Welcome to Restaurant Orlando Foodies, your source for Orlando restaurant reviews. From fried chicken to Ossobucco to the latest vegetarian fare, you will find the best restaurants to go to. We will be clueing you in on where to dine in downtown Orlando, Disney Springs, Universal Studios City Walk, Winter Park, Windermere and beyond.
Orlando Restaurant Reviews: The Tastiest Treats You Can’t Resist
Ah, Orlando – the land of theme parks, sunshine, and some surprisingly delectable dining options. As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, I’ve been on a quest to uncover the best restaurants in this culinary wonderland. From casual bites to fancy feasts, the City Beautiful has something for every palate, and I’m here to give you the scoop on some exceptional Orlando restaurant reviews.
You might think you know Orlando, but let me tell you, there’s more to it than just Mickey Mouse and lineups. This vibrant city has a diverse food scene waiting to be explored. Venture out from the theme parks and get ready to sink your teeth into the flavors of Orlando. Are you ready for a gastronomic adventure that’ll have you coming back for more? Trust me; your taste buds are in for a real treat.
Key Takeaways
- Orlando offers an eclectic mix of dining options that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Local favorites showcase the city’s diverse culinary landscape, from classic Italian to Southern comfort cuisine.
- A thriving food scene is just one more reason to visit and fall in love with Orlando.
Best Restaurants in Orlando Which Locals Love
Oh, man! Orlando’s restaurant scene has left me nothing short of dumbfounded. With an abundance of exceptional dining experiences that make me salivate just thinking about them, every foodie in their right mind must visit this area. Let me share with you, in my humorous yet honest opinion, some of the best establishments that I’ve had the pleasure to indulge in.
Warning: Eating at these restaurants may cause uncontrollable drooling and a serious case of taste bud euphoria.
My first unforgettable experience occurred at Christinis Ristorante Italiano. I did not know what to expect, as it is located in a shopping plaza but when I walked in I was blown away. You do not expect this kind of elegance in Orlando, Florida. From the paintings on the wall to the carefully chosen antiques, you feel like you are walking into someone’s well-appointed home.
The owner and his staff, make you feel welcome and cared for and pampered. I started with their eggplant dip and freshly baked bread and oh my goodness! I am not a big eggplant fan, but this was unbelievable. I then proceeded to their melt-in-your-mouth calamari, before enjoying their homemade gnocchi and finishing with their Tiramisu. The sommelier chose the perfect bottle of wine to go with my meal. I left on a food high and can’t wait to go back.
My next happy surprise was Wine Bar George, where the lobster and octopus small plates transported me straight to Mediterranean heaven. I paired these dishes with one (or maybe three) glasses from their extensive wine list, much to the delight of my inner sommelier.
Third on my culinary adventure was the sushi and ramen paradise known as DOMU. DOMU’s house-made noodles and fresh sushi rolls made me wonder if reincarnation as a noodle was a possible career option. I swear, if they offered a loyalty card for their ramen, I’d be swimming in points by now.
My stomach still rumbles when I recall my visit to Pappa D’s – a cozy, hidden gem that specializes in New York style pizza. I quickly realized that just like Orlando’s roller coasters, restaurant row contains epic flavors that were well worth the wait.
I couldn’t compile this list without mentioning Susuru and their fun, retro atmosphere. This gave me an entirely new appreciation for Izakayas. Considering the large variety of dishes, don’t hesitate to share these small plates, such as fried chicken and skewers, with your companions.
For those looking to spend a day around Disney Springs, you’ll go bonkers over their steakhouses and epcot restaurants. Surprise – there’s fine dining amongst all of those beloved theme parks! After tucking into some A5 wagyu, I wondered if Mickey Mouse would be offended if I wore this meal as a souvenir.
Finally, let’s talk about the Mills 50 district. That’s where I stumbled upon a tasty hidden treasure: Bite. Cozy and unassuming, this place blew my socks off with its diverse mix of cuisine: African, Caribbean, Indian, and beyond. The cured meats, succulent lamb, and creamy ricotta left an indelible impression in my food-loving heart.
So, there you have it, folks! Don’t be surprised if you find me lost in a food coma somewhere around Orlando, dreaming of my next flavor-filled adventure in this culinary wonderland.
21 Best Restaurants in Orlando, from Pizza to Ethiopian Cuisine
Let me tell you, I recently ventured to the mystical land of Orlando, and boy, was I in for a treat! You’d think that theme parks and roller coasters might steal the show, but honestly, it was the mouthwatering restaurant scene that had me doing backflips (okay, not literally, I’m a writer, not an acrobat). So without further ado, here’s your personal tour guide to 21 of the most delectable dining spots in Orlando!
