It’s that time of year! With the holidays upon us and the new year closing in, it can be easy to find yourself looking ahead, focused on the future during such a busy season.

But why don’t we take a look back?

As we close out 2023, one thing is for certain: the Volusia-Flagler restaurant scene has provided an abundance of thoughtfully designed, unique, elevated, and consistently worth-the-visit restaurants over the course of the last year. For those who’ve been meaning to try somewhere new for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or simply revisit a newly opened favorite, this is your sign. As we say our farewells and watch the year depart, we recognize some of the best new restaurants that we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming to the Daytona-Flagler area in 2023.

A taste of Texas:Food-truck-turned-restaurant serving flavor-packed BBQ in Ormond Beach

Millie’s North

330 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach; 386-238-9756, Milliesrestaurant.com

For those familiar with Millie’s Restaurant and Catering, this pick will come as no surprise. Millie’s North, which opened its doors at the start of the year, is the consistently delicious, prepared-to-perfection counterpart to the long-time favorite and Guy Fieri-approved Daytona Beach Shores restaurant. The frequented Ormond Beach eatery offers a similar menu to owners Amy and Chris Chibbaro’s original restaurant, with the addition of a full bar and several fresh seafood selections.

The restaurant’s vast menu ranges from the must-try mushroom bruschetta — sherry cream, arugula and grilled toast points — the Florida Sweet Rum BBQ Burger — chuck, brisket and short rib grind, Florida sweet rum BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato and pickle — and the local Ponce Inlet white shrimp boil, to the fish tacos, roasted garlic clams, and, my personal favorites, the local fish francaise — local fish of the day (flounder) and angel hair pasta in a tangy lemon and caper beurre blanc — and the filet mignon sandwich — grilled and sliced 40-ounce, grass-fed filet layered with cotija cheese, house chimichurri and pickled red onions on a hoagie bun.

From the charismatic waitstaff and come-as-you-are, beachy atmosphere, to the range of exceptionally fresh seafood dishes and thoughtfully prepared, flavorful plates, this newly opened gem is one that I, like many, never have to second guess returning to.

Paco Submarine

515 N. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-7281, pacosubmarine.com

Elevated doesn’t quite scratch the surface when describing this local New Smyrna Beach treasure. Paco Submarine, known for its decadent, scratch-made handhelds, homemade cheesecake and hand-cut fries, opened for business in October, along the popular town’s North Dixie Freeway.

The charming roadside spot came to be as a result of the longtime dream of owners Brian Cieslak and his wife, Sommer Walker. With a background in fine-dining and combined 20-plus years’ experience in the industry, the quirky culinary pair provides unmatched flavors and quality cuisine in a friendly, home-like ambiance to all who walk through the eatery’s doors.

With a menu ranging from the smoked lamb wrap — made from curried brined and smoked lamb shoulder, cucumber yogurt and cilantro-mint salad — and The Belafonte — a savory, juicy combination of house smoked bacon, avocado, tomato, “shreddy letty” and homemade herbed mayo — to The Clayton, a personal favorite and rich, tangy layering of buttered rye, griddled pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and creamy mustard — the pair was certainly right about one thing: you may have some trouble deciding on just one.

Parva Colombian Bakery and Café

1330 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand; 386-469-9807, eatparva.com

This family-owned restaurant, first known to Sanford, Florida, in 2018 and now to DeLand, opened its doors earlier this year, bringing its authentic Colombian cuisine, vibrant atmosphere and top-notch service here to Volusia County. Owners Karla and Fabian Diaz, like with their first location, are offering customers a sweet, savory and spiced dining experience, with Parva Colombian Bakery and Café’s expansive menu of all-day breakfast selections, shareable platters and freshly baked pastries.

The eatery’s menu ranges from the Calentado Montañero — a savory, textured plate combining rice, beans, steak, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, onions and a white corn cake—and the pan con bistec and sweet plantain — seared palomilla steak prepared with onions and sweet plantains, and layered with mayo, ketchup and Swiss cheese on toasted Cuban bread — to the lomo saltado — a Peruvian plate decorated with sirloin strips, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, soy sauce and oyster sauce and served with French fries and jasmine rice.

This new-to-DeLand favorite always hits the nail on the head, whether sitting down to feast with family or enjoying a quick Colombian coffee and guava puff pastry to go.

