Orlando’s 50 Best Restaurants
(Photo credit: Kadence)
July 9 • By Andrew Langford
It’s no secret that Orlandoans feel like underdogs when advocating for their city, particularly its dining scene. When so much of the world knows us for the Mouse, it can be hard to escape the shadow of character themed buffets, giant turkey legs and endless chain restaurants clogging I-Drive - many of which belong to this city’s only Fortune 500 company. But venture off Disney property, drive a few minutes out of the tourist corridors, or even look very closely in between all the t-shirt gift shops and you’ll find an amazing dining scene with food from across the globe.
Over the past decade, Orlando’s dining scene has rapidly expanded to include everything from Puerto Rican food trucks dishing out heaping plates of of mofongo to ultra-expensive omakase tasting menus. It has never been a better time to get out and see all that Central Florida’s restaurants have to offer. To help in this search, we’ve put together a list of the 50 best restaurants in Orlando - and by that we mean the whole of Central Florida. These picks represent a variety of cuisines, price points, and dietary restrictions.
On the Radar
But first, some housekeeping. This list is pulled from over 300 restaurants in the Central Florida region. We try our best to hit them all, but there are some spots that we’ve yet to try. Here are a few of the restaurants making waves that we hope to appraise for inclusion on the list soon:
Soseki (Japanese)
Camille (Vietnamese/French)
The Foreigner (American (Contemporary))
Capa (Spanish)
Adega Gaucha (Brazilian)
Beirut Bakery & Deli (Lebanese)
Without further adieu, the Top 50:
#50 Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe
201-205 E 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 321-2204
(Photo Credit: Hollerbach’s)
Since 2001, Hollerbach’s has presided over the revitalization of downtown Sanford, growing from a humble 70 seat German restaurant to a 660 seat block-sized complex complete with a wooden Bavarian bar room and rooftop biergarten. Still, patrons can expect the same jovial atmosphere, live accordion music, and heaping plates of German classics. It’s certainly the best German food in Central Florida and one of the area’s most enjoyable spots to grab a meal.
#49 Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market
2320 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 277-7755
Stasio’s pesto ricotta rollatinis (Photo Credit: Stasio’s)
For those craving classic Italian sandwiches, a morning espresso, and maybe a few other staples from the old country, Stasio’s can help meet that need. Set in a busy Milk District corner space alongside Sideward Brewery and Otto’s High Dive, Stasio’s improves upon the Italian market formula employed at similar spots like Antonio’s in Maitland. Beyond the selection of breakfast pastries and take-and-bake ingredients like chicken parm, the real focus here is the sandwiches. The Classic Italian can go toe-to-toe with anything other major US cities have to offer and the meatball sub is pure meaty satisfaction. While Italian sandwiches are usually associated with piles of cured meats, Stasio’s also has a selection of vegetarian-friendly options to help cover everyone’s needs.
#48 Sister Honey’s Bakery
247 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 730-7315
Sister Honey’s hummingbird cake (Photo Credit: Sister Honey’s)
How high can we rank a bakery? Apparently 48th, because in all our travels it has never gotten better than Sister Honey’s. We could wax poetically about how great her desserts are, but there is little we could add that isn’t already shown in the awards on her wall. So we’ll leave it at this, from an innumerable amount of pies to every type of cake you could imagine, we have never had a dessert here that failed to meet the highest of expectations.
#47 Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa
1326 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 203-0866
(Photo Credit: Pig Floyd’s)
Pig Floyd’s came in with a wave of new restaurants during the 2010s that made this area of Orlando the city’s most exciting place to eat. Combining Pacific - and now Mexican - flavors with American barbecue standbys, Pig Floyd’s offers delectable sweet and savory sandwiches and platters. Their new pizza-focused sister property, Pigzza, a few blocks south shows this restaurant is still at the forefront of shaping the Mills/50 dining scene.
#46 Gà Ta
1216 E Colonial Dr #6, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 219-4479
(Photo Credit: Gà Ta)
Most first time visitors to Colonial are probably shocked by the amount of Asian offerings lining this busy Central Florida artery. Stemming from resettlement programs at the end of the Vietnam War, Orlando maintains one of the South’s strongest Vietnamese communities. And while it’s hard to go wrong with many of the pho joints and classics like Little Saigon, Gà Ta has marked itself as one of the strongest options in this crowded market after just a few years. Pass the South Vietnamese flags in the front of a crowded Colonial arcade to find this North Vietnamese gem tucked in the back. Some of the ingredients may not be for the faint of heart, but those who order here will be rewarded with fantastic noodle-based dishes.
