Everyday, thousands drive down Semoran/436 on their way to work, or more than likely to the airport, and while you may have a few favorite eateries on this main Orlando stretch, there’s actually a ton of hidden gems worth your time. So, the next time you’re traveling down this major Central Florida artery, stop in to one of these underrated spots.
Kai Asian Street Fare
1555 State Road 436, Winter Park, (407) 821-3430
Kai Asian Street Fare’s authentic Vietnamese menu is small but packs a lot of flavors. Try their fried chicken, garlic noodles, or wontons. There’s really no wrong decision.
Photo via Kai – Asian Street Fare/FacebookFour Guys Pho
505 FL-436, Casselberry, (407) 755-6670
Created by four brothers, this Vietnamese restaurant specializes in not only pho but also traditional dishes to the culture. From egg noodle soup to vegetarian tofu dishes, there is something for everyone at this spot.
Photo via clwarder/InstagramPizza 1905
1555 Semoran Blvd., Winter Park, (321) 972-8838
For an authentic slice of New York pizza from Winter Park, Pizza 1905 serves up undeniably good pies. Not in the mood for pizza? Grab a calzone or one of their traditional Italian salads. Oh, and don’t forget a cannoli for dessert.
Photo via PIZZA 1905/FacebookLa Hacienda Market and Taqueria
3090 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, (407) 673-7720
If you’re not careful you might miss La Hacienda the next time you’re in Winter Park. This grocery store/restaurant serves up double corn tortilla tacos topped with pickled radish and carrots.
Photo via apmiller4696/InstagramRoyal Thai
1202 N Semoran Blvd., (407) 275-0776
At this Thai restaurant, the simple dish param was handled with such a deft touch that is remarkable. The light peanut sauce over the pan-seared tofu cubes and vegetables is a wonderful addition to the already wonderful array of flavors.
Photo via archiefied/InstagramBonchon
5475 Gateway Village Cir., (407) 270-8565
Besides deliciously sticky Korean wings, Bonchon also features bibimbap bowls, fried rice, pork belly buns, Korean tacos, kimchi coleslaw and more. It is, without a doubt, the best Korean fried chicken chain there is.
Photo via Bonchon/FacebookLa Abundancia Bakery And Restaurant
1555 FL-436, Winter Park, (407) 671-0511
With plates filled to the edge and flavor to match, breakfast and lunch here are a must. You can’t go wrong with the Huevos con Chorizo or the long list of bakery items.
Photo via gastroorlando/InstagramArepera La Nueva
29 S Semoran Blvd., (407) 482-0087
Known for fast service and delicious arepas, this Latin American food spot is a hit. Stuffed to the brim, the arepas are best when dipped in the garlic white sauce. Plus, you can’t go wrong with the great prices for a late-night snack.
Photo via dantheman129/InstagramBagel King
1455 Semoran Blvd., Casselberry, (407) 657-6266
Home to kettle-baked bagel, the finished product has a crunchy exterior with a deliciously soft inside, made to perfection. With an array of bagel flavors and both sweet and savory schmears, you’d think these masterpieces came straight out of New York.
Photo via bagelking_fl/FacebookCafe Caobana
73 S Semoran Blvd., (407) 243-9140
If you’re craving a good Cuban sandwich, this restaurant is the place to hit. With outdoor seating and a bakery counter for a snack, you can either grab and go or sit and stay a while.
Photo via himoverthere313/InstagramCappadocia Turkish Cuisine
565 N Semoran Blvd., Azalea Park, (407) 985-2668
Look out, Orlando, here come the Turks! If you don’t like lamb, there are plenty of options with beef, chicken or salmon to consider. Our faves were the moist and pliant adana, as well as the tender cubes of shish.
Photo via starship_poopers/InstagramCrazy Pollo
5756 Dahlia Dr., (407) 277-0926
Fresh, juicy and crisp, the fried yuca here is a must. You can’t go wrong with the mofongo or carne frita either.
