Both neighborhoods are packed with restaurants, but which you choose has a lot to do with what you’re craving – hyperlocal flavor on the cheap or cha-ching! pampering. To the north, there’s Mills 50, a haven for mom-and-pop ventures, international eats and the hottest spots to find nom-nom-nirvana on a dime. To the south, International Drive has transformed itself from a tourist trap to avoid into a restaurant hub worth frequenting, especially on an expense account.

Mills 50 King Bao You can eat an amazing dinner for less than $10 at King Bao. Two pillowy rice-flour buns stuffed with Korean fried chicken, braised pork belly or lobster plus a soft drink will only set you back about seven bucks. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50 King Bao You can eat an amazing dinner for less than $10 at King Bao. Two pillowy rice-flour buns stuffed with Korean fried chicken, braised pork belly or lobster plus a soft drink will only set you back about seven bucks. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50 The Strand If there’s one place on the Mills 50 strip for a fancy dinner, it’s the Strand. The pocket-sized restaurant and bar specializes in small-batch classic comfort food with a contemporary twist, so it’s not too far outside the comfort zone for less adventurous diners. The waitstaff will steer you to a killer bottle of wine within your budget. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50 The Strand If there’s one place on the Mills 50 strip for a fancy dinner, it’s the Strand. The pocket-sized restaurant and bar specializes in small-batch classic comfort food with a contemporary twist, so it’s not too far outside the comfort zone for less adventurous diners. The waitstaff will steer you to a killer bottle of wine within your budget. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50 Pho 88 Sometimes only soup will do. Good thing Pho 88 has 40 different ones to choose from, all served in giant bowls with your choice of accoutrement – thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeno slices and lime wedges. Vietnamese parents all swear by a big bowl of bun bo hue, a steaming, lava-red bowl of beef and noodles, for whatever ails you. Photo via Instagram/j.coyne
Mills 50 Pho 88 Sometimes only soup will do. Good thing Pho 88 has 40 different ones to choose from, all served in giant bowls with your choice of accoutrement – thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeno slices and lime wedges. Vietnamese parents all swear by a big bowl of bun bo hue, a steaming, lava-red bowl of beef and noodles, for whatever ails you. Photo via Yelp
Mills 50 Hawkers Asian Street Fare When chef and TV-host Andrew Zimmern came to Orlando, he couldn’t say enough good things about Hawkers Asian Street Fare. Same goes for the small plates at Mamak Asian Street Food. At these two Mills 50 restos, it’s encouraged to order a bunch of things and order progressively from the menu until you’ve reached your desired satiety. Photo via Instagram/armando_abooboo_du_bois
Mills 50 Hawkers Asian Street Fare When chef and TV-host Andrew Zimmern came to Orlando, he couldn’t say enough good things about Hawkers Asian Street Fare. Same goes for the small plates at Mamak Asian Street Food. At these two Mills 50 restos, it’s encouraged to order a bunch of things and order progressively from the menu until you’ve reached your desired satiety. Photo via Instagram/30seattravellove
Mills 50 Mamak Asian Street Food When chef and TV-host Andrew Zimmern came to Orlando, he couldn’t say enough good things about Hawkers Asian Street Fare. Same goes for the small plates at Mamak Asian Street Food. At these two Mills 50 restos, it’s encouraged to order a bunch of things and order progressively from the menu until you’ve reached your desired satiety. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50 Mamak Asian Street Food When chef and TV-host Andrew Zimmern came to Orlando, he couldn’t say enough good things about Hawkers Asian Street Fare. Same goes for the small plates at Mamak Asian Street Food. At these two Mills 50 restos, it’s encouraged to order a bunch of things and order progressively from the menu until you’ve reached your desired satiety. Photo via Instagram/sherryjiaa
