Whether you're a tried and true Orlando local or an out-of-towner planning a trip to our parks, it's important to be in the know, especially when it comes to food. If you want to avoid the on-property price tags and headaches to instead venture outside of Orlando's major theme parks for a good meal, we've got you covered.
Some are a little more homegrown than others, but all have a special spot in Orlando — and that is outside the bustling parks. Here are 25 local restaurants that are near Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and the rest.
The 25 best restaurants near Orlando’s theme parks
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Thu, May 4, 2023 at 8:17 am
Scroll down to view images
Photo via Yellow Dog Eats/Facebook
Yellow Dog Eats
407-296-0609, 1236 Hempel Ave., WindermereBarbecue, sandwiches and salads with innovative twists are Yellow Dog Eats' speciality. Plates filled with pulled pork, smoked chicken or classic hot dogs are just a quick drive away from some of Orlando's biggest thrills.
Image via Columbia Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant
649 Front St., Celebration
Columbia Restaurant in Celebration is a part of Cuban cuisine chain founded in 1905 in Ybor City, Tampa, by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr. and the chain says they are the oldest restaurant in Florida. The restaurant in Celebration has a pretty sweet outdoor seating area too.
Photo via Kavas Tacos/Facebook
Kavas Tacos
7858 Turkey Lake Rd., OrlandoThe 7,000-square-foot concept by Katerina and Vassilis Coumbaros, who also run Taverna Opa and Tapa Toro, features a menu of "Tex-Mex classics and playful takes on Mexican street fare inspired by the street food vendors of Mexico City."
Photo via Kabooki Sandlake/Facebook
Kabooki Sushi
7705 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando
Chef Henry Moso is what makes the sushi game so strong at this high-end spot. There are a handful of rolls, none of which you'll find at your average sushi joint, but it's mostly sashimi and nigiri.
Photo via the H Cuisine/Facebook
The H Cuisine
7512 Dr Phillips Blvd., Orlando
Find authentic Turkish flavors and impressive culinary skills at the H Cuisine, where menu highlights include specialty cuts of beef and creative starters. The spot also offers brunch and a late night menu, as well.
Photo courtesy Seito Sushi/Facebook
Seito Sushi
8031 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando
Seito Sushi is a contemporary sushi and pan-Asian stop in the I-Drive corridor. They're open for lunch and dinner, so you have double the time to grab some mouthwatering sushi and creative dishes.
Photo via Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips/Yelp
Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips
8391 International Drive, Orlando
While you're going to have to dish out a few extra bucks on these pricey fish and chips, you won't be disappointed in the flavor, crispness and experience of eating something from the mind of a culinary genius.
Photo via Playa Pizza/Facebook
Playa Pizza
13211 Reams Road, Suite 108, Windermere
This pizza joint offers more than just pies, with wings, pastas, hefty sandwiches and plenty of vegan options, too. But if pizza’s what you’re looking for, go big with some of their creatively named concoctions, like “Pineapple Is My Safe Word” or the “Sweet Dreams Are Made of Cheese” pies. Dine at night and you may just catch a glimpse of Disney’s fireworks show from across the way.
Photo via Photo via Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ/Facebook
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
7858 Turkey Lake Road, OrlandoThe super-popular yakiniku chain gives cook-it-yourself barbecue enthusiasts plenty of meats, seafood and vegetables from which to choose, but even better is that their smokeless roasters have a downdraft system to ensure you don't leave the restaurant smelling like the meats you just grilled.
Photo via Vines Grill and Wine Bar
Vines Grille and Wine Bar
7533 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
Located on Sand Lake's Restaurant Row, Vines Grille and Wine Bar offers an award-winning wine bar, live music, prime steaks, and fresh-caught seafood.
Photo via American Social/Facebook
American Social
7335 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
American Social is a vibrant gastropub and restaurant serving up comforting American fare and craft brews. It could be a perfect spot to snap back to reality after a day in the most magical place on Earth.
Photo via Adobe
The World’s Largest McDonald’s
6875 Sand Lake Road, Orlando
Sure, Mickey D’s is nowhere near a locals-only spot, but this location really is an Orlando treasure. The World’s Largest McDonald’s calls the City Beautiful home, and it might just be the perfect place to grab some quick and affordable grub after a day of thrill seeking at the parks.
Photo via Tabla Indian Restaurant/Facebook
Tabla Indian Restaurant
5847 Grand National Drive, Orlando
The beloved local Asian restaurant brings authentic Indian, Indian-Chinese and Thai cuisine of a higher level to its four area locations. This one is the closest to your day of visiting Hagrid, Harry Potter and Homer Simpson, though.
Photo via Thai Thani/Yelp
Thai Thani
7555 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando; 11025 International Drive, Orlando
Thai Thani offers authentic Thai cuisine just a drive away from Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. On top of the specialty dishes this spot has to offer, guests can also revel in the restaurant's hand-carved wood interior covered in traditional artwork and decor.
Photo via Slate/Facebook
Slate
8323 Sand Lake Road, Orlando
This modern American restaurant offers specialty dishes from the mind of chef Kevan Ho, highlighting fresh seafood and extensive wine selections.
Photo via Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse/Facebook
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
9150 International Drive, Orlando
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse is a great pick for steak, seafood and traditional classic all-American food.
Photo via Café Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive, Orlando
The funky tapas spot offers 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 Soupa Saiyan/Facebook
Soupa Saiyan
5689 Vineland Road, Orlando
This Dragon Ball Z-themed noodle house near Universal makes an animated argument for uninhibited slurping, and has become a destination restaurant for anime fans and cosplayers.
Photo via Hanamizuki/Facebook
Hanamizuki
8255 International Drive, Orlando
If you want sushi rolls stuffed with cream cheese and hamburger, go to Cowfish at Universal's CityWalk; Hanamizuki upholds the traditions of authentic Japanese cuisine, from tempura and tataki to donburi and ishiyaki. Their unctuous tonkotsu ramen is only available at lunch and on Mondays.
Photo via Susuru/Facebook
Susuru
8548 Palm Parkway, Orlando
Lewis Lin of College Park's Jade Sushi & New Asian and managing partner Kenny Ly came together to create a "retro-themed izakaya" offering exquisite ramen, yakitori and takoyaki. Inspired by Showa-era style, this Japanese gastropub stays open until as late as midnight on the weekends to satisfy your slurping needs, both noodle and boozy.
Page 1 of 2
Chava Communications
Read our sister publications
Orlando Weekly
PO Box 953127.
Lake Mary, FL 32795
© 2024 Orlando Weekly
