Join 30,000 locals who stay current on Orlando news, culture, and events. Get our free daily newsletter.
Don’t Miss a Moment.
Join 30,000 locals who stay current on Orlando news, culture, and events. Get Orlando Weekly’s free daily newsletter.
When you grow up in a large family, going out to eat is always a mission considering you have to find somewhere everyone likes and that can accommodate the whole crew. Here a few of the best local spots to take the whole damn squad.
Mynt Fine Indian Cuisine
535 W. New England Ave. | (407) 636-7055
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. Definitely RSVP because this place can get pretty packed and is so worth trying.
Photo via orlandodatenightguide/InstagramTR Fire Grill
1035 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park | 407-708-3600
TR Fire Grill has found itself a strong fan base in its new Winter Park home, occupying 5,600 square feet in the Ravaudage complex after a lengthy “dry run” down by the airport. Kinks seem to have been worked out satisfactorily since its November bowl, if the customer raves for its bumped-up, locally-sourced-when-possible pub fare are anything to go by. We’re intrigued by an appetizer of thick-sliced bacon and jalapeño deviled eggs topped with pickled red onion and barbecue potato-chip dust; those less hedonistic can take advantage of a diety dish of salmon over spiralized zucchini.
Photo via trfiregrill /InstagramRocco’s Tacos
7468 W. Sand Lake Road | 407-226-0550
Top-shelf tequila and thumping music makes this Dr. Phillips taqueria more bar than restaurant, but there are pockets of goodness to be found on the mostly Tex-Mex menu. Tableside-prepared guac is tasty (though overpriced); chorizo, spicy beef and mushroom tacos and chomp-worthy; cheesy corn on the cob and pulled pork enchiladas warrant a try. You’ll relish every bite of the freshly fried churros.
Photo via maria_alfaro /InstagramThe COOP
610 W. Morse Blvd. | 407-843-2667
Best bring a growling stomach to John Rivers’ shrine to Dixie dining, where you’ll feast on over-the-top, American-sized portions of fried chicken, meatloaf, pot pies, pork chops and the like. You’ll also find numerous sides and starters – candied yams, creamed corn, stewed okra, fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese, to name just a few. Not saving room for pie would be a dang shame. Closed Sundays.
Photo via thecoop_wp /InstagramMing’s Bistro
1212 Woodward St. | 407-898-9672
Ming’s Bistro is serving up some of Orlando’s best dim sum no matter time it is. From sticky rice inside a lotus leaf to shark fin dumplings and fan favorites of shu mai and chicken feet, you’ll probably have to come multiple times before feeling satisfied.
Photo via jenn_ayyy420 /InstagramThe Osprey Tavern
4899 New Broad St., Orlando, FL 32814 | 407-960-7700
Dining here is a sensuous experience, and the charcuterie board, with its Black Forest duck ham, chicken-liver mousse, soppressata, Armenian cured beef and smoked trout, is an ideal way to release any gastronomic inhibitions. Besides, who could ever resist breakfast poutine? Call ahead if you want some of those delicious gravy fries.
Photo via the_osprey_tavern /InstagramSeito Sushi
4898 New Broad St. | 407-898-8801
The sleek interior design and affordable specials throughout the day (filling bowls of ramen, an abundance of sushi) all range from $10 to $16. That, combined with the impeccable plating, makes this a top choice for Orlando sushi lovers. There’s enough space here for you and your fam but be sure to call ahead or you’ll be waiting around Lake Baldwin for a while.
Photo via seitobp /InstagramNumero Uno Restaurant
2499 S. Orange Ave. | 407-841-3840
Get your fixing of delicious homemade cuban meals almost like your abuelas. The Lunch specials (available weekdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) at this longtime Cuban favorite range from $7 to $8 for dishes like picadillo, mofongo con camarones and higado salteado. Don’t worry about space, they got plenty of space for your familia.
Photo via rob148111 /InstagramPeppino’s Ristorante Italiano
100 Carrigan Ave., Oviedo | 407-365-4774
Classic Italian comfort food that will make you feel so full you can barely get up is so worth trying with your squad. Located over in Oviedo, this restaurant will whip up all your italian dreams into a plate. Try the “Pizza primavera” or “Shrimp and Scallop Bianca”. You’ll thank us after.
Photo via offthebeatenfork/InstagramLinda’s La Cantina
4721 E. Colonial Drive | 407-894-4491
No matter how you slice it, Linda’s La Cantina serves a superb steak and has been doing so for more than a half a century. Sit in the Fire Fountain Lounge sipping a grasshopper while you’re waiting for your checked-tablecloth table in the dining room – and keep in mind that on most nights, reservations are recommended. All steaks are cut in-house, including the monster 2-pound T-bone. Call ahead in case all steak lovers decide to go out at once.
Photo via jessholisticwellness/InstagramSLATE 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. Definitely call ahead if you’re coming with a large group.