#45 King Bao
Multiple locations; main location at 710 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL, 32803
Main location: (407) 237-0013
A Kickin’ Chicken, Firecracker Shrimp, and Cuban bao alongside Fire Tots (Photo Credit: King Bao)
Food so perfect for a younger crowd that they even opened a location near UCF. King Bao offers the simple, holy combination of fluffy steamed bao buns with fusion fillings like fried chicken, pork belly, and Cuban meats - the results of which are delicious. Order two or three baos and be sure to compliment any meal with their loaded tots. Heaping starch combinations such as Porky’s Tatchos are not to be missed.
#44 Las Cazuelas
4024 S Conway Rd, Orlando, FL 32812
(407) 250-4608
Chorizo and carnitas tacos at Las Cazuelas (Photo Credit: Andrew Langford)
Orlando has its fair share of Tex-Mex joints, but it’s only in the last few years that the city’s authentic Mexican scene has truly evolved into its own. The jumping off point for this is tacos and Las Cazuelas serves some of the tastiest iterations of classic recipes in town. Weekends mean birria service, while less adventurous diners can still stick to Tex-Mex classics like fajitas and burritos.
#43 Sticky Rice Lao Street Food
1915 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
(321) 800-6532
(Photo Credit: Sticky Rice)
A more recent addition to the busy Colonial Asian scene, this Laotian spot has quickly become a local favorite. Fresh sharable plates unlike anything else served in town make this a worthwhile destination. Standout dishes include the sticky wings, lemongrass beef jerky, and creamy kapoon nam gai. The staff is incredibly helpful with guiding you through the menu and the low slung tables make this a unique Orlando dining experience.
#42 (Red Eye’s) Git-N-Messy Smokehouse
Multiple locations; main location at 855 FL-434E, Winter Springs, FL 32708
Main location: (407) 542-8201
(Photo Credit: Git-N-Messy)
Git-N-Messy stands out as the champion of Central Florida barbecue despite some tragic setbacks. Since the 2021 passing of smoke master Chuck Cobb, the team at Git-N-Messy has doubled down on his vision, opening a second location in Henry’s Depot churning out the same Texas-style barbecue that made the original Winter Springs location popular. You wouldn’t be faulted for sticking with pulled pork and brisket classics, but it’s the Carolina Cuban that really sets them apart. Just be sure to save some room for the terrific sides like their mac n’cheese.
#41 Susuru/Juju
Susuru: 8548 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836 Juju: 700 Maguire Blvd, Orlando, FL 32803
Susuru: (407) 778-4813 Juju: (407) 412-6678
Yakitori and kushiyaki at Susuru (Photo Credit: Susuru)
It’s no secret that the best food in Orlando is generally away from the attractions. But then there’s Susuru. Located about a mile from the entrance to Disney Springs, dinners can walk into this kitschy izakaya oasis for a much needed break from the bland, overpriced park offerings. With ramen, yakitori, rice bowls, and okonomiyaki, there’s plenty here to please every member of the family.
At their sister Colonialtown spot, Juju, the same izakaya origins get taken up a notch. Dishes here tend to focus a bit more on seafood and guests ready to splurge can go all-in on their kappo bar omakase menu. It was a risky move for the team to mess with the formula, but some recent Michelin Guide attention shows it seemed to have pay off.
#40 TaKo Cheena
948 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 930-8608
(Photo Credit: TaKo Cheena)
Returning back to the taco debate, TaKo Cheena is our top pick for fusion tacos. Combining Asian and Mexican fare, this spinoff originally launched by the team behind Pom Pom’s (#31) has been a popular choice at the many different storefronts it has called home. Settling into what’s hopefully their final location in a converted service station on Mills, tacos and burritos rule the menu here. Favorites include the always-on-special pernil tacos and char siu pork belly. And with hours stretching late into the night - err, morning - this has become an essential stop for the bar crowds seeking to come back to life after 2 AM.
