Start Your Summer from Scratch with Citrus County’s Freshest Eats | Discover Crystal River

Start Your Summer from Scratch with Citrus County’s Freshest Eats

Under-the-Radar Restaurants Serve Up Sensational Scratch-Kitchen Dining

If you think summer in Florida is all about beaches and sunsets, you’re only getting half the story. In Crystal River and across Citrus County, the real magic starts at the table — where scratch-made, soul-satisfying meals are the order of the day (and night!). Here, seafood comes straight off the boat, Florida-grown citrus and veggies burst with flavor, and charming downtowns like Inverness are buzzing with pubs, coffee roasters, and eateries that pack serious creative punch. No matter where your summer adventures lead, a mouthwatering local meal is never far away.

Ready to dig in? Here are four scratch-based favorites where flavor, love, and local pride come together in every bite:

Wallace’s at The Greenhouse, Homosassa

When life handed Wallace and Stefanie Phaire lemons, they didn’t just make lemonade – they opened one of Citrus County’s most exciting restaurants! After a life-changing cancer diagnosis, the husband-and-wife team went all-in on their dream, and Wallace’s at The Greenhouse was born. This cozy, chef-driven spot serves up inventive, joy-filled dishes crafted with responsibly sourced ingredients, and you can taste the heart in every forkful.

Favorites you must try? How about Hickory Dusted Porkchops with maple bacon jam, a Rosemary Braised Beef Grilled Cheese, or Shrimp and White Cheddar Grit Cakes topped with Cajun cream sauce? (We’re drooling just typing this.) Wallace swears the real secret ingredient is good company, but a little bacon jam doesn’t hurt either.

Bayside Kraft Kitchen, Crystal River

At Bayside Kraft Kitchen, it’s hard to tell what’s more breathtaking – the sweeping views of King’s Bay or the vibrant, scratch-made dishes coming out of the kitchen. Owners Tiffany and Richard Wiggins have a clear mission: create unforgettable meals using fresh, local ingredients and time-honored techniques like sous vide, pickling, and cast-iron cooking.

Start with the Whipped Feta appetizer (with charred local sourdough and house-pickled onions), savor a main course of Chilean Seabass paired with creamy mashed potatoes and crisped Brussels sprouts, and finish strong with a decadent Chocolate Torte topped with cloud-like house-made whipped cream.

Pair it all with a chilled Murphy-Goode Chardonnay, and you’ll swear you’ve been transported to a coastal foodie paradise.

Katch 22, Lecanto

Venture just a little inland to find Katch 22 in Lecanto , your next must-visit dining destination. Also owned by the Wiggins family, and helmed by Michelin-starred Chef de Cuisine James Hill, this spot is an insider’s secret – and a culinary powerhouse. Everything here, from the fresh bread and handmade pasta to the swoon-worthy desserts, is created from scratch with precision and passion.

What to order? Don’t miss the Trinidad Pepper Shrimp, the Crab Cakes, or the ultra-creamy Truffle & Mushroom Risotto. And if you’re a steak lover, the Filet of Beef is so tender it practically cuts itself. Save room for the homemade Key Lime Pie or the luscious Basque Cheesecake. (Trust us on this one.)

The Cove Pub, Inverness

History meets hospitality at The Cove Pub, a beloved Citrus County institution that got its start back in the 1950s with dirt floors, bungee-cord lighting, and a whole lot of heart. Fast-forward through decades (and even a rebuild after a fire), and today The Cove Pub still serves up legendary flavors with a side of Old Florida charm.

Their scratch-made sauces, jumbo “Debbie” wings, and indulgent Oinkers (house chips smothered in smoked pulled pork, ranch, and chipotle BBQ) have made The Cove a can’t-miss classic. Top it all off with Lou Ann’s homemade Bread Pudding and you’ll be a Cove convert for life.

Bonus: It’s part of The Cove Resort & Pub, so you can park the RV or stay in one of their cozy cottages and make a whole weekend of it!

Hungry yet?
Start planning your delicious summer escape to Crystal River and Citrus County now at DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com. Your scratch-made summer adventure awaits!

Author

Britney Guertin
Hayworth PR Contributor
Partners
Wallace's at the Greenhouse

We are excited to bring a new dining experience to Homosassa.We simply believe in really good food every day and that dining with us should always be a memorable experience.Our fresh, scratch kitchen...

Bayside Kraft Kitchen

Savor the essence of land and sea, expertly combined to create an unforgettable waterfront dining experience that will leave you craving more.

Katch Twenty Two

We invite you to gather, dine, and make yourself at home at this food lover's playground. Enjoy our locally sourced seafood, finest quality beef and ever changing wine list in a contemporary and...

The Cove Pub & Grub

The COVE is an old Florida fish camp that has evolved into what is very likely the greatest little hidden treasure in Citrus Co. Our reputation is built on Hot Wings, Cold Beer and Big A** Burgers!