If you’re looking for something new and different, you’re in for a treat or two. Over the past few months, a handful of exciting new spots have popped up in the Orlando area. So, here’s a handful of brand-spanking new spots that recently opened and are definitely worth exploring this weekend.
1803 Pizza Kitchen
1803 E. Winter Park Road, Orlando, 32803 (407) 647-3872
Ever heard of weekend pizza brunch? 1803 serves it. Their custom artisan pizzas are made by a chef with 20 years of experience.Photo via Ruth S./YelpAspendos Turkish Cuisine
7025 County Road 46A, Suite #1011, Lake Mary, 32746 (407) 333-0033
Aspendos is Lake Mary goldmine for rich Turkish cuisine. Complement your falafel with Turkish fruit juices, freshly concocted cocktails or global options from the wine bar, and top off your visit with the in-house hookah waterpipe.
Photo via Aspendos Turkish Cuisine/FacebookCafé Linger
2912 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, 32804 (407) 930-0473
This European-influenced cafe in College Park serves small plates and hosts a live piano. They recently started serving beer and wine, and their brunch menu features unlimited Prosecco based cocktails.
Photo via Café Linger/FacebookThe Hangry Bison
480 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 32789 (407) 677-5000
Right across from the Regal Cinema in Winter Park Village, Hangry Bison takes bourbon and craft burgers very seriously—but you can also build your own, if it matters. Fun fact: the restaurant shares its name with one of its craft bison burgers that comes topped with pepper jack, sriracha, arugula, and other yummy ingredients.
Photo via The Hangry Bison/FacebookHawkers Asian Street Fare
9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Suite #110, Windermere, 34786 (407) 583-6334
Found in The Grove and away from its busy Mills 50 location, Hawkers in Windermere draws customers with their square bar and open kitchen. Sake is available, as well as a variety of Asian teas. Don’t forget to try the mochi trio for dessert.
Photo via aroundorlando/InstagramJJ’s Fusion Grille
4270 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 32792 (407) 821-3907
This restaurant’s name pretty much sells itself—JJ’s fuses Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine to create a hybrid of flavors. Build a bowl, a burrito or quesadilla, and then fill and top with additional ingredients to your heart’s desire.
Photo via JJ’s Fusion Grille/FacebookKai Asian Street Fare
1555 State Road 436, Suite #1171, Winter Park, 32792 (407) 821-3430
Kai Asian’s menu is filled to the brim with Thai, Vietnamese and Korean influence. They’re known for their Asian-style loaded fries topped with kimchi bulgogi, but you can also opt for a classic bowl of tonkotsu ramen.
Photo via Kai Asian Street Fare/WebsiteManny’s Original Chophouse
4979 New Broad St., Orlando, 32814 (407) 755-4110
Manny’s says they age their steaks for 4-6 weeks and hand-cut them daily. If their certified Angus beef is truly unrivaled in flavor and juiciness, God help our wallets. Their new spot is at the old Joe’s Crab Shack building in Baldwin Park.
Photo via Manny’s Original Chophouse/FacebookMeson Sandwiches
6622 Eagle Watch Dr., Orlando, 32822 (407) 852-3131
Meson brings the taste of the Caribbean—from Puerto Rico, to be specific—to Central Florida. Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer recently declared May 18 “Meson Sandwich Day” at the grand opening of the chain’s third location.
Photo via Meson Sandwiches/FacebookPier 36 Fish Camp
2699 Cassel Creek Blvd., Casselberry, 32707 (321) 207-0939
Familiar seafood fare is the name of the game at Pier 36, straight from “locally sourced seafood from well-managed fisheries.” There’s something for the “young’ns,” too. (That’s the title of their kids’ menu).
Photo via pier36orlando/InstagramSaporito
2759 Old Winter Garden Road, Ocoee, 34761 (407) 554-2100
Saporito is an organic, Italian bakery and kitchen, the first of its kind in Orlando. Calzones, paninis and pastas share the menu with fresh baked focaccia served in three different styles.
Photo via chefmarcelomintz/InstagramSTIR Restaurant & Bar
1409 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, 32804 (407) 723-8976
Classic American dishes and craft cocktails are right across the street from the northeast corner of Lake Ivanhoe. STIR has 3 different menus and interestingly named appetizers like “Bone Marrow” and “Here’s Some Tacos.”
Photo via orlandobungalower/InstagramTaco Maker Mexican Grill
7790 Lake Underhill Road, Unit #105, Orlando, 32825 (407) 930-0496
You can never have enough customizable bowls, tacos and nachos. This East Orlando restaurant prides themselves on their made-to-order meals and homemade guacamole.Photo via tacomakermexicangrill/InstagramThe Simple Gerek
945 City Plaza Way, Oviedo, 32765 (407) 542-0106
Craft your own pita or bowl with your choice of proteins, toppings and sauces, and perhaps finish it off with imported oregano. Their popular Greek fries are made to order with feta cheese and red wine vinegar.
Photo via MB Sign Group/WebsiteWine Bar George
1610 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 32830 (407) 490-1800
Florida’s first master sommelier-led wine bar serves more than 130 wines to accompany your small plates, sandwiches, or picnic basket. Or if you’re just looking to chomp down on six different artisanal cheeses and five crafted meats served on a cutting board, that works too.
Photo via winebargeorge/InstagramCalifornia Tortilla
54 W. Church St., Orlando, 32801 (407) 730-5847
Street tacos or classic tacos? It’s up to you. This is a one-stop shop for your guac’ craving, and, they have an “exclusive” club called—wait for it—“Burrito Elito.”
Photo via SOURCE NAME/Instagram