Hosting family, visitors or out-of-towners who just want to escape much colder climates is the harsh reality for many Floridians this time of year, and impressing them with local eats is no small feat. Whether you’re looking for a decades-old classic, a glitzy Michelin-starred eatery, a cozy breakfast spot or even something with live entertainment, Orlando’s got it.
Here’s a mix of some of the oldest, most iconic restaurants in town plus newer highlights that make Orlando the hungry city it is.
565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
The Ravenous Pig offers inventive New American eats, an in-house taproom and hand-crafted cocktails. The stylish gastropub (with adjoining beer garden) asks that you make reservations because there’s often a wait to get into this foodie heaven — definitely worth the splurge. Credit: Ravenous Pig/Facebook
337 Shine Ave., Orlando
Maxine’s on Shine offers regular live music, a hefty comfort food-filled menu, and weekend brunch perfect for a relaxing meal after the Thanksgiving chaos. Credit: Photo via Maxine's on Shine/Facebook
618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando
At Kaya, a modern Filipino restaurant, there’s a homey feel and a menu that deliberately tests any preconceived notions people may have of Filipino fare. Credit: Kaya/Facebook
252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
One of Winter Park’s most iconic and long-standing breakfast joints serves up contemporary American cuisine and brunch daily (and recently added dinner hours!). With breakfast goodies like blueberry-stuffed pancakes and raspberry-and-brie stuffed brioche french toast, it’s not hard to find a reason to bring the family here. Credit: via Google Maps
1130 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
Enzo’s on the Lake got its start in a small Central Florida home in 1980. Over the years, the restaurant has become the area’s go-to scenic dining destination, serving Italian cuisine with a chic spin. Credit: Enzo's on the Lake/Facebook
7501 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Newly opened and the very first location of the mega-popular Asian market and food hall, H Mart is sure to have something for even the pickiest of out-of-towners. There are Asian (and Asian-fusion) vendors like U Chun, Jaws Tapokki, Chidon, Myung Ga, Paik’s Noodle and Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast, plus additional restaurants onsite like Coffee & Co, Dabang, Kung Fu Tea and an outpost of international bakery Paris Baguette. Credit: H Mart
17 W. Church St., Orlando
The focus on bringing in a ritzy clientele gives the interior of this downtown Orlando restaurant the feeling of a time warp — back to when going to get a nice steak was the finest thing a discerning eater could do for themselves. But you might be surprised by the healthy selection of vegan choices on the menu as well.
Credit: Photo via Kres Chophouse
8548 Palm Parkway, Orlando
Chef Lewis Lin and managing partner Kenny Ly came together to create this “retro-themed izakaya” offering exquisite ramen, yakitori and takoyaki. Stuffed with Showa-era collectibles, vintage ads and decorations, Susuru is an overall experience for all the senses. Credit: Photo via Susuru/Facebook
424 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando
This Central Florida meaty institution has been filling hungry Orlandoans’ stomachs with the best roast beef (and turkey, ham or pastrami) sandwiches since 1968. Beefy King also offers milkshakes and their own spin on the classic tater tot, Beefy Spuds. You wouldn’t want to deny this City Beautiful classic to the out-of-towners. Credit: Google Maps
3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando, and 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando
With two locations in town, Domu offers double the opportunity to relish their delectable noodles and Asian fusion treats. Credit: Photo via Domu/Facebook
1114 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
The concept is by James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung. Zaru’s intimate and striking 25-seat dining room features udon noodles made from Japanese flour sourced from Kagawa Prefecture, the birthplace of udon, and offered in both hot and cold options, with and without broths, along with freshly fried tempura and a host of add-ons for a custom-built bowl. Credit: Photo via Zaru/Instagram
720 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Tori Tori is both a modern cocktail bar and a hotspot to grab traditional Japanese pub food in Orlando’s Mills 50 district. From the mind of Domu’s Sean “Sonny” Nguyen, the spot offers classic and creative cocktails, sake, beer and wine, and eats like scallop crudo and wagyu gyoza. Credit: Photo via Tori Tori/Facebook
4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando
This decked-out fish spot boasts longtime local ties, fervent fans and a laid-back, “no frills” approach to seafood. Since 1995, High Tide Harry’s has been serving burgers, ribs, shrimp, lobster, fresh fish and more. Credit: Image via Google Maps
100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando
The Stubborn Mule is in high demand for its creative twists on American cuisine. Locally sourced food options and craft cocktails, beer and wine makes this eatery a popular stop for local and tourist foodies alike. Credit: Photo via Stubborn Mule/Facebook
501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Family-owned since 1967, Kappy’s Subs offers a little glimpse into Orlando’s restaurant history (and is newly celebrating its return from the dead after a closure scare earlier this year). The spot serves classic American fare (like subs, burgers and dogs) across a good old-fashioned all-American diner counter. If you’re a big group, you might want to plan to pick up your sandwiches to go. Credit: Kappy's/Facebook
8625 International Drive, Orlando
If dinner and a show is what you’re looking for, this funky tapas spot is the place to go. Cafe Tu Tu Tango has been serving the Orlando community for more than 30 years, offering creative food and drink specials every weekday, plus live music and relaxed patio seating, too. With tons of sharable plates to choose from, signature cocktails, and artists who paint while you eat, Cafe Tu Tu Tango is an attraction in itself. Credit: Photo via Café Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
2320 E. Robinson St., Orlando
This Milk District Italian staple offers an abundance of hearty sandwiches under $14, coffees and plenty of sweet dessert options. Credit: Image via Google Maps
5355 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
An Orlando staple, Hot Dog Heaven has been slinging authentic Chicago dogs since 1987, with an unwavering community following for this classic bite. A hot dog costs $4.99; a super dog or a specialty dog of your choice runs $5.99. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Multiple locations
7705 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando
Chef Henry Moso is what makes the sushi game so strong at this high-end spot. There are a handful of rolls, none of which you’ll find at your average sushi joint, but it’s mostly sashimi and nigiri. Credit: Photo via Kabooki Sandlake/Facebook
5621 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando
You can’t get more Florida than a seafood spot shaped like a boat and covered in taxidermy fish. Located right here in Orlando, Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar first opened back in 1950 with just nine seats and an oysters-only menu. Now the family-run local favorite offers plenty of seafood and ample seating to enjoy it in. Credit: Photo via LeeandRicksOysterBar.com
4721 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
This award-winning old-school eatery has been serving steaks since 1947. Decked out in classic checkered tablecloths and complete with a fireplace-adorned lounge, Linda’s La Cantina is Orlando staple. It’s not a stuffy place, but it’s so popular that reservations are a must. Credit: Image via Google Maps
2505 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Family-owned Lam’s Garden has been offering straightforward, traditional Chinese cuisine and dim sum service since it was opened in 1989. It’s packed out on holidays with Chinese families and college kids catching up on their holiday break. Credit: Photo via Lam's Garden/Facebook
617 S. Primrose Drive, Orlando
A frequent Best of Orlando contender and winner and Guy Fieri favorite, Se7en Bites is known for its pies and a menu full of Southern classics. Guests will find chicken pot pie, heaping breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and fried green tomatoes in addition to all its options for folks with a sweet tooth. Credit: Photo by Chloe Greenberg
7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando
Chatham’s Place has been part of the Orlando community for more than 30 years. Chef Tony Lopez, creator and owner of the restaurant, showcases locally grown produce and fresh ingredients in the eatery’s dishes. Credit: Photo via Chatham’s Place/Yelp
1018 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
This family-owned sandwich shop has been supplying Orlando with hearty and tasty subs since 1972. The spot offers stacked sandwiches, hot dogs and sides all under $10. (Plus some signature sammies and hot subs that climb to a close $11.40.) Credit: Photo via Art's Sandwich Shop/Instagram
1110 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
This new Colonial Drive-based Asian eats hub has captured the tastebuds of Orlando, and offers several options for budget-friendly bites. Unigirl, Bánh Mì Boy, and Kai Kai BBQ and Dumplings are three of the outposts offering big flavors for under $15. Credit: via Mills Market
1400 S. Crystal Lake Drive, Orlando
Newly appointed a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, Smokemade Meats and Eats brings Central Texas-style barbecue to the old Italian House Restaurant space. The brisket might be one of the best in the city, but other items like cheddar-jalapeño sausage, ribs, smoked turkey and bangin’ sides and desserts will set barbecue fiends afire. Credit: Photo via Smokemade Meats and Eats/Facebook