We just released BITE 2015, our ultimate guide to Orlando’s food scene. If offers a breakdown of top area restaurants in a delicious spread laid out by what kinds of food you’ll find featured on their menus (Latin, Indian, Asian, Italian, etc.). That’s meant to help so you can quickly skip to exactly what you’re craving or idly explore Orlando’s foodie culture region after region, drink after drink, chef after chef. But we also wanted to help you sort by budget, so here’s a slice of the best cheap eats you can find in this year’s BITE.
’Kesh Restaurant
Eclectic UCF-area resto offers a mishmash of delights to in-the-know patrons, many of whom come for gourmet tacos, stand-out sandwiches, plump Chicago-style hot dogs and home cooking. The Taylor Street
beef sandwich and the pork soft tacos with mole and house-made queso crumbles are stellar. If the grilled cornbread is available, order it. Desserts vary, but handspun milkshakes in flavors like rose petal, spicy chocolate almond and peanut butter and ginger are out of the ordinary. Closed Sundays. 11768 E. Colonial Drive, 407-203-0801; $’Kesh chef Jerry Helminski musters maximum flavorPhoto by Rob BartlettSapporo Ramen
Banish all thoughts of salty plastic-wrapped bricks: It isn’t that kind of ramen. Richly flavored bowls of tonkotsu, shio, miso or shoyu ramen are the main event, but udon and soba noodles are also offered, as are curries and gyu-don, both of which are worth ordering. 5080 W. Colonial Drive, 407-203-6777; $Ramen rules at Sapporo RamenPhoto by Rob BartlettBorder Grill
This MetroWest taqueri?a is a real find, and once found, a treasure trove of tacos (pibil, chorizo and grilled chicken are our faves), tortas, gorditas, burritos and caldos awaits. Consider starting with fresh-made guac and ending with homemade flan, no matter how stuffed you feel. Homemade salsas can be downright infernal, but various aguas frescas (get the watermelon) prove effective extinguishers. 5695 Vineland Road, 407-352-0101; $Border Grill: From the underbelly of MetroWest come killer tacos, burritos and caldosPhoto by Rob BartlettMamak Asian Street Food
Mamak brings a semblance of Malaysia’s food-stall culture to Mills 50 with plenty of pan-Asian noodle soups, wok-fired delicacies and small plates. From beef bulgogi and cod in black bean sauce to char kway teow and kari mee, the dishes here are thoroughly gratifying. To end, sweet ice kacang is a cold comfort. 1231 E. Colonial Drive, 407-270-4688; $ Mamak brings Malaysian food-stall culture to the forefrontPhoto by Rob BartlettNar Mediterranean Grill
Create 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 falafel, doner kebab, and lamb, beef and chicken kofte. Of the several side-dish choices, pass over 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 Ave., 407-277-4774; $ Nar Mediterranean Grill: Fresh Turkish fare near UCF offers late-night sweet and savory satisfactionPhoto by Rob BartlettBB Junction
Local grass-fed beef and a farm-to- table approach is the hook, which seems to be working. The bison?rules, but be sure to order it “pink.” The No. 6, with an infernal coat of ghost-pepper cheese, is a hellaciously good choice. For vegetarians, there’s a house veggie patty and some stellar grilled cheeses; craft beers on tap and house-made desserts make for very happy endings. 2103 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-513-4134; $ Restaurant review: BB JunctionPhoto by Rob BartlettLazy Moon Pizza
Size 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. This fiercely beloved east Orlando spot holds its own as a haven for the anti-Budweiser legions who want craft suds with
their slice. 11551 University Blvd., 407-658-2396; $Restaurant review: Lazy Moon PizzaLazy Moon Pizza on FacebookPower House Cafe
Founded in 1970, the simple eatery with an active lunch counter is what used to be called a “health-food restaurant.” A Middle Eastern focus shows in the fattoush, tabbouleh and shawarma on offer, but the menu is mostly skewed toward healthy, natural proteins and salads, along with the delicacy that single-handedly revived the blender – the smoothie. 111 E. Lyman Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-3616; $Restaurant review: Power House CafePhoto via Power House Cafe on FacebookGringos Locos
