Exterior of the Tiffins Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Orlando

25 Best Orlando Restaurants (Where to Eat, By a Local)

Enjoying the culinary scene is one of the best parts of traveling to a new city. Orlando is a true melting pot of people and that means you can find just about every kind of food here. The best restaurants in Orlando range from international street food to Michelin-star restaurants. 

If you are visiting Orlando in the fall, you can take advantage of Magical Dining. During this time, many of Orlando’s top restaurants offer discounted prix fixe menus. 

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25 Best Orlando Restaurants

Se7en Bites

Southern/bakery | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 203-0727

The chicken pot pie from the Se7en Bites in Orlando
The famous chicken pot pie, as featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (Photo courtesy of Se7en Bites)

Located in the Milk District, a hip downtown Orlando neighborhood, Se7en Bites is a favorite amongst locals. You can enjoy their extensive bakery options or grab some modern Southern comfort food. The breakfast menu includes several offerings with their famous buttermilk garlic biscuit and a Southern classic, pimento cheese. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you just need to try their chicken pot pie after seeing it on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, call ahead and pre-pay to reserve your pie. Otherwise, you’ll be testing your luck since they usually sell out. 

Prato

Italian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 262-0050

Sun light coming through the inside of Prato
(Photo courtesy of Prato)

Prato is an Italian restaurant in Winter Park, just north of Orlando. The extensive menu has dishes inspired by regions across Italy, including pasta, pizza, and salad. Since Prato is so popular, reservations are recommended. 

SUSURU

Japanese | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 778-4813

People enjoying their food in SUSURU
The atmosphere in SUSURU is unparalleled!

SUSURU is a fun, retro Izakaya near Walt Disney World. The restaurant is only open for dinner and they do not accept reservations. Enjoy Japanese small plates like fried chicken, skewers, mini bowls, and tempura mushrooms. Diners can also sip on specialty cocktails and several sake options. Be prepared for a wait if you visit on the weekends or a holiday; the wait time was over 3 hours when we visited at opening time on a Saturday. 

Wine Bar George

Small bites | $$-$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 490-1800

The Wine Bar George building from the outside
(photo: Craig Russell / Shutterstock)

Wine Bar George is a wine bar first and a restaurant second, but that does not affect how fantastic the food is. This upscale restaurant is located in Disney Springs. The charcuterie boards and artisan cheeses are the perfect accompaniment to a glass (or bottle) of wine. There are a couple of entrees and family-style dishes, but most people are happy to split small plates with the table. 

The Ravenous Pig

American | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 628-2333

View of a steak on a wooden board in The Ravenous Pig
(Photo by Blake Jones, photo courtesy of The Ravenous Pig)

It’s no question that The Ravenous Pig is a phenomenal eatery considering it was awarded Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award. The American gastropub menu was created by James Beard nominees James and Julie Petrakis, who are Winter Park natives. The stunning dining room is the perfect ambiance to appreciate the charcuterie platter with house-cured meats, New York strip tartare, steak frites, and whole truffle chicken. Since The Ravenous Pig prioritizes local and seasonal ingredients, their menu is subject to change daily. 

👉 Pro Tip: The company also operates The Polite Pig, a casual barbecue joint inside Disney Springs. 

Hunger Street Tacos

Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 444-6270

View of tacos with dip on a plate at Hunger Street Tacos

The first things that catch your eye at Hunger Street Tacos are the vibrant murals covering its brick-and-mortar location. Mexican restaurants are plentiful in Central Florida, but this local favorite is among the best of the best. Check out the variety of taco and quesadilla flavors with homemade tortillas. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re on the west side of Central Florida, head to Plant Street Market in Winter Garden. Hunger Street Tacos has a stall in the market and you can also grab some craft beer from Crooked Can Brewing Company. 

Columbia Restaurant

Spanish | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 566-1505

The original Columbia Restaurant is located in Ybor City (it’s also one of the best restaurants in Tampa) and was opened by a Spanish-Cuban immigrant in 1905. Fourth- and fifth-generation family members are still working for this historic company.

The Columbia Restaurant location in Celebration (near the Walt Disney World theme parks) serves all the classic dishes. Diners love the Cuban sandwich, Columbia’s “original” 1905 salad, and the paella “Española”. Spend the rest of your date night walking around the lake and quaint downtown Celebration. 

👉 Don’t Miss: Celebration is one of my favorite places to stay in Orlando

Tiffins Restaurant

International | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 939-5277

The Tiffins Restaurant from the outside
Tiffins is located on Discovery Island near the bridge to Pandora

Tiffins is not exactly what you would expect from theme park cuisine. The Animal Kingdom eatery features international cuisine and impeccable service. Favorite dishes include the signature bread service, charred octopus, butter chicken, and whole-fried sustainable fish.

