We’re kicking off a new year with plenty to look forward to in the culinary world, and, as always, we can count on Orlando foodies to champion their favorites.
From tourist-approved grills to Brazilian steakhouses to poke counters and more, these are all the Orlando restaurants Yelpers are raving about. Listed below are the 25 highest rated “hot and new” restaurants in Orlando, according to Yelp.
Wayback Burgers
11901 Landstar Blvd., Orlando
“Nice ambience and very clean, we both ordered burgers, my husband got the classic while I tried the Bourbon burger. (Could actually taste the bourbon and a hint of mustard in the sauce, and it was delicious and I usually hate mustard.) The burgers were fantastic, but man the strawberry shake was so good I scarfed it down, and technically strawberry is not a flavor I usually go for but this wasn’t too sweet, just right and tasted really good.” — Andrea L. Credit: Photo via Wayback Burgers/FacebookPalm Beach Meats
3421 S. Orange Ave., Orlando
“When owners Eric and Meghan San Pedro moved here from Palm Beach and opened an outpost in SoDo, they brought the only business in the nation licensed to sell Kobe beef in a retail, wholesale and restaurant setting. Yes, it’ll cost you $300 a pound, but there are other top-grade, or A5, wagyu varieties here. Takamori, or ‘drunken wagyu,’ comes from cows that are finished on a sake mash. Ribeyes are $199 per pound, and picanha $99 per pound. You’ll also find Kirameki, Miyazaki and Kagoshima wagyu for $130.99 per pound.” Read the full review. Credit: Photo via Palm Beach Meats/Facebook
2021 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando “It’s hard not to be awed by the dazzling variety of pastries, breads, buns, cakes, rolls, tarts, cookies and savory baked goods churned out at the perpetually buzzing Bakery 1908 in Mills 50. The place is reminiscent of the Hong Kong- and Taiwanese-style bakeries I visited growing up in Toronto and, specifically, Markham. A pair of tongs in one hand and a paper-lined tray in the other, I’d wander through the pastry shops in my parka perusing myriad options like a lost monkey in IKEA.”
Read the full review here. Credit: Photo by Rob BartlettYulnn Meals & Sips
11905 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
“If you want a homey meal that has a Taiwanese flair then this is the place! These people began years ago by opening Ms. Bento and they’ve come back in the area serving the same things we love! We had a bit of everything as we’re a bit hungry lol. The pork belly over rice is kind of the classic thing we always get. It’s filling and savory. The curry chicken is chicken is another favorite of ours. I think it’s kind of a less intense version of a Japanese curry.” — Kay Y. Credit: Image via Google MapsVolcano Hot Pot & BBQ
3560 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
“It’s hot pot and KBBQ! Solid meat/veggie line-up, great soup bases, friendly service, reasonable price — great spot for date night, friend groups/parties, fellow gym enthusiasts etc. 100% worth just sayin.” — Trip T. Credit: Image via Google MapsIndian Pavilion
13770 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden
“Amazing food, coffee is good! service is amazing and place looks incredible! Try the butter chicken recipe is amazing, everything is kosher/halal, very clean and nice buffet.” — Isfandyar Q. Credit: Photo via Indian Pavilion/InstagramDivina Carne
6424 Carrier Drive, Orlando
“Saturday dinner was fun and tasty. Really cool decor and the salad bar had everything!! Sushi, pasta, cheeses and lots of Brazilian specialties. The black beans were great! Oh, and salad too lol. Can’t say enough about the servers. Friendly and focused on serving the meats at the temperature each person liked. Very authentic and delicious.” — Gordon S. Credit: Photo via Divina Carne/InstagramCraft and Common
20 Alexandria Blvd., Oviedo
“I was so excited when I found out they were opening a location near me as I used to go to the one downtown all the time. They have the same great seasonal drinks and original. The new location is clean and beautiful. I got the coquito latte and it tastes just like coquito. The coffee always has the same strong flavors and never disappoints. Next time I have to get the food if it’s anything like the downtown location. Those breakfast sandwiches are soo good! The service is always great. The workers are always sweet and helpful. And I just noticed they have some reasonably priced mimosas. I’m so glad they are near by now!” — Marcella M. Credit: Photo via Craft and Common/Facebook
1100 Orlando Ave., Winter Park “The interior was absolutely stunning! I loved that guests could choose between omakase or à la carte options, it really caters to everyone. I went with the six hand rolls combo, and the tuna hand roll was my favorite. The service was just as impressive as the food. Our hostesses were so sweet and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. This spot is perfect for a romantic date night or catching up with friends.” — Alina P. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
5126 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando “What really stood out was the reasonable pricing for such high-quality food. It’s rare to find a spot that combines great service, delicious options, and affordability so well. I highly recommend One Stop Dumplings to anyone looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank! Will definitely be back soon” — Tony N. Credit: Photo via YelpLim Ros Thai Restaurant
933 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
“I came to check out Lim Ros since I’ve been craving Khao Soi, and there aren’t too many Thai restaurants in the area that serves delicious Khao Soi! With that said, I obviously decided to order the Khao Soi, and it’s very delicious, and it’s one of the better spots! The broth was creamy with a hint of spice, and egg noodles were soft and delicious, and the other toppings were fresh! The one thing I wasn’t the biggest fan of were the extra hard crispy noodles. Regardless, I will definitely have to come back for more!” — Danny K. Credit: Photo via Google MapsJ’adore French Bakery
