As Orlando continues its way through a year of gastronomic firsts — with new Hawaiian diners, French brasserie concepts, wagyu counters and more — we thought it time to show our homegrown classics some love. The city’s culinary impact runs deep with dozens of restaurants that have been serving the community for at least 25 years, if not many more.
Here are Orlando’s 30 oldest eateries that every local should know, and every visitor should check out.
139 N. Central Ave., Oviedo The Town House, located in Oviedo, is known for its small-town restaurant feel and its award-winning breakfast. The spot has been family-owned and operated since it first opened in the 1950s. Credit: Image via Google MapsThe Taproom at Dubsdread
549 W. Par St., Orlando
While the Taproom may be dark on the inside, this sports bar located on Dubsdread Golf Course offers a patio brunch with a full Sunday-morning cocktail menu. The shaded patio overlooks the golf course; we’re not sure where you can get a more Florida Sunday brunch than here. Credit: Photo via Tap Room at Dubsdread/FacebookGeorge’s Hideaway
5507 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
First opened in 1971, George’s Hideaway — also known as George’s Bar and Grill — has been slinging cheap drinks and eats like wings and bar bites for decades right along Edgewater Drive. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Best Steakhouse
Winner: Linda’s La Cantina Finalists: Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Credit: Image via Google Maps
Hot Dog Heaven on a Sunday
Hot Dog Heaven is in fact not open on Sundays and Mondays. You’ll have to find your dog fix elsewhere. Credit: Image via Google Maps
1130 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood Enzo’s on the Lake got its start in a small Central Florida home in 1980. Over the years, the restaurant has become the area’s go-to scenic dining destination, serving Italian cuisine with a chic spin. Credit: Photo via Enzo's on the Lake/Facebook
4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando This decked-out fish spot boasts longtime local ties, fervent fans and a laid-back, “no frills” approach to seafood. Since 1995, High Tide Harry’s has been serving burgers, ribs, shrimp, lobster, fresh fish and more. Credit: Image via Google MapsCafe Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive, Orlando
If dinner and a show is what you’re looking for, this funky tapas spot is the place to go. Cafe Tu Tu Tango has been serving the Orlando community for more than 30 years, offering creative food and drink specials every weekday, plus live music and relaxed patio seating, too. With tons of sharable plates to choose from, signature cocktails, and artists who paint while you eat, Cafe Tu Tu Tango is an attraction in itself. Credit: Photo via Café Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park One of Winter Park’s most iconic and long-standing breakfast joints serves up contemporary American cuisine and brunch daily. With breakfast goodies like blueberry-stuffed pancakes and raspberry-and-brie stuffed brioche french toast, it’s not hard to find a reason to bring the family here. Credit: Photo via Briarpatch/YelpWhite Wolf Cafe and Bar
1829 N Orange Ave., Orlando
This quirky cafe has been serving Orlandoans since 1991 — selling antiques and brunch with equal aplomb. The quaint, folksy space offers homestyle American meals and a warm atmosphere. Credit: Photo via White Wolf Cafe and Bar/Facebook
4401 Floridian Way, Orlando The high-end dining spot specializes in creative New American cuisine from chef Matthew Sowers — all wrapped up in an upscale, Old-World ambience. The spot recently snagged the title of best restaurant in country, per Trips to Discover. Credit: Image via Victoria & Albert's/YelpAntonio’s
611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
This Maitland eatery has long been known for its authentic dishes and refined atmosphere — it’s a favorite among the Orlando area’s many Italian restaurants. Credit: Photo via Antonio's/FacebookKappy’s Subs
501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Family-owned since 1967, Kappy’s Subs offers a little glimpse into Orlando’s restaurant history (and is newly celebrating its return from the dead after a closure scare last year). The spot serves classic American fare like subs, burgers and dogs across a good old-fashioned all-American diner counter. If you’re a big group, you might want to plan to pick up your sandwiches to go. Credit: Photo via Kappy's Subs/website
7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando Chatham’s Place has been part of the Orlando community for more than 30 years. Chef Tony Lopez, creator and owner of the restaurant, showcases locally grown produce and fresh ingredients in the eatery’s dishes. Credit:Photo via Chatham’s Place/Yelp
1018 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando This family-owned sandwich shop has been supplying Orlando with hearty and tasty subs since 1972. Credit: Photo via Art's Sandwich Shop/Instagram
