Bobby G Takes on City Market Bistro in New Smyrna Beach

Photos by Kelsey Walters

I recently had the chance to sit down with one of my favorite local chefs, Chef Scott Krause, owner of City Market Bistro. His spot is tucked right into the historic district on Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach. I’ve had plenty of incredible meals there over the years. One of my favorite things to do is head over in the afternoon, order some ice-cold local oysters, and pair them with a beautiful glass of white wine. This time around, though, I wanted to dig a little deeper — to learn more about Scott himself and how this cozy bistro came to be.

MEET CHEF SCOTT KRAUSE

When I walked in, Chef Scott and his social media director, Jacob Coronado, were already hard at work. They were whipping up the week’s specials and filming some behind-the-scenes footage for their social media pages. Every week, City Market Bistro rolls out new dishes based on what’s fresh and inspiring at the moment. This week’s lineup looked incredible: a hearty seafood chowder, a grilled yellowfin tuna salad with Napa cabbage and Gojo dressing, a crispy grouper sandwich and a rich chocolate mousse tartlette.

One thing that hits you right away is that Scott Krause runs the show—and he’s not tucked away in some back office. He’s out there every night, sleeves rolled up, cooking alongside his team. That hands-on energy is a big part of what makes City Market Bistro different.

Scott’s journey to becoming a restaurant owner is a familiar one in the business. He started at the very bottom, washing dishes at 15 years old, then worked his way up, eventually earning multiple degrees from Johnson & Wales University in Miami.

“I’ve always liked the energy of restaurants,” Scott said. “Even when I was washing dishes, I liked the hustle. It’s a fast-paced environment. You’ve got to stay sharp, stay on your toes.”

Over the years, he’s worked every job you can imagine—prep cook, line cook, and everything in between. Nearly 40 years later, Scott is still just as passionate about the business as he was on day one. “You never really stop learning in this business,” he said with a smile. “There’s always something new to try, something you can do better. And that’s part of what keeps it fun.”

CITY MARKET BISTRO MENUS & EVENTS

That mindset shows in the way he runs City Market Bistro. The menu doesn’t stay the same for long. It changes often—sometimes weekly—depending on what’s fresh, what’s in season, and what’s got the kitchen excited. Everything is made from scratch. No frozen shortcuts, no pre-made anything.

“We’re not locked into one thing,” Scott said. “I just like to mix it up. Keeps it interesting for me and for the guests.” That approach is a big reason why the place feels so fresh and alive. You’re not walking into a cookie-cutter menu. Whether it’s a French-inspired dish one week or something with a bit of spice the next, you know you’re going to get something thoughtfully made. “I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Scott said. “I just want it to taste good and feel right.”

City Market Bistro also hosts a wine dinner once a month on a Tuesday (except for a few summer months). Each dinner is paired with cuisine based around a specific region of the world. And there are some interesting plans Scott shared with me—things I can’t quite reveal yet—but trust me, they’re going to be something the community will welcome with open arms. I personally can’t wait.

A BISTRO FULL OF STORIES

The energy inside the restaurant is something you have to experience for yourself. On a busy night, you’ll see Scott and his crew moving quickly but smoothly— plates flying out, the kitchen and floor working together like a well-choreographed routine.

“When everything’s flowing and we’re all in sync, it’s like a dance,” Scott said. “It’s not stressful, it’s fun. You get in the groove, and before you know it, you’ve served a bunch of happy people. That’s the best feeling.”

Even though the space is small, it’s packed with life. Regulars are a huge part of it. Scott and his team make it a point to remember names, favorite tables, and drink orders.

“It’s not just about the food. It’s about making people feel at home,” Scott said. “I like the neighborhood and being a part of it.” And it shows. In Scott’s office, there isn’t just a small collection of thank-you notes—there’s an entire wall covered with letters from guests. Stories of anniversaries celebrated, first dates, birthdays, and just great nights out. It’s proof that City Market Bistro isn’t just serving food; they’re creating memories.

For Scott, that connection with the guests is just as important as what’s on the plate.

“I’m not trying to be fancy,” he said. “I just want to make good food, treat people well, and enjoy myself while doing it.” And that’s exactly what you’ll find at City Market Bistro—good food, great service, and a vibe that makes you want to come back again and again.

If you ever find yourself near Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach, do yourself a favor and stop by. You’ll feel right at home.

CITY MARKET BISTRO | CHEF SCOTT KRAUSE
(386) 402-4429 | citymarketbistronsb.com
124 Canal Street | NSB32168