Mills 50 Lam’s Garden There’s no rule that says Saturday and Sunday mornings are just for bacon and eggs; Mills 50 folk go for dim sum instead. Sit down at Lam’s Garden, Chan’s Chinese Cuisine or Ming’s Bistro – after you’ve waited in line a bit – to feast on dumplings, chicken feet and roasted pork. Photo by Aldrin Capulong
Mills 50 Chan’s Chinese Cuisine There’s no rule that says Saturday and Sunday mornings are just for bacon and eggs; Mills 50 folk go for dim sum instead. Sit down at Lam’s Garden, Chan’s Chinese Cuisine or Ming’s Bistro – after you’ve waited in line a bit – to feast on dumplings, chicken feet and roasted pork. Photo via Instagram/smwongo_
Mills 50 Ming’s Bistro There’s no rule that says Saturday and Sunday mornings are just for bacon and eggs; Mills 50 folk go for dim sum instead. Sit down at Lam’s Garden, Chan’s Chinese Cuisine or Ming’s Bistro – after you’ve waited in line a bit – to feast on dumplings, chicken feet and roasted pork. Photo via Instagram/keshiaislove
Mills 50 Chuan Lu Garden Orlando’s only authentic Sichuan-style restaurant, Chuan Lu Garden, started out as a run-of-the-mill hibachi hut, but soon the owners learned we couldn’t get enough of those numbing peppercorns and turned the whole place into a veritable sweat lodge where patrons slurp dan-dan noodles and spicy hot pots. Photo via Instagram/derek77june
Mills 50 Chuan Lu Garden Orlando’s only authentic Sichuan-style restaurant, Chuan Lu Garden, started out as a run-of-the-mill hibachi hut, but soon the owners learned we couldn’t get enough of those numbing peppercorns and turned the whole place into a veritable sweat lodge where patrons slurp dan-dan noodles and spicy hot pots. Photo via Orlando Weekly
Mills 50 Noodles & Rice Noodles, be they hot, cold, soupy or stir-fried, are the, ahem, mein attraction at this Mills Avenue resto – whether it’s ramen, udon, soba, pad thai, chow fun or lo mein that bubbles your bowl, you’ll find it all at Noodles & Rice. Or try the Hong Kong style barbecue (duck is surprisingly absent) or snag a hot pot table. Photo via Instagram/alnemy
Mills 50 Noodles & Rice Noodles, be they hot, cold, soupy or stir-fried, are the, ahem, mein attraction at this Mills Avenue resto – whether it’s ramen, udon, soba, pad thai, chow fun or lo mein that bubbles your bowl, you’ll find it all at Noodles & Rice. Or try the Hong Kong style barbecue (duck is surprisingly absent) or snag a hot pot table. Photo via Instagram/alistairpaulm
Mills 50 Black Rooster Taqueria John and Juliana Calloway create Black Rooster Taqueria to fill a need – an elevated, authentic Mexican taco stand. Since the storefront opened in 2015, it’s become a neighborhood must-visit. Come for the tacos, but stay for the pork pozole verde and chocolate-chipotle flan. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50 Black Rooster Taqueria John and Juliana Calloway create Black Rooster Taqueria to fill a need – an elevated, authentic Mexican taco stand. Since the storefront opened in 2015, it’s become a neighborhood must-visit. Come for the tacos, but stay for the pork pozole verde and chocolate-chipotle flan. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50 Tasty Wok If you’ve ever walked Main Street in Flushing, Queens, you’ll recognize the roast whole ducks and five-spice aroma wafting from Tasty Wok. You can still find kung pao and orange chicken here (done better than most NY-style spots, too), but the stars are the whole sole with black bean sauce and beef with pickled vegetables. Photo via Instagram/michellina
Mills 50 Tasty Wok If you’ve ever walked Main Street in Flushing, Queens, you’ll recognize the roast whole ducks and five-spice aroma wafting from Tasty Wok. You can still find kung pao and orange chicken here (done better than most NY-style spots, too), but the stars are the whole sole with black bean sauce and beef with pickled vegetables. Photo via Instagram/lianjulia
Mills 50 Shin Jung Korean Restaurant Shin Jung Korean Restaurant has been through several updates, but we think the most recent one, which added Korean BBQ grills to each and every table, is just the tops. After you’ve wrapped your last bulgogi or slurped the last of your kimchi jjigae, don’t forget dessert: the epic patbingsu. Photo via Instagram/shinjungkorean
Mills 50 Shin Jung Korean Restaurant Shin Jung Korean Restaurant has been through several updates, but we think the most recent one, which added Korean BBQ grills to each and every table, is just the tops. After you’ve wrapped your last bulgogi or slurped the last of your kimchi jjigae, don’t forget dessert: the epic patbingsu. Photo via Instagram/jamesramseur
