Between several Michelin stars handed out and even more culinary honors and a slate of new restaurants and big-name chefs coming to town, Orlando’s dining scene has already had a big year. Restaurants old and new are getting a lot of buzz, while our hard-to-please foodie demographic is still speaking out.
From hole-in-the-wall spots and Latin cafes to elevated steak houses and theme park eats, these are highest rated and most reviewed restaurants across Orlando.
Best Windermere Restaurant
Winner: Yellow Dog Eats Finalists: Agave Azul Cocina Mexicana Windermere, Hawkers Windermere Credit: Photo via Yellowdog Eats/Facebook24. Yard House
8367 International Drive, Orlando
“The food and service were 10 out of 10. They had lots of vegan options for my sister, and are happy to make modifications to menu items. Our waitress was awesome and suggested that I added dragonfruit and tajin to my margarita, it was so good. I ordered the cali stack and she brought a side of fried wontons to go with it. The kids enjoyed their pizza and chicken tenders as well. The restaurant is kid friendly with a chill vibe and indoor or outdoor dining options. A great end to a fun filled day at Icon park.” – Monifa M. Credit: Photo via Google Maps23. Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando
“This place was AMAZING. Our friend had a gluten allergy and the waitress along with the manager on duty made sure that there were no issues. I had the birria tacos, I’m from Texas and the sauce was a tad thicker than we do it down here but the flavor was top tier. My husband had the steak quesadillas and they were also very good. We’ve been to a couple of restaurants on the city walk and the service was top notch.” – Shannon O. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
932 N. Mills Ave., Orlando Tako Cheena is a combination of “food truck meets restaurant,” according to their Facebook. We’ll happily munch way at their outdoor dining area on one of the innovative fusion-flavor folds any day. Late-night patrons happily scarf down spicy-sweet Korean chicken taco, African beef and quinoa burritos, and Chinese sausage “Japadogs.” Credit: Image via Google Maps21. Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando
“This is our favorite breakfast spot in Orlando, Fl. Best pancakes and quick service. They keep your coffee cup filled!” – Erin F. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Best Indian Restaurant
Winner: Tabla Indian Cuisine Finalists: Bombay Street Kitchen, Tamarind Indian Cuisine Credit: Photo via Tabla Indian Cuisine/Facebook19. Mia’s Italian Kitchen
8717 International Drive, Orlando
“Amazing food, handmade, Fresh & so delicious! Best Italian place I’ve ever come across. We’ve been to Florence Italy and these flavors truly match it. The lasagna was the true star. It’s a 10/10 so good! The service was superb! Such friendly staff & the manager was eager to answer our questions )we asked how their process is done to keep their food tasting so fresh)” – Rebeca A. Credit: Photo via Mia's Italian Kitchen/Facebook18. @ The Diner
9938 Universal Blvd., Orlando
“This place is so good. We wanted to fill up before a day at the parks and this did the trick! The flavors are amazing and their staff is so nice and friendly.” – Viviana P. Credit: Photo via @ The Diner/FacebookT-Rex Cafe
1676 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando
When the lights start flashing, it’s showtime. Get ready to witness the extinction of the dinosaurs about five times throughout your dinner, courtesy of Disney Studios. If extinction has got you down, pick yourself up with a Cotton-tini, which is literally just alcohol poured over a huge ball of cotton candy. Credit: Photo via T-Rex Cafe/Facebook16. Seito Sushi Sand Lake
8031 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando
“Amazing service and food, Excellent!!!Didn’t know we needed reservations, but Seito made us feel at home !!! Bamboo ambience was so special!!! Thank you !!” – Patrick L. Credit: Photo via Seito Sushi Sand Lake/Facebook15. Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar
7468 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
“I opted for the birria tacos paired with the passion fruit mojito pitcher, and the combination was nothing short of perfection. The birria tacos were expertly seasoned, bursting with flavor, and impeccably presented. The passion fruit mojito pitcher struck a harmonious balance, neither too strong nor too sweet, elevating the dining experience to new heights.” – Ralph A. Credit: Photo via Google MapsSTK Steakhouse Orlando
1580 E. Buena Vista Drive, Orlando
This modern two-story steakhouse, specializing in prime grilled meats, provides a breathtaking view from its sprawling rooftop patio. It’s on the pricier side, but if elegant, carnivorous dining is what you’re looking for, then STK’s got you covered. Credit: Photo via STK/Facebook13. El Patron Restaurante Mexicano
12167 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando
