It’s no secret that New Smyrna Beach holds some of the most innovative, elevated and frequented restaurants in Volusia County.

Whether looking for an enchanted forest-like escape in The Garlic’s twinkling courtyard, a mouth-watering gourmet sandwich from Paco Submarine or a juicy, layered burger from Lost Lagoon, this local city knows what its doing when it comes to worth-the-wait cuisine.

However, one specific New Smyrna Beach street is always particularly packed, lively and lined with go-to restaurants that I find myself continually returning to — Flagler Avenue. Whether planning a night out while family’s in town, looking for a new date night staple or simply searching for a tasty after work pick-me-up, here are several of my favorite spots on New Smyrna Beach’s bustling Flagler Avenue.

The Courtyard Grill

307 Flagler Ave., Suite 105, New Smyrna Beach; 386-427-6666, Facebook.com/Flagleravenue

Embracing a high-class feel in a quaint and casual setting, The Courtyard Grill is arguably my new favorite date-night restaurant.

This hidden gem is tucked away on Flagler Avenue, where it beams with twinkling lights, vibrant flavors and just a handful of tables in the eatery’s rustic, romantic outdoor patio. The service is impeccable with a staff that is authentically personable, attentive and knowledgeable, and the eatery’s menu feels sophisticated, yet approachable with options ranging from the grilled or blackened bruschetta salmon, the fig balsamic-accompanied porterhouse porkchop, and tomato marinara-sautéed shrimp fra diavolo to the Courtyard Mussels, sautéed in a delicious white wine and garlic mixture and paired with fresh spinach, crispy bacon and goat cheese crumbles.

 A few of my personal favorites include the chicken Florentine — a grilled or blackened serving of beautifully seasoned, juicy chicken, topped with fresh spinach, melted baby Swiss and your choice of side (garlic sautéed green beans for me) — as well as the NY Strip — a grilled or blackened tender, hand-cut, 12-ounce strip steak served with a peppercorn demi glaze, marinated to perfection, and dancing with bold, beefy flavors.

Whether stopping in to treat yourself to an appetizer and glass of wine, or planning out the perfect dinner for two, The Courtyard Grill is worth the visit, but be sure to make a reservation, as seating is limited and the restaurant opens its doors at 5 p.m.

Third Wave Café and Wine Bar

204 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-7864, thirdwavensb.com

This romantic Flagler Avenue escape is one of the best restaurants I’ve tried since making my way to the Sunshine State.

Third Wave Café and Wine Bar is a popular dinner destination, known for its twinkling garden-like atmosphere, high-class menu and Food Network feature on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”

Built around light-strung trees and a bamboo wall enclosure, the café and wine bar offers an extensive menu — which frequently changes — composed of “globally influenced” cuisine, ranging from the Chef’s Prime Burger and wagyu short rib to the Fungi Fromage pizza and wild Alaskan king salmon. A personal favorite from my last visit, the Sardinian feta naan bread, came garnished with fresh rosemary, garlic butter, feta cheese, za’atar harmony herbs — a varying blend of herbs, typically including oregano, thyme, sea salt, sesame seeds and sumac — roasted red onions and a side of white anchovies.

The savory starter danced with flavor and served a tasty, shareable plate for two before my entrees — the oak-roasted half chicken and tenderloin Barcelona. The local-pasture raised, bone-in chicken dish came prepared with smoked-paprika butter, vegetables and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. The aromatic, savory dish was golden-brown, tender as could be and saturated with flavor, pairing perfectly with the side of mash and roasted veggies. My final dish, the hand-cut, Angus prime grade filet mignon, came decorated with sautéed peppers, fresh vegetables, charred pearl onion, blue cheese crumbles, Yukon mashed potatoes and a show-stealing cabernet demi wine sauce. The luxurious plate packed a punch with both its flavor and presentation. Exceptionally tender, juicy and seasoned to perfection, the top-tier dish left me savoring every rich bite.

Whether planning a charming dinner or stopping in for a drink from the eatery’s extensive wine menu, Third Wave Café and Wine Bar is worth the visit every single time.

