Whether you’re a tried and true Orlando local or an out-of-towner planning a trip to our parks, it’s important to be in the know, especially when it comes to food. If you want to avoid the on-property price tags and headaches to instead venture outside of Orlando’s major theme parks for a good meal, we’ve got you covered.
Some are a little more homegrownthan others, but all have a special spot in Orlando — and that is outside the bustling parks. Here are 25 local restaurants that are near Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and the rest.
Yellow Dog Eats
407-296-0609, 1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere
Barbecue, sandwiches and salads with innovative twists are Yellow Dog Eats’ speciality. Plates filled with pulled pork, smoked chicken or classic hot dogs are just a quick drive away from some of Orlando’s biggest thrills. Credit:Photo via Yellow Dog Eats/FacebookColumbia Restaurant
649 Front St., Celebration
Columbia Restaurant in Celebration is a part of Cuban cuisine chain founded in 1905 in Ybor City, Tampa, by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr. and the chain says they are the oldest restaurant in Florida. The restaurant in Celebration has a pretty sweet outdoor seating area too. Credit: Image via Columbia RestaurantKavas Tacos
7858 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando
The 7,000-square-foot concept by Katerina and Vassilis Coumbaros, who also run Taverna Opa and Tapa Toro, features a menu of “Tex-Mex classics and playful takes on Mexican street fare inspired by the street food vendors of Mexico City.” Credit: Photo via Kavas Tacos/Facebook
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
7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando Find authentic Turkish flavors and impressive culinary skills at the H Cuisine, where menu highlights include specialty cuts of beef and creative starters. The spot also offers brunch and a late-night menu, as well. Credit: Photo via the H Cuisine/FacebookSeito Sushi
8031 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando
Seito Sushi is a contemporary sushi and pan-Asian stop in the I-Drive corridor. They’re open for lunch and dinner, so you have double the time to grab some mouthwatering sushi and creative dishes. Credit: Photo courtesy Seito Sushi/FacebookGordon Ramsay Fish and Chips
8391 International Drive, Orlando
While you’re going to have to dish out a few extra bucks on these pricey fish and chips, you won’t be disappointed in the flavor, crispness and experience of eating something from the mind of a culinary genius. Credit: Photo via Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips/YelpPlaya Pizza
13211 Reams Road, Suite 108, Windermere
This pizza joint offers more than just pies, with wings, pastas, hefty sandwiches and plenty of vegan options, too. But if pizza’s what you’re looking for, go big with some of their creatively named concoctions, like “Pineapple Is My Safe Word” or the “Sweet Dreams Are Made of Cheese” pies. Dine at night and you may just catch a glimpse of Disney’s fireworks show from across the way. Credit: Photo via Playa Pizza/Facebook
7858 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando The super-popular yakiniku chain gives cook-it-yourself barbecue enthusiasts plenty of meats, seafood and vegetables from which to choose, but even better is that their smokeless roasters have a downdraft system to ensure you don’t leave the restaurant smelling like the meats you just grilled. Credit:Photo via Photo via Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ/FacebookVines Grille and Wine Bar
7533 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
Located on Sand Lake’s Restaurant Row, Vines Grille and Wine Bar offers an award-winning wine bar, live music, prime steaks, and fresh-caught seafood. Credit: Photo via Vines Grill and Wine Bar
7335 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando American Social is a vibrant gastropub and restaurant serving up comforting American fare and craft brews. It could be a perfect spot to snap back to reality after a day in the most magical place on Earth. Credit: Photo via American Social/FacebookThe World’s Largest McDonald’s
6875 Sand Lake Road, Orlando
Sure, Mickey D’s is nowhere near a locals-only spot, but this location really is an Orlando treasure. The World’s Largest McDonald’s calls the City Beautiful home, and it might just be the perfect place to grab some quick and affordable grub after a day of thrill seeking at the parks. Credit: Photo via Adobe