Mills 50 King Cajun Crawfish A large number of Vietnamese refugees made the Southern states their home during the 1960s and 70s, and adopted Cajun seafood as part of their culture. King Crawfish and L.A. Boiling Seafood are two spots to get your hands really, really dirty on Mills 50, elbows deep in crawfish, corn and melted butter. Photo via Instagram/shinnosuke55
Mills 50 King Cajun Crawfish A large number of Vietnamese refugees made the Southern states their home during the 1960s and 70s, and adopted Cajun seafood as part of their culture. King Crawfish and L.A. Boiling Seafood are two spots to get your hands really, really dirty on Mills 50, elbows deep in crawfish, corn and melted butter. Photo via Instagram/tongkumsai
Mills 50 LA. Boiling Seafood Crab & Crawfish A large number of Vietnamese refugees made the Southern states their home during the 1960s and 70s, and adopted Cajun seafood as part of their culture. King Crawfish and L.A. Boiling Seafood are two spots to get your hands really, really dirty on Mills 50, elbows deep in crawfish, corn and melted butter. Photo via Instagram/luther_livin
Mills 50 LA. Boiling Seafood Crab & Crawfish A large number of Vietnamese refugees made the Southern states their home during the 1960s and 70s, and adopted Cajun seafood as part of their culture. King Crawfish and L.A. Boiling Seafood are two spots to get your hands really, really dirty on Mills 50, elbows deep in crawfish, corn and melted butter. Photo via Instagram/lastarya
Mills 50 Tako Cheena Tako Cheena, a bustling Latin-Asian burrito and taco spot, has reached certified local must-eat status. We can’t wait for it to move into new digs just down the street in the former Forbidden City building. Photo by Aldrin Capulong
Mills 50 Tako Cheena Tako Cheena, a bustling Latin-Asian burrito and taco spot, has reached certified local must-eat status. We can’t wait for it to move into new digs just down the street in the former Forbidden City building. Photo via Instagram/jessicaturnblah
Mills 50 Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa Until recently, when the Lake Nona outpost opened, Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa on Mills Avenue was the only place to find the pork belly banh mi – a Latin-Asian sammy that’s an ode to the ’hood – or the Matahambre, translated as the “hunger killer,” a monster layered with smoked brisket, chimichurri, mayonnaise, picked vegetables and an egg on toasted baguette. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50 Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa Until recently, when the Lake Nona outpost opened, Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa on Mills Avenue was the only place to find the pork belly banh mi – a Latin-Asian sammy that’s an ode to the ’hood – or the Matahambre, translated as the “hunger killer,” a monster layered with smoked brisket, chimichurri, mayonnaise, picked vegetables and an egg on toasted baguette. Photo by Rob Bartlett
I-Drive Tapa Toro Group dining isn’t a difficult sell on the I-Drive strip, conventions and family vacationers pack private dining rooms and long tables in restaurants. But for a fun and interactive chef’s table, sit around the half-moon paella “pit” at Tapa Toro, where executive chef Wendy Lopez and her crew fill pans with shellfish, seasoned short-grain rice and saffron. Bonus: free parking at the I-Drive 360 garage. Photo by Rob Bartlett
I-Drive Tapa Toro Group dining isn’t a difficult sell on the I-Drive strip, conventions and family vacationers pack private dining rooms and long tables in restaurants. But for a fun and interactive chef’s table, sit around the half-moon paella “pit” at Tapa Toro, where executive chef Wendy Lopez and her crew fill pans with shellfish, seasoned short-grain rice and saffron. Bonus: free parking at the I-Drive 360 garage. Photo by Rob Bartlett
I-Drive Taverna Opa Orlando The food at Taverna Opa at Pointe Orlando, the street’s original dining and shopping destination, is beyond reproach – lemony grilled lamb ribs and braised lamb shanks are favorite plates – but it’s the nightly belly-dancing and napkin-throwing that have us coming back for seconds. Photo via Instagram/mariemccol
