Each year, we look for the best escapes right in town while researching our annual Bite 2014 Orlando dining guide. When you’re craving the real deal – from massive German sausages to tiny Spanish montaditos – you actually don’t have to look that far for a taste of Europe in Orlando. Click through to find a new dining adventure or click on the categories below to jump to what you’re craving.

Mediterranean | Italian | European

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For more essential foodie listings, check out Bite 2014.

Related: Bite 2014: 24 places to find surf and turf in Orlando Bite 2014: 50+ places to find spiced (and spicy!) dishes in Orlando Bite 2014: 50+ places to find comfort food in Orlando Bite 2014: 30+ Orlando restaurants serving the classics (and riffs on them) BITE 2014: Every restaurant in our Orlando dining guide

MediterraneanBosphorous Turkish CuisineBosphorous serves delightful fare with many lamb, eggplant and yogurt-centered dishes. Not only is the food superb, it’s also a nice place to sit while smoking scented tobacco from their water pipes and/or enjoying a glass of Turkish wine. ?108 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-644-8609; also 7600 Doctor Phillips Blvd., 407-352-6766; $$$Image via
MediterraneanCappadocia Turkish CuisineCappadocia aims for a true Turkish experience and, for the most part, delivers with its variety of Ottoman dishes. There’s plenty for the average kebabophile (adana kebab) and the phyllo-file (borek), but don’t pass up their sautées. Baklava comes drenched, not flaky, though the kunefe is the house specialty. Turkish tea and coffee is the best way to end the meal. Open daily. 565 N. Semoran Blvd., 407-985-2668; $$
MediterraneanCedar’s RestaurantTheir spin on traditional Lebanese food is a lightness of texture and flavor that is both refreshing and inviting. Use the hot, puffy house-baked lavash bread to scoop up baba ghanoush topped with pickled walnuts; kibbeh are crunchy-fabulous. 7732 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-351-6000; $$$Image via
MediterraneanThe Greek CornerThe view of the downtown skyline is spectacular from this nook on Orange Avenue across from Lake Ivanhoe. Dining outside is a must, as is the hearty meze platter, with a sampling of enough Greek specialties – baked feta, gyro meat, braised lamb and traditional salads melitzanosalat and taramosalata – to satisfy the gods on Mount Olympus. 1600 N. Orange Ave., 407-228-0303; $$Image via
MediterraneanMediterranean DeliAn oasis of authenticity, complete with odd decorations, exhilaratingly exotic smells and hearty but inexpensive meals. You’ll 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; $Image via
MediterraneanMiddle East Market & DeliOBT spot is equal parts specialty grocery store, hookah supply, deli (all sorts of ready-prepared foods to take away) and lunch counter (fresh hot sandwiches sliced to order). A gaggle of smiling, gregarious women serve some of the best shawarma in town, sided with refreshing tomato-and-cucumber salad garlicky enough to ward off the undead. 8100 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-855-6555; $?
MediterraneanNar Mediterranean GrillCreate your own meal: Choose a protein and stuff it in a sandwich, layer it on top of rice and two sides, or have it atop a salad. Those proteins include possibly the best falafael in Orlando, doner kebab, and lamb, beef and chicken kofte. Of the several side-dish choices, pass over the unremarkable roasted vegetables and go for cumin-seasoned bean salad or lemony tomato-cucumber salad. Portions are gigantic, but don’t skip dessert: Turkish rice pudding or buttery baklava. 3402 Technological Drive, 407-277-4774, $
MediterraneanShiraz GrillFilet mignon and chicken kebabs steal the show, but perfumed plates of barberry-jeweled pilaf with luxuriant Persian stews are also outstanding. A smoky starter of pureed aubergines drizzled with cream of whey is as dip-worthy as any hummus. Get closure with a glacial orb of syrupy-sweet falooda. 6427 Westwood Blvd., Suite 102, 407-284-1273; $$?Image via
MediterraneanTaverna YamasA festive atmosphere – fire dancers, belly-dance performances, hookah bar – animates this large space in the heart of the tourist shop and hotel district. The huge menu contains Greek meze and specialties, like moussaka and pastitsio, but mostly encompasses the type of thing you want to eat after a day out in the sun: grilled fish, crisp cold salads, charcoal-broiled steaks. 7500 International Drive, 407-203-0960; $$Image via
