Credit: Black Bean Deli/Facebook

Local restaurant openings:

Tierra, a new concept from James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung and chef William Shen of 2 Michelin-star Sorekara, will blend Spanish flavors and Japanese technique when it opens later this year in the old Colibri Mexican space at 4963 New Broad St. in Baldwin Park. Shen describes the menu as “a love letter from Tokyo to Barcelona.” The space will also house a culinary laboratory to serve as a test kitchen and a hub for sustainability. 

Holy City Zoo BBQ will open at the end of the month at 190 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Longwood. Owners Greg and Kristina Gaardbo will introduce a “global” style of barbecue with Egyptian, Mexican and Korean ingredients flavoring the base of traditional American barbecue from various regions, including Texas. Kristina is a cicerone, so expect a strong beer program.

Legendary New York City bagel shop H&H Bagels has been on a nationwide expansion tear and will open an outpost this May at 931 State Road 434 in Altamonte Springs. They’ve been serving their kettle-boiled, oven-baked rounds since 1972. 

Yumee Katsu, serving Korean-style katsu in such varieties as cheese, spicy pork, fish, chicken curry udon and more, has opened at 5075 Edgewater Drive. The chain has more than 100 locations in South Korea.

Kori Chicken, specializing in Korean street fare, particularly fried chicken, is now open at 6056 S. Orange Ave. in Pine Castle.

Look for Italian restaurant Amalfi, from the owners of Mangia Italian Gourmet, to open this week in the former Mejana Bar & Grill space at 12001 Avalon Lake Drive in Avalon Park. 

Mugendai Sushi & Sake Bar, an upscale offering from chef-owner Dew Nitisaporn, has opened at 1813 E. Broadway St. in Oviedo.

Harlow Grove, a two-story “premier full-service restaurant and lounge,” has opened at 186 S. Main St. in the Smith & Main complex in Winter Garden. The restaurant comprises a “dynamic” first-floor lounge, an upstairs dining room and a veranda terrace under the shade of a century-old oak tree.

After three decades of serving Casselberry, Aladdin’s Cafe owners Hassan Hafza and his wife Samia are retiring. But the owners of Flafel Spot inside the Marathon gas station just down the road have taken over the business and will keep the Aladdin’s Cafe name.

Fabio Perricelli and Paula Gamba have sold Vinia Wine & Kitchen to husband-and-wife tandem Rafael and Marina Lima who plan on retaining many of the same dishes (Pericelli left them the recipes) while introducing Portuguese fare and wines.

Local restaurant closings:

After a multi-year ramp-up to opening, Pig Floyd’s on Lee Road in Winter Park has closed after six months.

After two years of “constant stress and anxiety” Black Bean Deli will NOT be opening in the historic building at 126 W. Plant St. in the heart of Winter Garden. (So not exactly an opening or a closing …!)

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This article appears in March 11-17, 2026.

Orlando restaurant critic. Orlando Weekly restaurant critic since 2006.