What and where to eat in Orlando

Taking a cue from Orlando’s extensive history, The Monroe, located in Creative Village, is a local Southern restaurant with some of the crispiest fried goods in town. Getting a crispy chicken sandwich with the Bee Real cocktail is recommended when you’re here.

Taking its cues from Orlandos’ rich heritage, The Monroe is a restaurant that pays tribue to Dr. William “Monroe” Wells and his hospitable spirit as a civil rights leader and iconic figure in Orlando’s history as one of the first black doctors of his generation in the early 1900´s. I’d recommend the crispy chicken sandwich (and when they say, crisp, they mean it!) Wash it all down with the wittily named Bee Real Cocktail.

Address: 448 North Terry Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801

Orlando’s has its first sushi standing bar, EDOBOY. This place is fascinating because it serves sushi while the patrons stand by the bar, inspired by traditional sushi methods during the Edo period in Japan. If you’re curious, be sure to make a reservation.

Drawing influences from the streets of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, EDOBOY is Orlando’s first standing sushi bar. History buffs will note that “Edo” is in fact the ancient term for what is present-day Tokyo, during which Nigiri sushi and the standing sushi style of dining came to the fore. Beyond the reverence to history, you’ll be pleased to read that the sushi here is fresh, savory and gentle on the senses. Time slots are released every Monday at 12:00pm – and walk-ins aren’t accepted so you may want to plan ahead.

Address: 728 North Thornton Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803

Acknowledging the large Latin American population in Central Florida, BACÁN adds a witty new twist to some traditional favorites. Located inside the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, it’s becoming a popular choice among locals and travelers looking for a fine dining experience with a twist.

A testament to Central Florida’s Latin American population, BACÁN features traditional classics albeit with a seductive, bold twist. Sit back and enjoy the open-theater style kitchen and service worthy of a Broadway musical – while savoring mouth watering cuisine that’ll tickle your tastebuds.

Address: 6100 Wave Hotel Drive, Orlando, Florida 32827

One of the few Michelin-starred restaurants in Orlando, Knife & Spoon is a steakhouse that provides simple steak favorites with a slight twist. Don’t let the simplicity fool you; dishes like the 44 Farms Bone-In New York Strip are strong enough to give this in-house JW Marriott restaurant a one-star Michelin rating.

One of only a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants in Orlando, Knife & Spoon specializes in steak and seafood – served in stellar surroundings. The brainchild of Chef John Tesar (a man who Anthony Bourdain once dubbed “the best chef he’d ever cooked with,) Knife & Spoon is one for those special occasions. Look the part, sit back and dig into a meal that you may well remember decades on.

Address: 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32837

I honestly think this place has New York steakhouse vibes, but it’s in the middle of Central Florida. Housed in a historic 1936 S. H. Kress & Co. art deco building, you’re always close to the fun in Downtown Orlando or nearby a sports game at one of the stadiums. You can wine and dine at ease here; feasting on classics like a New York strip or, for something more adventurous – a Filet Wellington. Vegan-friendly options can be found on a varied menu, carefully curated by a specialist chef in a 3-course plan that’s available on Saturdays.

Address: 17 West Church Street, Orlando, Florida 32801

Dine under Victorian-inspired interiors with a chef’s menu option prepared to be season-appropriate by some of the best culinary masters at Walt Disney World. Located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for upscale.

Swank Victorian interiors paired with sophisticated modern American cuisine await you at Victoria & Albert’s. As the restaurant is located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you’re never far from the myriad of fun, adventurous exploits that Orlando’s fantasy worlds offer curious visitors.

Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, Florida 32830

Kadence is another Orlando eatery with a Michelin star. It’s a fantastic Omakase Japanese restaurant in the snazzy Audubon Park Garden District, one of Downtown Orlando’s neighborhoods. This ritzy establishment received its one Michelin star in 2022 and originally started as a mini counter in a local market.

Once a mini counter at a local market, Kadence has since morphed, rather remarkably, into a Michelin-star experience. Located in the snazzy Audubon Park Garden District in Downtown Orlando, Kadence is cryptic when it comes to knowing what sort of a menu to expect, which makes the whole experience a voyage of discovery.

Address: 1809 Winter Park Road, Orlando, Florida 32803

Inspired by some of the most beloved Filipino dishes, Kaya, located in the Mills 50 district, offers an innovative tropical experience paired with simple bites that will make you wonder if you’re still in Orlando. I personally find eating here to be a culinary journey in and of itself.

Address: 618 North Thornton Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803

If you ever wanted to eat inside one of the French castles of your favorite Disney films, check out Be Our Guest. Aptly located in “The Magic Kingdom” and duly inspired by one of Disney’s all time classics, this gilded restaurant is an afficionado’s paradise.