MediterraneanTheo’s KitchenHead into this tiny spot for the superbly seasoned fried chicken – everyone else does. But the lamb gyros, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, falafel and other Syrian/Greek standbys are just as worthy. Prices are dirt-cheap and everything is seasoned to perfection. 2952 Curry Ford Road, 407-849-0810; $Image via
Italian/PizzaArmando’s Cucina Italiana & PizzeriaTrendy Hannibal Square hotspot lures a diverse crowd for primo Italian standbys and wonderfully blistered pizzas, care of a custom-built brick oven. The egg-topped San Giovanni pizza is a crowd fave and ideal for sharing, but don’t overlook carpaccio with shaved Parmesan and pear slices. Pastas and secondi are simply presented, and shine because of it. Reservations strongly recommended. Patio dining available. 463 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 407-951-8930; $$Image via
Italian/PizzaBrick & Fire Pizza and Wine Co.Ex-Church Street pizza joint is strictly upper-crust. Specialty pizzas like the Greek (gyro meat, feta, artichokes) and the duck confit (with arugula, pears and Gruyère) shine; baked ziti with Brie provides mac-and-cheese comfort for grown-ups. The deep-dish brownie with caramel sauce is big enough to share. 1621 S. Orange Ave., 407-426-8922; $$$Image via
Italian/PizzaEnzo’s on the LakeBeautiful and sophisticated, the lakefront setting is as much of a draw as the culinary excellence of this Longwood mainstay. Along with the buzzing ambience comes occasional service pauses, but the kitchen makes up for them with Italian delicacies including fresh pasta and the best carpaccio in town. 1130 S. Highway 17-92, Longwood, 407-834-9872; $$$Image via
Italian/PizzaFratelli’s373 N. Orange Ave., 407-422-5500; $$Image via
Italian/Pizzail PescatoreFormer owner Stefano LaCommare and family have moved on, but in this simple atmosphere their dishes live on, true Italian through and through. Seafood specialties make this bustling spot unique; pizza makes it family-friendly. Choosing between all the huge pasta entrees is pleasingly difficult. 651 N. Primrose Drive, 407-896-6763; $$Image via
Italian/PizzaLazy Moon PizzaSize matters to the throngs of under- and post-grads here, and Lazy Moon delivers with astronomically huge slices. They also meet the needs of the broke with the Box Car Willy special – a giant slice of cheese pizza and a PBR – but better beers by far are to be had: 15 beers on tap and almost 50 more by the bottle. Recently relocated, this fiercely beloved east Orlando spot holds its own as a haven for the anti-Budweiser legions who want a craft suds with their slice. 11551 University Blvd., 407-658-2396; $Image via
Italian/PizzaMellow MushroomThe quasi-hippie vibe at this Atlanta mainstay means you can get tofu on your pizza and it still tastes good; a menu of hoagies and superb salads, as well as more traditional pizzas, make this a chain you don’t have to feel guilty about loving. Try the Maui Wowie, a Hawaiian pizza with pesto, bacon and banana peppers. 2015 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 407-657-7755; also 11680 E. Colonial Drive, 407-384-4455, and 18221 U.S. 441, Mount Dora, 352-735-8257; $Image via
Italian/PizzaMetro Espresso Pizza CaféTrusty takeout joint on the ground floor of the Post Parkside building takes care of its Eola Heights neighbors with pizza and meatball subs, as well as the owner’s memorable lasagna and pasta dishes. 417 E. Central Blvd., 407-422-5282; $Image via
Italian/PizzaO’StromboliThis family-friendly Italian restaurant has occupied the same Audubon Park spot for years, serving locals red-sauce classics. It’s the neighborhood go-to for pizza, calzone and fantastic garlic knots; parking is tough, but delivery and takeout are offered. 1803 E. Winter Park Road, 407-647-3872; $$Image via
Italian/PizzaPeperoncino CucinaNew trattoria on the Dr. Phillips block is schooling patrons and area restaurants in the way of Italian cuisine. The narrow space is reminiscent of eateries in Italy, but chef Barbara Alfano’s menu proffers enough new ideas to give the Old World-inspired bill of fare a refreshing breath of life. The menu changes daily, but pastas are perfetto and secondi, like branzino cooked in parchment, truly impressive. Reservations are necessary as the small space fills up quickly. 7988 Via Dellagio Way, 407-440-2856; $$$Image via
