Orlando’s known for its themed thrills and ever-increasing tourism numbers, but this summer especially is set to deliver all the magic and adrenaline. With the opening of Universal Orlando’s brand new Epic Universe — and more updates and changes gracing our amusement parks — the city is sure to draw in the hungry crowds.
Instead of scrambling for a reservation and paying on-property prices, avoid the headache and seek outside the parks for a good meal. Some are completely homegrown, others are beloved chains, but they’ll all deliver big after a day of park-hopping.
Here are 30 restaurants near Universal, Disney World, SeaWorld and all the rest.
Tom’s Watch Bar
8050 International Drive, OrlandoSports bar Tom’s Watch Bar offers a full snacking menu with options like deep-dish nachos, crispy dill pickles and potstickers. Dining options like Tom’s famous prime rib dip, burgers, desserts and more are also on offer. The spot’s lengthy drink menu also hosts sips to keep your hands busy as you cheer on your team. Credit: Photo via Tom's Watch Bar/Facebook
Taverna Opa
9101 International Drive, Pointe OrlandoPatrons jump up on the tables for a belly dance fest while waiters bring the heat with flaming Greek cheese. But the dancing isn’t Taverna Opa’s only offer of the most authentic Greek experience in Orlando – the hummus is also a menu must-try. Credit: Photo via Taverna Opa/Google Maps
Helena Modern Riviera
8441 International Drive, OrlandoThis Icon Park eatery offers Mediterranean eats, outdoor seating and cocktails — all right next door to Orlando’s main tourism sector. Credit: photo by Rob Bartlett
Columbia Restaurant
649 Front St., CelebrationColumbia Restaurant in Celebration brings the iconic flavor of Spanish food to Orlando while also offering covered outdoor seating to escape the heat and enjoy some sangria. Credit: Photo via Columbia Restaurant/Facebook
Hawkers Asian Street Food
9100 Conroy Windermere Road, WindermereThe 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/Yelp
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
9150 International Drive
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a great pick for steak, seafood and traditional classic all-American food. Credit: Image via Google Maps
The Pub
9101 International Drive, Pointe OrlandoThis British-style pub offers a variety of bites and brews, plus plenty of sports viewing events and watch parties. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips
8391 International Drive, OrlandoWhile 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 an esteemed chef. Credit: Image via Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips/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
Kavas Tacos + Tequila
9101 International Drive, Pointe OrlandoKavas Tacos + Tequila is the latest venture by the team behind International Drive restaurants Taverna Opa and Tapa Toro (formerly owned). Between their Mexican and Tex-Mex offerings, the kitchen at Kavas handles both sides of the border with equal assurance. Credit: Photo via Kavas Tacos + Tequila/Facebook
Mango’s Tropical Cafe
8126 International Drive, OrlandoIf South Beach and Vegas had a baby, you’d get Mango’s Tropical Cafe — and it’s right here in Orlando. You’ve got waitresses in feathery costumes and extravagant stage shows keeping the adrenaline pumping. Something crazy and colorful is happening in every corner here. Pro tip: Order the signature banana martini for an especially entertaining evening. Credit: Photo via Mango's Tropical Cafe/Facebook
Twenty Pho Hour
11951 International DriveThe pop-op effects — modeled after the 2D Café in Tokyo — make Twenty Pho Hour arguably the most Instagrammable restaurant in Orlando. As much as the I-Drive noodle joint is about photogenics, it’s more about flavorful bowls of pho. Credit: Photo via Twenty Pho Hour/Google Maps
Nile Ethiopian
7048 International Drive, OrlandoThis 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
One Lounge
5648 International Drive, OrlandoThis restaurant-hookah bar hybrid may just be the one place in Orlando where a taste of Uzbekistan can be found. Even with the broad spectrum of cuisines available in the area, Uzbek food is especially noteworthy. Credit: Photo by Rob Bartlett
Hampton Social
9101 International Drive, OrlandoHampton Social on I-Drive specializes in carefully curated coastal cuisine and vibes straight out of a Vineyard Vines catalog. The menu features seafood entrees, pizzas, burgers, fish and chips, “hearty bowls” and plenty to drink. Credit: Photo via Hampton Social/Google Maps
Maggiano’s Little Italy
9101 International Drive, Pointe OrlandoAn elevated take on I-Drive Italian, Maggiano’s Little Italy specializes in family-style authentic fare and a polished ambience. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
9101 International Drive, Pointe OrlandoThis massive I-Drive eatery specializes in Cuban cuisine and offers a vast rum bar. You’ll find over-the-top vibrant decor and late-night salsa dancing here. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Bawarchi Indian Cuisine
6315 International Drive, OrlandoBawarchi Indian Cuisine offers Indian fare and a casual atmosphere in this I-Drive location. Credit: Image via Google Maps