Photo via lemonhearted /InstagramIzziban Sushi & BBQ
5310 E. Colonial Drive | 407-270-8811
Personal food challenges are some people’s idea of weekend fun and totally acceptable at Izziban. With wine pork belly to beef brisket and unlimited options of sushi like Las Vegas and Philly rolls, you won’t be mad adding an extra hour to your gym sesh. Don’t worry about RSVP’ing, they’ve got plenty of space.
Photo via zuodongfeng/InstagramHamilton’s Kitchen
300 E New England Ave. | Winter Park | 407-988-8090
Located in the Alfond Inn, this breakfast spot is the place to get a hearty farmer’s breakfast with a sunny-side-up egg, Lake Meadows sausage, skillet fried potatoes, caramelized onions and fruit.
Photo via hamiltonskitchen/InstagramFogo de Chao
8282 International Drive | 407-370-0711
A shrine to beef, with heavenly tableside service to boot. Juicy?skirt steak, salt-crusted rib-eye and meltingly tender filet are standouts, but accoutrements like deep-fried polenta squares, bacon-studded?rice and beans, and thick spears of chilled asparagus will also wow. The impressive wine list leans toward South American malbecs and rioja; the high ratio of staff to diners means service is equally impressive.
Photo via thaoluong80/InstagramChuys
Multiple Locations | (407) 930-5334
If you’re a burrito fan, you should probably try Chuy’s “Big As Yo’ Face” Burrito, which is just what it sounds like. This homemade, 12” flour tortilla is stuffed with refried beans, cheese and your choice of bean and cheese, seasoned ground sirloin, oven roasted chicken, or fajita chicken or beef. Depending on what you order, the price ranges from $8.79 to $10.99, but each meal is served with a choice of sauce and Mexican or green chile rice.
Photo via amandanzalone/InstagramMaggiano’s
9101 International Dr | 407-241-8650
This relaxed space is perfect for people who love family-style dishes and want some fun in the touristy part of town. The chicken and spinach manicotti is creamy deliciousness you won’t want to share with anyone else. Also opt for their flatbreads if you want some crispy bites oozing with cheese before your pasta meals. Make reservations if you’re going on weekday nights.
Photo via chrisjmorgan/InstagramCarmel Kitchen
140 N. Orlando Avenue | 407-513-4912
This place is perfect for people who love to try it all tapas style. Most dishes come in large and small sizes depending on how much you want to share. The grilled lemon chicken and artichoke flatbread is something we vouch for. Don’t forget, they have an array of wines to choose from.
Photo via fitwithkd /InstagramArtisan’s Table
22 E. Pine St. | 407-730-7499
Artisan’s might just take the cake as Orlando’s most interesting breakfast menu. The Japanese breakfast bowl with sticky rice and poached eggs is unlike anything else you can get in this city. And it would be criminal not to order at least one of their unique flavored lattes while you dine.
Photo via xxrlilly/InstagramSantiago’s Bodega
802 Virginia Drive | 407-412-6979
With boisterous tables crowding the dimly lit but massive all-you-can-eat buffet (which includes pasta and other comfort food reimagined Santiago’s style, typical fixings like biscuits and gravy and bacon, and elite enticements like leg of lamb, prime rib and giant crab legs), the endless graze is startlingly social. The buzzy noise level adds spice that more reserved brunches lack.
Photo via a_la_tiff /Instagram4 Rivers Restaurant
Multiple locations | 844-474-8377
You never need a reservation to stand in line at 4Rivers, but the dessert offerings this year are worth the legwork. The Black Tie cake is covered in buttercream, drizzled with chocolate and topped with chocolate-covered strawberries, and the red velvet cake balls are an appropriately sized sweet finish to a pile of pulled pork.
Photo via ohkayalayssa /InstagramMamak Asian Street Food
1231 E. Colonial Drive | 407-270-4688
Mamak serves Malaysian tapas that show you a whole new world of flavors like roti, roast duck and kari meatballs. Noodle soups, rice and wok dishes are also available if you need something a little more familiar.
Photo via joshsantana_/InstagramThe 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 alextatidis /InstagramPop Thai Restaurant
1227 N. Mills Ave. | 407-203-5088
Pop Thai’s got you covered with fresh, fast authentic Thai food. This place has a strong take out scene, so they’ll definitely have a table ready when you arrive. Pick up the crispy duck panang curry if you want to get slam-dunked with flavor. Finish off a delectable meal with some cool coconut ice cream.
Photo via xpinoyboy4ux/InstagramCocina 214
151 E. Welbourne Ave., Winter Park | 407-790-7997
Authentic mexican food that your whole family will love to grub on. They offer two fish tacos, but we’ll take the Don Carlos: blackened mahi with cabbage slaw, avocado, shredded red bell pepper, jalapeño and citrus dressing. Call ahead since tuesdays are a popular day where everyone in town gets in the mood for fresh guac.
Photo via orlandoeats/InstagramBartaco
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. They’ve got plenty of space for you and your family/friends so don’t worry about calling ahead.
Photo via bartacolife /Instagram