“Of all my years on this earth, I have never been to a Mexican restaurant as good as this. Food: delicious, fantastic portion sizes, everything *homemade*. We loved the burrito, the fajitas, the salsa (best salsa I’ve ever had), the guac, the bowls, and the drinks (Mexican coke with a lime – fantastic option). Churros for dessert we’re also amazing.” – Dody E. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Best Mills 50 or Colonialtown Restaurant
Winner: Pig Floyd’s Urban BBQ Finalists: Hawkers Asian Street Food, Tori Tori Credit: Photo via Pig Floyd's/Facebook11. Be Our Guest Restaurant
1180 Seven Seas Drive, Magic Kingdom Park, Lake Buena Vista
“Be Our Guest Restaurant was one for the books for sure! It’s located in Magic Kingdom and I believe that is the only way that you can access the building. The ambiance was 10/10! I love Beauty and the Beast and it really feels like you are walking into the movie. The servers really felt like they cared to make it a fun experience overall. ” – Kaylie B. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
617 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando Known for Southern-style food and incredible baked goods, the line at Se7en Bites is always out the door on weekends. It’s for a good reason, too. The spot is perfect for brunch, with its menu of tasty pastries, biscuits and gravy, primavera Benedict and meatloaf sandwiches. Credit: Photo via Se7en Bites/Yelp9. Sofrito Latin Cafe
8607 Palm Parkway, Orlando
“Amazing value and delicious, healthy Latin food. The salmon is always great, as is the roast pork, Cobb salad, and rotisserie chicken. Don’t sleep on the red beans (or black beans. The portions are huge and can easily make 2 meals if you pick your sides right.” – James X. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Best Theme Park Restaurant
Winner: Raglan Road Finalists: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Victoria and Albert’s Credit: Photo via Raglan Road/Facebook7. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
1602 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
“From amazing deviled eggs, to fried chicken, and a breakfast platter of ham, bacon, eggs, fruit, and a biscuit, we had an amazing breakfast. The deviled eggs was a great and aesthetically pleasing appetizer but it definitely filled the 2 of us up. Would definitely come back again and consider sharing and ordering less.” – Emily T. Credit: Image via Google MapsHawkers Asian Street Food
9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Windermere
The widely varied menu keeps fans happy at Hawkers. Serving up Asian street-style food, Hawkers is perfect whether you’re craving roti canai, soup dumplings or just some wild wings. Try their delectable pork belly and steamed baos, then grab a drink while you wait for the explosion of flavor. Credit:Photo via Hawkers Asian Street Fare/Yelp5. Morimoto Asia
1600 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
“The place is pricy! I’ll just start with that. The food is so so good though.
For drinks I got the ‘Kyuri & Spicy.’ This drink was AMAZING! The spice comes from the ginger, so it’s a sharp spice, but it doesn’t linger. The cucumber comes to the rescue and gives of a well deserved cooling effect. The drink is very balanced.
Husband started with the ‘Soto’ Sake. VERY good! Light and refreshing! A bit dangerous because he could drink it in two gulps, it was that good. So be aware! The sakes here are incredibly smooth.” – Chelsea R. Credit: Photo via Morimoto Asia4. Hash House A Go Go
5350 International Drive, Orlando
“I was truly surprised by the food sizes and such precision in setting on the plates very upscale for the price and the portions Ooommmg was Amazing you could order one plate and share with two others if you wanted to. Thanks so much for a Great New Breakfast/Brunch spot on my Map. The service was on point explaining the menu was an absolute must to know what your getting!!!! Mouth watering food Delicious” – Shimone C. Credit: Photo via Google MapsThe Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at Universal Orlando Credit: Photo via Google Maps
1620 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista “You will hands down never have a bad meal at Boathouse. Staff is always friendly as well which is shocking considering how crazy busy they always are. They are on top of it! It also helps that there are so many decor oriented things to look at it inside the restaurant with the many different rooms or if you sit on the water!” — Marielle M. Credit: Photo via The Boathouse/Facebook1. Cafe Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive, Orlando
“If you’ve ever wanted to get out of your food comfort zone and this is the perfect way to do it with the tapas style menu/plates. This is a place for an experience and not just food. I loved all the artwork, the yellow brick road on the floor to lead you to the restroom area.” – Sarah W. Credit: Photo via Cafe Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
