Eat Around the World in Orlando
Once a week or more, I see a post saying Orlando has no good food, and I laugh. Was it written by someone who doesn't leave their house? Or someone who mainly searches each restaurant's menu for chicken tenders?
To really appreciate Orlando's culinary scene, you must be open to exploring all different types of food that are literally at our fingertips at every turn. Maybe it’s because I’ve lived here so long, I know what it use to be, and I’m so thankful for what we have now.
Ask someone who has left Orlando and gone to a smaller city and what they miss the most. Likely, it will be our abundance of food diversity. You can find a tapestry of flavors and cultures from markets to restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups. Just explore.
This list, like all my lists might not be perfectly inclusive just as Orlando is not perfectly balanced with its inclusivity, but we are trying. I’ve tried to make this list as robust as possible. After so many years scouring our culinary landscape there are still so many places I too need to try. So, I've put together a list of places that should be top on your list to visit.
Ethiopian
Nile Restaurant
Located on International Drive, this delicious spot for Ethiopian food really shouldn't be a hidden gem anymore. If you are trepidatious about new foods you aren't familiar with, I recommend the Chef's Special Combination platter.
SELAM ETHIOPIAN
Another spot for amazing Ethiopian platters is Selam. The hospitality here is unmatched. The flavors feature dishes like injera, a tangy, spongy flatbread made from teff flour, which serves as both a staple and a utensil for scooping up rich stews and sautéed vegetables.
ROMAY ETHIOPIAN
Walking up to this food truck, you can smell the fantastic aromatics wafting from the small window. Big flavors are coming out of this truck. You can get custom bowls or create a pairing that you prefer. I got the Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), which was very flavorful and tender. They also have plenty of vegan options. I caught the truck in Ivanhoe Village, but follow their Instagram to see where they are popping up.
CUBAN
Rincón Latino Restaurant & Café
I never see anyone post about this place and I have no idea why - they have great food and a satisfying Cuban sandwich. Located off Forsyth in Winter Park, it’s kind of off on its own in a no-frills location, but the classic Cuban and media noche have never disappointed me and are packed with flavorful meats.
A Lo CUBANO
From a food truck to a permanent spot inside the Packing District food hall, you can quickly grab a Cuban from Al Cubano. The sandwiches are pressed and packed tightly with good flavor.
cubans on wheels
This food truck is hidden in a shopping plaza near the airport. The sandwiches are enormous, and the meat has also been incredibly tender and well-seasoned on my visits. Find them off T G Lee Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822.
Gnarly Cuban
This pop-up has been going strong as they work on finalizing their soon to open brick and mortar space. Dubbed the “Empanada Mamas’ of Orlando” I can confidently tell you they’ve earned that name. Follow their IG to keep tabs on when the new space will be opening with even more Cuban bites to offer.
Other notables:
HAWAIIAN + filipino
OverRice Food Truck
OverRice is one of Orlando's more favored food trucks because the food is worthy of the following. I rotate between the Kalua Pig (Hawaiian pulled pork) and the Pork Adobo. It's a significant portion size for the price, always juicy and flavorful, and Joel is one pretty rad local business owner.
FILIPINO
KAYA
While the owners of Kaya will tell you themselves that this isn’t a spot offering the most traditional Filipino dishes, it is heavily influenced by “bringing the food closest to our hearts while infusing our experiences, creativity, and warm hospitality to expand the love of Filipino food and culture.” You’ll see items like pancit that you will recognize, but this elevated but comfortable menu is worth visiting. Their Michelin Green Star proves it.
BENG BREAD
Beng Bread's specialty is all things Ube. Ube bread, Ube crinkle cookies, even Ube butter!While hanging out at her pop-up table, I've been surprised by how many people looked confused at her goods and asked what Ube is, so she's doing the work of baking and creating and educating the people on how delicious Ube can be! She continues to add more goods to her repertoire, like Furikake Rice Krispie Treats, Royal Ube, and Pandan cookies. There's no telling what her next creation will be, but it's time to get on the Beng Bread watchlist to experience something unique and tasty.
Other notables:
Italian
M'ama Napoli Italian Bakery & Deli
If you want a freshly made Italian sandwich on the lightest, potentially most satisfying Focaccia bread you’ve had in Florida, make the trip to M'ama Napoli. In addition to baked goods, including Sfogliatella and Bomboloni, there is a dry storage pantry filled with items you may have grown up with if you lived in an Italian household.
