Orlando was recently dissed by restaurant critic Andrew Zimmern for apparently not having great food besides The Ravenous Pig or “3 Rivers.” In reality, the city has several James Beard Foundation award winners and nominees under its belt, and these dining locations are here to prove Orlando’s food worth. So, if you’re completely unable to hop in an Uber and head north for 15 minutes, here are few tourist-area eateries worth a visit.

The Pharmacy 8060 Via Dellagio Way, 407-985-2972 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 14 minutes At this speakeasy-style restaurant, cocktails are known as “Elixirs,” food as “Prescriptions” and chefs as “Pharmacists.” The pharmacist here prescribe their beaker filled with gremolata french fries with a side of spicy mayo and done up ketchup. Photo by Rob Bartlett
The Pub 9101 International Drive, 407-352-2305 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 4 minutes For some “British inspired, American crafted” food, this is the place to go for the traditional fish and chips. Hop into England through the surroundings of Union Jack flags and by enjoying a “Bloody Brilliant Burger.” Photo via Photo via The Pub Orlando/Facebook
The Whiskey 7563 W. Sand Lake Rd., 407-930-6519 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 14 minutes This whiskey menu is insane, with dozens of options that you can sample. Known for their gourmet burgers and sandwiches made with locally-sourced ingredients, this whiskey-inspired menu can satisfy any meat craving. Photo via Photo via The Whiskey/Facebook
Urbain 40 8000 Via Dellagio Way, 407-872-2640 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 14 minutes French Colonial brasserie with a swing-era vibe is a stunner, and the high price you’ll pay is well worth the wallet crimp. Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard’s mushroomy crêpe urbain is reflective of native Lyonnaise cuisine, but stellar bouillabaise and duck three ways showcase his regional chops. Pastry chef Amanda McFall does no wrong, be it macarons, truffles, tortes or potent baba au rhum. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Yard House 8367 International Drive, 407-351-8220 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 6 minutes With a plethora of snack, appetizer and entree options, everyone is sure to find at least one item that will satisfy their stomach and desires. The restaurant accommodates for gluten-sensitive and vegetarian dietary restrictions as well, and the $2 off drinks for happy hour is a definite perk. Photo via Photo via Yard House/Facebook
B-Line Diner 9801 International Drive, 407-345-4460 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 8 minutes Open 24 hours daily. In the I-Drive area past the witching hour and craving dessert? The B-Line serves all the pies, cakes and sundaes you’d hope for. Photo via Photo via Hyatt Orlando/Website
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 108, 407-352-6766 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 13 minutes This family-owned joint is dishing up authentic Turkish food in the Central Florida area where customers are carried on a boat in the center of Istanbul. Homemade hummus and hand-carved lamb shish kebabs are among the delicious options here. Photo via Photo via Bosphorous/Website
Cafe Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive, 407-248-2222 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 5 minutes The small-plate menu dedicated to creating an environment of sharing and conversation, is extensive and delicious. Paired with the artistic atmosphere, the meal will create a colorful experience. Photo via

Hanamizuki


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/Facebook
Cuba Libre 9101 International Drive, 407-226-1600 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 16 minutes For a real Cuban treat, head to Cuba Libre and be sure to try the subtly crunchy papas rellenas, the deliciously filled potato croquettes and the crisp and refreshing pato roll. You’ll certainly want to dive right into an entree or appetizer after just one bite. Photo via Photo via Cuba Libre/Facebook
Dragonfly Robota Grill and Sushi 7972 Via Dellagio Way, 407-370-3359 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 14 minutes With fish flown in from Japan and fresh produce from the farm, you know you are in for a treat. This restaurant specializes in Japanese robatayaki, a similar method to barbeque, in which food on skewers is slowly grilled over the fire. Photo via Photo via Dragonfly Robota Grill and Sushi/Facebook
Fogo de Chao 8282 International Drive, 407-370-0711 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 8 minutes Orlando’s newest churrascaria is a shrine to beef, with heavenly tableside service to boot. Juicy skirt steak, salt-crusted rib-eye and meltingly tender filet are standouts, but sides like bacon-studded rice and beans, deep-fried polenta squares and thick spears of chilled asparagus will also wow. The impressive wine list leans toward South America and Spain; the high ratio of staff to diners means service is equally impressive. Photo via Photo via Fogo de Chao/Facebook

