What restaurants are in Clermont, FL?

Clermont, Florida, offers a collection of independent dining establishments that stand out for their dedication to scratch cooking, themed experiences, and high-quality ingredients, suggesting a local food scene moving beyond typical chain offerings. While broad searches on platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, and OpenTable confirm a substantial local restaurant market, focusing on specific venues reveals the depth of culinary artistry available in this Lake County city. Residents and visitors alike can find everything from high-end steakhouses to waterfront seafood shacks, often supported by local enthusiasm voiced in community forums.

# Steakhouse Excellence

For those seeking a premier, special-occasion meal anchored by perfectly prepared proteins, Crafted Clermont presents itself as a top destination. This restaurant, located at 801 W Montrose Street, brands itself around the art of fine dining and focuses heavily on premium beef, calling itself the "Best Steakhouse Restaurant in Clermont Florida".

The Land section of their menu showcases significant cuts, including Prime Beef Filet ranging from 6 to 10 ounces, a 14-ounce Prime New York Strip, and the substantial 22-ounce Prime Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye. For the ultimate indulgence, they offer a 32-ounce Prime Tomahawk and the ultra-premium A-5 Japanese Wagyu Filet. Beyond steak, the seafood selections are refined, featuring dishes like Snapper served with Purple Peruvian Potatoes and a Saffron Pearl Onion broth, as well as Scallops over Pea Risotto. Diners also praise the quality of their starters, such as the Lobster bisque and the fresh sourdough served with homemade butter. It is notable that Crafted Clermont caters to daytime diners as well, hosting a Saturday brunch menu where items like Caprese salad and smoked salmon are popular options. Operating Tuesday through Sunday, the focus is clearly on an elevated experience, often lauded for impeccable service and beautiful presentation.

# Bistro Redefined

Another strong contender in Clermont's elevated dining sector is Root & Branch Bistro and Bar, located at 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. #102. This establishment blends a commitment to fine dining with an intentionally relaxed atmosphere, inviting guests to arrive "in a three-piece suit or your favorite flip-flops". The proprietors, Jason and Casey Baruch, infuse the menu with passion, stemming from their "deep farming roots," and the dedication to scratch-made cuisine has earned them accolades, including a "Diner's Choice" badge on OpenTable and a 4.8-star Google rating.

Root & Branch emphasizes freshness, preparing every dish from scratch using locally and globally sourced ingredients. Fan favorites noted by reviewers include the Brussels sprouts, Fried Green Tomatoes, Short Rib Ravioli, and perfectly cooked steaks with a good char. They also feature interesting appetizers like Short Rib Crostini and unique salads such as the charred Caesar. The cocktail program is also a highlight, offering handcrafted libations designed to complement their food. Their operational schedule is accommodating, opening early for lunch or brunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and remaining open for dinner service seven days a week.

The concentration of independent, high-quality establishments like Root & Branch and Crafted, which prioritize chef-driven, scratch menus over high-volume consistency, suggests Clermont is actively cultivating a niche culinary identity that serves as a compelling alternative to the national chains common in newer suburban areas.

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# Gastropub Fare

Shifting gears toward a more casual yet inventive atmosphere, The Crooked Spoon Gastropub brings a history rooted in the Orlando food truck scene to Clermont at 200 Citrus Tower Blvd. This spot is characterized by offering unique craft beer alongside traditional fare given a distinct twist.

The menu signals a focus on elevated pub food. Customer favorites highlighted include the Parmesan chicken wings and the hearty pastrami sandwich. They also offer items like a specific Chicken Sandwich and are known for their rotating specials. Diners are encouraged to watch their social media channels, as the chef frequently rolls out weekly or seasonal specials that may not immediately populate the standard online ordering menu. This approach means that checking their Instagram or Facebook is the best way to see the absolute freshest concepts being tested by the kitchen. The Crooked Spoon operates seven days a week, generally from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm depending on the day.

For diners wanting the most unique or timely offerings at places like The Crooked Spoon or Root & Branch, actively monitoring their respective social media feeds is highly advisable, as specialty dishes are often promoted there before standard online menus are updated. This proactive step ensures you catch limited-time menu creations.

# Waterfront Seafood

Clermont's dining scene isn't strictly landlocked; Salt Shack on Lake Minneola offers a distinct waterfront experience. Describing itself as a rustic-refined waterfront restaurant, Salt Shack aims to transport guests to paradise with good food, good vibes, and good company.

The culinary focus here is heavily on the coast, emphasizing wild-caught seafood served alongside a seasonal, Caribbean-inspired menu. They strive for a "gulf-to-table" experience, complemented by island-infused craft cocktails. Located near Highway 50 in Historic Downtown Clermont, the setting leverages its lake proximity for a casual, beach bar feel. In addition to their Clermont location on Lake Minneola, they maintain a presence in Tampa, which reinforces their emphasis on fresh Gulf ingredients. This venue provides a vital option for diners specifically seeking fresh fish and a unique lakeside ambiance away from the standard street-side establishments.

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# Navigating Options

When surveying the broader dining landscape in Clermont—a city where multiple major directories index results, including a specific focus near E Hwy 50—the variety suggests a community with diverse tastes. Whether one is looking for the carefully aged steak at Crafted, the scratch-made comfort food at Root & Branch, the innovative pub grub at The Crooked Spoon, or the coastal flavors by Lake Minneola at Salt Shack, there is a clear dedication to craft among the independent operators. For anyone new to the area trying to decide where to start, a good heuristic is to match the desired atmosphere with the location: seek out the downtown waterfront for a unique view, or look toward the main thoroughfares for the concentration of newer, chef-driven concepts. Evaluating dining choices based on these specific culinary niches allows visitors to quickly zero in on the exact experience Clermont has to offer.