Orlando has long been a city focused on entertainment and experience, and that doesn’t stop with our food. Awaiting hungry locals and visitors alike are restaurants offering exclusive standing sushi bars, Prohibition-era underground eateries, X-rated desserts, tableside jousting, meals aboard the Titanic (sort of) and endless authentic international flavors.
Here are Orlando’s 30 most unique dining experiences.
1100 Orlando Ave., Winter Park
The show-stopping design and aesthetics of Henry Moso’s temaki bar come courtesy of local design firm GDP, but the show goes on as chefs prepare nori-wrapped hand rolls with aplomb. As outstanding as the roll marrying king crab, Kaluga caviar and spicy mayo is, don’t pass on a tasting of toro tartare with truffle ponzu and bubu arare. Credit: Mosonori/Facebook
155 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park
Jala, an Indian fine dining restaurant, has opened in the space previously occupied by The Bridge in Winter Park. The menu comprises all the usual suspects, but Winter Park-ified. Think 24k gold leaf-covered lamb chops for $55. Credit: Jala/Google Maps
5494 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
A traditional Ethiopian dining experience that has placed in Yelp’s national Top 100 Restaurants for multiple years. Offering authentic Ethiopian cuisine (traditionally eaten with the hands), Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine is known for its excellent food and friendly staff. Credit: Photo by Rob Bartlett
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: Kaya/Facebook
11815 Glass House Lane, Orlando
For nearly three years, David Tsan has been cutting fine figures at Norigami, his eight-seat sushi counter inside Winter Garden’s Plant Street Market. Now the 36-year-old Taiwan-born chef is partnering with James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung to open a full-fledged restaurant specializing in kappo-style dining. It will present sushi and cooked dishes in both multicourse and à la carte formats. Its style will fall somewhere between the formal artistry of kaiseki and the casual spirit of an izakaya, allowing Tsan to showcase his culinary journey to guests. Credit: Kappo Tsan/Instagram
6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando
A pirate’s life is for everybody at this themed Orlando eatery. The family-friendly theatrics and cuisine takes place on an 18th-century ship replica. Credit: Pirates Dinner Adventure — Orlando Florida/Facebook
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 to 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
8685 Fenton St., Orlando
Sushi Izuki, billed as “modern meets traditional omakase,” has opened near South Apopka-Vineland Road in O-Town West. The restaurant is led by chef Leo Chen, who was previously at Neta Shari in Brooklyn, an omakase restaurant that earned inclusion in the NYC Michelin Guide from 2022-24. Izuki, no surprise, is striving to obtain a Michelin star. Credit: Sushi Izuki/Instagram
959 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
Nontraditional pizza house concept Perla’s Pizza is back in business at a new Winter Park location. Previously operating in Ivanhoe Village under chef Michael Collantes before dissolving just months after it opened in 2021, Perla’s is alive again on Fairbanks Avenue, in the previous site of the Winter Park Collective. This not-so-new concept was known for its slew of unconventional toppings and flavor combinations. Collantes told Orlando Weekly in June 2024 that Perla’s flavors are likely to upset a few pizza traditionalists. Again. Credit: Matt Keller Lehman
1905 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
Better Than Sex is an adults-only dessert restaurant in a bordello-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: Better Than Sex/Facebook
728 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando
This reservation-required seats only eight at a time at its standing sushi bar. It’s a co-creation of Domu and Tori Tori proprietor Sean “Sonny” Nguyen and chef Tyler Inthavongsa. There are rules to abide by at Edoboy: No. 1, don’t stay longer than an hour; No. 2, limit nigiri orders to 12 pieces, and No. 3, don’t bring cash. Pay heed to these three commandments and ye shall be delivered superlative slivers of seafood. Credit: photo by Rob Bartlett
201-205 E. First St., Sanford
Hollerbach’s offers German classics like schnitzel and wurst, plus plenty of beer and regular live music — all making for a friendly, fun atmosphere. Credit: Hollerbach's German Restaurant/Facebook
8126 International Drive, Orlando
If 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: Mango's Tropical Cafe/Facebook
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: Ômo by Jônt/Facebook
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: Cafe Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
4979 New Broad St., Orlando
