Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Prosciutto and Pea Tortellini
Herbed Sicilian Lamb
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Clams Bianco
About
The Garlic
Welcome to The Garlic, an enchanting culinary treasure nestled in beautiful New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Located at 556 E 3rd Ave, this restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a destination that promises a memorable experience for every guest who walks through its doors.
As you approach The Garlic, the charming ambiance draws you in. With fairy lights, lush plants, and an inviting outdoor seating area, the restaurant sets the stage for a romantic dinner or a lively family gathering. The atmosphere buzzes with live music and the vibrant energy of patrons enjoying their meals, making each visit feel special.
The menu at The Garlic is a celebration of flavors. From the moment you take your seat, you are surrounded by a myriad of delectable options that tantalize your taste buds. The Spuntitori Italiano, featuring a delightful mix of Italian sausage, meatballs, pulled beef, and mini pork osso buco in a rich marinara sauce, is a hearty dish that exemplifies the passion for food at this restaurant. Priced at US$32.95, it reflects the quality and creativity that define The Garlic.
If you prefer something lighter, the Prosciutto and Pea Tortellini, tossed in a savory garlic pecorino cream sauce for US$23.95, delivers a wonderful balance of flavor and texture, making it a favorite among diners. Indeed, the overwhelming positive reviews speak volumes about the culinary prowess on display here, with many guests raving about the impeccable service and the knowledgeable staff, eager to provide recommendations tailored to your tastes.
For meat lovers, the CharGrilled Filet Mignon is a must-try! Served with garlic mashed potatoes and topped with caramelized onions, this 8-ounce steak is a masterpiece, priced at US$41.95. Patrons have consistently praised its tenderness and flavor, labeling it as an experience not to be missed.
But it’s not just the entrees that shine at The Garlic; the appetizers and desserts are equally impressive. Many guests mention the mouthwatering Garlic Rack of Lamb and the remarkable Bocce Ball meatball—a delightful treat that leaves a lasting impression. As you savor your meal, don’t forget to indulge in one of their creamy, flavorful soups or buttery appetizers that perfectly complement your main course.
So, whether you're enjoying a romantic night out or celebrating a family gathering, The Garlic offers an experience that transcends dining. With each dish crafted from the finest ingredients and served with genuine hospitality, it is no wonder that customers like Heather Burtt and Max Goodman have hailed it as one of the best restaurants they’ve ever visited. Remember, reservations are not accepted, so arriving early is key to securing your spot at this beloved culinary hotspot.
In conclusion, The Garlic is not just about food; it's a heartfelt celebration of flavor, ambiance, and community. With a menu that caters to all palates and an atmosphere that wraps you in warmth, your visit here is bound to be an unforgettable part of your culinary journey.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ This place is always great. No reservations accepted, however you can always hang at the bar. There are so many good options on the menu. Great ambiance both indoor and outdoors. Live music in multiple locations throughout the restaurant. The lamb chops are always fantastic. Options on the menu are varied, but so many great choices. Appetizers never miss and the entrees are fantastic. Desserts are pretty good, but it’s tough to save room as entrees are incredibly filling! ”
“ We visited The Garlic and had a truly wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the beautifully decorated space. We were nice to be served by Lucky, an outstanding server—friendly, attentive, and highly professional. He truly made our visit even more special with his excellent service. The food was absolutely spectacular. Every dish was full of flavor and perfectly prepared. The Seafood Cannelloni is a must-try—rich, creamy, and packed with delicious seafood. Also, the warm bread and roasted garlic they bring out at the beginning are simply amazing! A perfect start to the meal. We definitely recommend this restaurant and look forward to coming back soon. Thank you to the entire team at The Garlic, and especially to Lucky, for such a memorable evening! ”
“ We had an amazing experience at this restaurant. Our server, Morgan, was very attentive and provided excellent service throughout our time there, which was especially impressive considering we were a party of nine. The food was outstanding; I had the Chicken Alfredo, and the sauce was creamy and delicious. My husband ordered the prosciutto and pea tortellini, which was also very tasty. The atmosphere was relaxed, with plenty of interesting things to look at. Keep in mind that this restaurant does not take reservations, so it's a good idea to arrive early. We got there 30 minutes before opening, and there was already a line, but we were seated immediately. We will definitely be back! ”
“ What a great place to dine. Service was, thank you to Allen, outstanding. The food was delicious and beyond and their house wine is great. Bring time and be hungry. The restaurant has so much to see, the Blue bar and the decor is super. ”
“ Having dinner at The Garlic was one of the highlights of my and my families vacation. This is not only my favorite restaurant of the trip but I'm confident to say it's the absolute BEST restaurant I have ever been too and my family agreed. From the ambiance, to the service, the food....DELICIOUS !!EVERYTHING was just perfect! I cannot recommend this place enough. We had Cody as a server and he was so informative about the menu. We took his recommendations and they were spot on. He wasn't only knowledgeable but very friendly and made our experience unforgettable. Thank you for an amazing experience!! We cannot wait to come back on our next trip. ”
“ This is the best Italian restaurant I've been to and easily a top 3 restaurant of all time for me. Found this place on an anniversary trip 2 years ago, and this place has made us plan trips to NSB just to go to it. I can't express how much I love this restaurant. We had the same server both times we went, and it was about a 2 year gap, and I think he was one of the best servers I have ever had. I say this but I can't remember his name because we were here about a month ago. He's the tall one... either way, he truly made both times such amazing experiences. Get the artichoke dip. This place is so good I would actually recommend planning a trip to go visit here. We obviously aren't from the area but I definitely would mind having the garlic in my neighborhood ”
“ Charming. Magical. Elegant. The Garlic lives up to the hype! This restaurant is so beautiful! With fairy lights, plants, gnome gardens, pottery and hearths. Open skies, twinkling stars and heating torches make this one of the most romantic places I’ve ever dined. The wait is long, they do not accept reservations but do not let that stop you! It’s busy and a bit crammed but still, absolutely worth the wait and lack of privacy. The service was on point! Quick, knowledgeable, and very hospitable to fix anything needing corrected (my lamb was over cooked but they mended it right away!) The steak was mouth watering and cooked to perfection! The char is otherworldly. The bread with a WHOLE glove was outstanding. With creamy flavorful soups, buttery appetizers, crispy salads and decadent desserts... The Garlic feels like a dream. ”
“ The Garlic is hands-down one of the most memorable dining experiences in New Smyrna Beach. From the rustic Italian atmosphere to the bold, flavorful dishes, everything about this place screams authenticity. As the name suggests, garlic is a star ingredient here — and they use it beautifully in most of their dishes without ever overpowering the plate. I started with the fried calamari — crispy, tender, and served with a flavorful dipping sauce that had just the right hint of garlic. The Caesar salad was fresh and crisp, with a garlicky kick in the dressing that took it to the next level. But the highlight of the meal was the chicken Parmesan — perfectly breaded, smothered in rich marinara, melted cheese, and yes, that signature garlic touch that made the whole dish sing. The ambiance is warm and lively, and you can tell everything is made with love and care. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Garlic is a must-visit for anyone craving real Italian comfort food with bold, unforgettable flavor. ”