Giovanni’s cheese pizza Credit: Giovanni's

Orlando restaurant openings:

Daje Pinsa, a concept specializing in Roman-style pinsa by Gabriele Uberti, will open this fall at 7823 S. Orange Ave. in Belle Isle. Pinsa dough is made from wheat, rice, soy flour, sourdough starter and extra virgin olive oil and undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process, making it lighter, crispier and easier to digest than traditional pizza … Not too far away, weed-themed chain Stoner’s Pizza Joint is curing the munchies at 4781 S. Orange Ave. in the old Buttercrust Pizza space … More pizza news: Giovanni’s Pizzeria & Kitchen will open inside the new Park Maitland Square retail center currently under development in the old Buca di Beppo site. Giovanni’s has five area locations.

Mills Market fixture Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings will open a second location inside the Hills City Center anchored by Crooked Can Brewing Co. in Minneola later this summer. Other vendors in the market include Daniel’s Cheesesteaks, Sir Benji’s Donuts, Empanada & Co., AJ’s Pizza Joint and This Little Piggy BBQ … Azal Coffee has joined Haraz, Jabal, Mariam, Riwaa and Barakah Beans in the crowded Arab coffeehouse scene. Azal offers Yemeni, Saudi and Turkish coffees as well as teas, fruit drinks, desserts and pastries at 150 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs … Thera Greek Frozen Yogurt has opened at 2789 Waterford Lakes Parkway featuring swirls made from scratch with authentic Greek yogurt and kefir.

Paper Kites, a Korean pub, or pocha, by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jason and Sue Chin, will open in the iconic Hoods Up space at 2400 E. Robinson St. later this year or in early 2027. In Korean folk culture, flying paper kites was seen as a way to ward off bad luck and invite good fortune … Pierogi One, specializing in all things Polish from schnitzels to żurek to, of course, pierogi, has opened at 8865 Commodity Circle near John Young Parkway and West Sand Lake Road.

Orlando food news & events:

Chef Jeremy Ford of Michelin-starred Stubborn Seed joins chef Mike Collantes Wednesday, July 1, for two distinct dining experiences shaped by Florida’s seasonal bounty, Japanese technique and dry-aged fish. The pair will collaborate on an omakase at Soseki ($350) and a tasting menu next door at Sushi Saint ($125). Visit exploretock.com/soseki for reservations and more information … Bite30 is in full swing with scores of restaurants offering $38 prix-fixe menus through July 13. Visit bite30.com for participating restaurants and menus.

This article appears in June 24-30, 2026.

Orlando restaurant critic. Orlando Weekly restaurant critic since 2006.