Orlando was recently dissed by restaurant critic Andrew Zimmern for apparently not having great food besides The Ravenous Pig or "3 Rivers." In reality, the city has several James Beard Foundation award winners and nominees under its belt, and these dining locations are here to prove Orlando's food worth. So, if you're completely unable to hop in an Uber and head north for 15 minutes, here are few tourist-area eateries worth a visit.
Where to eat when you're stuck at the Orange County Convention Center
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 7:49 pm
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The Pharmacy
8060 Via Dellagio Way, 407-985-2972Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 14 minutes
At this speakeasy-style restaurant, cocktails are known as “Elixirs,” food as “Prescriptions” and chefs as “Pharmacists.” The pharmacist here prescribe their beaker filled with gremolata french fries with a side of spicy mayo and done up ketchup.
Photo by Rob Bartlett
The Pub
9101 International Drive, 407-352-2305Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 4 minutes
For some “British inspired, American crafted” food, this is the place to go for the traditional fish and chips. Hop into England through the surroundings of Union Jack flags and by enjoying a “Bloody Brilliant Burger.”
Photo via Photo via The Pub Orlando/Facebook
The Whiskey
7563 W. Sand Lake Rd., 407-930-6519Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 14 minutes
This whiskey menu is insane, with dozens of options that you can sample. Known for their gourmet burgers and sandwiches made with locally-sourced ingredients, this whiskey-inspired menu can satisfy any meat craving.
Photo via Photo via The Whiskey/Facebook
Urbain 40
8000 Via Dellagio Way, 407-872-2640Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 14 minutes
French Colonial brasserie with a swing-era vibe is a stunner, and the high price you’ll pay is well worth the wallet crimp. Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard’s mushroomy crêpe urbain is reflective of native Lyonnaise cuisine, but stellar bouillabaise and duck three ways showcase his regional chops. Pastry chef Amanda McFall does no wrong, be it macarons, truffles, tortes or potent baba au rhum.
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Yard House
8367 International Drive, 407-351-8220Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 6 minutes
With a plethora of snack, appetizer and entree options, everyone is sure to find at least one item that will satisfy their stomach and desires. The restaurant accommodates for gluten-sensitive and vegetarian dietary restrictions as well, and the $2 off drinks for happy hour is a definite perk.
Photo via Photo via Yard House/Facebook
B-Line Diner
9801 International Drive, 407-345-4460Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 8 minutes
Open 24 hours daily. In the I-Drive area past the witching hour and craving dessert? The B-Line serves all the pies, cakes and sundaes you'd hope for.
Photo via Photo via Hyatt Orlando/Website
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 108, 407-352-6766Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 13 minutes
This family-owned joint is dishing up authentic Turkish food in the Central Florida area where customers are carried on a boat in the center of Istanbul. Homemade hummus and hand-carved lamb shish kebabs are among the delicious options here.
Photo via Photo via Bosphorous/Website
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive, 407-248-2222Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 5 minutes
The small-plate menu dedicated to creating an environment of sharing and conversation, is extensive and delicious. Paired with the artistic atmosphere, the meal will create a colorful experience.
Photo via Photo via Cafe Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
Hanamizuki
8255 International Drive, 407-363-7200Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 8 minutes
The Japanese restaurant on I-Drive serving Kyoto-style fare is opening Mondays from noon-8 p.m. for ramen only. They won't serve sushi, tempura, udon or teriyaki – just their lunch-menu ramens, as well as special off-menu ramens.
Photo via Photo via Hanamizuki/Facebook
Cuba Libre
9101 International Drive, 407-226-1600Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 16 minutes
For a real Cuban treat, head to Cuba Libre and be sure to try the subtly crunchy papas rellenas, the deliciously filled potato croquettes and the crisp and refreshing pato roll. You’ll certainly want to dive right into an entree or appetizer after just one bite.
Photo via Photo via Cuba Libre/Facebook
Dragonfly Robota Grill and Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way, 407-370-3359Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 14 minutes
With fish flown in from Japan and fresh produce from the farm, you know you are in for a treat. This restaurant specializes in Japanese robatayaki, a similar method to barbeque, in which food on skewers is slowly grilled over the fire.
Photo via Photo via Dragonfly Robota Grill and Sushi/Facebook
Fogo de Chao
8282 International Drive, 407-370-0711Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 8 minutes
Orlando’s newest churrascaria is a shrine to beef, with heavenly tableside service to boot. Juicy skirt steak, salt-crusted rib-eye and meltingly tender filet are standouts, but sides like bacon-studded rice and beans, deep-fried polenta squares and thick spears of chilled asparagus will also wow. The impressive wine list leans toward South America and Spain; the high ratio of staff to diners means service is equally impressive.
Photo via Photo via Fogo de Chao/Facebook
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
7858 Turkey Lake Rd., 407-613-5056Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 12 minutes
The 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 Photo via Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ/Facebook
Kokino Tapas and Cocktails
7705 Turkey Lake Rd., 407-270-9199Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 11 minutes
This American-style tapas joint highlights freshness from their ingredients to their uniquely presented meats like their spicy tuna that’s stuffed in a waffle cone. Small plates not your thing? Don’t fret, make way for their brunch menu that changes just as much as the Orlando weather.
Photo via Photo via Kokino/Facebook
Norman’s Restaurant
4012 Central Florida Pkwy, 407-393- 4333Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 10 minutes
Dive into a world of luxury and food at Norman’s Restaurant located in The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. This award-winning dining experience offers “New World Cuisine” that ties Floridian dishes with Caribbean, Latin and Asian roots.
Photo via Photo via Norman’s Restaurant/Website
Pepe’s Cantina
5415 International Drive, 321-317-6649Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 11 minutes
This taco and margarita outpost will transport you to south of the border. Besides their everyday Mexican fare, the downtown location will also feature a Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas, and on Taco Tuesdays, $2.99 tacos and Tecates and $1.99 tequila shots.
Photo via Photo via Pepe’s Cantina/Facebook
Saffron Indian
7724 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-674-8899Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 17 minutes
West Sand Lakers get their fill of South Indian staples in this stylishly decorated space. Salmon seared on a hot stone and tandoori lamb chops marinated in ginger and rum are among the more noteworthy dishes in the sea of standards. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Photo via Photo via Saffron Indian Cuisine/Instagram
Q’Kenan
8117 Vineland Ave., 407-238-0014Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 9 minutes
Why not desayunos (breakfast) for lunch? It's served down in tourist town at this tasty Venezuelan hole-in-the-wall until 2 p.m., and the Andino (tomato-onion-egg scramble, black beans, cheese and an arepa) sets you back only $7.50.
Photo via Photo via Q’Kenan/Instagram
Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
7048 International Drive, 407- 354-0026Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 9 minutes
Orlando’s lone Ethiopian restaurant is a blessing for foodies with an appetite for the exotic. Utensils come in the form of pancake-like sourdough bread called injera, used to scoop intensely spiced dishes from a large communal platter. Be sure to sample traditional honey wine as well as Ethiopian coffee, brewed in a clay pot.
Photo via Photo by Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
Rasa
7730 W. Sand Lake Rd., 407-930-0402Estimated Uber ride from Convention Center: 16 minutes
The authentic taste of Southern Indian and Indo Chinese cuisine shines bright here. This is not your typical Asian hawker joint, this place delivers elegant cultural street food on a platter.
Photo by Rob Bartlett
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