Japanese restaurant Sorekara, from chef William Shen and restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung, was built around the philosophy of sorekara (Japanese for “and then”) and appreciating each unique moment of life. Guests are ushered through multiple rooms rooted in this philosophy for an hours-long meal comprising 20-plus bites. “We want guests to think about their experience, and think about it for days and weeks after,” says Shen. “It’s one of a kind,” says Tung. Credit: photo by Matt Keller Lehman
1809 E. 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: Kadence/Facebook
1570 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Disneyphiles have been relishing the post-industrial, steampunk-themed surroundings of the Disney Springs eatery. And also that 28-day dry-aged prime rib. (Don’t-miss dish: the millionaire’s bacon, served hanging from a tiny clothesline.) Credit: The Edison/Facebook
8548 Palm Parkway, Orlando
Chef Lewis Lin and managing partner Kenny Ly came together to create this “retro-themed izakaya” offering exquisite ramen, yakitori and takoyaki. Stuffed with Showa-era collectibles, vintage ads and decorations, Susuru is an experience and a dining destination all in one. Credit: Susuru
7324 International Drive, Orlando
You don’t have to pay first-class prices to live a life of Titanic luxury. (Well, you know, before the fatal sinking.) Characters donning the fanciest of costumes engage you with tales of their past and of the great ship that you’re on while you dine as an honored guest for the evening. Credit: Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition/Facebook
4510 W. Vine St., Kissimmee
You don’t have to re-watch Game of Thrones to get in the medieval mood. Right here in Orlando we’ve got jousting knights, mass amounts of bourgeois screaming for bloodshed, and the expectation that you’ll eat with your hands. If that last part’s got you twisted, drink away your reluctance with a strawberry Maiden’s Kiss. Credit: Medieval Times/Facebook
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: Tori Tori/Facebook
1130 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
Enzo’s on the Lake got its start in a small Central Florida home in 1980. Over the years, the restaurant has become the area’s go-to scenic dining destination, serving Italian cuisine with a chic spin. Credit: Enzo's on the Lake/Facebook
7501 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Newly opened and the very first location of the mega-popular Asian market and food hall, H Mart is sure to have something for even the pickiest of out-of-towners. There are Asian (and Asian-fusion) vendors like U Chun, Jaws Tapokki, Chidon, Myung Ga, Paik’s Noodle and Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast, plus additional restaurants onsite like Coffee & Co, Dabang, Kung Fu Tea and an outpost of international bakery Paris Baguette. Credit: Matt Keller Lehman
1640 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando
Raglan Road isn’t what you would call low-key, but when you’re looking to have a real good time, who cares? At any given moment a gang of waiters might jump up on stage for a Celtic dancing session while they fill the room with Irish tunes. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a better shepherd’s pie in Orlando than the one at Raglan Road. Credit: Raglan Road/Facebook
6004 Artist Ave., Lake Nona
The simple modern Japanese eatery concept has been reimagined by culinary director Freddy Money and executive chef Jason Beliveau at Nami. Expect a menu filled with over-the-top Japanese creations. Credit: Matt Keller Lehman
1560 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Disney created the fictional Enzo’s as an underground, Prohibition-era, rum-running tunnel, which the no-last-name bootlegger Enzo happened upon one day and duly transformed into a subterranean grotto for hungry drunks. Even if you don’t choose to suspend disbelief in the backstory, it’s a sprawling warren of secret tunnels in which to get lost, as well as to find some drinks. Credit: Enzo’s Hideaway/Facebook
7379 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
One of Orlando Weekly’s top 10 restaurants that opened in 2024, Pocha 93’s Korean street food focus is seen in its menu highlights like potato pork soup, braised pork belly, fish-shaped waffles and more.
Credit: photo by Rob Bartlett
930 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
This “friendly neighborhood absinthe house” launched in late 2023 and was named for the Ernest Hemingway-invented cocktail made with champagne and absinthe. Expect a moody, speakeasy feel and, as you can probably imagine, strong drinks. Credit: Death in the Afternoon/Google Maps
807 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
Wine bar and restaurant Sparrow, about 100 feet away from Reyes Mezcaleria, offers a menu drawing on executive chef/partner Wendy Lopez’s heritage. But flavors and techniques from Portugal, Italy and France also pepper the bill of fare with continental classics like tortilla Española, patatas bravas, jamón ibérico and conservas served alongside bacalhau croquetas, cacio e pepe and prawn de bourgogne. Credit: Sparrow/Facebook
9101 International Drive, Pointe Orlando
Patrons 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