Sometimes venturing down South to Orlando’s touristy area can be a huge pain in the ass, but these restaurants are actually worth it.

SLATE Restaurant 8323 W Sand Lake Road | 407-500-7528 This modern american restaurant is anything but basic. With a centralized bar, it appeals to both late night drinkers and foodies looking for gourmet versions of their favorite american grub like the smoked brisket with brown sugar chili rub. Photo via lemonhearted/Instagram
Bartaco 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd. | 407-801-8226 Vintage beachy vibes are abundant at bartaco which is inspired by the beach culture in southern america and california. Their fried oyster taco paired with grilled corn smothered in cotija cheese, lime and cayenne pepper and a cold cerveza is so worth the drive. Photo via bartaco.com
Cedars Restaurant 7732 W Sand Lake Rd | 407-351-6000 Cedar’s adds a refreshing break to the corporate chains along Sand Lake Road and Dr. Phillips. This privately owned restaurant does authentic Lebanese right with enough flavor and texture to invite even the more hesitant eater. The menu offers so many different staple dishes like the falafel and shish kabobs but if you feel up to the challenge, try the mouloukhieh; a chicken dish that is made with mallow leaves, cilantro and garlic. Photo via parmaluxe/Instagram
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar 6000 Universal Blvd. | 407-224-3663 One of Universal Citywalk’s best restaurant additions in the past years has been Cowfish which brings japanese-american fusion lovers pure glee. The menu is mostly made up of glamorized sushi rolls and burgers as well as rolls with steak and burgers with fish. Definitely try “The High class hillbilly” if you’re a fan of classic BBQ and innovation. Photo via marcelokatsuki/Instagram
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar 9101 International Drive | 407-226-1600 Sometimes all you want to do after eating a plate of beans and rice with delicious mojo park is dance your ass off to Celia Cruz. That’s exactly what you get in this I-Drive restaurant. Surrounded by American grub, this cuban themed restaurant stands out showing what a happy day in Cuba with a mojito in hand is like. Photo via Cubalibrerestaurant/Instagram
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Be prepared to drop some cash at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse because there are steaks and then there are experiences. For $12, at other restaurants you can get a steak. For $89, you can get the Wagyu tomahawk ribeye and trust the chef when your server tells you he prefers to cook it to medium. Photo via dfgrille/Instagram
Frontera Cocina 1604 E Buena Vista Drive | 407-560-9197 Churning out some bangin’ dishes, Frontera Cocina, serves authentic Mexican fare, with dishes like red-chile chicken broth and slow-cooked achiote pork shoulder. Finish it off with an order of fried plantains for desseret, paired with “Mexican” vanilla ice cream, drizzled with cajeta (a syrup of caramelized goat’s milk) and sprinkled with pecans. Que Rico! Photo via fronteracocina/ Instagram
Green Kitchen 7055 S Kirkman Road | 407-413-5005 Health nuts unite! As Green Kitchen succeeds in bringing together a menu full of healthy ingredients, such as quinoa, flax seeds and chia. The menu inspired mainly by Brazilian cuisines is created from scratch in-house everyday. They take pride in their fruity beverages and other smoothie concoctions, like the pineapple-mint juice, but be careful it’s easy to get carried away that you’ll leave with one word in mind: Zumba. Photo via greenkitchenorlando/Instagram
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium And Savory Feast Kitchen 6000 Universal Blvd. | 407-224-3663 Yes, the name is annoying to say but the food is still worth checking out. Coffee and chocolate stout chicken wings and shakes with slices of pies and humongous gulps of whipped cream overflowing will just make your jaw drop with the rich chocolate scenes of this wannabe Willy Wonka chocolate factory. Photo via miamifoodiesisters/Instagram
Morimoto Asia 1600 E Buena Vista Drive | 407-939-6686 Located in the newly renovated Disney Springs, Morimoto is definitely worth checking out if you’re into pan-asian food and love the finer things in life. Eating Peking duck and scrumptious sushi surrounded by tall glass windows and gorgeous chandeliers cascading down is definitely a different side of Orlando asian food. Photo via francisfabie/Instagram
