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28 classic Orlando restaurants that've been around for more than 25 years

By on Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 3:34 pm

It's been a year of major change in Orlando's food and dining scene; we've lost some iconic eateries and gained even more delicious destinations. And amid all this change, it's almost guaranteed to feel a little restaurant nostalgia. That's why we're revisiting our roots and throwing out appreciation for all the Orlando favorites that have stood the test of time.

Here are 28 classic Orlando restaurants serving the city for at least 25 years. 
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Beefy King 424 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando This Central Florida meaty institution has been filling hungry Orlandoans' tummies with the best roast beef (and turkey, ham or pastrami) sandwiches since 1968. Beefy King also offers milkshakes and their own spin on the classic tater tot, Beefy Spuds.
Photo via OW Staff

Beefy King

424 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando
This Central Florida meaty institution has been filling hungry Orlandoans' tummies with the best roast beef (and turkey, ham or pastrami) sandwiches since 1968. Beefy King also offers milkshakes and their own spin on the classic tater tot, Beefy Spuds.
Hot Dog Heaven 5355 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando Another Orlando staple, Hot Dog Heaven has been slinging authentic Chicago dogs since 1987, with an unwavering community following.
Photo via Hot Dog Heaven/Yelp

Hot Dog Heaven

5355 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Another Orlando staple, Hot Dog Heaven has been slinging authentic Chicago dogs since 1987, with an unwavering community following.
Enzo's on the Lake 1130 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood Enzo’s on the Lake got its start in a humble Central Florida home in 1980. In the years, the restaurant has become the area's go-to romantic date destination par excellence, serving Italian cuisine with a chic spin.
Photo via Enzo's on the Lake/Instagram

Enzo's on the Lake

1130 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
Enzo’s on the Lake got its start in a humble Central Florida home in 1980. In the years, the restaurant has become the area's go-to romantic date destination par excellence, serving Italian cuisine with a chic spin.
High Tide Harry’s 4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando This decked-out fish spot boasts longtime local ties, fervent fans and a laid-back, "no frills" approach to simple seafood. Since 1995, High Tide Harry’s has been serving burgers, ribs, shrimp, lobster, fresh fish and more.
Photo via High Tide Harry's/Facebook

High Tide Harry’s

4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando This decked-out fish spot boasts longtime local ties, fervent fans and a laid-back, "no frills" approach to simple seafood. Since 1995, High Tide Harry’s has been serving burgers, ribs, shrimp, lobster, fresh fish and more.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive, Orlando The funky tapas spot has been serving the Orlando community for more than 30 years, offering creative food and drink specials every weekday, plus live music and relaxed patio seating, too. With tons of sharable plates to choose from, signature cocktails, and artists who paint while you eat, Cafe Tu Tu Tango is an attraction in itself.
Photo via Café Tu Tu Tango/Facebook

Cafe Tu Tu Tango

8625 International Drive, Orlando
The funky tapas spot has been serving the Orlando community for more than 30 years, offering creative food and drink specials every weekday, plus live music and relaxed patio seating, too. With tons of sharable plates to choose from, signature cocktails, and artists who paint while you eat, Cafe Tu Tu Tango is an attraction in itself.
Briarpatch 252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park One of Winter Park's most iconic and long-standing breakfast joints serves up contemporary American cuisine and brunch daily. With breakfast goodies like blueberry stuffed pancakes and raspberry-and-brie stuffed brioche french toast, it’s not hard to find a reason to wait in line here.
Photo via Briarpatch/Yelp

Briarpatch

252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
One of Winter Park's most iconic and long-standing breakfast joints serves up contemporary American cuisine and brunch daily. With breakfast goodies like blueberry stuffed pancakes and raspberry-and-brie stuffed brioche french toast, it’s not hard to find a reason to wait in line here.
White Wolf Cafe and Bar 1829 N Orange Ave., Orlando This quirky cafe has been serving Orlandoans since 1991. The quaint, folksy space offers homestyle American meals and a warm atmosphere.
Photo via White Wolf Cafe and Bar/Facebook

White Wolf Cafe and Bar

1829 N Orange Ave., Orlando
This quirky cafe has been serving Orlandoans since 1991. The quaint, folksy space offers homestyle American meals and a warm atmosphere.
Victoria & Albert's 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando The high-end dining spot specializes in creative New American cuisine from chef Matthew Sowers — all wrapped up in an upscale, Old-World ambience. The spot recently snagged the title of best restaurant in country, per Trips to Discover.
Image via Victoria & Albert's/Yelp

Victoria & Albert's

4401 Floridian Way, Orlando
The high-end dining spot specializes in creative New American cuisine from chef Matthew Sowers — all wrapped up in an upscale, Old-World ambience. The spot recently snagged the title of best restaurant in country, per Trips to Discover.
Antonio's 611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland This Maitland eatery has long been known for its authentic dishes and refined atmosphere — it's a favorite among the Orlando area's many Italian restaurants
Photo via Antonio's/Facebook

