Hidden gems aren’t hard to come by in Orlando — you just have to seek them out. From storied sub shops to walk-up Mediterranean delis to late-night taco spots, Orlando is full of great eateries that may be just out of site or nestled in a small space.
Here are 24 of Orlando’s best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
710 N. Mills Ave., Orlando This Mills Avenue mainstay specializes in diminutive steamed Asian buns stuffed with creative and delicious mixes of proteins and veggies. Credit: Image via Google Maps
932 N. Mills Ave., Orlando Tako Cheena is a combination of “food truck meets restaurant,” according to their Facebook. We’ll happily munch way at their outdoor dining area on one of the innovative fusion-flavor folds any day. Late-night patrons happily scarf down spicy-sweet Korean chicken taco, African beef and quinoa burritos, and Chinese sausage “Japadogs.” Credit: Image via Google Maps
1605 Lee Road, Orlando This walk-up restaurant is a perennial Best of Orlando winner for its traditional Cuban cuisine and unique efficiency. Even tourists know what’s up. Credit: Image via Google Maps
2810 Corrine Drive, Orlando “Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into Redlight Redlight late one Sunday morning for a drink with a friend. They happened to be serving that most detestable of meals, brunch, but thanks to the twit-free environs and Tantalo’s cooking, it was a brunch we’d gladly brave again.” Read more here. Credit: Image via Google Maps
1018 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando This family-owned sandwich shop has been supplying Orlando with hearty and tasty subs since 1972. Credit: Photo via Art's Sandwich Shop/Instagram
Best Teahouse
Winner: Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria Finalists: Infusion Tea, The Tea Lizard Credit:Photo via Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria/FacebookMediterranean Deli
981 W. Fairbanks Ave., Orlando
This deli is known for gyros, hummus and serving large portions of food so customers definitely get their money’s worth. Although a somewhat obvious choice, try the Greek salad and gyro. Credit: Image via Google MapsShiraz Market
188 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
This Middle Eastern market has a selection of grocery items as well as traditional Mediterranean treats. Yelp reviewers and our own dining critic, Faiyaz Kara, have raved about Shiraz’s falafel, Turkish delight and baklava among many, many other eats. Credit: Image via Google MapsBest Curbside Service
1st: Beefy King, beefyking.com
2nd: Tijuana Flats, tijuanaflats.com
3rd: Miller’s Ale House, millersalehouse.com
All Best of Orlando® 2022 winners posted on 8/31/22 Credit: Photo by OW StaffKappy’s Subs
501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland
If you’re looking for a new low-key sub shop, Kappy’s Subs is your answer. Family-owned since 1967, the eatery serves classic American fare (like subs, burgers and dogs) across a good old-fashioned all American diner counter. Credit: Photo via Kappy's/Facebook
118 Lake Ave., Maitland This casual, quick-serve Mediterranean destination offers shish kebabs, gyros, falafel and more, plus a small patio for on-site dining. Credit: Image via Google MapsSapporo Ramen
5080 W Colonial Drive, Orlando
This West Colonial noodle house is bent on growing the ranks of the foodie cult of ramen, and after sampling richly flavored bowls of tonkotsu, shio, miso or shoyu ramen, you’ll be a believer. Udon and soba noodles are also offered, as are curries and gyudon, both of which are worth ordering. Credit: Image via Google Maps
7048 International Drive, Orlando This cozy restaurant in the heart of the tourist strip is one of the best places in town to enjoy Ethiopian food — or try it for the first time. Order a combo platter (meat or veggie) and scoop it with spongy injera bread instead of utensils. First-timers may want to go easy on the kitfo, a spicy steak tartare. Credit: Photo via Nile Ethiopian/Yelp
1407 N. Orange Ave., Orlando This no-nonsense sandwich shop and bar offers a sizable selection of brews and specials, plus plenty of hangover destroyers like the Johnnie Mac n’ Cheese sandwich. Credit: Image via Google MapsSelam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine
5494 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
A traditional Ethiopian dining experience that has placed in Yelp’s national Top 100 Restaurants multiple years. Offering authentic Ethiopian cuisine, Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine is known for its authentic food and friendly staff. Credit:Photo via Selam/YelpEuropol Polish Deli
3090 Aloma Ave., Winter Park
Dive into traditional Polish cuisine with some of the many dishes at Europol Deli that won’t break the bank. Returning customers have complimented the Winter Park deli’s selection of Polish specialties, especially the house-made pierogis. Credit: Image via Google MapsBagel King
1455 Semoran N. Circle, Casselberry
Bagel King is a go-to destination for bagel and breakfast lovers all over Central Florida. The casual, counter-serve spot has been operating since 1977 and is home of the “kettle-baked bagel.” The menu also features various soups, salads and sandwiches. Bagel King is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Credit: Photo via Bagel King/FacebookGabriel’s Submarine Sandwich Shop
3006 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
These iconic sandwiches have been at College Park since 1958. The shop serves up authentic American food like wings, subs and curly fries. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Best Windermere Restaurant
Winner: Yellow Dog Eats Finalists: Agave Azul Cocina Mexicana Windermere, Hawkers Windermere Credit: Photo via Yellowdog Eats/FacebookTaco Kat
11 S. Court Ave., 407-745-0730, $$
Downtown taqueria specializes in Sonoran-style tacos fashioned from imported Sonoran wheat (not corn). The pliable tortillas hold a bevy of proteins, most notably barbacoa, carne asada, pollo asado and chorizo, arguably the best of the lot. Corn esquites and tres leches shouldn’t be overlooked. Margaritas are also served and if you’re wondering about the “Kitty Cola” vending machine, it’s actually a portal into the speakeasy tequila lounge next door. Credit: Photo by Rob BartlettStardust Video and Coffee
1842 Winter Park Road, Orlando
This beloved hole-in-the-wall is a coffee shop, lunch destination and nightspot all wrapped up in one. Inside, guests can enjoy coffee and tea or cocktails and beer, plus a menu full of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly light eats (or, alternatively, a gigantic tray of tater tots). Credit: Photo by Thuyvi Gates
1015 State Road 436, Casselberry Aladdin’s Restaurant is one of the first family-opened Lebanese restaurants in Central Florida. The menu features an array of traditional, authentic Lebanese dishes. Credit: Image via Google Maps
1555 State Road 436, Winter Park Kai Asian is known for their Korean-style loaded fries, topped with a helping of kimchi and bulgogi, but they have other Thai, Vietnamese and Korean-influenced dishes too. Read our food critic’s review of Kai Asian here.Credit: Photo via Kai Asian Street Fare/Facebook
Hot Dog Heaven on a Sunday
Hot Dog Heaven is in fact not open on Sundays and Mondays. You’ll have to find your dog fix elsewhere. Credit: Image via Google Maps
