20 Best Winter Garden Restaurants | Winter Garden, FL

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Foodie Flashpacker | June 21, 2024

Winter Garden’s charming and well-preserved historic downtown area is a must-visit. The streets are lined with quaint shops, boutiques, and antique stores housed in beautifully restored buildings. Strolling through the streets, visitors can admire the architecture and immerse themselves in the town’s rich history.

Founded in the late 19th century as a small agricultural community, the area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua and Seminole peoples. The town as we know it today, however, began to take shape with the arrival of some of the original snowbirds in the late 1800s who established citrus farms.

While citrus had arrived with European explorers as early as the 16^th century, it wasn’t until the mid-1870s that commercially growing citrus developed with William Chase and Joseph Tilden purchasing large tracts of land for citrus cultivation and the citrus industry boomed. 

These early pioneers played a vital role in shaping Winter Garden’s growth. The town thrived on the success of its citrus industry, becoming a major producer of oranges and grapefruits. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, Winter Garden gained easier access to markets, leading to further development and economic prosperity.

Over the next century, Winter Garden continued to evolve. In the early 20th century, the town experienced a boom in population as more settlers, including both farmers and workers, flocked to the area seeking opportunities in the citrus industry.

The town incorporated in 1908, marking an important milestone in its history. When you’re in town, visit the interactive fountain and splashpad in Centennial Plaza and give the kids time to cool off.  

Like many Florida towns, Winter Garden faced challenges in the mid-20th century due to freezes that devastated the citrus industry. The town adapted by diversifying its economy and embracing new opportunities. The establishment of Disney World in nearby Orlando in 1971 brought increased tourism to the region, providing a new avenue for growth and development.

In recent years, Winter Garden has experienced significant revitalization and has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. The historic downtown area has undergone a transformation, with the preservation and restoration of its charming buildings. Today, Winter Garden’s downtown is a vibrant hub, featuring a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

The town has also focused on promoting a sense of community and preserving its rich history. Events such as the Winter Garden Farmers Market and the Winter Garden Music Fest bring locals together, while the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation works to preserve and showcase the town’s historical legacy.

Winter Garden’s development over the past century is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents. From its humble beginnings as a citrus farming community, it has transformed into a thriving town that balances its agricultural roots with a vibrant downtown and a diverse economy.

Winter Garden, Florida is now quite the foodie destination. This charming town has a variety of restaurants that offer everything from French pastries to farm-to-table cuisine. Here are twenty of the best restaurants in downtown Winter Garden that you won’t want to miss!

The 20 Best Winter Garden Restaurants 

Thai Blossom Restaurant

99 W. Plant Street // (407) 905-9917

Thai Blossom is a legend in Winter Garden, and I was thrilled to discover that they now offer lunch hours. Located on the same block as Scoops Ice Cream and The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater, the restaurant welcomes you with a spacious and inviting interior.

As I entered, I noticed the brown steam pipe-like apparatus overhead, perfectly matching the color scheme and adding a unique touch to the ambiance. The seating options include comfortable booths and four-top tables arranged in the center of the room, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

Upon being seated, the friendly staff presented me with two menus—one with lunch specials and the other encompassing their entire selection. Asked for my drink order, I opted for water, and to my pleasant surprise, it was crystal clear and delicious. This small but significant detail showcased the restaurant’s attention to quality and ensured a refreshing start to my meal.

You see, while Florida’s tap water is potable, I don’t find it particularly palatable so the restaurants that serve delicious tasting water do so purposefully. For future visits, I made a mental note to try their specialty Thai Iced tea, described as “Thailand’s famous blend of slow-cooked bold teas combined with steamy milk.”

With a plethora of appetizer choices, I chose the fried wontons from the lunch menu. Arriving on a plate, I was delighted to find eight thinly rolled sheets of delicious pastry enveloping savory ground chicken. The accompanying sweet and sour dipping sauce provided a perfectly balanced flavor combination that exceeded my expectations.