Next Door Beach Bistro

509 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-338-3506, nextdoorbeachbistro.com

Elegant yet inviting, this beachfront restaurant has nothing short of made its mark over the last year, reeling customers in with its classic, French flair, oceanfront views and consistency. Accompanied by a full bar, the charming beach bistro offers a thoughtfully curated collection of sandwich, seafood, salad and pasta plates.

The eatery’s menu ranges from the half-pound Angus burger — aged cheddar, thick-cut bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and BBQ sauce on a brioche bun — the duck confit and fries — slow-cooked duck leg accompanied by truffle parmesan fries, plated green salad and a tangy, sweet Grand Marnier sauce — and the siracha chicken quesadilla — layered with carrots, celery, cilantro and blue cheese slaw — to the jumbo peel-and-eat shrimp, bone-in pork chop and, my go-to, the roasted beet and goat cheese salad — panko-crusted warm goat cheese and honey, served over frisée lettuce (similar to endive lettuce) and a delicious house vinaigrette.

Whether stopping in for a post-beach meal, a glass of wine, or a crème brulee dessert, Next Door Beach Bistro never misses the mark with every sweet and savory dish.

Beachside Gyros

205 S. Second St., Flagler Beach; Facebook.com/beachside.gyros

Although this local Flagler Beach restaurant opened its doors just over two months ago, the hidden gem’s quality, consistency and service has made a lasting impression on the community. Known for its “as authentic as it gets” menu of traditional Greek cuisine, the beachside eatery prides itself on its “fresh off the spit” lamb meat, generationally successful recipes, and scratch-made sauces.

The made-to-order menu, an authentic array of sweet and savory dishes prepared just as co-owner Dimitri Bourtzakis had once known them in Greece, ranges from the spinach and teripotia pies, feta Cubanelle and roasted red pepper hummus and pita, to the baklava, the lamb, chicken or pork gyro meal, and chicken or pork souvlaki meal.

With only a handful of outdoor tables and no indoor seating available, the restaurant operates in a casual, mostly to-go fashion, and is consistently worth the trip.

Via Canaletto

317 N. Orange St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-410-2220, viacanaletto.com

When it comes to romantic fine dining and authentic Italian cuisine, Via Canaletto knows how to make a statement. The elegant New Smyrna Beach eatery opened its doors over the summer and is an eye-catcher to say the least. Located in a charming two-story home on Orange Street, the sophisticated restaurant’s crisp black and white interior, crystal chandeliers and high-class feel will reel you in, while its authentic menu of house-made pastas, soups and desserts will keep you coming back.

The eatery’s made-fresh-daily menu ranges from the spaghetti alla carbonara — imported Italian pancetta, sautéed onions and organic egg yolks in a creamy white wine sauce — and the Saltimbocca alla Romana — chicken or veal topped with smoked Italian ham, baked with imported, smoked provolone, and served with a mushroom and marsala wine reduction — to my personal favorites, the aragosta ravioli — jumbo lobster-filled ravioli, sautéed in a house-made gorgonzola tomato cream sauce and topped with red Argentine shrimp — and the popular Genovese alla gnocchi — handmade, ricotta-based Italian dumplings, layered with added Italian sausage, sundried tomatoes, garden fresh basil, and served in a fresh pesto and cream sauce and balsamic vinegar reduction.

Whether planning a special occasion night out, a celebration or Valentine’s dinner, Via Canaletto is a romantic escape that’s worth the heftier price tag. The eatery offers an extensive selection of wines, and opens for dinner at 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

La Familia Latin Cuisine

2120 S. Ridgewood Ave., unit 8, Edgewater; 386-588-7778, lafamiliacuisine.com

Frequented for its family-friendly atmosphere, vast menu of traditional Latin cuisine and unmatched flavors, La Familia Latin Cuisine is a new Edgewater restaurant that’s here to stay. The local eatery, decorated with muraled walls, Puerto Rican flags and both table and booth seating, opened its doors in January, and prides itself on its homemade dishes and use of local products.

The popular “scratch cooking at its finest” Puerto Rican restaurant has a vast menu of sweet, spiced, savory and gluten-free favorites ranging from the gluten-free pasteón a piñon — a sweet Puerto Rican lasagna, made from smashed sweet plantains, layered with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, and baked — and the camarones en salsa — marinated jumbo local shrimp, stewed in a house-made, savory sofrito red sauce — to, one of my personal favorites, the pollo guisado — hand-cut, juicy shredded chicken, slow cooked with ham and green olives in a rich and savory beer and wine sofrito sauce — and, finally, the tacos — available with grilled fish, shrimp, pork and chicken or beef guisado (typically a well-seasoned, flavor-packed meat and vegetable stew-like selection) and layered with Venezuelan crema, shredded aged cheese, greens, avocado, cilantro and house-made citrus vinaigrette.