Starting off, I sunk my teeth into an unbelievably cheesy slice of pizza at this joint called Pappa Ds. Instantly, I was teleported to Italy – well, in my mind anyway. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a New York pizzerai, and every bite of that heavenly pie made me shed a tear of pure joy.
But you know what they say, variety is the spice of life, and so I ventured into the world of unique flavors at Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine. My taste buds were tantalized by the savory delights of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. The vibrant and exotic dishes were packed with so much flavor, I almost forgot I was in Orlando!
Then I was whisked away to Reyes Mezcaleria, where I found myself sipping on the finest Mezcal while munching on authentic Mexican cuisine. The smoky, sultry flavors were a foodie’s fiesta, leaving me no choice but to dance my way out of the restaurant.
Not one to miss out on some traditional Southern comfort, I scooted over to The Ravenous Pig for some melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. My senses were on overdrive as I rejoiced in the divine creations from this Winter Park gem, which expertly showcased the best of American cuisine.
When all was said and done, I resumed my normal life, reminiscing on the culinary journey I enjoyed in Orlando. If you’re a foodie like me, you better believe these 21 spots will take your gastronomic adventures to a whole new level. Happy feasting!
Famous Orlando Celebrity Chefs
Oh, Orlando! The land of Mickey Mouse, alligators, and sunshine. But did you know that it’s also home to some amazing restaurants created by famous chefs? I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming!
My first stop was Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips. Yes, that’s right – the legendary chef Gordon Ramsay set up shop in Orlando. I could hear his voice in my head while devouring those heavenly fish and chips. Can you say “delicious”?
Next up, I had to check out Morimoto Asia, led by the talented Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Let me tell you, the sushi here is out of this world. My taste buds were doing the cha-cha-cha with every bite.
Chris Christini, owner of Christinis Ristorante Italiano, has won both national and international awards. He was also named restauranteur of the year for the state of Florida and also
I couldn’t resist another stop: Knife & Spoon at The Ritz Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes. Celebrity chef John Tesar and his trusty chef de cuisine Gerald Sombright crafted a drool-worthy menu. My stomach still remembers that unforgettable steak – perfection on a plate, I tell you.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, I stumbled upon Four Flamingos. Richard Blais, of Top Chef fame, helms this culinary gem. Known as a Richard Blais Florida Kitchen, the place beckoned me with its delightful flavors that could make taste buds sing.
So folks, if you’re in Orlando for all the magical attractions, don’t forget to take your taste buds on a roller-coaster ride too. Trust me, they’ll thank you.
Orlando’s Signature Dishes
Ah, Orlando! The land of theme parks, sunshine, and… unique culinary delights? You bet! Let me guide you through some of the city’s most mouthwatering signature dishes that every true foodie should try.
First up on my food adventure is the world-famous Globally inspired plates at Danilo’s Pasta Bar. This place doesn’t just offer Nonna’s traditional dishes, oh no, they surprise your taste buds with bold flavors from across the globe. I mean, bison meatballs in my spaghetti? Yes, please!
Taking a detour from traditional fare, you’ll find a local favorite in Orlando’s best nachos. Trust me when I say these are not your typical nachos. Think melty cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and a smorgasbord of toppings that’ll have you reaching for your camera to snap a pic for the ‘gram.
Now, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Orlando is pretty darn hot most of the time. Luckily for us, the city is home to some of the most refreshing and unique frozen treats around. Take a break from the heat and indulge in creatively flavored ice creams, sorbets, and popsicles. Keep an eye out for local seasonal flavors like key lime pie or guava-mango. Divine!
Last, but not least, don’t miss out on the city’s thriving food truck scene. From creative grilled cheese sandwiches to deliciously messy BBQ, these mobile eateries offer the perfect opportunity for adventurous food lovers like me to sample innovation on wheels. So why not take a culinary road trip through Orlando’s food truck scene and discover your own personal favorites?
And there you have it – a snapshot of my gastronomic journey through Orlando’s most delectable signature dishes. From globally inspired cuisine to local food truck gems, this city truly knows how to tantalize our taste buds. So grab your fork (or your hands, in some cases) and dig in!
Christinis Ristorante Italiano – So Famous Bob Hope and Johnny Carson Once Jokes About the Size of the Veal Chop
If you’re craving some authentic Italian cuisine, this is the place to be.
So, on my visit to Christinis, I couldn’t help but indulge in their amazing Osso Buco. I mean, what’s not to love about a dish that brings forth deliciously tender meat that has been simmered to perfection? It was like Italian grandma’s cooking, but cooler.
