brought us the bread to start and gave us time to look at the menu. We started with fried ravioli, pear and Gorgonzola salad, and the the glazed Brussels sprouts. The salad was a little small for the price but the taste was great! The Brussel sprouts were delicious and well glazed. Then the fried ravioli were really good filled with a mix of cheese that was delicious and a side of marinara. They were all great and were great to share! Then for the mains we ordered the Gnocchi, gnocchi with Alfredo sauce and were cooked perfectly! Both sauces were delicious and tasted like they were made in house. I ordered the pasta allá puttanesca and it was great. The spaghetti was cooked perfectly and it had two types of olives and crushed tomatoes and was perfect. Then other people ordered a BBQ chicken pizza and the capricciosa pizza which were both great. We tried the tiramisu to finish off the dinner and it was some great desert. It was definitely made in house and was delicious. The service was great as it was very busy and the staff handled all of our needs and flipped tables very quickly around us. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a great Italian meal.

    10/10! Amazing food. Loved everything we ate and would highly recommend. Will be coming back again!read more

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    Ciao Bella - Antipasto  Antipasto Misto

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    Limoncello South

    Limoncello South

    4.0(195 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Had a reservation for Sunday night at 6:30. We arrived and our table was ready!…read more We were sat and it was quite busy. There was a power outage in the area so all the locals were out to find dinner. Servers running around, and a guy who looked like the owner, came in with groceries and was later handing out dishes. Our server came by and said they'd bring our choice of water right out- tap, sparkling, bottled still, and grab our drink order. I asked for the house Chianti. It was really good and only $8, so I thought man, for $8, I will have another glass. Ha! When the bill came, they charged me $28! Apparently they were not serving me the house Chianti or they rang me up wrong. I don't know but that was a big surprise. We started with the fried calamari, burrata, meatballs, Cesar salad and octopus. They did not have the octopus carpaccio on the menu but they had a grilled octopus so we said we would try it. It was a bit chewy- I've had way more tender at other places. It could also use some char marks. The meatballs were small and although the menu said served with ricotta and Parmesan- the amount of cheese on top was sad. The meatballs were good and the marinara sauce is delicious. The Cesar salad was awesome. I loved the croutons and the side of anchovies. It was perfectly dressed and not too much cheese. The burrata was delicious; a little pesto on top with a lot of arugula and a huge heirloom tomato. The calamari was pretty standard. My husband said the calamari was too chewy and he did not enjoy the octopus texture at all- leaving his chewed bite in a napkin. My folks seemed to not care. The bread they serve with the oil and balsamic is delicious. It came out hot from the oven. Wow. I had the lasagna- it's a small serving but I was already full. I took a couple bites. It was good. I like their bolognese sauce. We had the three specials- the lobster and seafood fra diavolo, the red snapper and Shrimp on linguini with the white wine tomato sauce, the tomahawk veal chop Parmesan w linguini. Everything was so good. The snapper was a large portion- looked like only 2 shrimp but there were 3-4 more underneath the fish. It was a light cream sauce. Very good. The tomahawk veal was enormous. You can't tell by the pic because the plate is a huge platter. They said it is 16oz but to me it looked like 38oz. It was really good. The lobster fra diavolo they made not spicy for my mom which is amazing because they were so busy and they really don't take custom orders. But she was very happy with the not spicy sauce. The lobster I was afraid would be overcooked because I feel like everywhere overcooks them, but this place did not! It was tender and not chewy. So all our entrees came out perfect. The owner was around- he's the one who brought me salt and he brought some of our appetizers. He was very helpful. For dessert I had to have the cannoli. They fill them fresh, I know it because the shell was so crispy. We also had 3 martini specials- the key lime pie martini, the pistachio martini and the tiramisu martini. All were good. The key lime was different than most restaurants - more tart and less thick. The tiramisu martini was everyone's favorite. Because of that, we got the tiramisu cake to go! It's circular and not from a sheet cake. It's very pretty and tasted really good. We got one bite before we bagged it up. Our server did a great job. She was pretty new. We told her what we loved, including the bread- and she went and bagged some up for us to go! Wow! Great service. My only complaint is the mix up on the wine. The house Chianti is what I ordered. I may or may not have gotten that, but I was definitely charged for something else. I expected $16 and instead it was $28. I probably should have complained but we otherwise had a good time. I will mention it the next time I go there.

    Well, first let me say that the staff was just unbelievable. There was just going going friendly…read moresmiles suggestion what we should drink what should we eat telling us the specials?. very nice, great romance they have a gentleman playing music live music in the corner which we really couldn't hear cause once it got busy you couldn't even hear yourself. It was like we were a reason. Our voices even allowed us so we can hear our self so maybe next time we'll eat outside. It was a great experience. You can see it's family. They were working together. The food was very good very good. Think we just needs a bigger place so we can hear our stuff at the table, but it was a fantastic experience. Went with a group of four for girls night out.

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    Limoncello South - This is where live music plays

    This is where live music plays

    Limoncello South - CHICKEN MARSALA

    CHICKEN MARSALA

    Limoncello South - Inside

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    Inside

    Touch Of Italy - Baked Manicotti Early Bird Special

    Touch Of Italy

    3.3(184 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    1st time visitor Everything was wonderful! Kara was a great server, knows the menu and just as…read morefriendly as can be. The guy in the pic- that's Sal. That's how you know this place is legendary. The previous owner is still active after here 37 years. Owner/hostess/silverware roller Food: very generous. Portions are HUGE! And the homemade pasta. Wow wow wow Prices: great value. All made with love from Italy AND PERONI ON DRAFT!

    The worst restaurant meal I've ever had…read more The chicken soup tasted like canned chicken soup--because it may very well have been. It even had the unmistakable chunks of canned chicken, and to make matters worse, it arrived barely warm. The salad was somehow even more offensive. The lettuce had brown discoloration, and the croutons were so stale they could probably have been used as construction materials. My spaghetti was watery, the noodles were barely cooked, and the sauce tasted exactly like Ragu. My friend ordered the pizza and managed only one slice. The crust was excessively doughy, the pizza was overly salty, and the cheese had the texture of rubber. The bread was laughable: no garlic, no oil, no seasoning--just premade rolls that appeared to have been heated and served with some of the smallest butter containers known to mankind. The restaurant also needed a serious cleaning. The ceiling was disgusting, and the wall decorations were covered in dust. To be fair, our server was great. Unfortunately, there's only so much a good server can do when the kitchen is producing food this bad. Everyone at our table left plenty of food behind, and we threw the leftovers in the garbage outside. I felt sick to my stomach for the entire ride home. The prices were completely unjustified, and the restaurant gave the impression of relying on tourists who may never return. If you think I'm exaggerating, read the other reviews. This place has clearly perfected the art of turning simple food into a full-scale culinary disaster.

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    Touch Of Italy
    Touch Of Italy - Their AMAZING linguine & chicken !

    Their AMAZING linguine & chicken !

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    Outside entrance

    The Garlic - italian - Updated September 2026

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