Mangia & Bevi Pizzeria Napoletana
This isn’t in Orlando, but it ranks as a top Italian pizza spot for me. The crust is the real star the show. If you find yourself near Cocoa Beach looking for a place to eat, try it out.
Antica Pizzeria & Market
Now, with two locations, you have options for another Neapolitan pie. It has a beautiful, airy crust, is lightly charred (not burnt), and has Italian flavors and toppings. Try it in Altamonte or in the Packing District inside the Great Southern Box Food Hall.
TURCI PASTA
Good pasta dishes are harder to come by in Orlando (personal opinion), but Turci in College Park is a solid option. They specialize in fresh pasta and homemade sauces. Whether you choose Pappardelle or Ravioli, leave room for the Tiramisu.
Other notables:
D’Amico & Sons Italian Market & Bakery
sri lankan
Banana Leaf
Did you know there was a Sri Lankan restaurant way out in East Orlando? It’s a bit out of the way, especially if you don’t live on that side of town, but it was a delightful experience. They claim to be the only Sri Lankan restaurant in the whole state. We feasted on stuffed Roti, Drunken Noodles, Kathu Roti. All the dishes were flavorful and the hospitality was top notch.
Other notables:
Chinese
CHUAN FU
Sibling restaurant of Chuan Lu, Chuan Fu filled a Schezuan-sized hole we had in North Orlando. The menu is large; thankfully, the servers kindly help you navigate based on your tastes and heat level preferences.
TASTE OF CHENGDU
This spot has two locations: one on W. Colonial and one in Baldwin Park. It offers Authentic Sichuan flavors and tastes, and it’s also received the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction. I've made multiple trips here, and I’ve never had a bad dish.
LITTLE GIANT
This mother-daughter duo pop-up serves extremely comforting and accessible Chinese dishes. With stints at Kappo, Farm & Haus, Winter Park Biscuit, and Edoboy, she's been taking in the back-of-house grind while periodically stepping out to showcase her unique dishes. Along with her mother Nancy, a culinary goddess who pops up in heels, they've been serving regional Chinese dishes close to their hearts and sharing them with us.
Meng’s Kitchen
Meng’s specialize in Hainanese Chicken, often called Hainan Chicken, and other Asian comfort foods - and that's exactly how I describe their dishes. They are pure comfort. Hainan Chicken dishes have a balance of flavors that I love. If you've ever watched Chef Arrington talk about how flavors dance on her palate, this is what I think of. The mildness of the chicken pairs so well with the spicy kick of the sauces. The most satisfying dishes don't need to be complex; instead, they should highlight the natural goodness of their ingredients. Those are the dishes that always win me over.
Other notables:
Mamak (Malasyian)
Korean
Korea House
I'm not going to pretend that I know anything profound about Korean food, but I will tell you that I love Bibimbap. It's just the most comforting bowl of goodness, combining rice, seasoned vegetables, meat, egg, and other toppings. If Korean food is foreign to you, this is the perfect dish to ease you into the cuisine.
BBB TOFU HOUSE
Located in the Chinatown Plaza on W. Colonial, BBB Tofu has been a mainstay as more new restaurants enter that strip. It’s a chill place inside, easy to navigate if you aren’t highly knowledgeable about the cuisine.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY
One of my favorite low-key, drunk-free spots downtown is the Neighborhood Eatery, and if you look them up on Yelp, you'll see they have a pretty solid track record for pleasing the public. While my go-to order is the Mills 50 bowl seen below, their Bulgogi Fries are worth adding to your order to share.
Other spots:
92 Chicken
K-Jumak
Vietnamese
Bánh Mi Cali
You can smell the freshly baked bread as soon as you walk in. There is usually a small line of people just there to buy the bread as it’s constantly being made. The sandwiches are one of my absolute favorites in the city.
Ani Vi Vietnamese
Another favorite, not just for an incredible Bánh Mi but also for platters. This is a newer spot in Casselberry, and I really hope locals support it so it doesn’t go anywhere. Run by a husband and wife who moved here from Seattle, I find their dishes to be bursting with flavor and a great find for Vietnamese food outside of downtown Orlando.