👉 Pro Tip: If you can’t find reservations for Tiffins or you’d prefer a more casual experience, the Nomad Lounge is next door. Nomad Lounge serves similar small plates and unique cocktails.

Winter Park Biscuit Company

Vegan/American | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 431-0851

A biscuit on a plate in Winter Park Biscuit Company

One of the indicators of excellent vegan food is when you can’t even tell that it is vegan. Winter Park Biscuit Co. serves classic American cuisine made from plant-based ingredients. Enjoy the essence of fried chicken and biscuit sandwiches. You can personalize your meal with one (or several) of the delicious sauces. There is no seating at the eatery but you can dine at the outdoor patio at East End Market. 

Reyes Mezcaleria

Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 868-9007

A duck enchiladas de Michoacan from Reyes Mezcaleria
The fabulous duck enchiladas de Michoacan

If you are in downtown Orlando, you must head to this Mexican restaurant with a modern twist. Chef Wendy Lopez put together a delectable menu of the good stuff. Whether you choose the duck breast enchiladas, crispy fish tacos, or queso fundido, be assured that you will enjoy your meal. This is one of the best Orlando restaurants to celebrate a special occasion thanks to the food and fun atmosphere. 

Chef’s Table

American | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 230-4837

A steak on a plate and a glass of wine in Chef’s Table
(Photo courtesy of Chef’s Table)

In historic downtown Winter Garden, you can find Chef’s Table at the Edgewater. Chef’s Table offers a three-course pre-fixe menu with an optional wine pairing. The intimate location is known for upscale dining with a hometown feel. Popular dishes include the pork ribeye and the mushroom-chive crepe torte. After your meal, take a walk through the cobblestone streets to explore the family-owned shops.

Black Rooster Taqueria

Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 601-0994

Black Rooster Taqueria has two locations in hip Orlando neighborhoods: Curry Ford West and Mills 50. This eatery specializes in “farm-to-taco” dishes and is family-owned and operated. Guests can dine on tacos, of course, that celebrate Mexican and South American flavors. To maximize the Orlando vibes, the restaurants feature local artists, repurposed furniture, and handmade tables. 

Capa

Steakhouse | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 313-7777

People admiring the fireworks while enjoying their food at the Capa terrace
Views of the Magic Kingdom theme park fireworks from the Capa terrace (Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Orlando)

Capa is one of the four MICHELIN-star locations in Orlando. This steakhouse on the top floor of the Four Seasons Orlando is one of the most opulent dining locations in town. Even though it is around the corner from the theme parks, you won’t notice. High-end dishes include caviar and A-5 Wagyu beef. If you are looking for the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, look no further than Capa. 

Four Flamingos

Floridian | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 239-3854

Four Flamingos calls itself a “Florida kitchen”. If you’re not familiar with Florida cuisine, it is a mix of seafood, tropical flavors, and Hispanic influence. Chef Richard Blais does a fantastic job of combining bright and delicious flavor combinations in a modern way. Enjoy crab cakes, Florida seafood moqueca, and mojo grilled chicken. Make sure you leave room for dessert!

Kabooki Sushi

Sushi | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 228-3839

Maki rolls on a wooden board in Kabooki Sushi

There are plenty of places in Orlando to eat sushi, but there are only a few options that offer an upscale dining experience. Kabooki Sushi tops that short list. Get your favorite rolls or try something unique from the menu. They also offer omakase, where the chef prepares a 10-course tasting menu for you to enjoy. With two locations in separate parts of town, you’ll never be too far away for a delicious meal. 

Domu

Japanese | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 960-1228

A shoyu ramen noodle with pork and egg in Domu

Domu has two restaurants in Orlando (Dr. Phillips and East End Market) as well as a fast-casual concept called Chibi in Waterford Lakes. The restaurant received MICHELIN’s Bib Gourmand distinction in 2022. This Japanese restaurant is known for ramen with noodles made in-house. You should definitely have a bowl of ramen, but don’t miss out on the other offerings. Guests love the lobster buns and wings. 

Sticky Rice

Laotian | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (321) 800-6532

The author's son looking at his favorite mango and sticky rice desserts
My son is excited about one of our favorite desserts: mango and sticky rice

Laos is a small country in Asia, bordered by Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. I tell you this because many people have not been lucky enough to try Laotian cuisine before. You can taste similarities with neighboring cuisines, but Sticky Rice celebrates Laotian food most deliciously. This casual restaurant has bright murals and community tables. The atmosphere is reminiscent of eating street food. Guests love the laab, wings, and tapioca dumplings. 

Knife & Spoon

Steak & Seafood | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 393-4333

Knife & Spoon is a steak and seafood restaurant located at the Ritz Carlton Orlando hotel. In 2022, Knife & Spoon received a MICHELIN Star. The menu is simple, but the quality of the food speaks for itself. This restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. 

