Between new openings, Michelin star handouts, culinary achievements and a swath of heartbreaking closures, Orlando’s restaurant scene has gone through plenty of change this year. But despite the churn, we can always count on Orlando foodies (and Yelpers) to champion their favorites.
From onigiri counters to hole-in-the-wall sandwich spots to tea shops, here are the 20 highest rated “hot and new” restaurants in Orlando, according to Yelp.
Irregular Smash
1300 Alden Road, Orlando
“We had the chance to try Irregular Smash food truck during a visit to Ivanhoe Park Brewing. The owner was so friendly, and the food was really great. We tried the OG Smash Burger and The Beast, which is essentially loaded fries on steroids. The burger was huge, with a double smashed patties, pickles, cheese and a special sauce. The Beast is basically loaded fries meets deconstructed smash burger and is a guilty pleasure meal that we genuinely enjoyed. This would be the perfect late night indulgence, and I can almost guarantee the beast would cure a hangover.” — Jenna H. Credit: Photo via Irregular Smash/Google MapsFrank’s Pizza Shop
7591 University Blvd., Winter Park
“My mother, who was first-generation Italian and the only American on her father’s side, always told us not to order spaghetti and meatballs at a restaurant because no one will make it like your mother. Well Frank’s came very close. The meatballs were meaty and the sauce was not Americanized with too many herbs or spices. It had a flavor similar to our family’s sauce and did not disappoint. The serving was so big I could make two servings out of it!” — Joanne P. Credit: Photo via Frank's Pizza Shop/Google MapsHarmony Tea Shoppe
7548 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
“Got in before closing so there was no line. The staff was extremely friendly and told us to take our time. The food came out and it was hot and delicious. Some of the best wings I had for awhile. The rice was cooked perfect and the chicken was good. The Thai tea tasted great. Price is reasonable and would definitely go back.” — Kit K. Credit: Photo via Harmony Tea Shoppe/Instagram
7379 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando “They capture a unique vibe with plentiful retro signs and Kpop playing on the speakers. Advertising itself as a hangout bar spot, they offer a variety of cocktails, beer, soju, and sake. They also have a watermelon soju mix that’s served in a carved out watermelon. They serve a wide variety of food, from staple items like tteokbokki and fried chicken to the less common tangsuyuk and jokbal. Their main items are the iconic budaejjigae (army base stew) and odentang (fish cake soup) which can be ordered by itself or in a combo set that includes other dishes.” — Alyssa S. Credit: Photo via Pocha 93/InstagramToken Ramen
380 S. State Road 434, Altamonte Springs
“So glad to have a delicious ramen place so close to home. My bf is super picky but loved everything from the miso soup to the hibachi. I had the black garlic ramen and the broth might be what finally heals me after days of being sick. Will be adding this spot into our dinner rotation.” — Victoria M. Credit: Photo via Token Ramen/Instagram
11020 Daryl Carter Parkway, Orlando “Maya Thai is the latest addition to the increasingly bustling array of restaurants on Daryl Carter Boulevard. The space is a no frills, but very clean, dining room that offers both a takeout counter and table service. The staff is welcoming and personable.” -—David M. Credit: Photo via Maya Thai Cuisine/YelpAhi Sushi
4898 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando
“My experience at Ahi Sushi was great. The price point is very similar to other AYCE sushi places but the variety and quality of fish is much higher. I had the regular menu and was very happy with my dining experience. The servers were friendly and the food came out fast. Highly recommend!” — Jackie Z. Credit: Photo via Ahi Sushi/FacebookChili Star
5062 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
“Amazing food and service! The taste of the food is authentic and very delicious and design of the restaurant was beautiful. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend ordering the special grilled fish (sea bass) and the pork belly. I will most definitely come back for more!” — Beastmode C. Credit: Photo via Chili Star/YelpWalala Asian Noodle House
5062 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
“Excellent flavors and freshness … but the last two times we went, they ran out of tonkotsu ramen soup 🙁 nevertheless they deserve a 5 star rating since they are the best in Orlando that we have found after Sapporo Ramen closed a few years ago.” — Mike L. Credit: Photo via Walala Asian Noodle House/InstagramMister O1
7541 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