Big Mike’s Burgers

1112 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-957-4975, Facebook.com

This roadside burger joint opened its doors last summer and has since grown in popularity among the New Smyrna Beach community for its crave-able smash burgers, waffle-cut fries, hot dogs and more. Topped with a soft, toasted pretzel bun — a seemingly controversial, yet surprisingly delicious choice — each layered burger features a perfectly thin smash patty with a crispy, caramelized outer coating and a variety of tempting toppings.

The eatery’s menu ranges from The Big Mike’s Burger — American cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pickles and Big Mike’s smash sauce — and the Bacon Lover — American cheese, applewood bacon, grilled onions and Big Mike’s smash sauce — to The Rodeo Burger — pepper jack cheese, applewood bacon, grilled onions and BBQ sauce — and The Fat Boy — chili, cheese sauce and grilled onions.

Whether grabbing a chili cheese slaw dog to go or sitting down at one of the eatery’s outdoor tables for a burger and loaded fries combo, this casual, go-to restaurant is now a new Canal Street staple.

Ammrit Indian Cuisine

2055 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona; 386-492-4891, ammrit.com

Serving up the rich, savory and spiced variety that South Daytona was missing, Ammrit Indian Cuisine is as authentic as it gets from the slight hum of traditional tunes filtering through the restaurant to its vast menu, vibrant décor and everything in between.

The local gem has become a community-wide favorite, known for its daily all-you-can-eat lunch buffet and unique menu of traditional Indian cuisine, offering a variety of vegetarian plates, as well as chicken, lamb, goat and seafood dishes — not to mention wine and domestic, imported and Indian beer.

Ammrit’s menu ranges from the vegetarian bhindi masala — dry okra curry made with okra, traditional spices, onions and tomatoes — the goat or lamb curry — goat or lamb cooked in a fresh, spiced onion and tomato curry — and the shrimp bhuna — jumbo shrimp tossed in a thick, potent sauce comprised of onions, garlic and ginger — to a few of my favorites, the lamb biryani — tender, marinated lamb layered with rice, garlic, ginger, an array of spices, and topped with two boiled eggs — and the chicken curry — marinated, tender chicken tossed with tomatoes and onions in a creamy, aromatic curry sauce.

El Sabor Latino

701 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill; 386-301-4125, elsaborlatinodaytona.com

After having opened its doors less than two months ago, this Holly Hill eatery has already made its name known in the Latin-fusion restaurant scene. The low-key new spot boasts authenticity and originality as the key components of its menu — one crafted by chefs María Elena Menjivar Sibrian and Darling Eliett Soza Zapata, who have a combined 30 years’ culinary experience, specializing in Nicaraguan, Mexican, Honduran and Salvadoran dishes.

The eatery’s vibrant menu ranges from the Mexican tortas — a sandwich-like bite served with chicken, beef or spicy pork sausage, refried beans, cheese, pico de gallo and avocado — the El Salvadorian beef, chicken, cheese or potato empanadas, and the quesadillas, to the tacos Honduras — six chicken tacos, layered with cabbage, pico de gallo, cheese and onions — and the enchiladas Mexicanas — served with green or red sauce, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese and sour cream.

Whether picking up from the eatery’s express to-go line or dining in for a Latin-fusion feast, El Sabor Latino is never short on authentic menu options.

Blues and Brews Bistro

790 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach; 386-267-2020, bluesbrewsbistro.com

The true definition of a something-for-everyone-style restaurant, Blues and Brews Bistro caught my — and many others’ — attention this year for its lively atmosphere and well-rounded menu of savory, smoked, layered and fried favorites.

Quick to grow in popularity, the Ormond Beach eatery offers customers looking to have a lively night out — as well as those looking for a relaxing dinner — a best of both worlds experience, whether dining downstairs at the indoor restaurant — a dive vibe, more or less, with live music and bar seating — or upstairs at the scenic, more hushed rooftop lounge.