Downtown and Milk District outposts of this taqueri?a are a boon for late-night revelers, offering standard tacos, burritos, chimis and quesadillas. The sizable girth of the chimi and “1 Night Slam” burrito make them ideal alcohol sponges, and crisp, flaky empanadas are great grab-and-go items. Skip overdone fish tacos. 20 E. Washington St., 407-841-5626; also 2406 E. Robinson St., 407-896-5626; $Gringos Locos offers loads of Tex-Mex to loaded dinersGringos Locos on FacebookPho Curry Ford
Modest joint on Curry Ford Road serves dependable pho and other Viet staples. The hearty beef stew banh mi served with doughy French bread and an aromatic pho tai are both stellar. A decent list of vegetarian items is offered, including fat tofu-filled spring rolls and taro-stuffed egg rolls. 3334 Curry Ford Road, 407-930-6267; $ Pho Curry Ford, a modest joint on Curry Ford Road, serves up dependable Vietnamese staplesPhoto by Rob BartlettHubbly Bubbly Falafel Shop
Fast-casual College Park eatery places an emphasis on quality with a focused offering of falafel and spit-fired meats. Rib-eye/lamb shavings are perfect in pita pockets, as is the turmeric- and paprika-rubbed chicken, though both can be enjoyed in salad or hummus bowls; for the vegans, lentils with caramelized onions are a toothsome protein. Start with fried cauliflower in “Lilly” sauce; for a light capper, the lemon slushy is good sweet fun. 3405 Edgewater Drive, 407-985-5841; $ Fresh-fried goodness at Hubbly BubblyPhoto by Rob BartlettKing Cajun Crawfish
A host of seasoning choices, top-notch sides and cut-rate prices make this Cajun dive a real draw for diners craving crawfish boils. Other NOLA staples are hit (catfish po’boy) and miss (gumbo). End with a strong cup of Cafe? du Monde coffee. 914 N. Mills Ave., 407-704-8863; $?Restaurant review: King Cajun Crawfish Photo via King Cajun Crawfish of Orlando on FacebookNoodles and Rice Cafe
Noodles, be they hot, cold, soupy?or stir-fried, are the, ahem, mein attraction at this Mills Avenue resto, so whether it’s ramen, udon, soba or lo mein that bubbles your bowl, find it all right here. Don’t overlook the Hong Kong style barbecue or the hot pot tables. It’s BYOB, but you’ll have to tithe to the chef. Open daily. 813 N. Mills Ave., 407-895-8833; $?Restaurant review: Noodles and Rice CaféPhoto by Rob BartlettBeth’s Burger Bar
Being pigeonholed as a late-night pit stop is inevitable when you’re situ- ated in the downtown core and stay open until 3 a.m. on weekends, but Beth’s Burger Bar is worth a visit even during sober daylight hours. Beth’s takes a down-to-earth approach to patty-stacking, eschewing the trend for designer burgers with a thousand toppings in favor of a straight-up, old-school approach with old-school pricing. 24 E. Washington St., 407-650-4950; also 5145 S. Orange Ave., 407-888-1190; $ Restaurant review: Beth’s Burger BarPhoto by Rob BartlettQ’Kenan
Among the timeshares and hotels?on the southern end of I-Drive, this?unusual family Venezuelan joint peeks?out of the overwhelming fast-food?dining scene. It’s part restaurant and?part grocery store and there’s not?a whole lot of ambience, but the authentic?arepas, empanadas and cachapas are?first-rate. Got a big appetite? Try the mixed mountain grill?(parrilla tepui mixta) for a super-hearty?entree. 8117 Vineland Ave.,?407-238-0014; $?Restaurant review: Q’Kenan RestaurantPhoto via Q’Kenan Restaurant on FacebookBombay Cafe
This sanctuary of South Indian fare gives Woodlands a run for its money with infernal vegetarian curries, enormous dosas and comforting flatbreads. Chaats (crunchy snack mixes) offer textural diversity with varying levels of heat. Lunch thalis are available Monday to Sunday. 1137 Doss Ave., 407-240-5151; $Restaurant review: Bombay CafeBombay Cafe via bombaycafeorlando.netStardust Video & Coffee
Over the years, the Audubon Park stalwart has morphed to serve the changing desires of the community. Among its many functions (work and study spot, café, farmers market) and despite its ramshackle air, the ’dust is prized by anyone looking for a quality lunch, a late-night snack, or a nice buzzy glow, whether from caffeine
or liquor. 1842 E. Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393; $Restaurant review: Stardust Video & CoffeePhoto via Stardust Video & Coffee on FacebookSuper Rico Colombian Bistro
