Faiyaz Kara
Orlando restaurant critic. Orlando Weekly restaurant critic since 2006.
Posted inFood + Drink
Wendy Lopez, chef behind Reyes Mezcaleria and Sparrow Wine Bar, nominated for a 2026 James Beard Award
“We are freaking out for her!”
Posted inFood + Drink
Local restaurant news: Kappo Tsan is now open; Ivanhood wine bar Arden has closed
Plus plenty more openings, closings, and new Orlando tastes
Posted inFood + Drink
Slap Hand-Ripped Noodles are well worth the wait
Chef-owner Eric Yang’s signature three-way chili slap noodles hit hard
Posted inFood News
Six Ravens, by Gideon’s Bakehouse owner Steve Lewis, is coming to Disney Springs
The shop will specialize in “coffyns” — fluffy yeast rolls encasing savory fillings created in collaboration with local chefs
Posted inFood + Drink
Seoul Bōl, a ‘modern Korean wellness bowl restaurant,’ is coming to Windermere
“The demographic of the area is more suited to quick, healthy meals”
Posted inFood + Drink
Sushi Saint will move into the Bar Kada space in Winter Park
‘For sure, caviar donuts will be on the menu’
Posted inNews
Ramen Rumble 8 pits champions of years past against each other
Ladles out! Morimoto Asia will host this year’s ‘Battle of the Champions’ Feb. 2
Posted inOpenings, Closings + Moves
Mecatos Bakery and Cafe opening in The Coop space in Winter Park
John Rivers says, “I wish Mecatos the best of luck there. It is a very special place.”
Posted inFood + Drink
Top Tables: The best new restaurants in Orlando
Our critic’s annual list of the 10 best eateries to open this year
Posted inFood + Drink
15 new restaurants coming to Orlando in 2026
Internet-famous bagels, pickleball eats, Jack in the Box and more
Posted inFood + Drink
Chef Jes Tantalo is leaving Redlight Redlight brewpub
She’s heading to North Carolina to start the next chapter of her career
Posted inFood + Drink
Orlando’s 24 hottest new restaurants opened in 2025
The new spots waiting for a hungry, warm welcome to the city
Posted inFood + Drink
Daniel Gabor’s Alpine Bar and Grill tempts with Teutonic comfort
The chef’s modern German cuisine gets more comfy in Ocoee than it was in downtown Orlando
Posted inFood + Drink
Local food news: Rumor has another Trader Joe’s opening, a 15,000-SF sushi bar opens in Colonialtown, and more
Plus: Pom Moongauklang distances herself from Pom Pom’s 2.0
Posted inFood + Drink
Perla’s Pizza brings thin-crust ‘Florida Man’ pies and a thumping soundtrack to Winter Park
Only quibble: not enough bananas on the “It’s Bananas!” pie
Posted inFood News
The Reverie, an American brasserie by Brandon McGlamery, opens next fall in Hannibal Square
“I look forward to a full-time return to the kitchen”
Posted inFood + Drink
O-Town’s H Mart is hectic and hyperactive, but hugely rewarding
Eating our way through the food court at the pan-Asian grocery and market
Posted inFood + Drink
Coro holiday dinner, Quantum Leap pop-up, Chez Vincent closing and more local restaurant news
Four closings, four openings, and three festive events