Orlando's hottest new bars and restaurants to open so far in 2023

Rise Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken

110 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
North Carolina's Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken opened its Winter Park location earlier this year. Founded in 2012 by Tom Ferguson, Rise specializes in Southern comfort food including chicken sandwiches, biscuits, tater tots, fried okra and donuts.

Bakery 1908

2021 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
John Zhao, the restaurateur behind YH Seafood Clubhouse, established Bakery 1908 this fall, offering a rotating selection of dim sum items, coffee and boba. Zhao has partnered with the owner of a Taiwanese bakery that's been in business since 1908, thus the name. And with a century-long pedigree, you can bet their cakes, sweets and honey fragrance (mi xiang) teas will draw a lot of interest.

Zymarium Meadery

1121 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Zymarium, Orlando's first meadery proper, is the brainchild of Joe and Ginger Leigh. Their location is the former home of the Orange Studio at 1121 N. Mills Ave. The 6,000-square-foot building has been converted into a large bar and taproom area, a production area and an area dedicated to special events. Zymarium's mead, a spirit derived from fermented honey, has won multiple awards over the years. Their meads "Shadow of Desire" and "Honeys Getting Money" were both awarded gold in the Mazer Cup International in 2020. In 2019 and 2018, they won Top 10 for the AMMA National Mead Makers.

Foreigner Restaurant

2816 Corrine Drive, Orlando
From the culinary mind of Bruno Fonseca, Foreigner Restaurant invites guests to explore flavors in its elegant and welcoming atmosphere.

High T

23 W. Church St., Orlando
This tripped-out themed bar is an ode to Alice in Wonderland in every way possible. From craft cocktails with a play on words such as “Maybe I’m Dreaming” and “Travel by Hat” to over-the-top decor, this spot is really a trip down a rabbit hole.

Camille

4962 New Broad St., Orlando The real draw at this new Baldwin Park spot will be chef Tung Phan's creative and unconventional spins on Vietnamese dishes, all punctuated with classical French flourishes — dishes like Vietnamese coffee-crusted Wagyu with potato pâvé; espuma of pho; and green papaya with salmon and nước chấm (droooooool).

Raising Cane’s

7105 Palm Parkway, Orlando
The Louisiana-style chicken finger purveyor earlier this fall announced it will open its first three Central Florida locations before the end of 2023. Raising Cane’s is set to open its first Orlando location Nov. 7 not far from Walt Disney World. Two more chicken spots will follow not long after.

Fazoli’s

4201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Italian fast-service chain opened its rebooted restaurant in Orlando early this fall. Established in 1988, Fazoli's popularity blossomed in the ’90s, becoming a go-to spot for fast-casual Italian. However, in 2008 the Italian eatery left Orlando, and all Fazoli's locations in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Ohio and Florida closed. Fazoli's 2.0 boasts breadsticks, "Pizza Baked Pasta," spaghetti and fettuccine alfredo.

Game Room & Social Club

55 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
This new downtown Orlando bar offers carefully crafted cocktails and an inviting atmosphere.

Forward/Slash

650 S. Capen Ave., Winter Park
This new distillery blends barrel-aged American whiskey sourced from some of the most talented distillers in the country. Try whiskey, bourbon and rye in their tasting room, cocktail bar and bottle shop.

Nami

6004 Artist Ave., Lake Nona
Nami, a contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar, opened in September inside the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, featuring an intimate 67-seat dining room, plus an exclusive 10-seat omakase counter. At the omakase counter, guests can find the same culinary influences as the restaurant in a more personal dining experience. The multi-course offerings range from nigiri to small plates curated specially for each night. Booking for the omakase counter will be required in advance.

Smokemade Meats + Eats

Hourglass District
The beloved former pop-up brings Central Texas-style barbecue to the Hourglass District at its new brick and mortar location. The brisket might be the star of the show, but other items like cheddar-jalapeño sausage, spare ribs, smoked turkey and bangin' sides are why barbecue fiends will flock to Curry Ford Road.

Jinya Ramen Bar

234 E. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo
Jinya Ramen Bar has finally opened their second Florida outpost at 234 E. Mitchell Hammock Road in Oviedo, at the Ellington. The upscale ramen chain's new location will continue serving heaps of ramen and other Japanese favorites.

Proper

112 S. Orange Ave., Orlando Proper, the new "vinyl listening room" and bar, has opened in downtown Orlando, providing a haven for folks who want to listen to some records while sipping on a quality beverage.

Capital Room

102 E. First St., Sanford
With an array of craft cocktails, savory tapas and delicious sweets, this chill lounge has something unique to add to every savory meal. Choose an exquisite cocktail, fine wine or craft beer from their menu.

Danilo’s Pasta & Noodle bar

3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando
Expect a range of classic hand-made pasta dishes at Danilo’s Pasta & Noodle bar. The noodle creations are influenced by both classic Italian cuisine and the vibrant street food culture of Asia.

Sampaguita

1233 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Just opened earlier this year, Sampaguita is serving up vibrant colors and flavors in the form of Filipino ice cream and sweets. It's woman-owned and full of foliage and neon signs, making for a perfect summer afternoon hangout spot.

Norman’s

7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando
This luxury restaurant offers the epitome of fusion food on Orlando's "Restaurant Row." The eatery offers a seasonal tasting menu with smaller courses that allow guests to taste-test new flavors. Norman’s has a sultry interior lounge and a beautiful option for outdoor dining out on the terrace which comes alive on weekends with a bar and DJ.

Pigzza

1050 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
This pizza joint has a contemporary take on classic Italian dishes and cocktails. There is a twist to every meal from smoked meats on pizza to brisket lasagna.

Jojo’s Shakebar

9101 International Drive
This old-school diner-themed eatery and bar is offering all the nostalgia with a side of over-the-top boozy shakes. The '80s/'90s retro-inspired decorations paired with creative desserts and elevated diner classics guarantees a good time.