It’s hard to find an Orlando resident who actually likes venturing down International Drive – mostly it’s filled to the brim with tourists and the traffic is always horrible, but there are some culinary bright spots that are worth the trip. Here are some of the better place to grab a bite to eat when forced to brave I-Drive.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive | (407) 226-1600
Party people love Cuba Libre not only for its variety of handcrafted mojitos, but also for its commitment to playing the best in bachata, merengue and salsa every weekend.
Photo via Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar/FacebookDel Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
9150 International Drive | (407) 351-5074
This “classic American steakhouse” keeps it classy with its sleek, modern interior, two bars and a wine list with over 1,200 labels.
Photo via Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (Orlando, FL)/FacebookFogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
8282 International Drive | (407) 370-0711
If I-Drive is the land of Brazilian steakhouses, then Fogo de Chão is its king. Known for its wonderful service, this churrascaria serves decadent cuts of meat in so many varieties you’ll have to come twice.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyHash House A Go Go
5350 International Drive | (407) 370-4646
From the tractor at the entrance to the food, this is the most unapologetically American place you will ever go. Here, you can dig into the largest chicken and waffles, pancakes and burgers you have ever seen.
Photo via Hash House A Go Go Orlando/FacebookKings Dining & Entertainment
8255 International Drive | (407) 363-0200
Not your grandma’s bowling alley. Kings Dining & Entertainment features 22 lanes, billiards tables, a bocce court, ping-pong, shuffleboard and tasty appetizers.
Photo via Kings Dining & Entertainment/FacebookGostoso Bakery
5472 International Drive | (407) 447-8946
From pão de queijo (cheese bread) to delicacies like brigadeiro (a type of chocolate bonbon), you can find all the yummy Brazilian pastries you’d ever want at Gostoso Bakery.
Photo via Gostoso Bakery/FacebookHarry’s Poolside Bar & Grill
Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive | (407) 996-9840
Experience a relaxed, tropical atmosphere as you eat Caribbean/Cuban-inspired food with a view of Rosen Centre Hotel’s scenic pool.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyNile Ethiopian Restaurant
7048 International Drive | (407) 354-0026
Finally, a place both vegetarians and carnivores can agree is delicious. This cozy Ethiopian eatery serves a savory array of meat and vegetable platters on top of spongy injera bread (no spoons needed).
Photo via Nile Ethiopian Restaurant Orlando/FacebookThe Oceanaire Seafood Room
Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Suite #1002 | (407) 363-4801
The Oceanaire caters to all of your seafood needs from its chicken fried lobster to its Panama swordfish. Fresh seafood from around the world is flown in daily, according to their website.
Photo via The Oceanaire Seafood Room/FacebookPepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill
5415 International Drive | (407) 317-6649
Experience all the flavors of Mexico right on I-Drive, where you can enjoy traditional Mexican food with the added bonus of tableside guacamole and handmade tortillas.
Photo via Pepes Cantina I-drive/FacebookTapa Toro
8441 International Drive, Suite #260 | (407) 226-2929
This team treats customers right with Spanish specialties like jamon Iberico, authentic paella and all the sangria you can slug.
Photo via Tapa Toro/FacebookTaverna Opa
Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Suite #2240 | (407) 351-8660
Families looking for good food and a good time come to Taverna Opa, where Zorba and belly dancers entertain guests nightly. The food is authentically Greek, with many ingredients being imported directly from Greece.
Photo via Taverna Opa Orlando/FacebookTony Roma’s
8560 International Drive | (407) 248-0094
Don’t be afraid to get messy and put your rib face on at this steakhouse. Though famous for their ribs, they also provide a variety of comfort food for nice, casual dining.
Photo via Tony Roma’s/FacebookUrban Tide
9801 International Drive | (407) 345-4570
As it’s connected to the Hyatt Regency, Urban Tide offers breakfast through dinner, specializing in seafood. This restaurant prepares seafood from all over the world, from Gulf Coast Grouper Ceviche to Scottish Salmon Oscar.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyYard House
8367 International Drive | (407) 351-8220
This modern American restaurant features American craft and import beers, with over 100 draft brews. It also offers a wide variety of foods, such as burgers, tacos and seafood. The atmosphere is laid-back, with a classic and current rock soundtrack with over 10,000 songs.
Photo via Yard House/FacebookCafé Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive | (407) 248-2222
The tradition of Spanish tapas collides with the celebration of art to bring you Café Tu Tu Tango. Mouthwatering small plates of food go hand-in-hand with local artists and performers. Always remember to tip the fortune teller.
Photo via Cafe Tu Tu Tango/FacebookThe Capital Grille
Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive | (407) 370-4392
This fine dining experience offers dry-aged steak, fresh seafood and an award-winning wine selection.
Photo via The Capital Grille (International Drive – Orlando)/FacebookCoco Thai
6304 International Drive, Unit D | (407) 668-4248
A family-owned, authentic Thai restaurant. Head Chef Suntorn has worked in esteemed Thai restaurants across Asia and has brought his knowledge to Orlando to grace our taste buds.
Photo via Coco Thai Orlando/FacebookChez Filet
8255 International Drive, Suite #144a | (407) 250-4090
Chez Filet serves cuisine from around the world, but with “a Brazilian twist,” specializing in steaks, pasta and seafood.
Photo via Chez Filet/Facebook