910 Sand Lake Road, Altamonte Springs
“J’adore French Bakery is an absolute gem! The service was amazing, and the pastries were even better. I tried the cinnamon roll, which was a new release that day, and it was incredible — soft, fresh, and full of flavor. I also grabbed the chocolate almond croissant, and it was a 10/10, easily one of the best I’ve ever had.” — Kiamiah S. Credit: Photo via J'adore The French Bakery/FacebookFuji Sushi
249 W. State Road 436, Altamonte Springs
After closing its location on Lee Road in Winter Park this summer, Fuji Sushi has reopened in the old Something Fishy space on State Road 436 in Altamonte Springs. The building that housed Fuji Sushi in Winter Park, as well as the building next door, are being demolished to pave way for a new fine dining Indian concept by Amit Kumar, the man behind Bombay Street Kitchen and Aashirwad. Credit: image via Google Maps
390 N. Orange Ave., Orlando “We visited this new Greek restaurant on its second day of opening to celebrate a birthday, and it was absolutely amazing! The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, with beautifully curated decor that transported us straight to the Mediterranean. The food? Incredible. Every dish was bursting with authentic flavors, from the perfectly seasoned gyros to the freshest tzatziki we’ve ever had. The service was equally outstanding — friendly, attentive, and eager to ensure we had a memorable experience.” — Luis M. Credit: Photo via Google MapsChi-Kin
5845 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere
Known for captivating customers with bold flavor, signature sauces and “im-peck-able” Korean flair, the fan-favorite fried chicken joint Chi-Kin has opened a second location in Windermere. With the same mouth-watering menu and a few new surprises, this spot provides an additional location for Chi-Kin lovers to go instead of having to wing it without their beloved bites. Credit: Photo via Chi-Kin/InstagramPalm Tree Club
9101 International Drive, Orlando
“Visited first time here, the energy is high, located in the pretty awesome location on I-Drive, however, usually pretty packed on the weekend. Beautiful decorations, such unique addition to Orlando restaurants, great for a girls night, with upscale bar vibes and loud music.” — Phuong Anh V. Credit: Photo via Palm Tree Club/FacebookYami Kitchen
13605 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando
“I love that this AYCE has dim sum. The hot pot/BBQ concept had been done to death already. That being said, most of the time, the dim sum would be frozen. Not here! It tastes like the dim sum is being freshly prepared. The dim sum is good for AYCE and variety of the dim sum menu is great. I was surprised to see salt & pepper squid and crab claws. These are usually high cost items at dim sum restaurants.” — Paul H. Credit: Photo via Yami Kitchen/InstagramFirst Watch
16720 Macon St., Clermont
“We’ve been to this location twice and the experience was the same both times! The moment we arrived we were greeted by staff who held the door open for all patrons. The service is professional yet warm! The food is fresh and cooked on point! The manager Brittany is attentive, courteous, warm and has that placed on perfect order! The team is all smiling and supportive! Wonderful job everyone!” — Jacqueline D. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
8126 International Drive, Orlando Corazón by Baires, billed as “an immersive dining experience blending international culinary techniques with a diverse range of fresh ingredients to create Latin American-inspired dishes” is now open on I-Drive. The 12,000-square-foot restaurant promises “magical focal points from every seat.” Credit: Photo via Corazón by Baires/FacebookWailulu Bar & Grill
4601 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista
“This is the reason to visit the Island Tower at the Polynesian. It’s so beautiful here! The views of the Seven Seas Lagoon are stunning. The breakfast is all grab and go, which all items qualify as snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan but lunch and dinner is table-service credits only.” — Sam N. Credit: Photo via Yelp
11543 Regency Village Drive, Orlando “Wonderful experience. Alexander did a great job serving us and Jose was very friendly and appreciative of our visit. The food was all delicious especially the lamb and chicken thigh. They recently opened and I highly recommend making this part of your Orlando dining pleasure.” — Patrick S. Credit: Photo via Google MapsParea Greek Taverna takes over the former Outpost space in Maitland City Centre Credit: courtesy image
East End Market, 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando Sonny Nguyen, the man behind highly lauded ramen-ya Domu and kushiyaki house Tori Tori, is launching a new restaurant collective dubbed the Small Food Group that will unveil a two-in-one restaurant concept in three phases later this year. First up and open now is Rion’s Ocean Room, a casual seafood counter named after Nguyen’s first-born daughter, specializing in poke-by-the-pound similar to the poke joints found on Oahu. The second concept, Gyukatsu Rose, will introduce gyukatsu, or Japanese fried beef cutlets, to the masses at the end of the year. Credit: Photo via Rion's Ocean Room/FacebookPho Bar Vietnamese Kitchen
1012 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
“Came with high hopes and left with amazing feelings about Pho Bar. The handmade pho noodles alone put this pho restaurant at a higher caliber than the already pho-filled Orlando scene which is hard to do.” — Rebecca L. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
6506 Old Brick Road, Windermere “Fantastic restaurant! I ordered the pulpo, and it left me speechless — perfectly cooked and full of flavor. My wife had the pear and gorgonzola risotto, which was absolutely outstanding. For dessert, we shared the chocolate fondant, and it was hands down the best I’ve ever had. The service was top-notch, and the ambiance was spectacular. Highly recommended.” — Reynaldo I. Credit: Photo via Yelp
