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While we have plenty of expert-curated takes on the best food in the Orlando metro, sometimes it can be helpful to break out of the bubble and see what your average Johnny-on-the-street thinks are The City Beautiful’s best offerings. With that in mind, here are the best restaurants in the Orlando area, according to the self-appointed critics on Yelp.
StreetWise Urban Food
407-367-5705, 4434 Hoffner Ave.
StreetWise’s funky interior immediately prepares guests for unique burgers, sandwiches and make-your-own bowls and tacos. Their chicken and waffle hot mess and cajun chicken tacos are the perfect brunch dishes.
Photo via StreetWise Urban Food/FacebookYellow Dog Eats
407-296-0609, 1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere
Barbecue, sandwiches and salads with innovative twists are Yellow Dog Eats’ speciality. These dishes, filled with pulled pork, smoked chicken or classic hot dogs, are just a drive away.
Photo via Yellow Dog Eats/FacebookIsland Fin Poke Company
407-313-2827, 7004 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. #148
All poke dreams can be fulfilled at Island Fin Poke with their homemade sauces, 25 toppings and customizable bowls. Oh. And don’t forget to grab some dole whip while you’re there.
Photo via Island Fin Poke Company/FacebookChicken Fire
2425 E. Colonial Drive
If you have yet to experience Chicken Fire, this is your reminder to try some of Orlando’s best fried chicken. Guests can enjoy the hot chicken either sandwiched between a fluffy bun or by itself.
Photo via Chicken Fire/FacebookPoke Hana
407-601-0283, 1225A E. Colonial Drive
Poke Hana has the Hawaiian comfort food down pat. Spam musubi, dole whip and (of course) poke are all available at the tropical eatery.
Photo via Poke Hana/FacebookTamale Co.
407-203-6505, 2411 Curry Ford Road
The Tamale Co. serves 15 types of tamales including mole, pollo ranchero and chorizo. Aside from tamales, they offer breakfast burritos, tacos and elotes.
Photo via Tamale Co./FacebookNonno’s Italian Restaurant
407-260-8900, 1140 E. Altamonte Drive #1018, Altamonte Springs
Rooted in Sicilian tradition and a tomato sauce beyond compare, Nonno’s Italian restaurant delivers hand-crafted pasta, flatbreads and salads. Its Italian wedding soup, bruschetta and chicken marsala are some of their most popular items.
Photo via Nonno’s Italian Restaurant/FacebookMarket On South
407-613-5968, 2603 E. South St.
Vegan food never looked so good. Make sure to get there early before classic menu items like Dharma’s Florida fried green tomato sandwich and “Nashville Hawt” fried chicken sandwich sell out.
Photo via Market On South/FacebookAntica Pizzeria
407-834-7770, 249 Fl-436 #1105
Although Antica is mostly known for their coal-fired pizza, they also serve hand-made pastas and desserts. Their classic margherita pizza is a known go-to for guests.
Photo via Antica Pizzeria/FacebookHungry Pants
407-412-6300, 3421 S. Orange Ave.
Don’t be fooled by Hungry Pant’s health-conscious menu; their dishes pack some serious flavor. The saucey brussels, Buddha bowl and coconut curry bowl are must-tries.
Photo via Hungry Pants/FacebookFrutamix
407-614-1438, Multiple Locations
You know a restaurant is doing something right when they’ve been open for over two decades. Frtuamix offers delicious margaritas, tacos and other Mexican classics.
Photo via Frutamix/FacebookPrato
407-262-0050, 124 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
This stylish Italian eatery is known for its pizza, pasta and antipastas. Some of their most popular dishes include their shrimp ravioli, gnocchi and beef carpaccio.
Photo via Prato/FacebookMad Crab Seafood and Wings
407-960-3723, 325 W. Kennedy Blvd.
There’s a reason Mad Crab’s seafood combos have had raving reviews. You can’t beat their flavorful boils and budget-friendly prices.
Photo via Mad Crab Seafood and Wings/FacebookMee Thai Restaurant
407-802-2323, 1200 Lee Road
Mee Thai offers plenty of vegan and vegetarian friendly Thai dishes. Their pad thai, refreshing papaya salad and drunken noodles are just a few of the restaurant’s most popular plates.
Photo via Mee Thai Restaurant/FacebookThe Mexican Camel
407-357-0000, 5752 International Drive
It’s the fusion cuisine you never thought you needed: Mexican-Mediterranean. Whether it’s a bowl, burrito or quesadilla, guests can build their own flavorful creation.
Photo via The Mexican Camel/FacebookAlex’s Fresh Kitchen
407-636-5048, 1015 FL-436 Suite 109, Casselberry
Alex’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves fresh, classic American cuisine. If you stop by for breakfast, make sure to try Alex’s fluffy pancakes or the croissant sandwich.
Photo via Alex’s Fresh Kitchen/FacebookHappy Snapper Seafood Restaurant
407-757-0976, 6327 S. Orange Ave. #104
Happy Snapper is the spot if you’re fishing for a diverse menu of fresh seafood. Some crowd favorites include their blue crab bisque, blackened red snapper and crab cake.
Photo via Happy Snapper Seafood Restaurant/FacebookJJ’s Fresh From Scratch
407-802-2947, 2950 Curry Ford Road
JJ’s Fresh From Scratch gives guests the chance to customize their own meal with the three different bases, six different proteins, 15 toppings, and four sauces. Their passion fruit and mango mousse is also a must-try.
Photo via JJ’s Fresh From Scratch/FacebookZeytin Turkish Cuisine
407-988-3330, 4439 Edgewater Drive
If you’re in the mood for some fresh Turkish food, check out Zeytin. Their succulent kebabs and rich baklava are definitely worth a visit.
Photo via Zeytin Turkish Cuisine/FacebookShouFi MahFi Mediterranean Grill
407-930-1332, 8379 S. John Young Parkway
ShouFi MahFi’s combo platters are the perfect way to sample portions of their flavorful menu. Platters include kefta, chicken or shish kebab served with rice, pita bread and two sides of choice.
Photo via ShouFi MahFi Mediterranean Grill/FacebookAvalon Eatery
407-906-9933, 13001 Founders Square Drive
The Avalon Eatery offers a modern American cuisine with a little bit of something for everybody. Their gnocchi bar, spicy cajun shrimp and alfredo sweet heat dishes showcase their diverse menu.
Photo via Avalon Eatery/FacebookP’s VietMi Cafe
407-271-8428, 8475 S. John Young Parkway
P’s fresh vietnamese menu is filled with fresh veggies and herbs. Their Bahn Mi, spring roll and chicken vermicelli bowl are top contenders for most popular dishes.
Photo via P’s VietMi Cafe/FacebookV.L.C. Vegan Eatery
407-866-2199, 504 N. Alafaya Trail #113
This plant-based Asian fusion eatery offers an array of sushi, dumplings and fried rice. Notable dishes include their eggplant katsu, tempura veggies and tofu curry.
Photo via V.L.C. Vegan Eatery/FacebookSelam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine
407-778-3119, 5494 Central Florida Parkway
Selam’s authentic African cuisine has cemented its position as an Orlando cornerstone with its vibrant cuisine. Their Selam vegetarian special is perfect for sharing with its eight vegetable pairings.
Photo via Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine
/FacebookKadence
1809 Winter Park Road
Kadence offers guests an intimate dining experience where they can enjoy multi-course menus that are paired with a curated selection of sake. Guests can expect a menu filled with sashimi, tuna flights, ice cream and more.
Photo via Kadence/Facebook