You can wine and dine in 3 main rooms including The Grand Ballroom (a baroque ballroom with gothic arches), The West Wing (the Beast’s spooky study with views of the enchanted rose), and The Rose Gallery (a room filled with artwork portraying Belle and the Beast’s story). Even if you’re not a Disney fan, this restaurant is spectacular, and take it from me, an experience you will remember.

Address: Magic Kingdom Drive, Orlando, Florida 32836

This Japanese pub is Michelin-recommended and perfect for getting a sense of the authentic ambiance of Orlando. It’s the sort of place frequented by locals and discerning travelers, who come here thirsting for cocktails that tickle the imagination paired with flavor-laden tapa dishes that please the palate.

Address: 720 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803

Sometimes all you need in this life is a good old vegan wrap. Leguminati‘s offerings include wraps sporting eye-catching names such as “Buffalo Crunch” and Crunch Mac – all generously laden with leafy, vegan ingredients. If you just have to have your beef, a scrumptious “Buffalo Crunch-” vegan beef crumbles, slop sauce, queso tostada, rice paper bacon, fried onions, diced jalapeños and flour tortilla should just about do it.

Address: 2401 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, Florida 32806

While not entirely vegan, Hawkers Asian Street Food offers many vegan-friendly options that vegans and non-vegans looking to sink their teeth into something inspiring can try.

There are no pretentious vibes in this joint; dishes that can stand their ground purely on account of their flavors and how their ingredients complement one another are what to expect.

Address: 1103 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803

This happy vegan restaurant is 100% plant-based and perfect for lunch because it provides vegan burgers, shakes, and fries. They also break down what kind of/if any, allergens like gluten are in their food. Take it from me; their buffalo sandwich and plant-style fries are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Personally, I would argue that there is no better spot for a Vegan lunch that Plantees. Think vegan burgers, shakes and fries to boot. Their menu is also delightfully simple and easy to understand, with a breakdown of whether allergens are present in specific meals or ingredients. While it’s always hard for me to choose what to have here, the buffalo sandwich and plant-style fries are my ideal afternoon pick-me-up.

Address: 1030 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803

This tour company takes you to places like Ivanhoe Village, a pocket neighborhood of the downtown Orlando area.

Gator bites are the main draw (alligator tail meat seasoned and soaked in a buttermilk mixture then coated with seasoned flour,) for anyone looking to sample something local but honestly, there is no shortage of Orlando fare to treat yourself to on this tour.

Washburn Imports is more than just an antique furniture store in the Ivanhoe Village neighborhood of Orlando. Yes – you will find Orlando furniture classics hailing from as far away as Indonesia and India, but the light bites and wine menu add a culinary dimension that elevate this spot into a status of a must-see in Orlando, in this writer’s opinion.

Address: 1800 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32804

If you want a Thai meal that doesn’t break the bank, Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria is where it’s at. This cute joint has been an Orlando staple for over a decade and specializes in gourmet sandwiches in a humble, artistic setting.

Address: ​​67 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803

Another sandwich shop that also features an extensive craft beer list, The Gnarly Barly is a fantastic location to get acquainted with the veritable spirit of Orlando. A Cuban sandwich and a Hazy IPA is my personal favourite here but honestly, there is something for everyone on their menu.

Address: 1407 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32804

Pig Floyds will fill you up – for cheap. Boasting just the right amount of protein-heavy options at a price that is gentle on your pocket, this BBQ restaurant also includes a range of tofu-based dishes to cater for all tummies.

Address: 1326 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803

With views of Orlando and an equally impressive array of cocktails, the AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown’s Sky Bar is worth a visit for the vistas alone. With its minimalistic interiors and modern furniture, it gives off the vibe of a modern, pulsating metropolis bar. Think picture-perfect sunsets that match the color and aura of your mystifying.

Address: 333 South Garland Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801

Orlando is known for its camp aesthetic, and the Orlando Milkhouse doesn’t shy away. With four locally sourced vendors inside, it’s a superb spot to grab a bite, have a craft beer, and learn all about the milk industry.

Address: 203 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803

With a massive Puerto Rican population in Central Florida, the island’s typical dish, mofongo, was always bound to make its way to Orlando. Fried plantains, garlic and chicharrónes (crispy pork skin) mash enterprisingly together into a ball that can thereafter be topped with proteins such as steak or shrimp. To be fair, you could also just eat it on its own too – sans toppings (and therefore Vegan) but you’ll want to toss some white rice and red kidney beans into the mix whatever version you opt for. Typically, mofongo is a meal that is widespread in and around South Orlando though it’s also available in other spots in the city as well.

Found in abundance on Florida’s shores, conch is a favorite among locals and travelers in Orlando. It’s a great way to savour something that’s both local and simple!

Ending this section of our culinary journey with a befitting desert; Dole While is essentially pineapple-flavored soft-serve ice cream. It was originally created by the fruit company, Dole, but became available at Disneyland’s Tiki Bar in 1986. All you really need in Orlando in the summer months is a good Dole Whip and good company.