2505 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando Family-owned Lam’s Garden has been offering straightforward, traditional Chinese cuisine (and dim sum service) since it was opened in 1989. It’s packed out on holidays with Chinese families and college kids catching up on their holiday break. Credit: Photo via Lam's Garden/Facebook
424 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando This Central Florida meaty institution has been filling hungry Orlandoans’ stomachs with the best roast beef (and turkey, ham or pastrami) sandwiches since 1968. Beefy King also offers milkshakes and their own spin on the classic tater tot, Beefy Spuds. You wouldn’t want to deny this City Beautiful classic to the out-of-towners. Credit: Image via Google MapsBagel King
1455 Semoran N. Circle, Casselberry
Bagel King is a go-to destination for bagel and breakfast lovers all over Central Florida. The casual, counter-serve spot has been operating since 1977 and is home of the “kettle-baked bagel.” The menu also features various soups, salads and sandwiches. Bagel King is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Credit: Image via Google MapsGabriel’s Submarine Sandwich Shop
3006 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
These iconic sandwiches have been at College Park since 1958. The shop serves up authentic American food like wings, subs and curly fries. Credit: Photo via Google MapsBoston’s Fish House
6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park
Winter Park’s Boston Fish House first opened its doors back in February of 1988. Since then, the spot has made a name for itself serving classic New England-style seafood dishes. Credit: Photo via Boston's Fish House/FacebookLee and Rick’s Oyster Bar
5621 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando
You can’t get more Florida than a seafood spot shaped like a boat and covered in taxidermy fish. Located right here in Orlando, Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar first opened back in 1950 with just nine seats and an oysters-only menu. Now the family-run local favorite offers plenty of seafood and ample seating to enjoy it in. Credit: Photo via LeeandRicksOysterBar.com
1015 State Road 436, Casselberry Aladdin’s Restaurant is one of the first family-opened Lebanese restaurants in Central Florida. The menu features an array of traditional, authentic Lebanese dishes. Credit: Image via Google MapsChristini’s
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, Orlando
Christini’s has been serving the Orlando community for more than 30 years, boasting some of the best fine dining service of traditional Northern Italian food. Credit: Photo via Christini's/FacebookCharlie’s Bakery & Creamery
3213 Curry Ford Road, Orlando
Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery has been serving the Central Florida community cakes, cookies, ice cream and everything in between for more than 50 years. The bakery also offers catering services, so there’s several ways to get your hands on their top-quality cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, pies, pastries, cookies, brownies, premium ice cream (including dairy-free options!) and all the other treats. Credit: Photo via Charlie's Bakery/Facebook
4501 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando Korea House Restaurant was the very first Korean restaurant to open in the Sunshine State (back in 1982), and the only one of its kind for many years. The eatery has been serving authentic and traditional Korean cuisine since ever since, and the true Orlando classic is still recognized for its longevity and quality today. Credit: Photo via Korea House Restaurant/FacebookChristner’s Prime Steak & Lobster
729 Lee Road, Orlando
This family-run steakhouse is still serving high-end steaks and seafood in refined dining rooms filled with classical piano music and, occasionally, magic shows. Dinner and a show gets taken to a whole new level here. Credit: Photo via Christner's Prime Steak & Lobster/Facebook
1106 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando This Vietnamese mainstay has held on at an incredibly busy East Colonial corner over the years. Guests can expect colossal portions of traditional Vietnamese dishes all wrapped up in a vibrant, colorful atmosphere. Credit: Photo via LittleSaigon.comKobe Steakhouse
Multiple locations, 407-862-2888
Kobe has been serving the community since 1984 and currently offers 12 Central Florida locations.
Photo via Kobe Japanese Steakhouse/Facebook Credit: Photo via Kobe Japanese Steakhouse/FacebookRed Wing Restaurant
12500 FL-33, Groveland
Red Wing has been open since the 1940s, standing the test of time and continuing to serve its guests a wide array of hand-cut steaks, fresh fish and various other meat-centric entrees. Credit: Photo via Red Wing Restaurant/Facebook