Antonio's

611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
This Maitland eatery has long been known for its authentic dishes and refined atmosphere — it's a favorite among the Orlando area's many Italian restaurants
Kappy's Subs 501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland If you're looking for a new low-key sub shop, Kappy's Subs is your answer. Family-owned since 1967, the eatery serves classic American fare (like subs, burgers and dogs) across a good old-fashioned all American diner counter.
Photo via KappysSubsfl.com

Kappy's Subs

501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland
If you're looking for a new low-key sub shop, Kappy's Subs is your answer. Family-owned since 1967, the eatery serves classic American fare (like subs, burgers and dogs) across a good old-fashioned all American diner counter.
Chatham's Place 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando Chatham’s Place has been part of the Orlando community for more than 30 years. Chef Tony Lopez, creator and owner of the restaurant, showcases locally grown produce and fresh ingredients in the eatery's dishes.

Photo via Chatham’s Place/Yelp

Chatham's Place

7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando
Chatham’s Place has been part of the Orlando community for more than 30 years. Chef Tony Lopez, creator and owner of the restaurant, showcases locally grown produce and fresh ingredients in the eatery's dishes.
Art's Sandwich Shop 1018 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando This family-owned sandwich shop has been supplying Orlando with subs since 1972.
Photo via Art'sSandwichShop.com

Art's Sandwich Shop

1018 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
This family-owned sandwich shop has been supplying Orlando with subs since 1972.
The Town House 139 N. Central Ave., Oviedo The Town House, located in Oviedo, is known for its small-town restaurant feel and its award-winning breakfast. The spot has been family owned and operated since it was first opened in the 1950s.
Photo via The Town House/Facebook

The Town House

139 N. Central Ave., Oviedo
The Town House, located in Oviedo, is known for its small-town restaurant feel and its award-winning breakfast. The spot has been family owned and operated since it was first opened in the 1950s.
Bagel King 1455 Semoran N. Circle, Casselberry Bagel King is a go-to destination for bagel and breakfast lovers all over Central Florida. The casual, counter-serve spot has been operating since 1977 and is home of the "kettle-baked bagel." The menu also features various soups, salads and sandwiches. Bagel King is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo via Bagel King/Facebook

Bagel King

1455 Semoran N. Circle, Casselberry
Bagel King is a go-to destination for bagel and breakfast lovers all over Central Florida. The casual, counter-serve spot has been operating since 1977 and is home of the "kettle-baked bagel." The menu also features various soups, salads and sandwiches. Bagel King is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lam's Garden 2505 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando Family-owned Lam's Garden has been offering straightforward, traditional Chinese cuisine since it was opened in 1989.
Photo via Lam's Garden/Facebook

Lam's Garden

2505 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Family-owned Lam's Garden has been offering straightforward, traditional Chinese cuisine since it was opened in 1989.
Gabriel’s Submarine Sandwich Shop 3006 Edgewater Drive, Orlando These iconic sandwiches have been at College Park since 1958. The shop serves up authentic American food like wings, subs and curly fries.
Photo via Google Maps

Gabriel’s Submarine Sandwich Shop

3006 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
These iconic sandwiches have been at College Park since 1958. The shop serves up authentic American food like wings, subs and curly fries.
Boston's Fish House 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park Winter Park's Boston Fish House first opened its doors back in February of 1988. Since then, the spot has made a name for itself serving classic New England-style seafood dishes.
Photo via Boston's Fish House/Facebook

Boston's Fish House

6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park
Winter Park's Boston Fish House first opened its doors back in February of 1988. Since then, the spot has made a name for itself serving classic New England-style seafood dishes.
Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar 5621 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando You can't get more Florida than a seafood spot shaped like a boat and covered in taxidermy fish. Located right here in Orlando, Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar first opened back in 1950 with just nine seats and an oysters-only menu. Now the family-run local favorite offers plenty of seafood and ample seating to enjoy it in.
Photo via LeeandRicksOysterBar.com

Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar

5621 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando
You can't get more Florida than a seafood spot shaped like a boat and covered in taxidermy fish. Located right here in Orlando, Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar first opened back in 1950 with just nine seats and an oysters-only menu. Now the family-run local favorite offers plenty of seafood and ample seating to enjoy it in.
Aladdin's Cafe 611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland Aladdin’s Restaurant, first opened in Maitland in 1995, is one of the first family-opened Lebanese restaurants in Central Florida. The menu features an array of traditional, authentic Lebanese dishes.
Photo via Aladdin's Cafe/Yelp

Aladdin's Cafe

611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Aladdin’s Restaurant, first opened in Maitland in 1995, is one of the first family-opened Lebanese restaurants in Central Florida. The menu features an array of traditional, authentic Lebanese dishes.
Christini's 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, Orlando Christini's has been serving the Orlando community for more than 30 years, boasting some of the best fine dining service of traditional Northern Italian food.
Photo via Christini's/Facebook

Christini's

7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, Orlando
Christini's has been serving the Orlando community for more than 30 years, boasting some of the best fine dining service of traditional Northern Italian food.
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