We’re halfway through 2018, and Orlando has been serving up some serious restaurant openings all year. From tacos to sushi, it’s easy to expand your palate in O-Town with these new eateries.
Terralina Crafted Italian
1650 E. Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, 32830 (407) 934-8888
Transport to Little Italy at this Disney Springs hot spot. Ran by Top chef master Tony Mantuano, you can find everything from the Eggplant Parmesan Stack to Ravioli Gigante here. Come with an empty stomach. Read moreChela Tequila & Tacos
183 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801 (407) 985-5272
The opening of Chela spiced up Orange Ave. with Chili Lime Wings, Brisket Nachos and Chicken & Jicama Slaw bowls. Read our food critic’s review of ChelaThe Hangry Bison
480 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 32789 (407) 677-5000
Bourbon and craft burgers are the name of the game at Hangry Bison. You can build your own, or try something different like a salmon burger (The Sockeye). Read moreGrape & The Grain
Grape & The Grain
1110 Virginia Dr, Orlando, 32803 (407) 674-6156
The highly-anticipated opening of Grape & The Grain created a lot of buzz with locals. Here, you can find a great craft beer selection and live entertainment from local artists. Read moreThis Little Piggy
426 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 347-7769
February marked the opening of a new BBQ and beer place, This Little Piggy. Here, you can order pulled pork one of two ways: Texas-style (meat with barbecue sauce) or Carolina-style (meat with mustard barbecue sauce, pickles and coleslaw). Read moreTaste of Chengdu
2030 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, 32804 (407) 839-1983
You can find authentic Sichuan cuisine at the Taste of Chengdu. Each plate is elegantly plated and will transport you to another world with each bite.
Photo via Taste of Chengdu/InstagramEl Buda
116 W. Church St., Orlando, 32801 (407) 203-8171
El Buda brings Latin Asian Fusion to downtown Orlando and offers some great deals like $13 bottomless sangria and mimosas on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read moreBig Time Street Food Co.
805 E Washington St, Orlando, 32801 (407) 801-5464
The opening of Big time Street Food Co. brought mouthwatering pretzels, wraps and chicken sandwiches to Thornton Park. Some locals are even saying that their chicken is better than Chick-fil-A’s, which says a lot.
Photo via Big Time Street Food Co./FacebookPier 36 Fish Camp
2699 Cassel Creek Blvd., Casselberry, 32707 (321) 207-0939
According to Pier 36, their familiar seafood fare is “locally sourced” from “well-managed fisheries.” Since opening, they’ve gained regulars across local neighborhoods, and reviews across the board are mixed, but they seem to be serving up some good cocktails.
Photo via Pier 36 Fish Camp/FacebookFour Guys Pho
505 FL-436, Casselberry, 32707 (407) 755-6670
Delectable spring rolls and a selection of pho soups are only the beginning at Four Guys Pho. There are tons of amazing chef specials at this Vietnamese cuisine hub that you have to try out.
Photo via nickjroymba/InstagramCilantro’s Taqueria
1427 S Bumby Ave, Orlando, 32806 (321) 247-5665
You can find authentic Mexican street food at Cilantro’s Taqueria. You can also find some killer guacamole and spicy street corn. You can’t go wrong with any menu item here. Read more
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/FacebookGarp & Fuss
458 N. Park Ave #5, Winter Park, 32789 (407) 960-5560
Ran buy two sisters, this spot packs a punch with some out-of-the-box flavor pairings like Buffalo Cauliflower and Butternut Squash & Apple Soup. This is the place to be if you’re trying to treat your taste buds to something new. Read moreMeson Sandwiches
6622 Eagle Watch Dr., Orlando, 32822 (407) 852-3131
Meson brings its own Puerto Rican flair to Central Florida, and this is the chain’s third location. May 18 was declared “Meson Sandwich Day” by Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer at its grand opening ceremony.
Photo via Meson Sandwiches/FacebookMaria & Enzo’s Ristorante
1560 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 32830 (407) 560-8466
Themed around a 1930s air terminal, this Disney Springs spot is a great place to stop for some Italian cuisine during your next trip. Read more Credit: Photo via Patina Group/Maria & Enzo'sMiller’s Jamaican Cuisine
6854 Forest City Rd, Orlando, 32810 (407) 776-9271
This Jamaican spot goes all the way with lunch boxes packed with authentic flavors like jerk chicken and seasoned rice. Miller’s kicked off its operations in May and has become a local favorite for Jamaican cuisine.