#39 Zeytin Turkish Cuisine
4439 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 988-3330
(Photo Credit: Zeytin)
Most people associate Turkish food in Central Florida with Bosphorous. That burgeoning local chain serves satisfying Turkish staples, but for the best of Anatolia you’ll have to go to Zeytin. Their small College Park space is big on flavors, dishing up both the most well-known Turkish dishes - like the always photogenic lavas bread - and comparatively rare plates like pide, iskender kebab, and kunefe for dessert.
#38 Mamak Asian Street Food
1231 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 270-4688
(Photo Credit: Mamak)
There’s a growing debate over who has the better Malaysian food - Hawker’s or Mamak. People have recently backed Mamak for their prices and service, but the real reason for why it comes out on top lies in the shareable Southeast Asian plates. Perhaps best identified under the Peranakan label, guests can expect street food classics like roti canai, mei fun, and kari mee soup. For guests looking to stay close to the familiar, there’s also bao buns, pad thai, and beef chow fun.
#37 Chicken Fire
2425 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
(Photo Credit: Chicken Fire)
Nashville hot chicken may be having a moment, but until recently it had bypassed Orlando entirely. That is until Chicken Fire arrived. Debuting shortly before the pandemic, this restaurant was the remarkable standout of Orlando’s dining scene in 2020; they managed to stay open as a new food truck, built a loyal following, and opened a brick and mortar storefront on Colonial. Full credit goes to Owner and Chef Kwame Boakye, who not only crafted the delicious menu, but personally delivered meals at the height of the pandemic. If Nashville hot chicken continues to take off in this city, it is thanks to this spot.
#36 Cuban Sandwiches To Go
1605 Lee Rd, Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 578-8888
(Photo Credit: Cuban Sandwiches To Go)
While Orlando may not have quite the same strength of Cuban options as Tampa or Miami, it still bests nearly every other city in the US - or Cuba for that matter. As the name suggests, CS2G specializes in Cuban sandwiches and classic sides like papa rellenas and maduros. There’s nothing fancy about this spot - it’s a mostly cash walk-up window off Lee Road - but they excel at the basics and turn out one of Orlando’s best value lunch menus.
#35 Briarpatch
252 N Park Ave #3814, Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 628-8651
(Photo Credit: Briarpatch)
THE iconic Park Avenue sidewalk space, Briarpatch has served breakfast staples to hungry Winter Park crowds since 1980. Whether you’re looking for a pastry, light bite, or heavy meal, the dishes here should fill any breakfast or lunch need. And if you have the good fortune of snagging a sidewalk table between October and March, you’ll have a tough time thinking of a better setting to dine at.
#34 Super Rico Colombian
57 W Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 426-7007
Salchipapas (Photo Credit: Super Rico)
A parking garage across from the main fire station and connected to the Morgan & Morgan offices is hardly the first place you would consider putting a restaurant. Yet with a welcoming patio and fresh Colombian dishes, the team at Super Rico makes the very most of this location. Some of the menu is reserved for Colombian takes on American dishes, such as burgers, which are amongst the most popular items on the menu. But for our money, we would recommend sticking to the patacon and rico bowls. Whether you’re coming in for lunch during the workweek or stumbling in before a night on the town, Super Rico has what you need.
#33 Taste of Chengdu
Multiple locations; main location at 2030 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
Main location: (407) 839-1983
(Photo Credit: Taste of Chengdu)
Orlando has great Asian fare. Yet where the city maintains a healthy Japanese, Vietnamese, and Malay dining scene, Chinese food is not traditionally this city’s strong suit. For the past few years, Chef Tiger Tang has been working to change this with his terrific Szechuan cuisine served in a converted Best Western diner. Many of the mala dishes here are not what you’d find at a standard Chinese-American restaurant, though the spice level can be adjusted to please any palate.
#32 The Neighborhood Eatery
231 N Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Main location: (407) 648-1050
In the increasingly barren downtown Orlando dining landscape, The Neighborhood Eatery serves great Korean food in a convenient setting. Well-rounded meals include bibimbap and bulgogi bowls, while a quick lunch can be easily satisfied by their Koagie or Mills/50-wich. Whether you walk there from an office or the courthouse, ride the free LYMMO bus around downtown, or use the city’s 15 minute parking zone out front, it’s also a very accessible downtown pick.
