While its world-famous theme parks are the big draw to Orlando, the dining scene has also become widely recognized, with Orlando named No. 2 Best Foodie City in America.
Orlando’s dining scene grows stronger every year with nationally recognized chefs, new restaurants from celebrity chefs, and diverse cuisines for every budget and taste. Overall, Orlando is home to over 6,000 restaurants representing 40 different international cuisines.
For the first time ever, The MICHELIN Guide will discover and celebrate culinary gems across Florida, starting in 2022 with the inaugural edition of The MICHELIN Florida Guide to include Orlando.
From dining with fireworks views or along the water to exploring local neighborhood eats and trendy food halls, Orlando offers options for all foodies.
Dining with a View
From stellar waterfront views to rooftop dining, there’s an abundance of spots to enjoy outdoor dining.
Fireworks or Theme Park Views
For memorable views of Epcot and Magic Kingdom (including nightly fireworks), visit California Grill on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or nearby Capa rooftop steakhouse at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Perched on the ninth floor at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, illume is a unique rooftop lounge serving contemporary Japanese cuisine and creative cocktails.
With commanding views of Universal Orlando’s three theme parks, Bar 17 Bistro on the rooftop of Universal’s Aventura Hotel is a breezy retreat offering unique dishes as well as classic fare.
City Views
With spectacular views of downtown Orlando, a full range of handcrafted cocktails featuring locally made spirits, and chef-made tapas and small plates, AC Sky Bar is an 18th-floor rooftop bar inside the newly opened AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown.
Bites & Bubbles in downtown Orlando serves American cuisine “with a French kiss” and offers rooftop dining with a South Beach vibe.
At Reunion Resort & Golf Club, Eleven rooftop restaurant offers a variety of small plates and craft cocktails with breathtaking panoramic views of Orlando, accompanied by live entertainment nightly.
Waterside
Enjoy a view of the water at The Boathouse at Disney Springs for oysters or a fresh catch. Nearby is Paddlefish at Disney Springs, where the best views are from the top deck with a craft cocktail and seafood.
In Lake Nona, Canvas Restaurant & Market offers a delicious brunch with a stunning lake-view; guests can enjoy Meyer lemon pancakes or the Canvas benedict.
Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe offers an upscale casual dining experience featuring an innovative and fresh menu, all with an amazing view of historic Lake Ivanhoe in downtown Orlando.
Animal Experiences
Sharks Underwater Grill at SeaWorld Orlando gives guests the opportunity to dine alongside a world of swimming sharks, while Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge overlooks zebras, giraffes and other wildlife.
Global Eats
With visitors from around the world, Orlando offers more than 40 different international cuisines across its various neighborhoods.
A Taste of Latin Culture
There’s Mexican-Portuguese at Bem Bom, offering Piri-Piri chicken tacos and authentic Spanish tapas at Santiago’s Bodega. Those seeking a Cuban meal can enjoy an authentic Cuban sandwich at Black Bean Deli or ropa vieja at Padrino’s.
Asian-inspired Eateries
Orlando is an expanding enclave of authentic Asian food markets and restaurants.
Mills 50 is home to the largest Vietnamese American community in Florida. Visitors can try a diverse range of Asian cuisine such as, traditional pho at Pho 88, a twist on Korean fried chicken at Chi-Kin Korean Fried and authentic Lao street food at Sticky Rice. One of Orlando’s newest bars, Tori Tori, is a modern Japanese pub where visitors can find classic cocktails with a Japanese twist and unique bar bites that range from pork belly gyozas to grilled flying Japanese squid.
Domu in East End Market (and Dr. Phillips) serves up house-made ramen and some of the city’s best Korean chicken wings. Nearby, Kadence features an exclusive and intimate eight-seat sushi-tasting experience focusing on omakase-style dining and carefully curated selection of sake.
Downtown, The Ramen features hand-stretched ramen, bento and donburi (Japanese rice bowls) from a former Epcot chef. Taste of Chengdu on West Colonial Drive takes diners to the Sichuan Province of China with bold, fiery dishes.
Sushi Pop’s Winter Park outpost adds ramen to the Chef Chau Trinh’s award-winning sushi menu that gained a loyal following at its Oviedo location.
Headed by James Beard-nominated Chef Henry Moso and inspired by ancient Japanese theater, Kabooki Sushi, on Sand Lake and East Colonial, offers a variety of sushi plates, including a six-course omakase meal.
A Taste of Europe
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine is cozy spot filled with warm color tones and Turkish ebru paintings featuring traditional Turkish foods like kebabs, falafel and lamb dishes.
DoveCote is a neighborhood brasserie located in downtown Orlando featuring French inspired flavors.
Le Coq au Vin in downtown Orlando has charmed patrons from more than 40 years, with its cozy atmosphere, delicious French cuisine and comfortable setting in an old home.
Other International Flavors
There are endless dining opportunities surrounding Orlando’s world-famous theme parks. International Drive and nearby Restaurant Row are two of the most diverse streets of dining anywhere in the world.
Sample Iranian food at Shiraz. Savor some Indian plates at Tamarind or Mynt.
Nile and Selam feature Ethiopian cuisine, while Cedar’s is Lebanese.
