Location: Umatilla
Top Restaurants in Umatilla
Top Things to do in Umatilla
Umatilla Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Umatilla
Umatilla is a city in Lake County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,214 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 2,502. Umatilla is known as the Gateway to the Ocala National Forest, located in northern Lake County.
Things to do in Umatilla
1. Mason Jar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Regina D - Tavares, Florida
Talk about great comfort food! This place has character, atmosphere, and local charm. The staff were very friendly. We saw some regulars who were happy to chat away with us and compare meals we ordered. We had won a gift certificate at a local Chinese auction and decided to use it for dinner. We started with Fried Green Tomatoes - freshly picked that day and sooo sweet! For entrees, we ordered the smoked pork chops, open-faced roast beef, cheesy grits, black-eyed peas, mashed with gravy, and sweet slaw. When we pulled into the parking lot, we actually watched one of the cooks by the smoker out back. I decided right them I'd get something smoked. The pork chops were so flavorful and tender. I think the only thing we didn't like were the peas - they were pretty soggy and had a spicy kick I didn't care for. That doesn't mean someone else wouldn't like them though. Don't forget dessert - they're homemade and seasonal. We got the peach cobbler - WOW it was good!
We'll definitely go back for another meal!!
2. Central Avenue Treat
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By LetsG0Family - Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
I've visited here twice in the past couple weeks and everything I've ordered has been great.
True milkshakes they make from the ice cream right in front of you.
Cute donut machine where you can see them being made fresh to order.
They offer a $5.00 lunch special - hot dog, chips, can of soda, & a small sundae. Can't be beat.
When I'm in the area I'll be sure to stop by!
3. Nicky D's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Bonzi7406 - Eustis, Florida
I ordered the Fresh Clams in Linguine Sauce. First be prepared to remove the clams from their shells. The sauce was watery unlike any linguine I've had. It had a horrible flavor. My husband tasted it and totally agreed. He asked for a refund. The manager was nice enough to give a refund. There were 8-10 other friends with us. Some had pizza, spaghetti, chicken Marsala and all were pleased with their dinners. That was good.
4. Dam Smoker Barbeque
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Martin T - Orlando
Sunday afternoon and I'm on my way from Jacksonville to Orlando. But I'm not too excited about driving on the Interstates and the Turnpike. Slightly above St. Augustine I decide to get off I 95 and take SR 16 and the smaller connecting roads back home. Going through a very few small towns and heavily wooded forests is wonderful. And I'm making good time. But I'm getting hungry.
As I enter Eustis I notice a small building, set back off the road. I go by it until I realize it's a small restaurant and I can see the word "Smokehouse". Exactly what I want and 1/2 mile up ahead I make a U turn and I'm back at the restaurant.
Dam Smokehouse restaurant is located in a low, older style Florida bungalow that I suspect draws mostly from the local population. While there is a fair amount of traffic on SR 19, I doubt enough tourists stop to keep the business up.
Drive through an unpaved parking lot and pull up in front of the long wide porch and order take away or for the outside seating that is there. There is a very focused menu all based around a variety of smoked meats. And a few delicious homemade sides, drinks and beers. What else do you need?
I decided to eat inside so I walk in and go to the order window on the left and spend too much time trying to decide what to eat. The menu looks even more inviting. I'm hungry, but I have a few more hours of driving and if I order what I really want, I'll be ready for sleep. So I decide on a rib sandwich, potato salad, cole slaw and a bottle of water. A few minutes later my name is called and I'm at the pickup window staring at a large bun with 4, good sized ribs sitting on it. And with the 2 sides I cannot figure out how they can sell it for $10.69? That's correct... $10.69! And it was delicious. Eating 2 ribs off the bone, and then sliding the meat off the other 2 ribs to put on the bun and I was full. A little messy but delicious.
During my stay here there was a LOT of take out. Big bags of it. Here you can find various types of full dinners, larger family dinners, 4 or 5 sandwiches and meat by the pound. Desserts are available. What you won't find are ribs slathered in sauce. These are all dry rubbed and cooked. There are a few sauces on the table you can add. But try the meat without any sauce first. You may find that you no longer want them.
As I was leaving, I looked around at the notes and items on the walls. This is a real local place. I'm coming back. And if at all possible, at a time to stay for the local band.
5. Quarterdeck
Overall Ratings
4 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By mountain22 - Mount Dora, Florida
Family owned and operated since 1992. The meaning of the restaurant's name "is that on a ship, a quarterdeck just so happens to be where pirates would celebrate and hold important meetings"
The service was very good and so was the food. I had the broiled scallops and my wife the popcorn shrimp. These items come with hush puppies and two side dishes.
They have soups, salads, sushi, sandwiches, seafood and burgers.
6. Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Dee827 - Tavares, Florida
We ate at this restaurant again yesterday. They had homemade meatloaf, real mashed potatoes, corn, slaw and a bisquit. Their food is always good. My husband got the homemade red velvet cake, also delicious. I am on a diet, so can't eat the cake and it is killing me. They have a special every Wednesday. This is family owned, and the people that own it and work there are exceptional. Try it, you will like it.
7. Gator Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Tayandlaura
We went with a large party (11) and they were very coordinated given the circumstances. The server was able to handle all the orders and drink refills well. The food came out timely and correct. The whole restaurant was clean, including restrooms. The only thing I wish they had was more drink options for kids and a blender in the bar. I got a fruity mixed drink, and they don't have orange juice for kids? I thought that was odd. Overall that is my only complaint. Pretty good for Umatilla.
8. Greg's Haystax Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Jonnyjetprop - Apopka, Florida
It's a local dinner in the heart of Umatilla. We wanted to take a drive on Sunday morning and find a local place for breakfast. The food was very bland and we both were dying for the cook to add some salt to the dishes. The place was full, but our server failed to offer refills on coffee and iced tea, nor did she ask how the food was or if we had an issues.
9. Shang Hai Resturant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
352-669-2000
Reviewed By PKinNB - Fredericton, Canada
This is a cozy and friendly little restaurant right in the town of Umatilla. It is family owned and run, and serves up extremely good food indeed. I had the spring rolls (crunchy, fresh) and the hot & sour soup (very good, with mushrooms and delicious broth) followed by the "house special" dish called simply "5-0" (Five-O). This last was a blend of many meats and vegetables, perfectly seasoned (mild to medium spiciness) in a garlic sauce. The owner came out and asked if it was spicy enough for me; I will ask for hotter next time. Wife and daughter are very nice and helpful. I did not find the place dirty or overpriced. On the contrary, we would recommend and we definitely plan to return.
10. Umatilla Inn & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By rogersober - Clermont, Florida
St Petersburg made chocolate ice cream combined with skill produced a fantastic Milkshake. This place is huge with a bar, malt shop and sports viewing area. The place is the biggest venue around. The service was great.