Italian/PizzaPizza XtremeOn the fringes of the tourist sector lies this hard-to-find gem dishing out some damn decent pie. The sauce is made from scratch, the dough is hand-stretched and tossed, and toppings are cut fresh, resulting in the quintessence of pizza. Stick to the circular pies for better consistency and flavor; if you’re pinching pennies, there are plenty of specials. 7250 S. Kirkman Road, 407-226-3333; $Image via
Italian/PizzaPratoYou’ll battle crowds to get a seat at Brandon McGlamery’s Park Avenue “it spot,” but once inside, the rustic Italian creations of chef Matthew Cargo will justify the body-checking. Start with house-cured bresaola and meatballs lolling in cipollini-sweetened sauce, then indulge in ricotta gnudi richened with Meyer-lemon confit or Idaho trout with sunchoke puree. Mascarpone pound cake and brown-butter panna cotta are proper endings. 124 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-262-0050; $$Image via
Italian/PizzaRagazzi’s PizzaThis College Park sports bar-slash-pizzeria pleases families and sports fans alike. Hang out and watch the game, or grab a quick family meal (eat in or to go) – the pastas, salads and subs are great renditions of America-Italian menu classics, but the pizza crust is where Ragazzi’s shines: perfectly crisp but not shattering, bendable but not doughy. 3201 Edgewater Drive, 407-999-9973; $Image via
Italian/PizzaRavalia’s Pasta BarIt’s hard to say “basta” to the pasta when you can get a heaping plate of house-made cavatelli with zesty sauce and a garlic breadstick for $7. Six house-made pastas and six sauces allow for plenty of mixing and matching, but don’t overlook the Tuscan rotisserie items and the grinder sandwiches. With all this and gelato too, you may need to break out the fat pants. 3579 Lake Emma, Lake Mary, 407-878-0923; $Image via
Italian/PizzaRocco’s Italian GrilleA polished yet comfortable interior and a range of regional Italian fare is sure to delight discriminating diners with such singularly pleasing dishes as the golden-crisp veal Milanese and the linguine frutti di mare. Even simple herb-grilled chicken is impeccably prepared, and desserts, such as creamy tiramisu and dense, milky gelato, are heavenly. 400 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-644-7770; $$$$Image via
Italian/PizzaSiro Urban Italian KitchenSiro brings farm-to-fork dining to the tourist corridor, and does it with aplomb. Seasonal small plates like roasted bone marrow, spicy lamb sausage, crisp baby artichokes and cheese mezzaluna with sage brown butter are well worth the drive, more so if you happen to be in the area. Their staunch commitment to sourcing local should be applauded. Open daily. Free valet parking. World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, 407-238-8619; $$$$
Italian/PizzaTartini Pizzeria & SpaghetteriaNeighborhood trattoria is drawing aficionados of wood-fired pizza. Thin crust, perfectly blistered and wonderfully doughy pies are as good as any you’ll sample in the city, and the house chicken soup is a must for anyone feeling under the weather. Italian-imported desserts and wines lend to Tartini’s authenticity. 6327 S. Orange Ave., 407-601-2400; also 625 Rock Ridge Blvd., Apopka, 407-814-7474; $$
Italian/PizzaTerramia Wine Bar & TrattoriaIt’s out with the old and in with a new brick oven at this Altamonte mainstay that moved into new digs earlier this year. The perfectly blistered artisanal pizzas are a top-notch draw, as are the gratifying plates of pasta – particularly the wonderfully briny squid ink pasta. Chantilly cream-filled profiteroles were ridiculously good, but tiramisu lacked the espresso jolt. Closed Sundays. 1150 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, 407-774-8466; $$$
Italian/PizzaWolfies PizzamiaCollege Park artisan pizzeria upstages its sister restaurant, White Wolf Café, with house-cured charcuterie, hand-tossed pizzas and a dedication to time-honored techniques. The salumi platter, a bowl of split-pea soup and arugula salad is a primo way to commence, followed by any one of their doughy pizzas (try the signature Wolfies with fennel, blue cheese and dry salted beef) or house-made pastas (do yourself a favor and get the spaghetti and meatballs). 1905 N. Orange Ave., 407-237-0921; $$
European100 MontaditosThe Spanish franchise offers a good selection of Spanish tapas such as warm olives, patatas bravas and a nicely assembled cheese plate, but the montaditos are the thing to order. And there really are 100 different fillings for your mini sandwich – from traditional tastes such as Serrano ham, calamari, chorizo and piquillo peppers to meatballs, tuna salad and “Philly steak.” 417 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-384-9040; $