Southern and Local
There’s no place like home with these Southern-inspired eateries:
For a Southern flair, Winter Park’s Ravenous Pig is the place for craft cocktails and everything from ham ‘n biscuits to a hearty pork porterhouse.
Try 4 Rivers Smokehouse (multiple locations), named “One of the South’s Best BBQ Joints” by Southern Living magazine.
For down-home cuisine with an upscale vibe like chicken and lobster dumplings, head to Soco in Thornton Park.
For quick and casual, Orlando Meats is a whole-animal butcher shop serving light breakfast and lunch. The menu is based on available cuts and local produce.
Plant-based Bites
Recently named one of the best cities for vegans and vegetarians by WalletHub, visitors traveling to Orlando can easily find mouthwatering cuisine.
At the theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort has added more than 400 plant-based menu items at all major quick-service and table-service restaurants, both in the theme parks and the hotels. Universal Orlando Resort also features plant-based menu options at select restaurants. SeaWorld Orlando now offers the Impossible Burger on menus across the park.
Independent coffeehouse and café Craft & Common offers vegan milk options including oat and almond, as well as vegan snacks and desserts.
Greenery Creamery serves up a mix of vegan and traditional ice cream, with specialties like black charcoal waffle cones and seasonal flavors like BlackBerry White Chocolate Pie.
Hungry Pants in downtown Orlando offers unique plant-based meals and vegan comfort foods in a fast-fine setting.
Humbl is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant offering fast casual favorites, all plant based, from all-natural ingredients and crafted by celebrity chef and founding partner, Matthew Kenney.
Upscale Classics
Visitors looking for an upscale evening with cuisine and service to match, these award-winning restaurants stand the test of time.
For a great steak in a gorgeous setting, Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria serves Prime grade certified Angus beef.
At the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Capa restaurant is an elegant contemporary Spanish steakhouse offering incredible nighttime views of Disney’s fireworks from its 17th floor rooftop patio.
Add Knife & Spoon
The Boheme Restaurant at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando creates the perfect balance of creativity and mystery, offering a taste of hand-selected ingredients and an artful ambiance.
The H Cuisine offers casual fine dining with a Mediterranean twist in Dr. Phillips.
Located on the famed ‘Restaurant Row’, Vines Grille & Wine Bar offers exceptional fine dining in an upscale and vibrant atmosphere.
James Beard Chefs & Master Sommelier
Orlando’s growing food community includes nominees and winners of the coveted James Beard Award.
Winners with restaurants in Orlando include Chef José Andrés, Jaleo; Chef Rick Bayless, Frontera Cocina; Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Asia; Chef Wolfgang Puck, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill; and Chef Art Smith, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
Four Orlando chefs and restaurateurs were named James Beard Award semifinalists: Henry Moso of Kabooki Sushi for Best Chef: South, Rabii Saber of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando for Outstanding Pastry Chef, Evette Rahman of Sister Honey's for Outstanding Baker and Jason and Sue Chin of the Good Salt Restaurant Group for Outstanding Restaurateur.
Orlando has the only Florida restaurant owned and operated by a master sommelier, Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes at the helm.
Celebrity Chef Restaurants
Orlando’s growing food community includes nominees and winners of the coveted James Beard Award.
Celebrity chef restaurant Gordan Ramsay Fish & Chips features fried favorites including shrimp, chicken, sausage and a variety of “dirty” chips.
Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen, a restaurant at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress from the Top Chef All-Stars winner, features cuisine inspired by tropical flavors and ingredients from Florida, including native fruits, vegetables, seafood and more.
Morimoto Asia by Chef Masaharu Morimoto serves unique interpretations of Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ serves southern-inspired cuisine and pays homage to Florida’s rich agricultural heritage by highlighting local ingredients and farm-to-table cuisine.
Jaleo by Chef José Andrés focuses on the spirit and flavors of Spain, serving popular authentic Spanish cuisine including tapas, paella, sangria and more.
Todd English’s bluezoo at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort combines the freshest seafood and global coastal cuisine with an unforgettable atmosphere.
La Luce by Chef Donna Scala at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek serves Northern California-influenced Italian offerings in a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
Food Halls & Food Trucks
A major trend in recent years, food halls continue to develop in Orlando’s growing food scene. The multi-faceted markets feature a variety of options for guests to choose from.
The Milkhouse in downtown Orlando’s Milk District is a unique dining space housing some of the most notable Central Florida Food & Beverage brands like Bagel Bruno, Foxtail Coffee Co. and Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.
East End Market, Orlando’s original food hall, offers everything from biscuits and farm-to-table cuisine to cookies and fromage.
Plant Street Market in Winter Garden houses its own craft brewery, food vendors ranging from wood-fired pizza to vegan eats, and local artisans.
World Food Trucks in Kissimmee is the only place in Central Florida to savor delicious eats from over 40 food trucks. From Latin favorites to Asian fare and everything else in between, this permanent food truck park offers something for every palette.
Boxi Park in Lake Nona is a 30,000-square-foot outdoor venue featuring food-truck-style eats and live entertainment. The venue also features a playground, dog park and sand volleyball courts.
Source: Visit Orlando