I-Drive Taverna Opa Orlando The food at Taverna Opa at Pointe Orlando, the street’s original dining and shopping destination, is beyond reproach – lemony grilled lamb ribs and braised lamb shanks are favorite plates – but it’s the nightly belly-dancing and napkin-throwing that have us coming back for seconds. Photo via Instagram/tavernaopaorl
I-Drive Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Carnivores will cheer for the prime steak list at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse on the west side of I-Drive. Oenophiles will adore dining in the private cellar dining room with wine “elevator” that plucks bottles from the two-story tower. Photo by Rob Bartlett
I-Drive Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Carnivores will cheer for the prime steak list at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse on the west side of I-Drive. Oenophiles will adore dining in the private cellar dining room with wine “elevator” that plucks bottles from the two-story tower. Photo by Rob Bartlett
I-Drive Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant The menu at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is lengthy, but not even as extensive as its wine list. Locals love the Waterford Lakes and Sanford locations, but the I-Drive version is walking distance to the Orlando Eye. If you loved your bottle, pick it up at the in-house wine shop for at-home imbibing. Photo via Instagram/isabel112506
I-Drive Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant The menu at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is lengthy, but not even as extensive as its wine list. Locals love the Waterford Lakes and Sanford locations, but the I-Drive version is walking distance to the Orlando Eye. If you loved your bottle, pick it up at the in-house wine shop for at-home imbibing. Photo via Instagram/isabel112506
I-Drive Texas De Brazil Orlando gets enough Brazilian tourist traffic to justify an all-you-can-eat churrasceria chain on every corner. Texas de Brazil, on the north end of International Drive might be the go-to with its NASCAR-regulation oval buffet, but Fogo de Chão is equally delicious, and their gauchos ask (and remember!) what temperature you prefer your steak when they come around to slice. Photo via Instagram/orlandomag
I-Drive Texas De Brazil Orlando gets enough Brazilian tourist traffic to justify an all-you-can-eat churrasceria chain on every corner. Texas de Brazil, on the north end of International Drive might be the go-to with its NASCAR-regulation oval buffet, but Fogo de Chão is equally delicious, and their gauchos ask (and remember!) what temperature you prefer your steak when they come around to slice. Photo via Instagram/mydailyimpressions
I-Drive Fogo de Chão Orlando gets enough Brazilian tourist traffic to justify an all-you-can-eat churrasceria chain on every corner. Texas de Brazil, on the north end of International Drive might be the go-to with its NASCAR-regulation oval buffet, but Fogo de Chão is equally delicious, and their gauchos ask (and remember!) what temperature you prefer your steak when they come around to slice. Photo via Orlando Weekly
I-Drive Fogo de Chão Orlando gets enough Brazilian tourist traffic to justify an all-you-can-eat churrasceria chain on every corner. Texas de Brazil, on the north end of International Drive might be the go-to with its NASCAR-regulation oval buffet, but Fogo de Chão is equally delicious, and their gauchos ask (and remember!) what temperature you prefer your steak when they come around to slice. Photo via Instagram/rachelrm321
I-Drive Tony Roma’s Don’t roll your eyes just yet. This ain’t the 1970s rib joint you remember. Tony Roma’s parent company is based right here in Orlando, and they’ve made the I-Drive location a flagship and testing ground for new recipes and craft cocktails. The fare is still crowd-pleasing; just think less Brady Bunch and more Modern Family. Photo via Tony Roma’s
I-Drive Tony Roma’s Don’t roll your eyes just yet. This ain’t the 1970s rib joint you remember. Tony Roma’s parent company is based right here in Orlando, and they’ve made the I-Drive location a flagship and testing ground for new recipes and craft cocktails. The fare is still crowd-pleasing; just think less Brady Bunch and more Modern Family. Photo via Instagram/comeren.ba