Now, let’s talk about their Veal Chops. They were so juicy and cooked just right! And trust me, I’ve had my fair share of veal mishaps, where it ended up tasting like an overpriced shoe. But not at Christinis, no siree! Every bite was a delight and sung to my taste buds. The portions are so large that a joke was once made about them on the Tonight Show.
But hold on, there’s more! I tried their Chilean Sea Bass over a shrimp risotto. You better believe I was one happy foodie! Just imagine the finest piece of fish, cooked to perfection, and marrying gracefully with a flavorful shrimp risotto. It’s like a love story on a plate, and I had front-row seats!
And to top it all off, I decided to treat myself to their homemade pasta. Folks, this pasta was so fresh, I could’ve sworn it was made while I was eating it. Each strand of spaghetti was like a little celebration of Italy in my mouth.
In my humble opinion, Christinis Ristorante Italiano knows how to serve up some truly delectable Italian dishes. If you find yourself in Orlando, be sure to tickle your taste buds with a visit to this fine establishment. Trust me; your belly will thank you. This is one of the best restaurants in Orlando.
Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine
I decided to venture out into the world of Orlando restaurants in search of Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine. And let me tell you, my taste buds were in for a real treat with this gem of southern cuisine right in Orlando’s heart. The place offers a blend of Southern, Soul Food, and Comfort dishes that made me want to extend my stay in the sun-kissed city! Feel free to take a look at some of the dishes they offer.
Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Resort
While exploring the culinary landscape at the Animal Kingdom Resort, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise: Jiko. I could not resist tasting their never-ending offerings from a menu that featured diverse dishes inspired by Indian, Ethiopian, and other exotic cuisines. I was instantly transported to a journey full of rich flavors, and I just couldn’t get enough of it. The ambiance, friendly service, and unparalleled selection put Jiko on my must-visit list next time I’m in Orlando.
Santiago’s Botega – Sangria Please!
The magic of great food struck me when I discovered Santiago’s Botega. This cozy Orlando restaurant serves divine tapas that are sure to make your mouth water. I had an opportunity to taste innovative dishes like their fire-roasted chorizo and refreshingly delightful octopus ceviche. I will definitely be back for more of their savory dishes and fantastic atmosphere.
While I sojourned to the Southern side of cuisine, I discovered that Orlando has a lot more to offer. Thanks to Nikki’s Place, Jiko, and Santiago’s Botega, I was exposed to a mouthwatering array of food transcending regions and cultures. So, hop on the culinary express and get ready for a lip-smacking adventure in the land of magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the tastiest spot to refuel after a magical day at Disney?
Ah, the eternal question. As a food enthusiast, I can say there are plenty of mouthwatering options near Disney World. One of my personal favorites is The Melting Pot, where the fondue maestro (aka, your server) takes you on a delicious journey. Trust me, the lobster tail dipped in melted goodness is simply divine.
International Drive, more like Restaurant Drive, right?
You got that right! International Drive is like a culinary carnival where you can hop from one scrumptious eatery to another. Swing by Fogo de Chao for some Brazilian steak, lamb chops and sausage that will leave you waddling out the door. With so many options, it’s like a restaurant smorgasbord right at your fingertips.
Universal Studios: where’s the rollercoaster of flavors?
In my culinary adventures, I’ve found that Universal Studios offers quite the ride for your taste buds. If you are a Harry Potter fan, definitely check out the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley and Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. With numerous themed restaurants and food trucks around the park, you’re never far from a fantastic meal or tasty snack. Just don’t eat right before hopping on a real rollercoaster!
In Orlando, does casual dining mean eating with Mickey at Walt Disney World?
Well, I don’t see anything wrong with enjoying a meal alongside the mouse that started it all, but casual dining in Orlando goes beyond Disney characters. Venues such as 310 Lakeside provide casual yet delicious American fare in a beautiful setting, minus the mouse ears.
Orlando’s food oddities: where are they?
Orlando is known for more than just theme parks; it’s also home to some truly unique restaurants. From themed eateries like Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, at Universal’s City Walk, serving up unique dishes and concoctions to satisfy your hunger and your chocolate cravings, while being immersed in a Steampunk feel to the artsy tapas style feel of Tutu Tango, Orlando, has plenty of unique restaurants to choose from.
Do any Michelin stars light up the Orlando night sky?
While the Michelin Guide hasn’t yet graced Orlando with any starred restaurants, the city’s exceptional dining scene is only growing. Give it some time; we might see some Michelin stars shining soon. In the meantime, strap in and enjoy the edible rollercoaster that is Orlando’s dining landscape.