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

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/Facebook
Kokino Tapas and Cocktails 7705 Turkey Lake Rd., 407-270-9199 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 11 minutes This American-style tapas joint highlights freshness from their ingredients to their uniquely presented meats like their spicy tuna that’s stuffed in a waffle cone. Small plates not your thing? Don’t fret, make way for their brunch menu that changes just as much as the Orlando weather. Photo via Photo via Kokino/Facebook
Norman’s Restaurant 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, 407-393- 4333 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 10 minutes Dive into a world of luxury and food at Norman’s Restaurant located in The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. This award-winning dining experience offers “New World Cuisine” that ties Floridian dishes with Caribbean, Latin and Asian roots. Photo via Photo via Norman’s Restaurant/Website
Pepe’s Cantina 5415 International Drive, 321-317-6649 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 11 minutes This taco and margarita outpost will transport you to south of the border. Besides their everyday Mexican fare, the downtown location will also feature a Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas, and on Taco Tuesdays, $2.99 tacos and Tecates and $1.99 tequila shots. Photo via Photo via Pepe’s Cantina/Facebook
Saffron Indian 7724 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-674-8899 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 17 minutes West Sand Lakers get their fill of South Indian staples in this stylishly decorated space. Salmon seared on a hot stone and tandoori lamb chops marinated in ginger and rum are among the more noteworthy dishes in the sea of standards. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Photo via Photo via Saffron Indian Cuisine/Instagram
Q’Kenan 8117 Vineland Ave., 407-238-0014 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 9 minutes Why not desayunos (breakfast) for lunch? It’s served down in tourist town at this tasty Venezuelan hole-in-the-wall until 2 p.m., and the Andino (tomato-onion-egg scramble, black beans, cheese and an arepa) sets you back only $7.50. Photo via Photo via Q’Kenan/Instagram
Nile Ethiopian Restaurant 7048 International Drive, 407- 354-0026 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 9 minutes Orlando’s lone Ethiopian restaurant is a blessing for foodies with an appetite for the exotic. Utensils come in the form of pancake-like sourdough bread called injera, used to scoop intensely spiced dishes from a large communal platter. Be sure to sample traditional honey wine as well as Ethiopian coffee, brewed in a clay pot. Photo via Photo by Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
Rasa 7730 W. Sand Lake Rd., 407-930-0402 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 16 minutes The authentic taste of Southern Indian and Indo Chinese cuisine shines bright here. This is not your typical Asian hawker joint, this place delivers elegant cultural street food on a platter. Photo by Rob Bartlett
African Soul Market 9101 International Drive, 407-530-7971 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 5 minutes Located at Pointe O, African Soul Market is Orlando’s No. 1 African food truck and it dedicatedly delivers authentic dishes. Each of the recipes is original to the family and takes you to another world, well, country. Photo via Photo via African Soul Market/Facebook
Slate 8323 W. Sand Lake Rd., 407-500-7528 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 15 minutes With a menu that rotates regularly you will want to come in and grab a bite before your favorite disappears. But something you can look forward to is the grilled meats, fresh seafood, unique sandwiches and pastas, pizzas and in-house desserts. Photo via Photo via Slate/Facebook
Tapa Toro 8441 International Drive, 407-226-2929 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 6 minutes Tapa Toro has the looks and the dishes to match, no bull. Expertly crafted Spanish fare makes it well worth the drive to sample puckery gazpacho, perfect pulpo a la plancha, or pan rustico with a spread of Medjool dates and goat cheese. Plush skewers of beef tenderloin please and, apart from the lack of crusty socarrat, the paella with chicken, chorizo and lamb chops was utterly brilliant. More Spanish beers and sherries, please. Open daily. Photo via Photo via Tapa Toro/Facebook
Taverna Opa 9101 International Drive, 407-352-2305 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 4 minutes Vacationers will, undoubtedly, eat this place up. The platters of Greek and Mediterranean specialties are first-rate, and the atmosphere which, for the most part, resembles a Mykonos discotheque more than it does a quaint Aegean taverna and is utterly unique. Photo via Photo via Taverna Opa Orlando/Facebook
Thai Thani 11025 International Drive, 407-239-9733 Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 7 minutes With an incredibly long menu that is also vegetarian friendly, this restaurant is perfect for accommodating a wide range of dietary needs. The elegant atmosphere decorated in red Thai ornaments creates an ambiance to wonderfully match the dishes. Photo via Photo via Thai Thani/Facebook