20 hidden gem restaurants and bars only found in Orlando strip malls

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Sat, Aug 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

If Floridians know how to do anything, it's sprawl and eat. So, Orlando citizens in the know know that sometimes finding the best food The City Beautiful has to offer requires pulling up next to vape shops and liquor stores. Here are 20 of the best bars and restaurants hidden in Orlando strip malls.

Tags:

Scroll down to view images

Dali’s Lao Thai Cafe

1181 Rinehart Rd., Sanford
The absolute best Laotian food in the Orlando area is in a strip mall in Sanford.

Photo via Google Maps

Hanamizuki

8255 International Drive
This Japanese spot is well hidden, in a strip mall behind the Starflyer.

Photo via Google Maps

Nile Ethopian Restaurant

7048 International Drive
Nile makes every effort to overcome its nondescript surroundings on International Drive. Outside the store, you’ll find massive signage. Inside the store, you’ll find incredible food.

Photo via Google Maps

Stardust Video

1842 Winter Park Rd, Orlando
This hipster haven with notoriously indifferent staff is controversial, to say the least. But the folks who dig it really dig it.

Photo via Google Maps

Lacomka Russian Bakery & Deli

2050 FL-436, Winter Park
This Russian outpost is a triple threat, serving up baked goods and deli items while also offering imported foodstuffs.

Photo via Google Maps

La Fiesta Mexican Grill

3000 Curry Ford Rd.
It’s almost impressive how well hidden La Fiesta is. This Mexican restaurant is worth seeking out in its nook of a Winn-Dixie plaza off Curry Ford Road.

Photo via Google Maps

Takumi

8933 W Colonial Dr, Ocoee
Ocoee is about as far as you can get from the ocean in Florida, and it’s still not that far. So we feel no regret in spilling the beans on this top-notch sushi resto hidden in a shopping center.

Photo via Google Maps

El Pueblo

7124 Aloma Ave., Winter Park
Foodies in Winter Park know this tiny strip mall Mexican restaurant punches above its weight.

Photo via Google Maps

Whippoorwill Beer House

2425 East South Street
Another wonder that’s been camouflaged by its surroundings. If you’re willing to keep looking once you see the yoga studio and doggy day care, you’ll find an incredible bar at the tail end of this strip mall.

Photo via Whippoorwill Beer House/Instagram

Antica Pizzeria

249 W State Road 436, Altamonte Springs
This Altamonte Springs spot exudes Italian authenticity from its wood-fired pizzas and gorgeous salads on down to its limited hours. The shop is open from 3:30 to 9 p.m. every day but Sunday and it’s worth the trek.

Photo via Google Maps

Pom Pom’s Teahouse

67 N Bumby Ave
The exterior of this strip mall spot is deceiving. Inside of Pom Pom’s, Orlando residents can get incredible tea and sandwiches while surrounded by local artwork.

Photo via Pom Pom’s Teahouse/Facebook

BBB Tofu House

5140 W Colonial Dr.
This Korean spot is a standout, but it’s just one part of a great Asian shopping center in West Orlando.

Photo by Joey Roulette

Taqueria Ameca

(407) 852-0502, 3558 S Orange Ave
This nondescript taqueria in a strip mall is lauded for its cheap tacos.

Photo via Google Maps

Chubby’s Family Restaurant

10376 E Colonial Drive
As the entire culinary world has coifed itself for the sake of Instagram and the price of everything has risen drastically, we’ve lost the sort of low-end places that exist to serve good food at decent prices to hard-working people. Luckily, Chubby’s holds on along E. Colonial, serving up gutbusting breakfasts every single day.

Photo via Chubby’s Family Restaurant /Facebook