#31 Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria
67 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Main location: (407) 894-0865
(Photo Credit: Pom Pom’s)
Pom Moongauklang’s hole-in-the-wall off Bumby launched her star status in the Orlando dining community. Understated yet homey is probably the best way to describe the approach to her cooking. In this small, artsy teahouse, fusion sandwiches lead a menu that includes a few sides and revolving desserts. All of the sandwiches are great, though it’s hard to pick anything other than the Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving sandwich.
#30 Nile Ethiopian
7048 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 354-0026
(Photo Credit: Nile Ethiopian)
The cluttered signs and T-shirt stores that cover the north stretch of I-Drive make it a uniquely kitschy tourist purgatory. Located in a strip mall with an Irish pub and hookah lounge, Nile doesn’t inspire much confidence from the outside. Yet once inside you’re presented with a fantastic introduction to this east African cuisine. For locals and tourists alike, Nile is a fun spot to convene around a large platter of meaty, injera goodness. And to complete the full Ethiopian experience, be sure to stick around for the dessert coffee service.
#29 Yellow Dog Eats
1236 Hempel Ave, Windermere, FL 324786
(407) 296-0609
(Photo Credit: Yellow Dog Eats)
Set in one of the oldest houses in Gotha, YDE is a cherished hangout for locals that enjoy good food and easygoing music. Chef Fish Morgan focuses his efforts on sandwiches and barbecue, particularly dishes made from pork. More recent additions like poke tacos, wraps, and salads mean there’s something for everyone. Those wishing to bring their dogs and beat the heat will also enjoy their revamped canopied patio.
#28 Sea Thai
3812 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 895-0985
(Photo Credit: Sea Thai)
The jump between good Thai and great Thai is a bar few restaurants can clear. Sea Thai is the only restaurant in Central Florida that we’ve seen rise to these standards. Any great meal here starts with the plump summer rolls, which are some of the best we’ve ever had. While the curry, soup, and menu noodle options are all good, the best main course here is the chef’s special. Made with thick noodles, vegetables, and braised beef, the dish isn’t complicated but it sure is delicious.
#27 Tori Tori
720 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Brussels Okonomiyaki at Tori Tori (Photo Credit: Tori Tori)
A smart rehab has turned an abandoned Mills eyesore into one of the hottest “pubs” in town. For some reason owner Sean Nguyen hates to call this a restaurant - probably because the dishes are small and the bar is extensive - but he manages to turn out the best Japanese bar food in town. Yakitori and okonomiyaki are some of the highlights, though everything on the menu is worth consuming. Just be sure to arrive early to guarantee a table.
#26 Enzo’s on the Lake
1130 S US Highway 17-92, Longwood, FL 32750
(407) 834-9872
(Photo Credit: Enzo’s)
Enzo’s is something of an institution by Central Florida standards. Serving Seminole County residents since 1980, the menu highlights classic Italian fine dining with fresh ingredients that keep the menu from becoming stale. A recent change in ownership should see a continuation of the same dishes and service that regulars are used to, with a greater focus on the gardens and lakeside dock that make this spot a popular destination for special occasions like birthdays and proposals.
#25 Black Rooster Taqueria
Multiple locations; main location at 1323 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Main location: (407) 601-0994
Smoked greens tacos and the nachos at Black Rooster (Photo Credit: Andrew Langford)
Rounding out my taco list is Black Rooster. Their tacos and sides may not be the most authentic renditions of these dishes, but the overall execution is the best in town. Fresh guacamole, chips that are no afterthought, and tacos served on homemade corn tortillas keep their small Mills shop buzzing. The success of this venture has also lead to a new second location on Curry Ford with a large outdoor patio.
#24 YH Seafood Clubhouse
8081 Turkey Lake Rd #700, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 440-4979
Whole Flounder, Lobster Tower, & Beef Ribeyes with Pepper and Scallions (Photo Credit: YH Seafood)
As Orlando continues to build out its Chinese scene, YH has stepped in to fill a critical void in dim sum and Cantonese options. Their dim sum lunch service is the stuff of bun and dumpling filled dreams, as carts transport baskets of these delicious morsels around the beautiful dining room. For those that can only make the dinner service, the seafood here is no joke. Fresh fish and prawns find their way into great main courses, while those working with a corporate account can splurge on the seafood tower.