“OK, WOW! It is HARD to find good pizza in Florida but the Dr. Phillips location of Mister O1 was phenomenal! I’ve never been to a place that had a burrata bar but I was immediately on board. Everything was fresh and the owner, Karif, lives and breathes customer service. The restaurant is on the smaller side, but it’s well-decorated and clean. Overall a 10/10 experience and my new go-to pizza place in the area!” — Jessica B. Credit: Image via Mister O1/Google MapsTsuki Sushi and Grill
9430 Narcoossee Road, Orlando
“The food was excellent. We ordered several rolls and some salmon sashimi and everything was very good quality and delicious. The selection of rolls is very good with a nice variety of creative combinations to choose from. They also have a decent selection of wine, beer and sake. We look forward to returning in the near future.” — Alex F. Credit: Photo via Tsuki Sushi and Grill/Google Maps
15 Alafaya Woods Blvd., Oviedo “Situated in Oviedo is Yao’s restaurant, an incredibly thoughtful modern Chinese kitchen by Chef George Yiu. From the captivating design of the restaurant to the little touches in the food, it comes down to the details and they’ve held tellingly tight to those standards.” — Oliver C. Credit: Photo by Rob BartlettCity Barbeque
108 S. Semoran Blvd., Winter Park
Opened this summer for the first time in Florida, City Barbeque specializes in classics like pulled pork sandwiches, beef brisket, ribs and even fried pickles. The chain’s claim to fame is that it smokes everything it serves itself, with the help of on-site smokers that run 24 hours a day at each location. Credit: Photo via City Barbeque/Facebook
360 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland “When I heard they opened a second location in Maitland I knew I needed to go try them out. This place has been on my ‘to-eat’ list for so long and I’m very happy I got to try the sushi burger or specifically the ‘SOFLOFOOODIE Burger,’ which has large slices of salmon covered in krab salad and seaweed salad in between two ginormous rice ‘buns’ coated in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Sounds like a dream and it sure looked like one. The salmon was fresh and the other ingredients complemented each bite. I was hoping for more heat from the flamin’ hot Cheeto rice buns but I couldn’t taste much of those delicious chips unfortunately. Otherwise this would’ve been a solid sushi burger.” — Kevin P. Credit: Image via Google MapsSixty Vines
7760 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
“TLDR: A little pricey but the vibes and food is worth it … This places gives very summer house vibes and has an incredible amount of wines on tap! Definitely a cute place to hang for a girls night or even a little date night. Servers are very knowledgeable on the wines and have great recommendations to pair well with what we got.” — Hikari N. Credit: Image via Google MapsTalkin’ Tacos
400 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Talkin’ Tacos, the all-halal Mexican taqueria out of South Florida, opened shop in the old Pita Mediterranean Street Food space in Maitland. Talkin’ Tacos also has a location in SoDo at 3123 S. Orange Ave. Credit: Photo via Talkin' Tacos/FacebookKrazy Good Seafood and Chicken
4900 Millenia Blvd., Orlando
“OMG!!!! I love this place. They have the best customer service. The staff was warm and friendly and the food was the bomb!! We had the fan favorite and it came with the best seasoned snow crabs, delicious corn and the sausages was so good. The peach tea reminded me of the Deep South and peaches was inside of the tea. The snow cone was delicious even though I was stuffed from all the delicious food.” — Tammy T. Credit: Photo via Krazy Good Seafood and Chicken/Instagram
783 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando “I recently dined at Maroush, a charming new Mediterranean spot that just opened two weeks ago, and I was thoroughly impressed. This family-owned gem serves up some of the most authentic Mediterranean food I’ve had in a long time. The chicken and beef shawarma were cooked to perfection — juicy, flavorful, and seasoned just right. You can tell they use quality ingredients, and it really makes a difference.” — Angela B. Credit: Photo via Maroush/YelpUnigirl
1110 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
“Unigirl is such a fun, unique spot tucked away in the Mills Market in the Mills 50 District. All of their onigiri (Japanese rice balls) are made to order, and you can see all the employees hard at work making each fresh onigiri!” — Erin M. Credit: Photo via Unigirl/Yelp
4945 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando “Food is amazing, atmosphere good, everyone was polite and very helpful, service above and beyond. Definitely will be a regular. I had the egg drop sandwich, probably one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I give it 10/10” — Manwel R. Credit: Photo via Brooklyn's Eat/Yelp
