The Garlic
About This Spot
Walking into The Garlic in New Smyrna Beach, you immediately sense a warm, convivial energy that wraps around you like a familiar embrace. This is the kind of place where the hum of conversation blends effortlessly with the gentle strains of live music, crafting an atmosphere both lively and inviting without ever feeling rushed. The pace here encourages you to settle in, to savor both the moment and the meal, whether you’re gathered around a table with friends or sharing an intimate evening.
Behind the welcoming smiles of the staff and the rustic charm that permeates the space is a kitchen proudly anchored in hearty Italian tradition. The subtle aroma of roasted garlic weaves through the air, setting the tone for a dining experience rich in comfort and authenticity. Rather than fleeting trends, the menu offers a thoughtful celebration of flavors, from lovingly prepared pastas to perfectly grilled steaks and fresh seafood dishes, each plate inviting you to slow down and enjoy the layers of savory depth and care.
The Garlic embraces its role as a neighborhood jewel, a place where locals and visitors alike find themselves coming back not only for the food but for the connection—whether that’s cheering alongside friends at a bocce ball game, savoring a handcrafted cocktail by the bar, or simply soaking in the shared joy of live music. This is a spot that rewards patience with moments of genuine warmth, and where every visit feels like a quiet celebration of good company and well-loved flavors.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Groups
- Tourists
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |
| Friday | 04:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 04:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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blaze1bx 08 Jan 2026
Another restaurant that I've been wanting to try for years. After tonight's visit, I'm really disappointed in myself for not going sooner! We had a fantastic time celebrating my mother's birthday at this New Smyrna gem. The Garlic does not take reservations, which can be good and bad at the same time. Luckily, we were seated immediately at a great table that's called "the Celebration table." (Couldn't have been more perfect for us). Our waiter, Jimmy, was fantastic. He did a great job making our first visit memorable. He started us off with warm bread and a large oven-roasted garlic which he made in front of us by smashing the garlic and mixing it with crushed black pepper, virgin olive oil and 12 year aged balsamic vinaigrette. The white sangria was very watered down due to tons of ice, not enough fruit, and tasted virgin. Would definitely not order again. However, all of our entrees were amazing. They each came with a houses salad, so Jimmy brought it out family style in one large bowl to share. The salad was fresh and went well with the olive oil and vinaigrette. I ordered the "Seafood Cannelloni" which contained an array of scallops, shrimp, and mahi mahi wrapped in fresh pasta baked with a newburg sauce. It was absolutely amazing! My mother ordered the "Pollo Marsala" which was sautéed chicken with shallots and mushrooms in a classic marsala wine sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes. She enjoyed it but it wasn't as amazing as my dish. My wife ordered the "Shrimp And Scallop Scampi" which obviously cones with sea scallops and shrimp sauteed in a light white wine and garlic herb butter sauce served over linguini. She said it was really good. We capped off our amazing dinner with the chocolate chip cannoli's. The Garlic is a really cool spot that has unique ambiance, non-traditional Italian dinning, with amazing food and service. It's easily become one of my favorite restaurants in Florida!
Rodeliz Pagan 07 Jan 2026
1st time visiting. Will definitely take the 3 1/2 hour drive to eat here again. (We did spend the night in the area as planned) Food freshly made. You can smell the garlic from the road. And I love garlic. When you plan a mini vacation to eat at a restaurant it has to be good.
Jennifer Segner 03 Jan 2026
Wow. This place it top notch. If you make it there, request to have Lucky as your server. He has incredible wine and champagne knowledge. He's also one of the best servers we have had anywhere in the world. A true professional. I can't find the words to describe the food here. It's all incredible. I got the prosciutto tortellini and my husband got the lamb. Both were off the charts. Be very hungry when you get here because you get so much food between the salad, garlic bread and entree and you will want try all of it. Get there at 4pm if you don't want to wait very long for a table. They don't take reservations. It's a beautiful atmosphere too, we can't wait to go back.
Celeste Otoole 03 Nov 2025
Gives Fairy hut vibes that I adore. The staff was very friendly! Such a nice date idea, a bit pricey but WELL WORTH IT! Food was fairly quick especially given how busy it was. No complaints! Me and my Husband Loved it and would definitely be going again sometime!
Christa McAneney 30 Oct 2025
My friend and I drove up from Melbourne just to indulge in the wonderful land of The Garlic! We got there during peak dinner time, but put our name on the list and grabbed a glass of wine from the outside bar while we waited. We surprisingly got seated 30 minutes before our expected wait time. Our server was Carl and I will be requesting him everytime I go because of how amazing he was. From his great attitude and confidence to his ability to guide us on our foodie journey for the evening, we loved having him as our server. My friend never tried Bone Marrow so when I saw it as an option as a weekly special app, I knew we had to do it. They serve two generous portions and we feasted. Carl explained that the Lamb was from a special vendor in New Zealand, so that automatically got added to our dinner. We also got the Spuntitori Italiano, but princess style (marinara and Alfredo mixed) as Carl suggested since I get heartburn from eating a big bowl of straight marinara. We finished off with a sweet treat, as two lady besties do, and again trusted Carl which did not disappoint. We shared the carrot cake and paired it with a glass of Frangelico, what a combo! Overall the decor of the garlic, the quality food, the price range, and the service made our experience here 10/10. We will definitely be coming back soon!
Breanna Rongo (Bree) 23 Oct 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely Unforgettable Experience at The Garlic! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had the most incredible dining experience at The Garlic in New Smyrna—truly 5 stars across the board! From the moment we walked in, everything felt magical: the atmosphere, the food, the energy… just perfection. And Cody—WOW. Our server was completely on point from start to finish. Attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel genuinely cared for. He elevated an already amazing night into something truly special. Every dish was bursting with flavor, beautifully prepared, and clearly made with love. This place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. The Garlic never disappoints, and this visit reminded us exactly why it holds such a special place in our hearts. If you’re in New Smyrna and looking for an unforgettable meal with exceptional service, do not miss The Garlic—and ask for Cody!
Danielle K 18 Oct 2025
Get there before they open and there is a line at 4pm! Great place and our waiter was so attentive. My husband got the 32 oz Ribeye and it was $82 Lol. He did enjoy it, and it was cooked to perfection. The bread was amazing. The Harlots Cheese is a yummy appetizer to get. My chicken fettuccine alfedo was delicious, too. I had a raspberry mojito that was so good. Highly recommend you try!
Pete Rocca 11 Oct 2025
The Coolest place we’ve ever had dinner! Atmosphere is second to none, no way someone planned this design. Has to be organic and developed into this, as it grew. Fantastic food! Not one bad choice and possibly the BEST Meatball you ever put in your mouth. Top it all off with a world class waiter, Daniel, who was knowledgeable, informative with a personality that this place deserves! Top Notch! Do not miss, even if you’re in town for one night - GO! We’ll be back!