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29 Orlando restaurants to take out-of-town visitors

By Chloe Greenberg on Wed, Nov 22, 2023 at 9:12 pm

Whether you're looking to dazzle foodie relatives, impress them with your knowledge of hole-in-the-wall spots, or just get everyone out of the house, Orlando has the restaurants for you.

Here are 29 of the best local restaurants to take out-of-towners.

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Photo via Café Tu Tu Tango/Facebook

Cafe Tu Tu Tango

8625 International Drive, Orlando
If dinner and a show is what you're looking for, this funky tapas spot is the place to go. Cafe Tu Tu Tango 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 Linda's La Cantina/Facebook

Linda's La Cantina

4721 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
This award-winning old-school eatery has been serving steaks since 1947. Decked out in classic checkered tablecloths and complete with a fireplace-adorned lounge, Linda's La Cantina is Orlando staple. It's not a stuffy place, but it's so popular that reservations are a must.

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.

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.

Photo via Aladdin's Cafe/Yelp

Aladdin's Cafe

1015 State Road 436, Casselberry
Aladdin’s Restaurant is one of the first family-opened Lebanese restaurants in Central Florida. The menu features an array of traditional, authentic Lebanese dishes.

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 (and dim sum service) since it was opened in 1989. It's packed out on holidays with Chinese families and college kids catching up on their holiday break.

Photo via Kai Asian Street Fare/Facebook

Kai Asian Street Fare

1555 State Road 436, Winter Park
Kai Asian is known for their Korean-style loaded fries, topped with a helping of kimchi and bulgogi, but they have other Thai, Vietnamese and Korean-influenced dishes too. Read our food critic's review of Kai Asian here.

Photo by Rob Bartlett/Orlando Weekly

Otto's High Dive

2304 E. Robinson St., Orlando
Otto's High Dive is no sleepy watering hole. It's a "neighborhood rum bar," alive with the din of tipplers who gather amid an understatedly lush, design-forward space to down daiquiris, mojitos and Cuba libres — and excellent Cuban fare.

Photo by Rob Bartlett/Orlando Weekly

Zaru

1114 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
The concept, which we first told you about back in July, is by James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung. Zaru's intimate and striking 25-seat dining room features udon noodles made from Japanese flour sourced from Kagawa Prefecture, the birthplace of udon, and offered in both hot and cold options, with and without broths, along with freshly fried tempura and a host of add-ons for a custom-built bowl.