This Florida Restaurant Serves Enticing Cuisine And Drinks Inside An Actual Treehouse

Perched among the branches of majestic oak trees in New Smyrna Beach lies a dining experience unlike any other.

Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar combines the charm of eating in an actual treehouse with some truly exceptional cuisine.

The restaurant was established in 1946 and housed in what was once a 1929 Pan Am gas station. Then over time the restaurant has evolved into a multi-level dining destination that offers everything from fresh seafood to perfectly cooked steaks, all in a setting that feels magical from the moment you arrive.

Exceptional Cuisine

Seafood Standouts: The Captain’s Platter showcases the kitchen’s talent with seafood, featuring perfectly cooked Mahi, plump shrimp, tender scallops, and a petite crab cake that’s mostly crab.

For something truly unique consider the Seafood Pot Pie. This wraps shrimp, scallops, fresh fish, and crab in a decadent white wine supreme sauce topped with flaky puff pastry.

French Onion Soup: This soup might be one of the best you’ll ever taste. The Au Gratin version comes with perfectly melted cheese and rich, flavorful broth that will have you scraping the bowl.

Zucchini Bread Appetizer: This unexpected house specialty comes warm with whipped local honey cinnamon butter. Unique, yet tasty!

The savory bread pairs beautifully with the sweet butter for a memorable combo.

Escargot: This appetizer is worth trying if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s perfectly prepared and deliciously seasoned, and might convert you if you’re a first-time escargot eater.

Mahi Stack: This beautifully presented dish features a generous portion of blackened Mahi-Mahi served over a Yukon Potato Cake with Miso Lime Glazed Edamame.

Asiago Crusted Chicken: Juicy chicken under a crispy Asiago crust, served with cheese mashed potatoes and citrus beurre blanc. The kitchen consistently nails the challenging task of keeping chicken breast tender and flavorful.

Mac & Cheese Variations: Whether you opt for the blackened chicken version or the pimento cheese variety, the mac and cheese dishes here are uniquely flavorful comfort food elevated to restaurant quality.

Sweet Endings

Key Lime Pie: I wouldn’t say this is the absolute best I’ve had, but many online reviewers will say so!

Either way, this key lime pie is worth trying for sure. It delivers that expected tart zing alongside enough sweet notes to make this dessert disappear from your plate in record time.

Cookie Butter Cheesecake: Rich, indulgent, and worth saving room for. This unique dessert stands out on an already impressive menu.

Chocolate Pot with Raspberry Coulis: The contrast between the deep chocolate flavor and bright raspberry sauce makes this a rather elegant dessert for dining in a treehouse.

Multiple Dining Areas

Treehouse Bar: The crown jewel of Norwood’s is undoubtedly the 21+ treehouse dining area. Built around a living oak tree that grows right through the center of the bar, this elevated dining space offers sunset views, romantic lighting, and an utterly unique atmosphere.

Outdoor Dining: The outdoor gazebo area features giant fans that keep the space comfortable even on hot Florida evenings. Water features and lush greenery create a “glamping-esque” backdrop for your meal.

Indoor Fine Dining: For a more upscale experience here, the indoor dining areas offer low lighting and an elegant atmosphere. Probably ideal for most diners or on days with poorer weather outside.

Other Considerations

Pricing: Norwood’s falls into the moderate to slightly upscale price range. But the quality of food, generous portions, and the ability to have dinner inside a treehouse all make it well worth the price in my book.

Reservations: Highly recommended to set up a reservation if you can, especially for weekend evenings and if you specifically want to dine in the popular treehouse area.

Wait times without reservations can stretch up to an hour or more during busy periods. But if you don’t mind waiting then you can always just show up and see what the wait is!

Parking: The restaurant offers ample parking including handicap-accessible spaces right up front.

Family-Friendly: While the treehouse bar is 21+, the restaurant welcomes families with young children so it’s a very welcoming environment. And the indoor and outdoor ground-level spaces are suitable for all ages. Restrooms include baby changing tables too.

Farm-to-Table Philosophy: Many ingredients are harvested from their own farm, and the restaurant smokes their own meats and makes all sauces in-house. The freshness is something you can taste immediately.

Complimentary Hush Puppies: These delicious cornmeal fritters arrive at your table warm and complementary with your entree. Just a little bonus on top of everything else great about this place!

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Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar
📍 400 E 2nd Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
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