Orlando’s ever-bustling culinary scene is no secret, which means some of the best spots for an impressive meal are usually some of the busiest. You may have to wait your turn for a spot at these hard-to-get tables, but satisfied appetites have proven they’re always worth the wait.

Here are 29 Orlando restaurants you won’t regret waiting for. (Or: plan ahead and get yourself a reservation, if you can!)

Kaya

618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando
At Kaya, a modern Filipino restaurant, there’s a homey feel and a menu that deliberately tests any preconceived notions people may have of Filipino fare. Credit: Photo via Kaya
Soseki 955 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park Soseki Modern Omakase is a 10-seat chef’s choice concept located in Winter Park, serving up globally inspired and seasonally sourced dishes that draw in even the pickiest of sushi snobs. Credit: Photo via Soseki

The Stubborn Mule

100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando
The Stubborn Mule is in high demand for its creative twists on American cuisine. Locally sourced food options and craft cocktails, beer and wine makes this eatery a popular stop for local and tourist foodies alike. Credit: Photo via Stubborn Mule/Facebook
Tori Tori 720 N. Mills Ave., Orlando Tori Tori is both a modern cocktail bar and a hotspot to grab traditional Japanese pub food in Orlando’s Mills 50 district. From the mind of Domu’s Sean “Sonny” Nguyen, the spot offers classic and creative cocktails, sake, beer and wine and eats like scallop crudo and wagyu gyoza. Credit: Photo via Tori Tori/Facebook

Otto’s High Dive

2304 E. Robinson St., Orlando
Otto’s High Dive is no sleepy watering hole. It’s a “neighborhood rum bar,” alive with the din of tipplers who gather amid an understatedly lush, design-forward space to down daiquiris, mojitos and Cuba libres — and excellent Cuban fare. Credit: Photo via Otto's High Dive/Facebook

Ceiba

1500 Eastbeach Way, Orlando
A love letter to Mexican cuisine, Ceiba is now serving modern takes on authentic Mexican flavors in — or rather, atop — Orlando. Located on the Conrad Orlando’s seventh-floor rooftop, Ceiba is led by chef Stephen Ullrich and aims to reflect a “contemporary expression of Mexican cooking and pays homage to curated ingredients that tell the story of the country’s treasured dishes and artisan purveyors.” Credit: Photo via Ceiba at Conrad Orlando/Facebook
No. 7: Bar Kada Credit: Photo by Matt Keller Lehman
Sorekara snagged a spot on the Michelin Guide Credit: Matt Keller Lehman

Ômo by Jônt

115 E. Lyman Ave., Winter Park
Ômo by Jônt takes guests on a journey into cuisine from around the world featuring Japanese fare in an interactive atmosphere. With room for up to 16 guests at a time, the eatery ushers guests through three separate rooms, where they can feast on 18 to 22 courses of refined French-Japanese creations. The Living Room is where guests can snack on a “barrage of canapés.” Then they’re led to the Savory Counter for the brunt of the meal, finishing in the Pastry Parlor. Credit: Photo via Ômo by Jônt/Facebook
Cafe Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive, Orlando If dinner and a show is what you’re looking for, this funky tapas spot is the place to go. Cafe Tu Tu Tango has been serving the Orlando community for more than 30 years, offering creative food and drink specials every weekday, plus live music and relaxed patio seating, too. With tons of sharable plates to choose from, signature cocktails, and artists who paint while you eat, Cafe Tu Tu Tango is an attraction in itself. Credit: Photo via Café Tu Tu Tango/Facebook

Briarpatch

252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
One of Winter Park’s most iconic and long-standing breakfast joints serves up contemporary American cuisine and brunch daily. With breakfast goodies like blueberry-stuffed pancakes and raspberry-and-brie stuffed brioche french toast, it’s not hard to find a reason to bring the family here. Credit: Photo via Briarpatch/Yelp