Photo via crazypollo.orlando/InstagramGaribaldi’s Mexican
925 N Semoran Blvd., (407) 275-5035
The selection of specialties is wide, but if you’d be happier with the standbys of tacos, burritos and enchiladas, there are 30 different combinations of same, along with chile rellenos and chalupas. Oh, and yes, a mariachi band does come to the restaurant so be sure to call ahead to make sure they’re playing during your visit.
Photo via apparatusmag/InstagramHabaneros Mexican Grill
494 N Semoran Blvd., Winter Park, (407) 622-7466
This is the spot for great tacos, reasonable prices and speedy service. For an almost unbelievable deal, with the purchase of any drink, you can get $1 tacos on Tuesdays. Abandon your usual taco spot next Tuesday and give this place a try.
Photo via barbienowick/InstagramHotto Potto
1700 N Semoran Blvd., (407) 930-5366
This Asian fondue that incorporates different spice levels for various broths is not only an experience of atmosphere but flavors as well. The ingredients are fresh and the atmosphere is quite unique.
Photo via snacksalldayeveryday/InstagramJamaican Cuisine Jerk Spot
2050 State Road 436, Winter Park, (407) 681-0403
With curried and jerk flavored Caribbean meals, dining at this Jamaican-style spot is a must. They offer great happy hour menu items and deals that could bring any customer back wanting more, especially when paired with the truffle carbonara and chicken skewers.
Photo via Jamaican Cuisine JERK SPOT/FacebookLa Granja
490 N Semoran Blvd., Winter Park, (407) 250-6050
There’s a drive-through window, but go inside to see what people are packing away: large plates of spit-roasted chicken, grilled steak and pork accompanied by large helpings of white rice, black or red beans and french fries.
Photo via gini1221/InstagramLacomka Russian Bakery & Deli
2050 FL-436, Winter Park, (407) 677-1101
The Lacomka Bakery & Deli in Winter Park is serving up potato dumplings and borscht worthy of a stay at the Summer Palace. Born in Georgia in the Ukraine, Luboi Vyazhvich is eager to serve up her handmade cakes or wrap up whole smoked herrings so tender that they spread like pate.
Photo via Lacomka Russian Bakery and Deli/FacebookLechonera El Barrio
435 N Semoran Blvd., (407) 384-3145
Serving up traditional Puerto Rican and Dominican food, meals range from arroz con gandules and pernil, to chicken and pasteles. Don’t forget the tres leches for dessert.
Photo via mr_mrsm0/InstagramOh Que Bueno
1125 S Semoran Blvd., (407) 447-5026
Housed in a small, nondescript fast-food makeover off fast-traveled South Semoran Boulevard, this spot offers a fare amount of meals and flavors. Start with the camarones al ajillo or bandeja campesina and finish with the fried sweet plantains and you’ll certainly want to come back for seconds.
Photo via catafonsil/InstagramChirico Fast Food
4302 S Semoran Blvd., (407) 207-0022
As odd as Puerto Rican Chinese food may sound for some, for others, it’s a delicacy and this place serves it up wonderfully. From fried chicken to fried rice, the meals pack flavor and spice alike.
Photo via dannyloski/InstagramThai Island
2522 S Semoran Blvd., (407) 412-6909
This quaint spot serves up major flavor. The tom yum soup, curry puff and yum beef salad are all delicious choices from the menu to make a tremendous meal.
Photo via kassyeatz/Instagram8-8 Panda
500 FL-436, Casselberry
Neighborhood takeout joint specializes in chifa, a niche cuisine of Peruvian-style Chinese fare that draws a loyal patronage of Latin Americans and expat Limeños. They come for the chaufa and lomo saltado, but diners newer to the culinary movement will find the roast duck and roast pork dishes gratifying.
Photo via 8-8 Panda/Facebookh3>High Tide Harry’s
4645 S Semoran Blvd., 407-273-4422
High Tide Harry’s has been family owned and operated since 1995. Locals in the know, know this is the place for blue crabs, crab legs, conch chowder, frog legs and more, in generous servings at reasonable prices.
Photo via High Tide Harry’s/Facebook