#23 The Pinery
295 NE Ivanhoe Blvd Suite A, Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 377-7576
(Photo Credit: The Pinery)
One of the newest additions on this list, The Pinery is the beautiful first floor anchor of the glassy Lake House Apartments. Serving upscale Southern fare, it’s a welcome addition to the trendy southern dining race that Orlando has been falling behind in. Charcuterie boards and smoked fish dip seem to be early favorites for the best appetizer, while main courses include a pork chop and decadently rich shrimp and grits. If you have room for dessert, their hummingbird cake comes close to Sister Honey’s.
#22 Brazas Chicken
4797 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 582-0506
Ceviche at Brazas (Photo Credit: Brazas Chicken)
Brazas may now be outshined by The Porch, which fronts this South Orange strip mall, but those looking for authentic Peruvian fare should stick with the back of the plaza. Large rotisserie chickens, complimentary sides and sauces, as well as an expansive menu showcasing the best Peru has to offer make it a worthwhile destination. Owner Franco Del Solar continues to threaten retirement, so get here before it’s too late.
#21 Bull & Bear
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 597-5500
Tomahawk steak at Bull & Bear (Photo Credit: Bull & Bear)
Restaurants don’t get much more polarizing than steakhouses. Some love them and others either think they’re all the same or don’t even eat steak in the first place. That said, the crowded Orlando resort steakhouse scene has one clear champion - Bull & Bear. Focusing on the fundamental building blocks that draw fans to steakhouses, this space in the Waldorf Astoria delivers with its dim, classic interior, great sides, and strong collection of cuts. And be sure to save room for dessert.
#20 Bombay Street Kitchen
6215 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809
(407) 240-5151
Samsoa chaat at Bombay Street Kitchen (Photo Credit: Bombay Street Kitchen)
Since it first opened during the pandemic, BSK has quickly catapulted to the top of many local Desis’ lists of the best Indian spots in Orlando. Centered on Indian street food, the restaurant gives a good overview of the culinary highlights from around the subcontinent. The regulars may differ on whether to order the dosa or bhel here, but everyone can seem to agree that the chicken xacuti and samosa chaat are the best in town. With filling portions at reasonable prices, it’s hard to leave here fully awake.
#19 Francesco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
400 S Orlando Ave #104, Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 960-5533
(Photo Credit: Francesco’s)
It seems like folks in Maitland have a tendency to hype up their dining scene over Winter Park’s. Perhaps it has something to do with the Italian plates coming out of Chef Francesco Aiello’s kitchen. A graduate of the Instituto Alberghiero in Palermo, he balances the heavier dishes that so often define Italian cooking with light seafood and salad starters. It is often a struggle for guests trying to decide between pizza or pasta, but we believe his lasagna is in a league of its own relative to the other dishes on the menu.
#18 Papa Llama
2840 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
(321) 247-5480
(Photo Credit: Papa Llama)
This space typifies the same pop-up restaurant trend that’s taken over Miami. After several years of perfecting their craft around Orlando, husband and wife team Kevin and Maria Ruiz finally have a permanent location in a quiet Curry Ford strip mall. The food, such as the lomo and papa rellena, is a modern take on Peruvian cooking served to the highest of standards. The small dining room and reservation-only rule also ensures that the service is attentive and experience intimate. A recent shift from a la carte to a tasting menu will help them continue to take on some of the spots ranked - slightly - higher on this list.
#17 Luke’s Kitchen
640 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 674-2400
Mahi with Rice Grits & Collared Greens (Photo Credit: Luke’s)
A better version of Hillstone or Earl’s? Maybe that’s underselling why people drive from across town to dine at this Maitland hub for American classics. Appealing to the same market as those restaurants previously mentioned, Luke’s takes the same ambiance and ingredients you would expect from those spots and brings them to the next level. The brunch is great, the burger is one of the best in town, and the seafood plates - particularly the red snapper - are the highlights of the main entrees. Oh, and they have some of the best drink specials of any restaurant in the area.
#16 Pizza Bruno
3990 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 270-6833
(Photo Credit: Pizza Bruno)
On the whole, Orlando is not a pizza town. That is save for the singular achievement which is Pizza Bruno, Chef/Owner Bruno Zacchini’s Neapolitan joint on Curry Ford. Slinging creative pies to the many crowds that have packed their buzzing dining room/patio since opening in 2016, this restaurant has not missed a beat. As Bruno’s star has risen in the local culinary community, his menu has become increasingly confident, adding dishes like octopus and the occasional pasta to the already strong array of pizzas, garlic knots, and meatballs.