European407 CaféCharming Lake Nona mainstay serves panini, salads, gelato, coffee and pastries in a sleek, modern setting – but the real reason to visit is the crepes, served in more than 40 choices of sweet and savory combinations. 9161 Narcoossee Road, 407-658-6733; $Image via
EuropeanBenjamin French Bakery?Stellar bakery in the heart of Thornton Park. Sandwiches and quiches are worth stopping in for, but the baguettes, croissants and other sugary delights are what linger in your mind long after you’ve left. Shelves toward the back of the bakery are stocked with groceries from France. 716 E. Washington St., 407-492-1533; $
EuropeanChez VincentHoused along the spiffed-up streetscape in the happening Hannibal Square enclave west of Park Avenue, the 15-table Chez Vincent serves seductive French cuisine in a casual, cosmopolitan atmosphere. It’s a strong contender for the area’s finest French food. 533 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 407-599-2929; $$$Image via
EuropeanHollerbach’s Willow Tree CaféHomey gasthaus in Sanford’s historic downtown district offers bier, wursts, spaetzle, strudel and some of the finest sweet red cabbage you’ll eat, but the talent extends well beyond the food: Oompah music, dancing and downing “das boot” (about a yard of beer) are a crowd-stirring must. 205 E. First St., Sanford, 407-321-2204; $$Image via
EuropeanLa Casa de las PaellasSeafood is actually most prominent on the vast menu, but paella fiends can choose from seven variations. Paella marinera teems with fish and shellfish, but we lamented the lack of the characteristic crisp bottom crust. Make it a point to start with crunchy, juicy chicharrones de pollo. 10414 E. Colonial Drive, 407-736-9880; $$Image via
EuropeanLacomka Bakery & DeliThe multicultural mix of foods from Russia includes whole smoked herrings so tender that they spread like pâté and potato dumplings and borscht worthy of a stay at the Summer Palace. On your way out, buy a box of Czar Nicholas Royal Tea or take home some meat and cheese blintzes. 2050 Semoran Blvd., Winter Park, 407-677-1101; $$Image via
EuropeanLe Coq au VinIncredible French cuisine is the hallmark of this south Orlando landmark. Graceful perfection distinguishes dishes such as “grouper bronzé aux dix épices,” a fillet encrusted with toasted pecans and spices and bathed in citrus beurre blanc, and the center-cut black Angus steak, served with a dollop of peppercorn sauce. 4800 S. Orange Ave., 407-851-6980; $$$$Image via
EuropeanLe Gourmet Break150 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-371-9476; $Image via
EuropeanMi Tomatina Paella BarHannibal Square tapas bar impresses patrons with its lineup of hot and cold small plates and rice dishes. Mushroom caps stuffed with Serrano ham, authentic tortilla con chorizo, and vegetarian paella full of meaty wild mushrooms spark the palate. A nice selection of Spanish wines and sherries ensures authenticity. 433 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 321-972-4881; $$Image via
EuropeanMimi’s CaféThe former NOLA-themed comfort-food haunt is now a destination for lovers of French cuisine. While an extreme makeover of the decor can’t come soon enough, the baked Brie, coq au vin and rustic bouillabaisse are competently fashioned. To end, the eggy, fluffy bread pudding with lush whiskey-butter is utterly parfait. Servers, at times, can take on the blasé disposition of their Parisian counterparts, but consider it growing pains during the transition. 4175 Millenia Blvd., 407-370-0333; $$
EuropeanParis BistroFine French fare comes to the northern end of Park Avenue with a roll call of bistro classics. Canard aux peches, ballotines de volaille and beef burgundy are standout mains, but skip the too-thin French onion soup. Tableside dessert cart is a nice touch. 216 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-671-4424; $$$Image via
EuropeanPolonia Polish RestaurantDiners with bored palates will find new things to revive appetites at this highly traditional Polish restaurant. Cold cuts imported from Chicago and homemade desserts bracket slow-cooked stews and crispy potato pancakes; many dishes are prepared from family recipes. 750 S. Highway 17-92, Longwood, 407-331-1933; $$Image via