Top Orlando Restaurants
Where to Eat in Orlando, Florida
Where to Eat in Orlando, Florida
Man does not live by churros alone, and no matter how much fun you are having at Central Florida's famous attractions, eventually you are going to get famished. Luckily, in the last few decades Orlando has turned into a legitimate dining destination home to some nationally-recognized restaurants. Vacation is a time to try out new cuisines and indulge in old favorites. Whether you are looking for international haute cuisine or simple bar fare, you will find just what you want among the Orlando's restaurants.
An International Flair
If you are looking to expand your palette to include more international tastes, you are in luck. There are several literally hundreds of tasty tables in the Orlando area that specialize in international cuisine.
- Texas de Brazil Churrascaria : Featuring the flavors of Brazil with a focus on barbecue and steaks, the atmosphere is romantic and luxurious and the service leaves you wanting for nothing. With an all-you-can-eat price of about $50 per adult, this is the restaurant for a romantic and decadent night out. That cost includes a sumptuous salad bar starring antipasto and lobster bisque, followed by an endless parade of protein. Your waiter will give you a color-coded signal to flag down the skewer-toting servers who will slice flame-grilled steak, lamb, sausage and more onto your plate. The food doesnt stop until you say so, making this a great deal for carnivores with bottomless stomachs; vegetarians accompanying them can eat only off the salad bar for a reduced price.
- Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe : Less than an hour's drive north-east from the attractions sits the charming riverside town of Sanford, home to one of the area's beat European eateries. This unassuming little cafe features popular German dishes such as Schnitzel and Meltwurst. Families adore this little cafe because of its kid-friendly nature. Adults are not left out of the fun with a well-known happy hour and live music.
Sandwiches Have Flair, Too!
After a day in the sun, sometimes all you want is a good sandwich. From traditional bar fare to a bit of the whimsy, some of the top Orlando restaurants feature sandwiches.
- The Ravenous Pig : The Winter Park area has seen a renaissance of cutting-edge restaurants, like this acclaimed creation of Chefs James and Julie Petrakis. Don't be put off by its porcine name or label of "American Gastropub." The Pig offers traditional American bar fare as well as some serious cuisine offerings. At lunch, you can chose from an angus and blue cheese burger, lamb gyro, or speck ham and fontina melt. The bronze-plated ceiling helps create a fun and unique atmosphere, while desserts, like the thick chocolate pot de creme make the meal a pleasure to the very last drop. If you enjoy the food here, try the nearby Cask and Larder sister establishment, featuring an oyster raw bar and extensive whiskey selection.
- Boston Bakery : One wouldn't expect a small storefront named after the capital of Massachusetts to serve some of the best Vietnamese food outside of Saigon. But this unassuming sandwich shop makes the best banh mi (Vietnamese sub sandwich) in town. The key is the crispy crust on the fresh-baked French bread, the earthy umami of the liver pâté that substitutes for mayonnaise, and the tangy crunch of the vegetable condiments. Pick from roast pork, fish, or traditional mystery meats (surprisingly delicious), all for about $4 per sandwich.
Flair For The Sake of Flair
Sometimes you don't want a full meal. Tea or dessert is what is on the menu at some of Orlando's more unique restaurants.
- Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwiches : It's 3 a.m. on Sunday morning and you are craving a hot drink or decadent cupcake. Where can you turn? More than just tea, Pom Pom's offers a menu of sandwiches and desserts. Better still, they stay open 24-hours from Friday morning through Sunday night.
- Jeremiah's Italian Ice : The name says it all - this is the one stop shop for everything dessert! Jeremiah's is famous for its Italian Ice. The cafe is kid friendly and everything comes in under $10.
From fine dining to sandwiches on the pier, the top Orlando restaurants offer vacationers a little bit of everything. When you book your next Orlando vacation rental, be sure to check out which restaurants are located nearby-your taste buds will thank you for it!
You may also enjoy our guide to the top things to do in Orlando.