The Pharmacy 8060 Via Dellagio Way | 407-985-2972 Get your feel-good elixirs from the pharmacists behind the bar at this speakeasy themed restaurant which tastes so authentic you’ll forget it has a theme to begin with. Food choices like the bone marrow, fried green tomatoes and swiss clams are locally sourced in this jazz era restaurant. Photo via soflafoodfinds/Instagram
Roy’s Restaurant 7760 W Sand Lake Road | 407-352-4844 Traveling to Hawaii won’t be necessary with this great addition to Dr. Phillip’s restaurants. They serve all types of foods from rolls to seafood dishes and mixed meats dishes at all times but the real winner is their “Aloha happy hour” where similar all day dishes are served with tropical cocktails. Photo via ninaflorcavalcante/Instagram
The Oceanaire Seafood Room 9101 International Drive | 407-363-4801 Don’t right off this budget-busting chain restaurant just yet! Mainly because of the undeniable quality and freshness of their product. They claim that 18 of the 25 varieties of sea creature that sit on your plate may have been swimming the day before and for a seafood joint, that makes all the difference in the world. So try the ceviche pescado or a half order of the Alaskan king crab legs, if you on a budget, and pair it with the baked blue cheese and macaroni to add a little starch to your order. You won’t regret it. Photo via theoceanaire/Instagram
Cafe Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive| 407-248-2222 Diners who eat at Café Tu Tu Tango are encouraged to swap fare around as entree portions are intentionally downsized. Nothing costs more than $8 but you have to order at least four dishes to satisfy two normal appetites. But, it won’t matter since you’ll be so distracted by the blend of Mediterranean decor and artists who actually work as you eat in this mini-gallery. Photo via cafe_tu_tu_tango/Instagram
Urbain 40 American Brasserie and Lounge 8000 Via Dellagio Way | 407-872-2640 This glamorous 1940s inspired eatery puts a creative spin on its vintage decor. Patrons can sit outside on the patio and enjoy scenes from a dramatic fountain while ordering of a menu inspired by American and continental classics, like the French onion soup gratin and a 12-ounce New York strip. Photo via maxmedia/Instagram
Urban Tide 9801 International Drive | 407-345-4570 Living in the sunshine state surrounded by coastal delicacies just waiting to be catched, Urban Tide takes advantage making Floridian seafood available at great prices. Located in the Hyatt Regency hotel overlooking the grotto pool, it serves lunch and dinner with great items like barbequed prawns and blackened atlantic swordfish. Photo by Rob Bartlett
The Boathouse 1620 E Buena Vista Drive | 407-939-2628 It’s hard to concentrate on anything other the décor in this monstrous boat house with multiple eating areas, an outside seating, and a gift shop all covered in boating paraphernalia. With that said, the boathouse offers a variety of fresh local seafood, steak and tasty desserts, like the key lime pie in a mason jar. Photo via theboathouseorlando/Instagram
Chatham’s Place 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd. | 407-345-2992 With a passion for food, Chef Tony’s menu options include many herbs, vegetables, and fruits from his own organic farm. Wash down these seasonally driven dishes with any of the various wines available at this charming little hideaway in Dr. Phillips. Photo via gothgourmande/Instagram
Saffron Indian Cuisine 7724 W Sand Lake Road | 321-209-9099 Saffron Indian Cuisine has drawn from India’s rich culture and culinary traditions to create various savory selections. You can find everyone’s go-to dish, chicken tikka masala, but they also happen to offer other delicious finds like the chicken vindaloo or saffron chicken curry. Pair the dishes off with some yummy samosas and if things get too hot try the mango lassi to keep things mild. Photo via Saffron Indian Cuisine/Facebook
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food 6000 Universal Blvd. | 407-224-3663 We all know there’s nothing better than starting your meal with some fresh guac. At Antojitos, they make it for you tableside as you look around at the mexican designs. If you want to try something different, eat the Pollo en Mole which is oven roasted chicken with mexican chocolate, chiles and nuts. Trust us, it’s good. Photo via foodsofi/Instagram