5847 Grand National Drive, Orlando The beloved local Asian restaurant brings authentic Indian, Indian-Chinese and Thai cuisine of a higher level to its four area locations. This one is the closest to your day of visiting Hagrid, Harry Potter and Homer Simpson, though. Credit: Photo via Tabla Indian Restaurant/Facebook
7555 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando; 11025 International Drive, Orlando Thai Thani offers authentic Thai cuisine just a drive away from Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. On top of the specialty dishes this spot has to offer, guests can also revel in the restaurant’s hand-carved wood interior covered in traditional artwork and decor. Credit: Photo via Thai Thani/YelpSlate
8323 Sand Lake Road, Orlando
This modern American restaurant offers specialty dishes from the mind of chef Kevan Ho, highlighting fresh seafood and extensive wine selections. Credit: Photo via Slate/FacebookDel Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
9150 International Drive, Orlando
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a great pick for steak, seafood and traditional classic all-American food. Credit: Photo via Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse/FacebookCafe Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive, Orlando
The funky tapas spot offers creative food and drink specials every weekday, plus live music and relaxed patio seating, too. With tons of shareable plates to choose from, signature cocktails and artists who paint while you eat, Cafe Tu Tu Tango garners some well-deserved crowds. Credit: Photo via Café Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
5689 Vineland Road, Orlando This Dragon Ball Z-themed noodle house near Universal makes an animated argument for uninhibited slurping, and has become a destination restaurant for anime fans and cosplayers. Credit: Photo via Soupa Saiyan/Facebook
8255 International Drive, Orlando Hanamizuki upholds the traditions of authentic Japanese cuisine, from tempura and tataki to donburi and ishiyaki. Reservations are highly recommended to reserve your spot in this flavorful establishment. Credit: Photo via Hanamizuki/FacebookSusuru
8548 Palm Parkway, Orlando
Lewis Lin of College Park’s Jade Sushi & New Asian and managing partner Kenny Ly came together to create a “retro-themed izakaya” offering exquisite ramen, yakitori and takoyaki. Inspired by Showa-era style, this Japanese gastropub stays open until as late as midnight on the weekends to satisfy your slurping needs, both noodle and boozy. Credit: Photo via Susuru/FacebookHawkers Asian Street Food
9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Windermere
The widely varied menu keeps fans happy at Hawkers. Serving up Asian street-style food, Hawkers is perfect whether you’re craving roti canai, soup dumplings or just some wild wings. Try their delectable pork belly and steamed baos, then grab a drink while you wait for the explosion of flavor. Credit:Photo via Hawkers Asian Street Fare/YelpBawarchi Biryanis
6315 International Drive, Orlando
Fragrant spices saturate the air inside this first Orlando location of a nationwide franchise focusing on the seasoned yellow rice that is the staple of Indian weddings and other special occasions. Top your biryani with boneless chicken or goat slow-cooked with ghee, and heed the spiciness warnings, lest you require a cup of chai or three to wash it down. Credit: Photo via Bawarchi Biryanis/FacebookMango’s Tropical Cafe
8126 International Drive, Orlando
Want a taste of South Beach nightlife without the long drive down the turnpike? Mango’s Tropical Cafe brings the Miami club scene to the corner of I-Drive and Sand Lake, complete with Copa-worthy floor shows and fruity drinks that pack a powerful punch. What’s new? An 880-spot parking garage makes it easier to drive there, but you’ll likely need a Lyft home. Credit: Photo via Mango's Tropical Cafe/FacebookFour Flamingos
1 Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando
Four Flamingos, fronted by Top Chef: All-Stars champion Richard Blais, specializes in colorful dishes with Floribbean roots. Some major players to look out for on the menu include the half-dozen raw oysters, smoked with liquid nitrogen and the moqueca, a spicy seafood stew with tilefish, scallops, clams, shrimp and calamari cooked in a ruddy coconut milk broth. Credit: photo by Rob Bartlett
7048 International Drive, Orlando This cozy restaurant in the heart of the tourist strip is one of the best places in town to enjoy Ethiopian food — or try it for the first time. Order a combo platter (meat or veggie) and scoop it with spongy injera bread instead of utensils. First-timers may want to go easy on the kitfo, a spicy steak tartare. Credit: Photo via Nile Ethiopian/Yelp
