I’ve spent this year tasting my way around Volusia County, sharing some of my favorite meals with Beacon readers as I ate. In my pursuit of great food, I’ve found some real gems. This is a comprehensive list of my best finds and favorite flavors in 2023.
A taste of home
Some of my favorite childhood memories are when I went to Cuban bakeries in my hometown of Tampa. Those crispy Cuban sandwiches, hot cafe con leche, and sweet quesito pastries are the flavors of my youth. When I started at Stetson University, I thought that I would never find Cuban or Puerto Rican food that would satisfy my nostalgia. That is, until I tried these joints this year.
Rincon Del Sabor in DeLand: Rincon has all the greats. Mofongo? Check. Pernil? Check. Relleno de papa? Check. This restaurant swiftly became my comfort-food spot, where I can score delicious Latin flavors on the cheap. Therefore, it’s probably my favorite new (to me) restaurant of the year.
El Coqui Bakery in Deltona: This place has some of the best coffee and pastries around. Their quesitos and guava cheese mallorcas are my all-time favorites. This is a go-to breakfast spot for me, though their Cuban sandwiches and lunch items are a solid choice as well.
Best of beverages
One thing about me is that I love a good beverage. Whether I need a kick of caffeine or just a little treat with a friend, grabbing a beverage is a sort of hobby of mine. We all know the tried-and-true classics for coffee and tea locally, but these two spots opened up just this year and have become surprise standouts for me.
7 Brew Coffee in DeLand: This drive-thru coffee spot opened up this year, and the range of their menu options and speed of service are unmatched. I have stopped by for several of their events and even scored a free T-shirt. 7 Brew is always bumping music, and it’s an absolute blast even though it’s a takeout spot. Plus, the coffee is legitimately good.
Yixin Boba in DeLand: Yixin opened its second location in DeLand this year, and it’s swiftly become one of my favorites. I’ve never had a bad drink there, and the snacks and service are consistently pleasant as well. It’s exactly what you hope a boba tea shop would offer, but here in the heart of DeLand.
BOBA TO GO — A classic brown sugar boba tea, pictured here at left, is my drink of choice from Yixin Boba Tea in DeLand. It’s my own personal pick-me-up.
Asian faves
Volusia County has a large selection of great Asian restaurants and markets, but this year, I couldn’t stay away from these two spots. These are the places that I take my friends and family to when they visit me from out of town, because they serve up some of the best bites in the area.
That Thai in DeBary: That Thai serves the most authentic Thai food I’ve ever had. Every single dish I’ve tried here has been exceptionally delicious, and I find myself dreaming of their mango sticky rice. It also has a lovely dining area as well, so it’s been a big crowd-pleaser with my friends.
DESSERT OF MY DREAMS — The mango sticky rice, pictured here, at That Thai is truly spectacular. They source a variety of mango that’s indigenous to Thailand, so it’s softer in texture and far less watery than the mangoes you’d see in most grocery stores. Yum!
Chop Chop Korean Restaurant in Daytona Beach: OK, so it’s in East Volusia, but there aren’t many Korean restaurants in Volusia County, and this place would be a standout even if there were. Not only does Chop Chop have authentic and delicious offerings, but the portion sizes are very generous as well. The owner is incredibly kind and welcoming, and he makes some dangerous cocktails too. My favorite part is that they have K-pop music videos playing on big TVs all over the place, 24/7. It’s always a good time here.
HEARTY AND HEALTHY — My go-to at Chop Chop Korean Restaurant is the japchae, which is sweet potato glass noodles fried with beef and vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce. It has all the flavor of a cheat meal, without actually being unhealthy. Total win-win.
All-American
Sometimes you just want to keep things simple. These are the best of the best for classic American fare in the area as far as I’m concerned. The fact that they’re family-owned with some killer stories behind them is just a plus.
Wing Express in DeLand: This place has, in my very controversial opinion, the best wings in the entire county. They’re crispy, meaty, perfectly juicy and ridiculously flavorful. I love to get the dry lemon pepper and the hot honey wings, but their more standard hot wings are also some of the best I’ve had.
LaSpada’s in Orange City: This was the subject of the first Foodie File I wrote for The Beacon, so it holds a very special place in my heart. The family has an incredible story, and they’re always friendly. It also helps that they’ve got the best subs and sandwiches around. Try their famous Philly cheesesteaks if you wanna see for yourself just how delicious their stuff is.
