No one prefers a 30 minute wait at their favorite restaurant, but some places it’s completely justified. As they say, good things come to those who wait. Here are a few popular Orlando area hot spots where you might not be able to find a table right away, but your patience will be rewarded.
Pizza Bruno
3990 Curry Ford Road, no phone
This local favorite doesn’t have a phone, so don’t bother calling ahead to try and snag a reservation (unless you’re bringing a party with 8 or more, than shoot them an email). You might have to wait a while before you get inside, but once you bite into a neapolitan style slice baked in a wood fired oven, the cheesy, saucy goodness will wipe away any grudges you might still be carrying.
Photo via funeatstravels/InstagramMust Try: Viva Verde
Photo via bexlarsen/InstagramBlack Rooster Taqueria
1323 N Mills Ave., 407-601-0994
Greasy burritos and a ten gallon soda aren’t the gig at this authentic Mexican eatery. The wait might be long, but the fresh taste of Black Rooster’s made to order guac and the juicy, fiesta of flavor you’ll find in its pork, chicken and beef tacos make this meal so much better than just swinging through a Taco Bell drive-through.
Photo via iluvwinterpark/InstagramMust Try: Chicken Tinga Taco
Photo via justjennav/InstagramBriarpatch Restaurant
252 Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-628-8651
This restaurant’s outdoor patio is the perfect place to people watch on Park Avenue during Sunday Brunch, but it fills up quickly in the mornings. While the breakfast options offer some of the best sampling of southern comfort food in Winter Park, it might be worth trying to stop in a bit later and sample a few lunch offerings instead.
Photo via imsarahchristine/InstagramMust Try: California Benedict
Photo via the_soulrebel/InstagramDomu
East End Market, 3201 Corrine Drive, 407-960-1228
You can’t make a reservation at this modern ramen restaurant, but at least its location in the East End Market means that you can shop around while you wait for your table to be ready. Plus, all that browsing will work up your appetite and get you ready to devour those noodles.
Photo by Rob BartlettMust Try: Miso Ramen
Photo via lilacbreath/InstagramThe Strand
807 N Mills Ave., 407-920-7744
This cozy eatery blends New American cuisine with retro accents and decor. Squeezed inside a small space in the Mill’s 50 District, it fills up quickly during peak hours because of limited seating. If you’re going during dinner hours, it’s best to make a reservation in advance and show up 15 minutes in advance.
Photo via sydneyynorberg/InstagramMust Try: Olive Oil Cake
Photo via yelporlando/InstagramSe7en Bites
617 Primrose Drive, 407-203-0727
Located in the heart of Orlando’s Milk District, Se7en Bites specializes in nostalgic Southern cooking with a twist. The line usually snakes out the door during Sunday brunch times, but you can always pop in and pick up a freshly baked scone, brownie or muffin to-go.
Photo via abcdefgina/InstagramMust Try: 5 Cheese Mac n’ Cheese
Photo via orlandogatenightguide/InstagramMorimoto Asia
1600 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 407-939-6686
Most of the restaurants at Disney Springs get packed around dinner time, and Morimoto Asia is no exception. The restaurant offers exhibition dining experiences, where guests can watch chefs prepare sushi or carve Peking duck, so if you can stand the wait, you’ll be rewarded with dinner and a show.
Photo via aubsstrawbs/InstagramMust Try: Sticky Ribs
Photo by Rob BartlettMesa 21
1414 N Orange Ave., 407-930-8000
This new restaurant just opened up in Lake Ivanhoe, and is still experiencing a rush as Orlandoans flock to try its authentic Mexican menu. The outside patio overlooking the lake offers one of the best views to dine by in the city, but on busy weekend nights, it fills up quickly so come early or get a reservation.
Photo via mesa21realmexican/InstagramMust Try: Guacamole and Chicharron Chips
Photo via saladsruinllives/InstagramThe Coop
610 W Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-843-2667
Nothing beats rich, creamy, Southern home cooking, and that’s what you’ll find at The Coop, a cousin of 4 Rivers Smokehouse. Even though the restaurant has counter-service, some dishes have to be cooked to order. If you visit for Sunday brunch, you can expect to have to wait a bit for your chicken and waffles to get to the table.
Photo via mikeclevenger/InstagramMust Try: Chicken and Waffles
Photo via maeness/InstagramBetter Than Sex
1905 N Orange Ave., 407-761-8949
Explore your sensual side and release your inhibitions at this exclusive dessert-only restaurant. Because of its romantic, cozy dining experience, there are only 12 tables inside and they fill up fast with couples looking to indulge in the romantic atmosphere, so make a reservation if you plan to come during the weekend.
Photo by Rob BartlettMust Try: The Better Than Sex
Photo via modabycg/Instagram