Café Verde

301b Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-957-3958, cafeverdensb.com

This quaint New Smyrna Beach café has quickly become a favorite of mine for its unique menu, vibrant atmosphere and quality service. The local café is decorated in warm corals, greens and blues, exuding a lax, tropical feel. Additional seating is available at the restaurant’s cozy outdoor patio, surrounded by lush greenery and serving as the perfect casual lunch spot.

The “food without borders” menu offers an array of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, with fresh and savory selections from all around the world — not to mention a plethora of craft cocktails, beers and wines. With a variety of options ranging from the avocado shrimp ceviche salad and yellow Thai and coconut curry to the homemade banana empanada, slow roasted pork tacos and various gyros — a traditional Greek wrap-like dish of meat, tomatoes, red onions and tzatziki sauce in a pita — you can’t go wrong with this Flagler Avenue favorite.

 A few personal favorites include the carne asada tacos — a thin, juicy and flavorful selection that come dressed in pico de gallo, skirt steak and salsa verde — as well as the tortas — described as a Mexican sandwich on pressed bread, stuffed to the brim with lettuce, tender chicken, pico de gallo, fresh guacamole and chipotle aioli — and the lamb gyro — a flavor-packed pita-wrapped dish, layered with slow-roasted lamb, lettuce, red onion, tomato and a tangy tzatziki sauce. Both filling and flavorful, the sweet and savory dish is a must-try when visiting this local café.

Flagler Tavern

414 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-8861, flaglertavern.com

This local gem is a longstanding favorite in the New Smyrna Beach community, and now to me, known for its fresh-caught seafood, nautical atmosphere, Florida-raised beef and extensive menu of classic American favorites.

With outdoor and indoor seating available, this charming two-story eatery embodies everything I love about a classic beach town restaurant, decked out with vibrant, sea-inspired décor, live music and a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere.

From seafood to sandwiches, burgers, wings and specialty cocktails, there’s something for everyone in your party on this popular restaurant’s menu, with options ranging from blackened seared tuna tips, stuffed scallops and garlic parmesan oysters to the tomato bacon jam-topped That’s My Jam Burger, Truffalo chicken sandwich and fried seafood platter.

A classic go-to, per my server’s recommendation, is the eatery’s Island Coconut Shrimp, a plump, crispy seafood starter with a golden-brown outer crunch that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s signature Captain Morgan marmalade. A few personal menu favorites include the blackened mahi-mahi — a firm, yet flaky mild dish, layered with pineapple salsa and served with vegetables and lemon ginger jasmine rice — and the red Thai chili salmon — grilled and glazed with a delicious, slightly sweet and spiced red Thai chili sauce and seaweed salad topping, served over red cabbage, alongside fresh vegetables and with a side of lemon ginger jasmine rice.

Whether stopping by the restaurant’s full bar for a Friday night drink or savoring one the menu’s many fresh selections with friends, this New Smyrna Beach eatery is a constant community go-to and with good reason.

Avanu on Flagler

392 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-444-3880, avanuonflagler.com

After first trying this New Smyrna Beach restaurant just months ago, Avanu on Flagler was one eatery I knew that I would not only be returning to, but I would surely be writing about. While the rooftop seating certainly has its charm for a Friday night dinner and drinks, the vibe indoors at the Polynesian-inspired eatery is, as described on its website, a true taste of paradise. Decked out with geometric designs, dark woods, tiki masks and a live volcano wall projection — though it often changes — the island-vibe eatery is the perfect place to dress things up or keep it casual, making it one of my top picks for an after-work bite, large-party dinner or night out with friends.

The Flagler Avenue favorite serves a plethora of mouth-watering steak, sandwich and fresh seafood selections, ranging from the shrimp and scallop spring rolls, bao buns and poke stack to the huli huli chicken, gochujang steak tips and orange ginger-glazed mahi. Several of my favorites include the bulgogi bao buns — a flavorful, golden brown, sandwich-like starter filled with shredded ribeye, fried sweet potatoes, green onion and siracha seasoning — as well as the Island Roll — one of several of the eatery’s fresh sushi servings, combining seasoned shrimp, mango and spicy cream cheese, rolled and tossed with toasted coconut panko and perfectly paired with a delicious Kahlua cream sauce — and, finally, the mahi with cucumber salsa — a mild, grilled mahi dish served over cilantro rice and topped with fresh tomato and cucumber salsa with a sprinkling of cotija cheese.

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