Photo via Miller’s Jamaican Cuisine/FacebookMy Turkish Cafe
3030 E Semoran Blvd ste 212, Apopka, 32703 (407) 865-7722
The plates here may look fancy, but the prices are surprisingly really great. Whether you come for the gyros or falafel, you’ll leave with your Turkish cuisine cravings satisfied.
Photo via My Turkish Cafe/FacebookThe Nook on Robinson
2432 E Robinson St, Orlando, 32801
The Nook opened back in March with the hopes to be a hub for all things local, and it hasn’t disappointed. With beer, wine, cider, kombucha, coffee, juice and pastries, there’s something for everyone. Read moreSTIR Restaurant & Bar
1409 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, 32804 (407) 723-8976
STIR brings classic American dishes and craft cocktails to Lake Ivanhoe. Our food critic stopped by STIR—read morePapa Sabz Mediterranean
500 FL-436 #1020, Casselberry, 32707 (407) 725-7617
Head to the counter at Papa Sabz for some savory Mediterranean grub. This spot takes subs and gyros to the next level, and locals rave about how friendly the staff is.
Photo via vic2ks/InstagramThe Red Claw
131 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801 (407) 914-2831
You’ll feel like you’re dining oceanside at this lobster roll joint. Red Claw brought fresh ingredients and flavors to the Orange County Brewers space just a few weeks ago. Read moreSpice Indian Grill
4498, 306, N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, 32826 (321) 732-3110
If you love chicken tenders, you’ll love the Indian take on them in the form of Chicken Pakora at Spice. To top off your good meal, stop by on one of its signature music nights to catch some live entertainment.
Photo via Spice Indian Grill UCF/FacebookThe Simple Greek
945 City Plaza Way, Oviedo, 32765 (407) 542-0106
The Simple Greek is home to a unique style of fries, made to order and topped with feta cheese and red wine vinegar. You can also craft a pita or bowl.
Photo via The Simple Greek/FacebookSouthern Spice Indian Cuisine
7637 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, 32819 (321) 251-2244
The secret home recipes of Southern Spice’s dishes have made it a quick favorite among locals. You can definitely spice up your day at this authentic Indian eatery. Read moreSpicy & Juicy Seafood and Sports Bar
7365 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, 32818 (407) 751-5028
There’s no shortage of fresh seafood at this eatery. And yes, it’s both spicy and juicy. You can also find some great cocktail deals here, like $5 cocktails all night on Sundays.
Photo via Spicy & Juicy Orlando/FacebookSticky Rice Lao Street Food
1915 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, 32803 (321) 800-6532
At Sticky Rice, sharing with others and eating with your hands is “heavily encouraged.” Small plates like lemongrass sausages, jerky and dumplings make up the menu. Read our food critic’s review of Sticky RiceWine Bar George
1610 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 32830 (407) 490-1800
Wine Bar George brough more than 130 wine options to Disney Springs when it opened in May. It also offers some savory shareable appetizers. Read moreTaco Maker Mexican Grill
7790 Lake Underhill Road, Unit #105, Orlando, 32825 (407) 930-0496
If you aren’t tired of tacos and nachos, try out this East Orlando restaurant and their homemade guacamole.
Photo via Taco Maker Mexican Grill/InstagramTartine
2445 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, 32804 (407) 845-0016
This wine bar and eaterie offers French cuisine using local ingredients. Tartines are, of course, the star of the show. Read more1803 Pizza/Kitchen
1803 E. Winter Park Road, Orlando, 32803 (407) 647-3872
1803 is a California-style pizzeria, home to a chef with 20 years of experience. They also serve pizza brunch, which is apparently a thing.
Photo via 1803 Pizza Kitchen/FacebookWildflower Vegan Co.