Best Gourmet Pizza


Winner: Pizza Bruno
Finalists: SoDough Square, Prato Credit: Photo via Pizza Bruno/Facebook
Kadence 1809 Winter Park Road, Orlando With a Michelin star, a reservation required for dinner, and a secret menu, this sushi and sake bar is a hot commodity. There are only nine seats, and tickets range from $155-$175 for one meal, so this is not your go-to for a casual night out. But if you’re in the mood to splurge on some to-die-for sushi, Kadence might be calling your name. Credit: Photo via Kadence/Facebook
No. 3: Coro Credit: Photo by Rob Bartlett

Se7en Bites


617 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando
Known for Southern-style food and incredible baked goods, the line at Se7en Bites is always out the door on weekends. It’s for a good reason, too. The spot is perfect for brunch, with its menu of tasty pastries, biscuits and gravy, primavera Benedict and meatloaf sandwiches. Credit: Photo via Se7en Bites/Yelp

Morimoto Asia

1600 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
This upscale restaurant brings innovative Pan-Asian cuisine to Disney Springs. With a menu from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the glitzy spot offers dishes ranging from ribs to sushi to Peking duck and plenty more – all available to enjoy on the spot’s covered patio. Credit: Photo via Morimoto Asia/Facebook
The Ravenous Pig 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park The Ravenous Pig offers inventive New American eats, an in-house taproom and hand-crafted cocktails. The stylish gastropub (with adjoining beer garden) asks that you make reservations because there’s often a wait to get into this foodie heaven — definitely worth the splurge. Credit: Photo via The Ravenous Pig/Facebook
The Strand 807 N. Mills Ave., Orlando The Strand has embedded itself into Orlando’s restaurant scene with dishes made from scratch and daily specials using fresh, seasonal ingredients. This popular joint also keeps a rotating inventory of craft beers and wine. Credit: Photo via The Strand/Google Maps

Better Than Sex

1905 N. Orange Ave.
Better Than Sex is an adults-only dessert restaurant in a speakeasy-like setting. Indulge in a suggestive sweet treat or a chocolate-rimmed glass of wine. Perfect for couples who enjoy restaurants with character and a sly bit of humor. Credit: Photo via Better Than Sex/Facebook

Best Date Restaurant


Winner: Prato
Finalists: Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster, Maxine’s on Shine Credit: Photo via Prato/Facebook
Domu 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando, and 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd., Orlando With two locations in town, Domu offers double the opportunity to relish in these delectable noodles and Asian fusion treats. Credit: Photo via Domu/Facebook

AVA MediterrAegean

290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
Located in Winter Park, AVA MediterrAegean creates the atmospheric energy and cuisine of Mediterranean and Aegean culture. With an all sensory experience, this spot has both a dinner menu and a brunch menu, as well as a “golden hour” from 5 to 6 p.m. every day. Credit: Photo via AVA MediterrAegean/Facebook

Corazón by Baires

8126 International Drive, Orlando
Corazón by Baires, billed as “an immersive dining experience blending international culinary techniques with a diverse range of fresh ingredients to create Latin American-inspired dishes” is now open on I-Drive. The 12,000-square-foot restaurant promises “magical focal points from every seat.” Credit: Photo via Corazón by Baires/Facebook
Parea Greek Taverna takes over the former Outpost space in Maitland City Centre Credit: courtesy image
No. 5: Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails Credit: photo by Rob Bartlett

Best Steakhouse


Winner: Linda’s La Cantina
Finalists: Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Credit: Image via Google Maps

Kabooki Sushi


7705 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando Chef Henry Moso is what makes the sushi game so strong at this high-end spot. There are a handful of rolls, none of which you’ll find at your average sushi joint, but it’s mostly sashimi and nigiri. Credit: Photo via Kabooki Sandlake/Facebook

Oza Izakaya

5310 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
This modern take on Kyoto and Izakaya traditions brings eats like Tsukune (Japanese chicken meatballs), smoked dashi ramen, Hokage salmon and more to town. Oza Izakaya soft opened mid June. Credit: Photo via Oza Izakaya