These small, easy-to-miss restaurants in the Orlando area definitely aren’t lacking in flavor. Here are 24 hidden local gems you may have missed.
Mynt
Understatedly elegant Indian joint brings standard curry house fare guised as haute cuisine to Hannibal Square. (The perfume of the tandoor oven scents the whole neighborhood.) Flavors work in such dishes as uttapham sliders, but fancy plating makes for impractical eating. There are plenty of options on the menu: creamy, subtly sweet lamb pasanda, flaky lacha paratha, and Cochin fish curry a bowlful of rich, spicy comfort food.
535 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 407-636-7055; $$$
Photo via tastecooksip/InstagramSapporo Ramen
5080 W Colonial Dr., (407) 203-6777
This is not the same ramen as the plastic-wrapped bricks. The ramen at Sapporo Ramen are flavored bowls of tonkotsu, shio, miso or shoyu ramen.
Photo via wapomatic/InstagramKing Bao
710 N. Mills Ave., (407) 237-0013
The Asian-inspired baoery offers steamed buns with protein and tasty condiments inside. The two bao combo special is two baos and a drink for $7. Just remember to order tots too.
Photo via w0r1dsb3auty/InstagramBlack Rooster Taqueria
1323 N. Mills Ave., (407) 601-0994
The taqueria is a modern Mexican cuisine which offers tacos, bowls and salads. The guacamole is made to order and the kale salad is a delicious alternative if you aren’t into the street tacos. Don’t forget desert and order the tres leche. They will soon start serving breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner.
Photo via dwntwnamybrwn/InstagramSe7en Bites
617 N. Primrose Drive, 407-203-0727
The popular sweet and savory bake shop isn’t just a cupcake shop. In addition to an assortment of baked goods, Se7en Bites Bakery Shop serves food like chicken pot pie and a meatloaf sandwich. It is open for breakfast and lunch and they are currently in the progress of moving to a larger location.
Photo via irmeoww/InstagramQuickly Boba & Snow
3214 E. Colonial Dr., (407) 270-4570
The dessert place, known for its boba, also serves poke bowls, a traditional Hawaiian meal. Customers have the option of getting salmon, tuna, yellowtail or ahi tuna on their poke bowl.
Photo via allysongregg/InstagramBakery Plus
915 E. Michigan St., (407) 849-1888
This bakery is a diamond in the rough with incredibly inexpensive prices and a simple menu. There’s a variety of donuts which are homemade each morning and cost about a $1. The breakfast sandwiches, on a bagel or croissant, are made fresh and cost less than $3. Don’t try and use a debit or card card because it’s cash only.
Photo via bridgettenorris/InstagramTako Cheena
932 N. Mills Ave., (321) 236-7457
Tacos and asian hot dogs are what Tako Cheena does best. The tiny taco place also serves spanish, asian and indian style burritos too. Don’t forget to add one of their speciality sauces and salsas for even more flavor.
Photo via jeffus3/InstagramGnarly Barley
7431 S Orange Ave., (407) 854-4999
Gnarly Barley is off the beaten path and features inexpensive menu items like house tacos, salads, flatbreads and subs. They have 16 taps and a rotating list of bottled and can beers.
Photo via gnarly_barley407/InstagramAntonella’s Pizzeria
360 W. Fairbanks Ave., (407) 636-5333
This family-owned restaurant serves Italian food and New York style pizza which can be bought by the slice. It’s a small place so customers can get food catered or order take out.
Photo via antonellaspizzeria/InstagramGringos Locos
22 E. Washington St., 2406 E.Robinson St., (407) 841-5626
The late-night hot spot is known for its double d taco and drunk gringo burrito. Don’t skip out on the chips and guac, you’ll regret it.
Photo via crestatmillenia/InstagramBagel King
1230 S. Lakemont Ave., (321) 972-4267
Other than 20 different types of bagels, Bagel King sells pastries and has a breakfast and lunch menu. If going for breakfast, try the princess desirae or go basic with the pumpkin spice cream cheese on a toasted bagel.
Photo via srqsweetie/InstagramPark Cafe & Bakery
400 W. New England Ave., (407) 401-2088
On a sunny day, Park Cafe is the place to be. The cafe and bakery has outside seating with a view of a fountain and flowers. The nutella and banana panini is the best thing on the menu.
Photo via Jennifer M./YelpThe Meatball Stoppe
7325 Lake Underhill Road, (407) 270-6505
Customers can expect traditional Italian cooking at The Meatball Stoppe. There’s a create their own meatball option or people can pick from the family favorites menu.
Photo via scoobe14/InstagramHanamizuki
8255 International Dr., (407) 363-7200
The traditional Japanese restaurant serves sushi and Kyoto style food. They serve tempura, sukiyaki, steak, sake and wine. At lunch, they serve ramen noodles and it’s not the same kind that broke college students survive of off.
Photo via Kevin N./YelpTasty Wok
1246 E. Colonial Dr., (407) 896-8988
When eating at this barbecue and noodle house, the pan fried rice noodles are a must-try. The roast duck and fish with black bean sauce are also popular choices.
Photo via Han T./YelpMediterranean Deli
An oasis of authenticity, complete with odd decorations, exhilaratingly exotic smells and hearty but inexpensive meals. Youll find perfect hummus, superior kibbeh and superb gyros, not to mention one of the best spinach pies around. A top spot to eat for $10 or less.
981 W. Fairbanks Ave., 407-539-2650; $
Photo via Mike P./TripAdvisor Credit: Photo via Google RestaurantsWillie’s Pinchos
1718 N. Goldenrod Road, (407) 601-3373
Willie’s Pinchos is a small place but provides authentic Puerto Rican food. The pork pinchos, chicken skewers or the Tripletta sandwich are all great choices.
Photo via j_venturav/InstagramTaste of Peru
9521 S. Orange Blossom Trail suite 117A., (407) 857-2734
Taste of Peru lives up to the name, offering authentic Peruvian cuisine and a perfect environment for a night out. The Brazilian steakhouse is about $40 a person for an all you can eat dinner buffet.
Photo via Taste of Peru/YelpNile Ethiopian
7048 International Dr., (407) 354-0026
Nile Ethiopian offers beef, poultry and vegetarian entrees which are all under $15. There are also nile specials for two if you are into sharing your food.
Photo via lemonhearted/InstagramShish Co. Mezze & Grill
118 Lake Avenue., (407) 661-1336
The parking-lot dining restaurant serves fast and fresh Mediterranean food. Vegetarian and vegan options like the vegan gyro, fried cauliflower and mucvar, which are zucchini pancakes, don’t disappoint.
Photo via doorstepdeliveryorlando/InstagramMark’s Caribbean Cuisine
10034 University Blvd., (407) 699-8800
The restaurant prides itself on real and healthy Jamaican food. They guarantee a wait of no more than twenty minutes for call-in orders.
Photo via Rob BartlettEl Buzo
1436 State Road 436, (407) 673-0237
El Buzo offers a menu with a large variety of Peruvian foods, ceviche being their speciality. Causa de Camarones and the Ceviche de Pescado are yummy seafood choices.
Photo via El Buzo