1501 E Altamonte Dr #1053, Casselberry, 32730 (321) 444-6254
Orlando area vegans love this spot thanks to its plant-based options and scrumptious sweet treats that are all vegan-friendly. It also has some amazing smoothies, like the PB & Chocolate. Photo via Wildflower Vegan Co./Instagram33 & Melt
13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd #1000, Windermere, 34786 (407) 614-3843
Windermere got a little cheesier in April with the opening of 33 Melt, a grilled cheese bar. If that wasn’t enough to sell you already, there is also craft beer and wine options and great outdoor seating. Read moreAnnie’s Roti Shop & Bar
2200, 805 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, 32811 (407) 930-8069
Annie’s Roti Shop & Bar is a great place to grab some breakfast and score free coffee until 11 a.m. Everything is served hot and fresh and the portions are more than generous.
Photo via ms_moni_v/InstagramArooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar
227 S Semoran Blvd, Winter Park, 32792 (407) 986-9464
Arooga’s has a little bit of everything: Amish Perogies, Old Bay Fries & Cheese, Next Level Truffle Tots and Truffle Mac N Cheese. This Winter Park location is the first Arooga’s to open in Florida. Lucky us.
Photo via Arooga’s/FacebookManny’s Original Chophouse
4979 New Broad St., Orlando, 32814 (407) 755-4110
Manny’s Chophouse serves up certified Angus beef at the old Joe’s Crab Shack building in Baldwin Park. If you decide to stop by, take them up on their claim that they age their steaks for well over a month.
Photo via Manny’s Original Chophouse/FacebookAspendos Turkish Cuisine
7025 County Road 46A, Suite #1011, Lake Mary, 32746 (407) 333-0033
Aspendos is one of the few places where you can top off your meal with an in-house hookah water pipe. It’s also Lake Mary’s prime spot for rich Turkish cuisine, including Turkish fruit juices and cocktails.
Photo via Aspendos Turkish Cuisine/WebsiteCafé Linger
2912 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, 32804 (407) 930-0473
Café Linger is the place for unlimited Prosecco cocktails at brunch, apart from European-influenced small plates.Photo via Cafe Linger/FacebookSaporito
2759 Old Winter Garden Road, Ocoee, 34761 (407) 554-2100
Saporito is the first organic Italian bakery and kitchen in Orlando, serving up calzones, paninis and other freshly baked goods.
Photo via Saporito/FacebookCalle 3 M3xican Str33t Kitchen
1664 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, 32703 (407) 703-2569
”Love, peace & taco grease” is this Mexican spot’s motto, and you’re sure to get all three. From beer battered fish to blackened shrimp tacos, this place does not come up short with flavor.
Photo via Calle 3 M3xican Str33t Kitch3n/FacebookThe Edison
1560 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 32830 (407) 560-9288
This new Disney Springs eatery offers a gothic-style dining space with craft cocktails and American cuisine. You have to dive in to the Red, White & BBQ burger and satisfy your sweet tooth with the Black Cherry Cream Shake. Read moreHawkers Asian Street Fare
9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Suite #110, Windermere, 34786 (407) 583-6334
Hawkers’ second location moves away from its familiar yet chaotic Mills 50 area into a more inviting atmosphere with its open kitchen and square bar.
Photo via Hawkers Asian Street Fare/FacebookIron Cow Cafe
2438A E. Robinson St., Orlando, 32803
This is “where carnivore and herbivore can dine together and not eat each other!” The Iron Cow doesn’t only serve some killer food, it also hosts some amazing entertainment and good beverage choices. Read moreLa Kuma
840 E State Rd 434, Longwood, 32750 (407) 960-8393
La Kuma specializes in Japanese-style coffee and tea, so it’s a great place to stop by if you want to zen out one afternoon. Try out the matcha mousse for a sweet, creamy treat on a hot day.
Photo via La Kuma Coffee/FacebookJJ’s Fusion Grille
4270 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 32792 (407) 821-3907
JJ’s is like Chipotle, but better. Just as their name implies, they fuse Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine to create unique dishes.
Photo via JJ’s Fusion Grille/InstagramFlorida & Co.
3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, 32803 (407) 790-7758
Florida & Co. brings bright, fresh flavors to Orlando by highlighting natural and locally grown ingredients. It also has a pretty killer craft beer selection. Read moreMai Bistro
1830 East Colonial Drive A, Orlando, 32803 (407) 730-8538
Locals can find some of the finest Vietnamese street food at Mai Bistro. Although meaty dishes tend to be the fan faves, like the BBQ pork Banh Mi sandwich, there are also vegetarian options. Read more