True to form, when it comes to dining, St. Johns River Country defies expectations to serve up a surprisingly satisfying array of appetizing options for visitors. The area is dotted with an eclectic collection of cafes, restaurants, grills and fish camps, offering a blend of atmosphere, views and cuisines to impress even the pickiest of diners. Nationally acclaimed restaurants sit shoulder to shoulder with rustic fish camps and local favorites, each making the most of Florida�s freshest seafood and homegrown flavors. And whether overlooking the pristine St. Johns River, sitting in the shade of an ancient, sprawling oak at an area state park, or at a sidewalk caf� on DeLand�s renowned Mainstreet, visitors get their fill of St. Johns River Country hospitality and style.

Visitors hankering for a unique experience find St. Johns River Country a memorable menu of culinary delights. Here are a few of the region�s indoor and alfresco specialties:

Lost in Time Caf� (Cassadaga) A fine selection of soups, salads and sandwiches. Lunch, weekend breakfast. $ (Cassadaga Hotel, 355 Cassadaga Rd., 386.228.0508)

Swamp House Grill (DeBary) Fine dining overlooking the St. Johns River featuring steak and seafood. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. $ (488 W. Highbanks Rd., 386.668.8891)

Boston Gourmet Coffeehouse (DeLand) A cozy coffee shop with couches and Trivial Pursuit cards to entertain guests. Known for great food and wide selection of coffee drinks served hot, frozen or over ice. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. $ (109 E. New York Ave., 386.738.2326)

Chic Pea Caf� & Market (DeLand) Serving the finest in organic foods and wine. Most meat and produce from two local growers. Lunch and dinner. $$ (442 E. New York Avenue, 386.736.0767)

Christo�s & Eleni�s (DeLand) Superb Italian cuisine in a family style setting. Lunch and dinner. $ (803 W. New York Ave., 386.734.5705)

DeLand Artisan Inn (DeLand) A unique fusion of seafood, meats and pasta. Sunset Supper Menu Monday-Thursday. Lunch and dinner. $$ (215 S. Woodland Blvd., 386.736.3484)

J.C.�s Lobster Pot (DeLand) Guests enjoy fresh seafood, chicken and steaks and the house specialty, Florida lobster. Maine lobster is flown in daily. Lunch and dinner. �We�re not Fine Dining, We�re Just Darn Good Eatin� $$ (2888 West Highway 44, 386.734.7459)

Havana Cuba Restaurant (DeLand) Authentic Caribbean cuisine. Lunch and dinner. $ (210 N. Woodland Blvd., 386.736.7726)

Holiday House (DeLand) A tradition since 1959, this favorite serves a wide variety of down-home seafood, meats and fresh baked desserts. Lunch and dinner. $ (704 N. Woodland Blvd., 386.734.6319)

Le Jardin Caf� (DeLand) Reminiscent of a French caf�, this delight blends French and Vietnamese cuisine splendidly for lunch and dinner. $$ (103 W. Indiana Ave., 386.740.0303)

Mainstreet Grill (DeLand) Casual American & Italian dining with full bar. Lunch and dinner. $$ (100 E. New York Ave., 386.740.9535)

Moe�s Southwest Grill (DeLand) Designed with a Mexican flare, this favorite specializes in burritos, but also serves fresh tacos, quesadillas, nachos and fajitas. Lunch and dinner. $ (941 N. Woodland Blvd., 386.734.3708)

The Blue Martini (DeLand) The place for food, fun and friends. Serving seafood, steaks, pasta and veggie dishes. Lunch and dinner. Live entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday. $$ (100 N. Woodland Blvd., 386.734.9978)

The Wharf (DeLand) Waterfront dining at its finest. Serving seafood, steaks, chicken. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. $$ (2997 SR 44 West, 386.734.6100)

Won Lee (DeLand) Specializing in Cantonese cooking since 1978, Won Lee offers a large menu of Chinese delicacies. Lunch and dinner. $ (1329 N. Woodland Blvd., 386.734.0904)

Karling�s Inn Restaurant (Deleon Springs) A Florida Trend Top 500 Restaurant serving Continental cuisine in a charming European chalet. Dinner only. $$ (4640 US Highway 17, 386.985.5535)

Old Spanish Sugar Mill (DeLeon Springs) Tableside griddles allow customers to cook their own pancakes, made from grain stone-ground on site with French buhr millstones. Staff brings homemade batter, a mixture of five different flours and an unbleached white, to every table and customers can order fruits and nuts to create their customized pancake. Homemade breads and sandwich items available. Breakfast and lunch. Located in DeLeon Springs State Park. $ (386.985.5644)

These restaurants and more can be found throughout the 14 unique communities that make up St. Johns River Country: Barberville, Cassadaga, DeBary, DeLand, DeLeon Springs, Deltona, Glenwood, Enterprise, Lake Helen, Orange City, Osteen, Pierson, Seville and Volusia. For more information on St. Johns River Country and a list of local restaurants, contact (386) 775-2006, toll-free (800) 749-4350 or visit them online at www.stjohnsrivercountry.com.

-St. Johns River Country, Fla.-

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