I-Drive Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar The last remaining vestige of the formerly vast Funky Monkey empire is located at Pointe Orlando, and has been the proving ground for many of Orlando’s top chefs, including Hell’s Kitchen alum Ashley Nickell. Photo via Instagram/centralfloridarestaurantassoc
I-Drive Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar The last remaining vestige of the formerly vast Funky Monkey empire is located at Pointe Orlando, and has been the proving ground for many of Orlando’s top chefs, including Hell’s Kitchen alum Ashley Nickell. Photo via Instagram/ali_kazeminia
I-Drive The Oceanaire Seafood Room Throw on your most elegant frock, order a chilly dry martini and prepare yourself for classic seafood preparations at present-day prices at Oceanaire Seafood Room. The oyster bar features 10 different oysters from around the globe, flown in fresh daily. We’re almost certain the Oceanaire is the only place where baked Alaska is still a regular on the dessert menu. Photo via Instagram/nongharin
I-Drive The Oceanaire Seafood Room Throw on your most elegant frock, order a chilly dry martini and prepare yourself for classic seafood preparations at present-day prices at Oceanaire Seafood Room. The oyster bar features 10 different oysters from around the globe, flown in fresh daily. We’re almost certain the Oceanaire is the only place where baked Alaska is still a regular on the dessert menu. Photo via Instagram/oceanaireorlando
I-Drive Maggiano’s Litte Italy For plates piled high with pasta, you’ll want to head to Maggiano’s Little Italy at Pointe Orlando. Just north of Buca di Beppo’s price point, this carbo-chain is famous for family-style dishes of eggplant parmigiana and flash-fried calamari. These guys are used to crowds, too, so for a big party, service will be a cinch. Just call ahead. Photo via Instagram/revistaviajar
I-Drive Maggiano’s Litte Italy For plates piled high with pasta, you’ll want to head to Maggiano’s Little Italy at Pointe Orlando. Just north of Buca di Beppo’s price point, this carbo-chain is famous for family-style dishes of eggplant parmigiana and flash-fried calamari. These guys are used to crowds, too, so for a big party, service will be a cinch. Just call ahead. Photo via Instagram/nor.vegan.love
I-Drive Itta Bena She-crab soup is what you should start with when you sit down in the upscale-rustic digs at Itta Bena Food & Spirits on Pointe Orlando’s upper level. Get there early to taste your pick of dozens of bourbons at the bar while the pianist takes requests. Once you’ve dined, head across the sidewalk to Lafayette’s for live Dixieland, rock and jazz until the wee hours. Photo via Instagram/jcloss_events
I-Drive Itta Bena She-crab soup is what you should start with when you sit down in the upscale-rustic digs at Itta Bena Food & Spirits on Pointe Orlando’s upper level. Get there early to taste your pick of dozens of bourbons at the bar while the pianist takes requests. Once you’ve dined, head across the sidewalk to Lafayette’s for live Dixieland, rock and jazz until the wee hours. Photo via Orlando Weekly
I-Drive Tommy Bahama The seafood-centric Tommy Bahama restaurant is a themed restaurant that tries really hard not to be a themed restaurant. But you just can’t get around the khaki-clad, island-shirted “adventure casual” crowd here. The Maui-inspired menu is anything but casual, though, sporting Kona coffee crusted ribeye and macadamia-crusted red snapper. Photo via Instagram/pointeorlando
I-Drive Tommy Bahama The seafood-centric Tommy Bahama restaurant is a themed restaurant that tries really hard not to be a themed restaurant. But you just can’t get around the khaki-clad, island-shirted “adventure casual” crowd here. The Maui-inspired menu is anything but casual, though, sporting Kona coffee crusted ribeye and macadamia-crusted red snapper. Photo via Instagram/tommybahamaorlando
I-Drive Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops What you won’t get at Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops at the Hilton Orlando: frills. What you will get: a damn good steak. The minimalist chophouse is favored for its aged, hand-cut Florida beef, but also flaunts lamb, pork and elk chops on its one-page menu. Steak sides are a la carte, and the celeriac au gratin shouldn’t be overlooked. Photo via Instagram/annabellabowie