Introduction
Citrus County, located on the northwest central coast of Florida, is renowned for its delectable dining scene. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, there’s something for every palate. The county’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico ensures a steady supply of fresh seafood, which is often showcased in the local restaurants. Additionally, the area’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its diverse dining options. Here are the top 20 restaurants in Citrus County, in no particular order, along with what makes them special.
Table of Contents
The 20 Best Restaurants in Citrus County, Florida
Seagrass Waterfront Bar & Grill (TripAdvisor): This Homosassa restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It boasts delicious food, a gorgeous atmosphere, and stunning views of the marina. Be sure to try one of their signature seafood dishes, such as the grilled mahi-mahi or seafood paella.
Katch Twenty Two (Roaming Required): This small, gourmet hideaway in Lecanto offers an intimate dining experience with creative, expertly prepared dishes. The menu is constantly changing, but expect innovative combinations of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Marianas (Citrus County Chamber of Commerce): This Italian restaurant has been awarded the “Best of the Best” in the county, serving up authentic, mouth-watering dishes. Don’t miss their homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
The Grille at Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club (Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club): Even if you’re not a golfer, the grille is worth a visit. Enjoy lunch on the patio overlooking the course, and return in the evening for their band night menu and live music. The grille offers a range of American favorites, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
Stirrups at World Equestrian Center (OpenTable): Located in the World Equestrian Center, Stirrups offers a unique dining experience with a focus on Southern-inspired cuisine. Be sure to try one of their signature dishes, such as the shrimp and grits or fried green tomatoes.
Bayside Kraft Kitchen (OpenTable): This waterfront restaurant in Crystal River serves creative, farm-to-table dishes with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu is constantly changing, but expect innovative combinations of seafood, meats, and produce.
Remington’s Prime Steakhouse (OpenTable): For a special occasion, head to Remington’s for a top-quality steak and fine dining experience. In addition to their expertly prepared steaks, the restaurant offers a range of seafood and pasta dishes.
Wallace’s at the Greenhouse (Yelp): This greenhouse-turned-restaurant in Crystal River offers a unique atmosphere and delicious breakfast and lunch dishes. Be sure to try one of their signature sandwiches or salads, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
La Pergola Italian Argentinian Ristorante (Yelp): This Crystal River restaurant serves a fusion of Italian and Argentinian cuisine, offering something different from the usual Italian fare. Don’t miss their empanadas and other Argentinian specialties.
Socos (Yelp): This Mexican restaurant in Inverness serves authentic, flavorful dishes at reasonable prices. Be sure to try one of their signature tacos or burritos, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Luigi’s Pizza (Citrus County Chronicle Facebook): This pizzeria in Homosassa offers delicious, New York-style pizza and Italian dishes. Don’t miss their signature pizza pies, made with fresh sauce and mozzarella.
The Olive Tree Restaurant (Citrus County Chronicle Facebook): Located in Crystal River, this restaurant serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Be sure to try one of their signature dishes, such as the gyro or spanakopita.
Green Valley’s Family Restaurant (Citrus County Chronicle Facebook): This Hernando restaurant is a great spot for breakfast and lunch, offering a wide variety of familiar favorites. Don’t miss their signature omelets and pancakes, made with fresh eggs and real butter.
The Cove (Discover Crystal River): This waterfront restaurant in Crystal River serves fresh seafood and other Florida favorites. Be sure to try one of their signature seafood dishes, such as the grilled shrimp or fish sandwich.
Peck’s Old Port Cove (Discover Crystal River): Located in Crystal River, this restaurant offers fresh seafood and waterfront dining with a view. Don’t miss their signature seafood platter, featuring a variety of fresh catches.
Cody’s Cypress Inn (Discover Crystal River): This Crystal River restaurant serves Southern favorites and fresh seafood in a cozy, cypress-lined setting. Be sure to try one of their signature dishes, such as the fried chicken or shrimp and grits.
Charlie’s Fish House Grille (Discover Crystal River): This Crystal River restaurant offers fresh seafood and waterfront dining with a view of Kings Bay. Don’t miss their signature seafood dishes, such as the grilled mahi-mahi or seafood paella.
Crump’s Landing (Discover Crystal River): Located in Homosassa, this waterfront restaurant serves fresh seafood and other Florida favorites. Be sure to try one of their signature seafood dishes, such as the fried shrimp or fish sandwich.
The Freezer (Discover Crystal River): This Crystal River restaurant offers fresh seafood and waterfront dining with a view of Kings Bay. Don’t miss their signature seafood platter, featuring a variety of fresh catches.
Fat Boy’s Bar-B-Q (Discover Crystal River): This barbecue joint in Inverness serves delicious, slow-cooked meats and classic barbecue sides. Be sure to try one of their signature meats, such as the brisket or pulled pork, paired with sides like coleslaw and baked beans.
What Makes a Restaurant Great
While personal taste plays a role in what makes a restaurant great, there are several key factors that can elevate a dining establishment from good to great:
Fresh, high-quality ingredients: The best restaurants source their ingredients from local farms and suppliers whenever possible. This ensures the freshest, most flavorful dishes. By supporting local agriculture, these restaurants also contribute to the local economy and community.
Creative, expertly prepared dishes: A great restaurant offers a unique menu with dishes that are expertly prepared and presented. The chef should showcase their culinary skills and creativity. Look for dishes that combine familiar ingredients in new and exciting ways.
Exceptional service: The service at a great restaurant is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. The staff should be happy to answer questions about the menu and make recommendations. They should also be able to accommodate special requests and dietary restrictions.
Atmosphere and ambiance: The atmosphere and ambiance of a restaurant can greatly enhance the dining experience. This could be a waterfront view, a cozy interior, or a lively, vibrant vibe. The decor and music should also complement the type of cuisine and overall dining experience.
Consistency: A great restaurant consistently delivers high-quality dishes and service. You should know what to expect every time you visit. This consistency is key to building a loyal customer base.
Value: While a great restaurant may not be the cheapest option, the quality of the food and service should justify the prices. You should feel that you received good value for your money. Look for restaurants that offer fair prices for the portion sizes and quality of food.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Citrus County, these 20 restaurants offer a range of dining experiences that showcase the best of the area’s culinary scene. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, there’s something for every palate and preference. So why not try a few and see what makes them great? You might just discover your new favorite restaurant!
Interested in dessert? Click here for a list of the best bakeries in Citrus County, Florida!
Citrus County Real Estate
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