Blues and Brews expansive menu of both single-serve and shareable plates ranges from the tomato vodka sauce-topped penne vodka, the stacked pulled pork sandwich, and the juicy, Dijonnaise-topped Bistro Burger, to the Cuban panini, peel-and-eat shrimp, and, my personal favorites, the butter chicken — mild island curry with flame-grilled chicken, scallions, onions, peas and basmati rice — and the Greek gyro — oversized grilled pita stuffed to the brim with spit-grilled lamb and tender beef strips, layered with lettuce, onion and tomato, and smothered in homemade tzatziki.

Whether opting for a taste of Indian, Cuban, Greek or Italian cuisine, this vibrant new spot has something to satisfy every craving.

Riverside Johnny’s

115 Main St. Bridge, Daytona Beach; 386-238-9349, riversidejohnnys.com

A new-found staple for seafood, wings and burger lovers alike, Riverside Johnny’s opened its doors only a few months into 2023, and has left quite the lasting impression among the local community. With both indoor, outdoor and bar seating, the waterfront restaurant is known for its laid-back atmosphere and versatile menu of seafood, steak, sandwiches and more.

The popular spot’s menu ranges from the bang bang-style firecracker shrimp, grilled or blacked grouper sandwich, and thinly sliced and marinated skirt steak, to the classic KFC wings — one pound of crispy, breaded and fried Korean-style wings, tossed in a spicy sesame honey glaze — and, a favorite of mine, the Daytona Double Double Burger — double beef smash patties, layered with American cheese, secret sauce, grilled onions, lettuce and pickles on a brioche bun.

Whether planning a casual date night for two, a weekend lunch with family and friends, or stopping buy to watch the big game, Riverside Johnny’s is one of Daytona Beach’s most frequented eateries for exceptional food, service and views — not to mention its variety of specialty cocktails, including the espresso martini, maple old fashioned and rum punch.

Don Giovanni Contemporary Italian and Pizzeria

1930 W. Granada Blvd., Suite 5, Ormond Beach; 386-310-4135, thedongiovanni.com; 3761 S. Nova Road, Port Orange; 386-492-7831, pizzapazzapo.com.

For lovers of authentic Italian cuisine, both Don Giovanni and its sister restaurant, Pizza Pazza, have been welcome additions in Volusia County. Don Giovanni opened the doors to its Ormond Beach location in October, while Pizza Pazza opened just a few days shy of the 2023 New Year — but it’s too good to go unmentioned.

Owner Giovanni Spinosa, born and raised in Italy, brings a taste of home to the Sunshine State through his eatery’s pizza, pasta and sauce-smothered plates. The restaurateur offers authentically crafted dishes, like his NY-style pizza, made with imported mozzarella, hand-tossed dough and homemade sauce.

Don Giovanni’s menu ranges from the baked ziti, penne alla vodka and lobster ravioli with shrimp, to the chicken piccata — tender chicken smothered in a light lemon butter sauce, capers and garlic — the Sicilian pizza, and, my top-pick, the Don Giovanni Pizza — arugula, prosciutto, fresh cherry tomatoes, a shaved parmesan sprinkling and mozzarella ball topping. The eatery’s casual counterpart, Pizza Pazza, offers its own array of homemade selections, including the veggie, Philly cheesesteak, carbonara and chicken parmesan pizzas.

Brunch Daytona

2071 LPGA Blvd., Suite 400, Daytona Beach; 386-265-5544, brunchdaytona.com

A perfect addition to Daytona’s LPGA Boulevard, Brunch is everything one could want in a breakfast-lunch-crossover restaurant. Known for its popular breakfast-all-day concept and exorbitant selection of sweet and savory dishes, the frequented brunch eatery officially opened its doors at the start of the year, and has since been a local go-to.

Specializing in “elevated comfort food,” as owner Daniel Moon described it earlier this year to The News-Journal, Brunch offers an alluring menu of baked, fruit-layered and pan-fried meals ranging from the onion, spinach, tomato and feta-layered Zorba omelet, the Blueberry Passion waffles and chocolate chip baked pancakes, to the Oink! Skillet — bacon, ham, sausage and choice of cheese — the strawberry Nutella pancakes, the Swiss and Shroom Burger, the BBQ chicken quesadillas, and grilled ham and cheese — not to mention a plethora of specialty coffees, teas and juices.

Helena Perray is the restaurant and dining writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Jersey native and passionate storyteller, she can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Support local journalism by subscribing