GÀ TA
Obviously, you shouldn’t take my word for what authentic Vietnamese food is; I’m Cuban, but I feel like this spot is beloved by people whose opinions matter more than mine, so that is enough for me. Located in the Mills 50 area, these dishes are steeped in flavor from the rich broth. Also, the egg coffee is incredible.
Pho Huong Lan
Is this the best Phở in the city? It certainly is at the top of my list. You don’t want to leave any drop of broth in that bowl; it’s so good. I’m really excited that they are opening a new location off W. Colonial. If you love Phở and haven’t been, this is your sign to add to the top of that foodie list.
Other notables:
Mexican
Franciscos’s Taco Madness
Real ones have been going to this truck since it used to be parked outside the Loews in Fern Park. They now have a pretty permanent spot at 704 Prairie Lake Drive in Fern Park, but you need to follow them on Facebook to know their hours, as they change but get posted consistently. They are some of the best tacos and burritos we have to offer.
TORTAS EL REY
This old Checkers building was converted into a small street taco drive-thru palace. They offer far more than tacos, but I usually stick with that and get a variety of meats. Their chorizo packs a powerful kick that isn't for those that can't handle their spice. I finished mine with tears in my eyes, but it as worth it. Get the horchata too.
Taqueria Ameca
There are two locations, Orange Avenue South of Downtown and Orange Blossom Trail. Here lies a platter of four different meats, Asada, Barbacoa, Carnitas, and Chorizo. Each one better than the last. Tacos were $1.25 each and took less than five minutes to get to my table.
Reyes Mezcaleria
While this is a fancier spot for Mexican fare, I will say it's worth the extra cheddar. First of all the chips are addictive. The tacos , while not always hood level, are good. I'm a big fan of their elote, and I am not mad at their braised lamb shank! It doesn't hurt that the restaurant itself is beautiful.
JALAPEÑOS MEXICAN EATS
I know a lot of people feel like the taco craze has been overdone here, and they aren’t completely wrong, but if there's one thing to know about me - if you give me a good taco I'm gonna keep eating good tacos. Jalapeños definitely falls under the good taco category. All you have to do to win me as a taco consumer for life are these four simple things: Give me fresh handmade tortillas that don’t fall apart, well-seasoned meats (including chorizo with a real kick), simple authentic toppings, (I don’t’ need doritos sprinkled on top), and more than enough lime wedges. If that sounds good to you, go to Jalapeños.
Other notables:
LAOTIAN/Thai
Dali’s Lao Thai Café
This spot has always done me right on an order of Beef Laab, some spring rolls, and a Thai tea. If you look on Yelp, the reviews are mostly good, but it appears there may have been some issues with consistency. However, I’ve eaten here a handful of times, and the flavor has always been on point.
Other notables:
Sticky Rice
Isan Zaap Thai cafe
mediterranean
Mediterranean Deli
I love an unassuming hole-in-the-wall spot with delicious, affordable food. That's exactly what you'll find at Mediterranean Deli located on Fairbanks Avenue. I opted for the open faced gyro platter and added tabouli to it. It's more than enough food for two meals and for under under $12 you really can't go wrong here.
Mediterranean Street Food By Shishco
This colorful walk-up window (with outdoor seating) is at the intersection of 17-92 and Lake Avenue (also in this center is Copper Rocket and Jazz Tastings). It’s an excellent spot for a quick eat or delivery that serves up flavorful Mediterranean fare and delicious hummus. The address is 118 Lake Ave, Maitland, FL 32751.
Iranian/persian
Shiraz Market
Shiraz is a gem in Longwood for flavorful comfort food in the way of kebab combos. Not to mention the entire market you can explore while your wait.
Other notables:
CARAVAN UZBEK & TURKISH CUISINE
Trinidadian
SHERRY’S TRINI FLAVORS
Looking for Doubles? Head to Altamonte. Sherry’s Trini Flavors has a home in a gas station off 436, and at lunch time you’ll see the door open and close repeatedly with takeaway orders, nurses in scrubs from the hospital down the street, and a full parking lot.