#15 Bulla
110 S Orlando Ave #7, Winter Park, FL 32789
(321) 214-6120
Paellas and sangria (Photo Credit: Bulla)
For those who of us that can’t quite swing the summer trip to Ibiza, it’s best to find inspiration for future travels in the tapas plates served at this South Florida transplant. Focusing on Catalan cuisine, Bulla is a much needed ambassador for Spanish dining in Orlando. Delivering the clean, polished hospitality that one would expect from a large Winter Park operation, everything from the sangria to the churros satisfies that special tapas craving. Yet to truly elevate your experience, you must order the grilled octopus and chorizo stuffed dates.
#14 Rome’s Flavours
124 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 951-8039
Goat cheese bruschetta (Photo Credit: Rome’s Flavours)
It’s always a good sign when the Italians in Orlando recommend this restaurant. Set in a small Winter Park shop just around the corner from Park Ave, Rome’s Flavours makes up for its lack of seating with big flavors. Appetizers, including and array of bruschettas, spotlight fresh ingredients like pepperoncini peppers and sublime balsamic, while the main plates take a step beyond the red sauce classics which dominate so many local “Italian” menus.
#13 Soco
629 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 849-1800
(Photo Credit: Soco)
Soco - short for Southern Contemporary Cuisine - is the southern-focused summary of Executive Chef Greg Richie’s career. A one-time transient chef in many of the South’s great kitchens, his career took a few turns that included time under Emeril Lagasse and Roy Yamaguchi. These diverse experiences are represented in Soco’s menu, which often combines southern fare with Pacific flairs. Fusion “chicken & dumplings” and Korean fried chicken share space with unaltered classics like shrimp & grits and grilled meatloaf.
#12 Reyes Mezcaleria
821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 868-9007
(Photo Credit: Reyes)
With Reyes, restaurateurs Jason and Sue Chin proved their restaurant group was the real deal. Focusing on regional plates rarely found on menus in the States, Executive Chef Wendy Lopez draws attention to the seafood in Veracruz and the enchiladas in Michoacán - just to name a few. Brunch in this boho-chic dining room is equally as creative and with mezcaleria in the name, you can be sure their agave-based cocktails are some of the best in town.
#11 The Osprey
821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 960-7700
(Photo Credit: The Osprey)
The Osprey, formerly The Osprey Tavern, is another win for Jason and Sue Chin. As part of a 2020 reset, Executive Chef Michael Cooper dropped the “Tavern” and shifted the menu to focus largely on seafood. The end result was a revamped, semi-luxurious space with careful attention paid towards fresh oysters and regional catches. For those who feared changing the formula would ruin an already great restaurant, The Osprey has put those worries to rest and then some.
#10 The Strand
807 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 920-7744
(Photo Credit: The Strand)
This is THE great Orlando neighborhood restaurant. Situated in a small corner space on Mills, The Strand serves American and bistro fare in a warm, approachable setting. Duck, seafood, and steak constitute a menu undergoing constant seasonal adjustments, although their low-key claim to fame is the burger, which is perhaps the best in town. A small sidewalk seating area is the latest tweak to their service that continues to enhance the overall experience.
#9 Pepperoncino
7988 Via Dellagio Way #108, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 440-2856
(Photo Credit: Pepperoncino)
Chef couple Barbara Alfano and Danilo Martorano have never skimped on the details since they first opened this Dr. Phillips spot in 2012. Serving recipes from Chef Barbara’s grandmother, this is Old World cooking at its very best. Recipes so often adapted to American palates are uncompromisingly made the same way they have been for generations. A few years ago they branched into cooking pizzas, which - unsurprisingly - meant Roman style pies and ovens imported from Italy.
#8 Se7en Bites
617 N Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 203-0727
(Photo Credit: Se7en Bites)
Se7en Bites is a battle of willpower between primordial instincts and the strength of the aorta. Calories be damned at Owner/Chef Trina Gregory-Propst’s monument to all things sweet and savory. We suppose the lunch dishes are incredible, but we’ve never made it past the breakfast plates, particularly the 3 Little Pigs - an unholy combination of biscuit, egg, pimento cheese, bacon, grits, and gravy. If you want to continue the joy or share the wealth, their desserts make great treats for later.
