Many of Florida’s best restaurants and most delicious foods aren’t found along the interstate. You’ve got to explore its off-the-beaten-path roads and drive into its small towns to discover its mom-and-pop restaurants, hideaway cafes and locally owned favorites that serve up some of the state’s tastiest fare. Here are seven of our dining scene’s best-hidden gems worth digging into during your next visit to Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.

Osteria Rustica Italian Restaurant

Sit back, relax and enjoy dinner and a show at Osteria Rustica, TripAdvisor’s top-ranked restaurant in Bunnell. Florio, the Italian restaurant’s chef and owner, enjoys preparing food in front of his guests, whether he’s filleting a fish or flambéing a bananas foster.  Make sure to save room for Osteria Rustica’s cheese wheel and its pasta made in-house.

Southern Table

Bring an appetite to Southern Table, another one of Bunnell’s favorite restaurants specializing in Southern comfort food from morning until evening. Feast on all-day breakfast staples like country-fried steak and eggs with a side of grits, or stop by for a supper of Southern Fried Chicken served with collard greens, a baked sweet potato, and macaroni and cheese. You won’t leave here hungry!

World Plate

Take a trip around the world without leaving Bunnell at World Plate, which features an ever-changing, internationally inspired menu serving everything from schnitzel and sauerbraten to Mongolian chicken and seafood fettuccine. Plan ahead and make a reservation; World Plate’s main dinner hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Bantam Chef

If you’re going to order one menu item at Bantam Chef, make it the famous fish sandwich. Bantam Chef’s signature sandwich has evolved into a regional favorite over the decades, with its fried Alaskan pollock piled high, made to order and topped with housemade tartar sauce. This is one crispy, perfectly fried creation you won’t want to miss!

Crab Shack 386

Seafood lovers rejoice at Crab Shack 386, which offers guests the opportunity to build their own boil bag complete with options like scallops, lobster tail, crawfish, oysters and clams. Or chow down on a variety of shrimp and crab combination platters complete with sides like potatoes, sausage and corn. You can’t go wrong at the Crab Shack!