King Bao

Asian | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 237-0013

Buns filled with different ingredients in King Bao

As a quick-service restaurant, King Bao doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves in the Orlando culinary scene. If you’re visiting Orlando on a budget, King Bao offers top-quality food at an affordable price. The meals are made to order. With complex flavors and perfectly cooked buns, guests enjoy delicious meals. It may be unconventional, but make sure you get a side of the potato tots too. 

Luke’s Kitchen & Bar

New American | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 674-2400

View of different dishes on a plate in Luke’s Kitchen & Bar
(Photo courtesy of Luke’s Kitchen & Bar)

Luke’s Kitchen and Bar serves American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and in-house preparation. From seafood to small plates to steaks, there is something for everyone on the menu. Luke’s is located in Maitland, just a few miles north of downtown and College Park. The open kitchen and energetic atmosphere at Luke’s make it a great place for happy hour drinks and snacks. 

1921 Mount Dora

Floridian | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (352) 385-1921

1921 Mount Dora is more than just a restaurant. The eatery is located in a converted house built in 1921 and celebrates Florida’s history and art. The ambiance perfectly matches the quaint, but a little quirky, downtown area of Mount Dora.

Wine connoisseurs will be amazed by the extensive wine list at 1921 Mount Dora. Some standout dishes include the blue crab galette, house-made tagliatelle with short ribs, and coffee-rubbed venison. The menu is subject to change and does a great job of highlighting local farms and ingredients. 

👉 Don’t Miss: Between the antique shops, sites, and cafes, you can spend an entire day in Mount Dora. That’s why it made my list of the top day trips from Orlando

Kadence

Omakase | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps

Kadence is a great restaurant in Orlando if you are looking for an exceptional omakase experience. The chef/owners have experience in several MICHELIN star restaurants and Kadence received a MICHELIN star in 2022.

To add to the allure of an unknown menu, Kadence is located in a blank, black building with a single sign out front. The menu changes daily, but guests frequently rave that each meal is the best sushi they’ve ever had. 

👉 Pro Tip: Reservations are required and sell out extremely quickly. 

Pizza Bruno

Pizzeria | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 270-6833

People enjoying their pizza from Pizza Bruno
(Photo by Brian Carlson, photo courtesy of Pizza Bruno)

You can’t put together a list of the best eateriesin Orlando without highlighting the favorite local pizza restaurant. Chef-owner Bruno Zacchini opened Pizza Bruno after operating his food truck and working for top local joints. The pizza here is wood-fired and perfectly cooked. The menu includes delicious creations or you can add a variety of toppings to customize your pie. 

👉 Don’t Miss: Pizza Bruno is just a short drive to some of the best things to do in Orlando, like Harry P Leu Gardens and the Orlando Science Center.

Tabla Indian Restaurant

Indian  | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 248-9400

A chicken biryani from Tabla Indian Restaurant

Tabla Indian Restaurant is the best place to dine on Indian cuisine in Orlando. They have three locations across town. The menu is extensive and includes favorites like biryani, bread with dips, and curry. Tabla also includes some “crossover” dishes from China and Thailand. 

Victoria & Albert’s

Fine Dining | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (407) 939-3862

The Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort from the outside
Victoria & Albert’s is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the premier restaurant at Walt Disney World and one of the best in Orlando. The restaurant features Victorian opulence and was inspired by Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Celebration.

The pre-fixe tasting menus are created by the talented chefs every day based on seasonal ingredients. There are three dining room options to choose from and an optional wine pairing for each meal. 

👉 Don’t Miss: Once you’re at the Grand Floridian, you can go “monorail hopping” to the nearby resorts. This is one of the best free things to do at Disney World

FAQs About Places to Eat in Orlando

What famous chefs have restaurants in Orlando?

Orlando is home to several eateries connected to celebrity chefs. In some cases, the chefs are also the owners and in others, they simply created the menu. Some of the most popular ones include:
– Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Wolfgang Puck)
– bluezoo (Todd English)
– Four Flamingos (Richard Blais)
– Morimoto Asia (Masaharu Morimoto)
– Homecomin’ (Art Smith)
– Chicken Guy (Guy Fieri)
– Frontera Cocina (Rick Bayless) 

What food is Orlando known for? 

In town, you can find just about every single kind of cuisine imaginable. Many restaurants highlight American food with a modern twist. Asian and Hispanic cuisines are also very popular in the area. 

***

Orlando isn’t always recognized as a top food scene in the country, but I’d argue that it deserves to be on the list. You can find delectable eats at every price range and from every cuisine. 

I hope I’ve helped you find the best Orlando restaurants for you!

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