Other notables:
JAPANESE
SUSHI TOMI
Had I not worked in the office park down the street from it, I may have never known about Sushi Tomi. It’s a well-kept secret in its humble strip mall space, not glamorous enough to entice food influencers. It’s a spot people get irritated with me posting about because they want me to keep it hidden. It’s comfortable, quiet, quaint, and delicious. As soon as the dinner doors open at five, the restaurant is full within minutes if that gives you any indication of what awaits you.
ZARU
How good the Udon is will be left up to personal tastes and opinions, undoubtedly based on how much you’ve already eaten in your lifespan. My humble opinion is I very much love Zaru. The noodles are just chewy enough with a nice bounce. The texture was pleasing, and paired with the delicious broth, it was hard to find a miss. The addition of the Onsen egg, which adds a custard-like egg white and beautiful runny yolk, gave an even creamier texture to the dish.
SEITO SUSHI
Seito Sushi was around before, so many newer sushi spots have appeared in Orlando as a staple for sushi, Japanese, and contemporary Asian cuisine. It’s tried and true. Chef Huy Tin is always coming up with exciting items in the kitchen, and it’s versatile for a casual lunch or a special celebratory dinner.
NORIGAMI
One of the highlights of dining options in Winter Garden is undoubtedly Norigami. It’s a sushi and hand roll bar inside the Plant Street Market run by head chef David Tsan. This eight-seat counter offers an elevated experience to enjoy a variety of fresh pieces in a casual atmosphere. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Norigami at all, and I plan to go back and bring others.
WA Sushi
Downtown Orlando and Mills 50 boast several high end sushi experiences, but don’t sleep on WA Sushi in Casselberry. It’s a small, cozy space were you can come as you are and indulge in high quality sushi. It’s one of my most recommended spots when someone asks me for a sushi recommendation, it’s worth the drive to Casselberry.
EDOBOY
Edoboy is our only 8-person standing sushi bar in Orlando. The vision comes from the owner of Domu and Tori Tori, Sonny Nguyen. This intimate dining experience offers quality sushi at reasonable prices in an environment that isn't pretentious or overbearing. Head Chef Tyler and Second Chef Francis, who come from Sonny's hospitality brand, guide you through the experience. It's fun, different, and will not disappoint sushi purists.
JUJU/SUSURU
If you've visited Susuru or Juju you are familiar with Izakaya dining Juju feels like Susuru 2.0 without the long drive to the attractions area if you live closer to Orlando's core. If you haven't been to Susuru and aren't familiar with Izakaya dining, it's a traditional Japanese dining experience where locals gather to enjoy small plates of food and drinks. The word "izakaya" literally means "stay sake shop," It is a popular place for friends and colleagues to gather after work for a drink and some food. The menu typically includes a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats and various small plates that are meant to be shared.
Ramen Takagi
It’s often been regarded as the best and most authentic ramen in the Greater Orlando area (technically it’s in Oviedo). I personally agree with that sentiment. The depth of flavor in the broth cannot be beat. There’s a reason they were crowned the champion of the Ramen Rumble.
UNI GIRL
Brand new to Orlando is our first dedicated onigiri shop inside the reimagined Tien Hung Market on E. Colonial. Several types of onigiri are made fresh each day and will sell out. From $3-$6 you can select your desired protein and enjoy!
Other notables:
Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant
COLOMBIAN
Super Rico
Supe Rico is a staple. It originally began a food truck, Que Rico in 2011 and they soon after opened up a spot off Central Blvd. It’s a great spot for fast casual Colombian. Try the Arepa burger or the Churrasco platter.
Other notables:
Indian
Bombay Street Kitchen
Bombay is most definitely a favorite of mine when I’m craving Indian. If you’ve ever been to Chai Pani it’s the closest thing we have to that in Orlando. Indian street food fare with lots of flavor, but you can also get more traditional entrees as well.
Other notable spots:
PERUVIAN
Papa Llama
From pop-up to Michelin star rated local restaurant, Papa Llama serves up “Modern Peruvian” cuisine. From my own experience the dishes are flavorful and bright, and offer us something different to enjoy in our fair city. They’ve switched to a tasting menu concept, which may price you out for multiple visits during the year, but definitely worth a celebration splurge.
Other notable spots:
It’s not Orlando if a new restaurant isn’t opening each day, so keep an eye out for details of the newest places I visit.