Food truck fans may remember them as Que Rico Colombian Fast Food, but wheels or no, the Colombian specialties flying onto your table at this tiny downtown spot will keep you in your seat. Beef and grilled onion-topped patacones (somewhat similar to tostones), pintxos (grilled meat skewers) and bright-yellow cheese empanadas are tasty; the arepa burger is not to be missed. 57 W. Central Blvd., 407-426-7007; $Super Rico Colombian Bistro: Colombian street fare and culture finds a home in the heart of downtownPhoto by Rob BartlettFreshii
Quinoa lovers, rejoice! Freshii, a Toronto-based fast-casual joint, focuses on making healthy eats affordable and convenient. The menu comprises salads, soups, wraps, burritos and noodle, rice or quinoa bowls, all topped with fresh ingredients (with the exception of the hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, which are pre-cooked and shipped in). Smoothies, especially the mint-pineapple-coconut Powerhouse, are terrific. Friendly staff in an eco-friendly space. 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., 407-203-8856; $ Freshii reminds you that you are what you eatPhoto by Rob BartlettSouthern Moon Smokehouse
At this Conway-adjacent smokehouse, the chefs behind the popular Fork in the Road food truck are honing their pitmaster skills. Dry pulled pork needs work, as does the rub on the brisket, but St. Louis-style ribs are absolutely luscious. Vegetarians may want to sample the smoked and pulled jackfruit, an intriguing option. House-made sodas are tart and original; service is friendly but as yet harried. 3000 Curry Ford Road, 407-895-8076; $A little work is needed to make Southern Moon shinePhoto by Rob BartlettOh! Que Bueno
A small Colombian cafe? that specializes in protein: meat, chicken, sausages, seafood. And unless you count rice, corn and red beans, not?a veggie in the place. The carneteria offers authentic traditional dishes done well, as well as enormous combination plates of beef, pork, sausage and the occasional egg. 1125 S. Semoran Blvd., 407-447-5026; $Restaurant review: Oh! Que Bueno Colombian CuisinePhoto via Oh! Que Bueno Colombian Cuisine on FacebookBenjamin French Bakery
A stellar bakery in the heart?of Thornton Park serves sandwiches and quiches worth stopping in for, but the baguettes, croissants and other sugary delights are what linger in your mind long after you’ve left. 716 E. Washington St., 407-797-2253; $Restaurant review: Benjamin French BakeryPhoto by Rob BartlettExtract Juice and Tapas Bar
Hannibal Square juice bar is the place to come for fresh juices with intriguing ingredients (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, habañero peppers), but the fare is equally notable. If you can stop pawing the addictive cayenne-brown sugar popcorn, you’ll delight in their pita pizzas, Thai pineapple lettuce wraps, ahi nachos and honey-balsamic goat cheese dip. Owners are laid-back and generous, so don’t be surprised if you see some freebies come your way. 400 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 407-960-6988; also 101 S. Garland Ave.; $Extract Juice and Tapas Bar exudes a feel-good vibePhoto by Rob BartlettThat One Spot
The drolly named That One Spot is a hipster burger joint right down to the graffiti mural, but that hasn’t scared off the suburbanites. Crowds line up patiently for the spectrum of 13 burgers comprising red meat, other meats and two veggie options. The curry chicken burger has a surprising flavor burst, and the crunch burger was an absolute beauty – it’s the one you’ll be hankering for until your eventual return. 10968 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee, 407-877-7575; $Restaurant review: That One SpotPhoto by Rob BartlettToasted
Appealing to the basic human need for cheese and bread, Toasted deserves high praise for their simple, albeit sleep-inducing curds wedged between grilled artisan bread. The braised brisket-and-fontina and fig- and-goat are grilled cheese options worth enjoying, as is the herbaceous “holy basil” burger. Even vegans can get in on the fun with house-made vegan cheese and burgers. Open daily. 1945 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 407-960-3922; $ Toasted indulges the basic human need for cheese and breadPhoto by Rob BartlettThe Porch
Winter Park sports bar can get cacophonous at times, but the eclectic crowd seems to enjoy sipping on cocktails, downing beers and watching football – the fact that the food here is decent is a bonus. Try the stuffing waffle topped with mashed potatoes, roasted turkey and gravy. Enter through the parking lot shared with the Meat House. 643 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-571-9101; $The Porch is a raucous addition to Winter Park’s bar scenePhoto by Rob BartlettThe Meatball Shoppe
