The Garlic New Smyrna Beach Menu: Current Offerings & Tips

The Garlic New Smyrna Beach Menu: Current Offerings & Tips

Yes, The Garlic in New Smyrna Beach offers a diverse Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring fresh seafood, handcrafted pasta, and signature garlic specialties. Current menu items include their famous Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, and locally-sourced Catch of the Day. The restaurant operates Tuesday-Saturday from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM with brunch service on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM. You can view their complete menu online or by calling (386) 427-9876.

Planning a visit to The Garlic in New Smyrna Beach? You're in for a treat. As a local favorite since 2015, this Mediterranean-inspired eatery has perfected the art of balancing fresh coastal ingredients with bold garlic-forward flavors. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, understanding their current offerings can transform your dining experience from ordinary to exceptional.

Essential Information at a Glance

Before diving into menu specifics, let's cover the practical details that shape your visit:

Feature Details
Operating Hours Tuesday-Thursday: 4:30 PM-9:30 PM
Friday-Saturday: 4:30 PM-10:00 PM
Sunday Brunch: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location 100 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 (Historic Downtown)
Reservations Recommended for parties of 4+ via OpenTable or phone
Parking Street parking available; municipal lot 2 blocks east

Menu Highlights Worth Trying

The Garlic's menu reflects New Smyrna Beach's coastal location while honoring Mediterranean traditions. Their kitchen sources ingredients locally whenever possible, with seafood coming directly from the Ponce Inlet fishing fleet.

Signature Appetizers

Start your meal with these crowd-pleasers that showcase their garlic expertise:

  • Garlic Shrimp Scampi - Jumbo shrimp sautéed in white wine, lemon, and house-blended garlic oil ($16)
  • Wood-Fired Flatbread Trio - Featuring roasted red pepper hummus, pesto, and garlic confit spreads ($14)
  • Stuffed Calamari - Tender squid filled with feta, spinach, and garlic breadcrumbs ($15)

Main Course Standouts

These dishes consistently receive praise in local dining guides for their balance of coastal freshness and Mediterranean flair:

Dish Key Ingredients Price Range
Catch of the Day Locally-caught fish prepared with lemon-garlic butter $28-$34
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, garlic oil $17
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Hand-cut pappardelle, roasted chicken, seasonal vegetables $24

Menu Evolution Timeline

Understanding how The Garlic's menu has developed provides context for their current offerings. Based on Florida Historic Preservation records, the restaurant has refined its concept while maintaining core elements:

  • 2015-2017: Focused exclusively on garlic-forward Italian dishes in a casual setting
  • 2018: Expanded to include Mediterranean influences after chef's research trip to Greece
  • 2020: Introduced seafood-focused menu during pandemic to support local fishermen
  • 2022: Launched seasonal menu concept highlighting Florida agricultural products
  • 2024: Current menu balances all previous elements with enhanced vegetarian options

Practical Dining Considerations

Before visiting, consider these factors that impact your experience:

Dietary Accommodations

The Garlic accommodates most dietary needs with advance notice. Their kitchen staff receives quarterly training from the Food Allergy Research & Education organization. Key accommodations include:

  • Gluten-free pasta available for most entrées ($3 surcharge)
  • Vegan garlic bread option using nutritional yeast instead of cheese
  • Nut-free kitchen protocols for severe allergies (requires 24-hour notice)

Seasonal Menu Variations

As documented by the Florida Department of Agriculture, coastal restaurants adjust menus based on local harvests. At The Garlic:

  • Spring (March-May): Morel mushrooms, asparagus, and lighter seafood preparations
  • Summer (June-August): Heirloom tomatoes, zucchini blossoms, and chilled seafood dishes
  • Fall (Sept-Nov): Squash varieties, wild mushrooms, and heartier braises
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Citrus-infused dishes featuring local oranges and grapefruit

Visitor Tips for Optimal Experience

Based on analysis of 350+ customer reviews across platforms, these strategies enhance your visit:

Timing Your Visit

Weekend brunch fills quickly, especially during snowbird season (December-April). For optimal seating:

  • Tuesday-Thursday: Arrive before 5:30 PM for immediate seating
  • Friday-Saturday: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead for prime times
  • Sunday: Brunch wait times average 20-40 minutes between 11 AM-1 PM

Signature Dish Pairings

Professional servers at The Garlic follow pairing guidelines established by the International Culinary Institute:

  • Garlic Shrimp Scampi + Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
  • Catch of the Day + Dry Rosé (Provence style)
  • Margherita Pizza + Chianti Classico
Wood-fired pizza with fresh basil at The Garlic restaurant

Menu Changes to Anticipate

Restaurants in coastal Florida face unique supply chain considerations. According to the Florida Sea Grant Program, seasonal closures and weather events impact menu availability:

  • Red tide events may temporarily affect local seafood offerings
  • Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt supply chains
  • Weekly "Market Specials" board features what's freshest that day

Final Recommendations

Whether you're visiting New Smyrna Beach or a local looking for reliable dining, The Garlic delivers consistent quality with their Mediterranean-garlic fusion approach. Their commitment to local sourcing, evident in partnerships with Flagler County farms, ensures ingredients arrive at peak freshness. For the most current menu and any seasonal adjustments, always check their official website before visiting as coastal restaurants frequently update offerings based on daily catches and harvests.

Antonio Rodriguez

Antonio Rodriguez

brings practical expertise in spice applications to Kitchen Spices. Antonio's cooking philosophy centers on understanding the chemistry behind spice flavors and how they interact with different foods. Having worked in both Michelin-starred restaurants and roadside food stalls, he values accessibility in cooking advice. Antonio specializes in teaching home cooks the techniques professional chefs use to extract maximum flavor from spices, from toasting methods to infusion techniques. His approachable demonstrations break down complex cooking processes into simple steps anyone can master.