#7 The Ravenous Pig
565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 628-2333
(Photo Credit: The Ravenous Pig)
Some of us remember the day when the best restaurants in Orlando were chains located along Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips. Husband-and-wife duo James and Julie Petrakis forever changed the local dining scene when they opened The Ravenous Pig in 2007. Several spinoff concepts and one relocation later, this Winter Park establishment continues to go strong with a slew of James Bear nods and a brand new beer garden. Vaguely classified as southern, the plates here really cover all that is delicious and sacred like goat cheese tortellini, mushroom & gruyere beignets, and pastrami brisket.
#6 Doshi
1040 N Orlando Ave #104, Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 571-9264
(Photo Credit: Doshi)
Alas, their dinner tray pop-up, Doshibox, was not long for this world, but that’s okay when Gene Kim and chef-cohorts Ray and Mike Gillette have moved on to bigger and better things. With Doshi, they’ve found their own space where they can guide Winter Park diners through the highest levels of Korean cooking. If you’re not looking to shell out approximately $200 on the tasting menu, their dining room serves up seasonal highlights, such as the Wagyu Galbi Jjim and Fire Octopus.
#5 1921
142 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757
(352) 385-1921
(Photo Credit: 1921)
For those willing to make the trek to Mount Dora, 1921 is the perfect end to that drive. Located in the Mount Dora Modernism Museum, this is more than just a well-designed restaurant. 1921’s old school Florida menu puts diners in the oh-so-unenviable position of deciding what to order - or more accurately, what not to order this time around. With the exception of one average dessert, we’ve sampled at least a dozen entrees and sides and still cannot think of a way to rank their exceptional plates.
#4 Kabooki Sushi
Multiple locations; main location at 3122 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Main location: (407) 228-3839
(Photo Credit: Kabooki Sushi)
In most cities, Kabooki would be the best Japanese place in town (more on that later). Also a recipient of some James Beard attention, Chef Henry Moso’s enterprise pushes for an inventive meal on all fronts. Take, for example, the best sake and Japanese whiskey selection in town at their newly renovated East Colonial space. Or find evidence of Moso’s creativity in the execution of the cold tasting dishes and beautifully plated rolls. And when you’re ready for the full experience, make reservations for the omakase tasting menu.
#3 The Chef’s Table
99 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 230-4837
(Photo Credit: The Chef’s Table)
With experience at Orlando institutions like The California Grill, you’re in good hands with Laurie and Kevin Tarter. Located in Winter Garden’s historic Edgewater hotel, The Chef’s Table is the intimate backroom operation behind their similarly noteworthy Tasting Room. Organized around a reasonably priced prix fixe menu, guests can assemble meals including pan seared foie gras, oven roasted lamb, and berry bread pudding. The small dining space ensures personalized service - Kevin has historically given guests tours of the hotel’s ground floor - and there are few distractions from what’s on the table. For special occasions, this is another restaurant that’s worth the drive.
#2 Kaya
618 N Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
(Photo Credit: Kaya)
Lordfer “Lo” Lalicon had little to prove when he left Kadence (#1) to start his own Filipino restaurant, but that didn’t stop Kaya from bringing something new to Orlando’s fine dining scene when it opened in late 2022. While built on the same tasting menu model as many of the other top spots on this list, the space feels less like many of the other high-end dining rooms and more like an incredible Filipino feast in someone’s home. Part of this is the result of Kaya’s dedication to the local Filipino community, with desserts including ice cream from Sampaguita and Filipino festivals regularly appearing in their parking lot on weekends.
#1 Kadence
1809 Winter Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32803
(Photo Credit: Kadence)
Few places in Orlando can justify eye watering prices. Kadence just so happens to be one of them. More of a two hour tour of Japanese cuisine with eight other guests than a proper restaurant, Kadence opened as the realization of some brilliant careers from original Owners/Chefs Lordfer Lalicon, Jennifer Bañagale, and Mark Berdin. These three UF alums worked the world’s kitchens before first opening a popular omakase stand in East End Market, then their own standalone building nearby. Guests can expect successively stunning courses made from fresh ingredients imported daily and little features that go the extra mile, like real wasabi root. An unsatisfied drive to have the best playlist, sake service, and dishes means they will never rest on their laurels, which is why this should remain the best meal in Orlando for a long time to come.