Orlando's most anticipated restaurants for 2022

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Jan 21, 2022 at 3:26 pm

Another year, another chance to pretend we can put the turmoil of last year behind us. Luckily, there’s food: New restaurants that’ll be opening in 2022 are something to set our eyes toward. Whether you’re feeling like it’s payday and want to go pinkies up at Ava MediterrAegean, dig in kamayan-style at Kaya’s grand opening, or cruise through the Fatburger drive-thru while gobbling down some fries, we got you.

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Jollibee

The Filipino fast-food joint is arguably the most anticipated restaurant thanks to its addicting brand of Chickenjoy! fried chicken and their Yumburgers seasoned to elicit langhap sarap. Look it up.

(Opening spring, 11891 E. Colonial Drive, jollibeeusa.com)

Photo via Jollibee.

Chick’n Cone

501 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
The brunch-favorite chicken and waffles has taken on a new life with Chick’n Cone. The handmade waffle cone is filled with crispy chicken and coated with one of six sauces. Tenders, sandwiches, fries and milkshakes are also available.

Photo via Chick’n Cone/Facebook

JoJo’s Shake Bar

Coming soon
Chicago’s most outrageous milkshake bar is coming to International Drive. Depending on the holiday, there’s a rotation of milkshake flavors, but its mainstay classic, the Gold Digger, is the one to try. It’s a caramel toffee shake topped with a gold star marshmallow, toffee pretzel and a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie.

Photo via JoJo’s Shake Bar/Facebook

Smoke & Donuts

321-352-7070, 601 N. Primrose Drive
After years in the food truck circuit, Smoke & Donuts finally has its own shop. Make sure to check out their doughnut sliders and chopped brisket.

Photo via Smoke & Donuts/Facebook

Colbie’s Southern Kissed Chicken

3267 Vineland Road
Although Colbie’s is mostly known for their “Southern kissed” chicken, their comfort food sides are not to be missed. Check out their hush puppies, corned spoon bread and Southern cheese curds.

Photo via Colbie’s Southern Kissed Chicken/Facebook

Ava MediterrAegean

407-794-9896, 290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
Food from the Mediterranean and Aegean islands will be represented in this new eatery. Expect plenty of seafood options, including a crispy and juicy grilled jumbo octopus.

Photo via AVA MediterrAegean/Facebook

Meet Fresh

5144 W. Colonial Drive, Unit 33
Established in 2007 with the goal of creating fresh and healthy Taiwanese desserts, this national chain has finally made its way to Orlando. Meet Fresh’s menu is filled with icy taro balls, shaved ice, tofu pudding, egg waffles and milk tea.

Photo via Meet Fresh/Facebook

Cowboy Chicken

3290 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee
Guests can expect perfectly roasted chicken when going to Cowboy’s. Their hearty plates come with two sides and a sweet roll.

Photo via Cowboy Chicken/Facebook

Salt & Straw

1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Portland-based Salt & Straw creates both vegan and dairy ice creams with a monthly rotation of inventive flavors. Mainstay flavors include freckled mint chocolate chip, honey lavender and cinnamon snickerdoodle.

Photo via Salt & Straw/Facebook

Susuru Juju

Coming soon
The owner of Susuru, an izakaya serving Japanese drinks and small plates, is opening a new restaurant – Susuru Juju. The new restaurant will in many ways echo the retro-style izakaya of Susuru with yakitori, grilled skewers and Japanese drinks.

Photo via Susuru Juju/Facebook