Small Azalea Park eatery serves up (what else?) meatballs in six different varieties, which can be enjoyed three different ways – on top of a side (consider penne pasta, polenta or white bean ragout), smashed inside a ciabatta roll, or “alone” (over greens). Meatballs, be they traditional Italian, spicy pork or lamb, are moist and juicy, though meals can leave you wanting more, given that just three meatballs come in an order. Local Muse gelato and pricey, though tasty, mini cannoli comprise the dessert offerings. 7325 Lake Underhill Road, 407-270-6505; $Have a ball or two at the Meatball ShoppePhoto by Rob BartlettYellow Dog Eats
The popular Gotha eatery now has a New Smyrna Beach location, where they continue to serve their signature barbecue and unique sandwiches (try the pulled pork with jalapeño-fig sauce, or the club sandwich with sweet Thai chili sauce) as well as tacos, nachos, salads and veggie items. 147 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach, 386-410-4824; also 1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere, 407-296-0609; $Restaurant review: Yellow Dog EatsPhoto via Yellow Dog Eats on FacebookYum-Mi Sandwiches
Bright, fresh and modern banh?mi counter aims to please the?masses with variations on the iconic Vietnamese sandwich. Specialty options like pork belly (“Miss Piggy”) and Asian-marinated beef cubes (“shimmy shaker”) stuffed inside fresh-baked baguettes are hits. Fresh fruit slushes and boba teas are
must-try treats. 1227 N. Mills Ave., 407-894-1808; $ Restaurant review: Yum-Mi SandwichesPhoto via Yum-mi Sandwiches on FacebookThe Gnarly Barley
A roadhouse that just so happens to serve great food, the Belle Isle brew pub features obscure and wonderful beers and a menu full of hangover preventers like the “Johnnie Mac ’n Cheese” sandwich, a bombshell take on the French dip. 7431 S. Orange Ave., 407-854-4999; $On the side: The Gnarly BarleyEl Buzo
Ceviche is the specialty of this tiny Peruvian cocina, but be sure to?start with excellent mussels on the half-shell, dressed with a tangy salsa jacked with aji limo peppers. Grilled beef heart and traditional lomo saltado are worthy turf selections, if you’re not into surf. 1436 N. Semoran Blvd., Casselberry, 407-673-0237; $El Buzo Restaurant: Chef Bruno Ferreyra’s Peruvian specialties may be literally out of this worldPhoto via El Buzo Restaurant on FacebookTasty Wok
You’ll be saying “thank you” repeatedly to your quick-to-educate servers at this modest corner barbecue and noodle house. Singapore rice noodles are a don’t-miss, and roast duck and chicken offer a proper juicy-to-crisp ratio. The real deal. 1246 E. Colonial Drive, 407-896-8988; $Restaurant review: Tasty WokPhoto via Tasty Wok on FacebookMetro Espresso Pizza Cafe
Trusty 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; $Restaurant review: Metro Espresso Pizza CafePhoto via Metro Espresso Pizza Cafe on FacebookTako Cheena
An eclectic offering of tacos, burritos and arepas stuffed with mostly Asian (but also Indian and African) fillings sets this taqueri?a apart from the rest – along with the loud music and edgy art. Empanadas are a must to start, then dive right into the sublime panko-crusted cod taco. Burritos are substantial – don’t pass up the African braised beef, with corn, potatoes and quinoa – and the sauces, especially sweet chili with smoked ghost pepper, are sublime. 932 N. Mills Ave., 321-236-7457; $ Restaurant review: Tako CheenaPhoto via Tako Cheena by Pom Pom on FacebookAnh Hong
There are hundreds of items on the menu at this Mills 50 mainstay, where No. 146 – fried tofu stir-fried with lemongrass and chili – reigns supreme over the many vegetarian options that round out meat and seafood. There are salads, subs (banh mi) and various neon-colored surprises in the takeout refrigerator case. 1124 E. Colonial Drive, 407-999-2656; $ Restaurant review: Anh Hong RestaurantPhoto via Anh Hong Restaurant on FacebookMing’s Bistro
Hard to spot, but well worth seeking out, Ming’s specializes in the a la “cart” scarfing extravaganza known as dim sum. Menu descriptions are terse, so be sure to ask your red-vested server about the ingredients. 1212 Woodward St., 407-898-9672; $ Restaurant review: Ming’s BistroPhoto by Ashley Belanger
