Unique Restaurants in Central Florida: 12 Fun Places to Eat

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Are you looking for the most unique places to eat in Central Florida? From the charming streets of Mount Dora to Orlando’s vibrant downtown, the region offers unforgettable dining experiences.

It’s not just about theme parks here—Central Florida’s food scene is packed with surprises. I’ve explored everything from spooky cocktail bars like Cocktails & Screams to the authentic flavors of Nile Ethiopian, where the injera is always on point.

Whether you’re after quirky vibes or bold culinary adventures, these spots go beyond the ordinary. Imagine dining in a speakeasy or enjoying global flavors in cozy, unexpected settings. Central Florida’s restaurants don’t just serve food—they turn every meal into an experience.

Ready to discover the region’s most fun and unique dining spots? Let’s dig in!

👉 Pro Tip: Discover Orlando’s tastiest spots with the Ivanhoe Village Food Tour! Sample local favorites, uncover hidden gems, and learn about the neighborhood’s history and culture. A must for food lovers!

Unusual & Quirky Restaurants in Central FL

Ready to uncover Central Florida’s best eateries? We’re diving into a world where every meal is an adventure, from high-end culinary delights to the most charming hidden gems. Let’s embark on a journey to find the quirkiest places to eat in Central Florida.

Ever thought about dining in a place where Halloween is celebrated all year round, or perhaps enjoying a meal in a historic home from the 1920s? Central Florida’s dining scene is as vibrant and varied as it gets. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most unique restaurants in Central Florida.

1. Nile Ethiopian Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Orlando (International Drive Area)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Ethiopian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Ethiopian communal dining, injera bread, flavorful vegetarian/meat stews (wots).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ethiopian food, communal dining, adventurous eaters, vegetarian/vegan diners, authentic African cuisine.

Embark on a delicious journey at Nile Ethiopian Restaurant! This Orlando spot offers an authentic taste of Ethiopia, where you ditch forks and scoop up flavorful stews with spongy injera bread. It’s a hands-on flavor safari!

Share large platters laden with colourful wots. The rich chicken stew doro wat is a must-try. A fantastic array of vegetarian options like gomen (collard greens) or misir wot (red lentil stew) are also excellent. The communal eating style is wonderfully social.

• Read Next: 12 Fun & Unique Restaurants in Orlando You Gotta Try in 2025

2. Babushka’s

• 📍 Location: Orlando / Winter Park area
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Russian / Eastern European
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Russian home cooking with a cozy “grandmother’s house” vibe featuring pelmeni and vareniki (dumplings).
• 🎯 Perfect For: First-time Russian food eaters, dumpling enthusiasts (pelmeni!), Eastern European cuisine, cozy meals, and adventurous eaters.

Davai! Get a warm hug from a Russian grandmother at Babushka’s. This charming spot serves authentic, heartwarming Russian and Eastern European comfort food that’ll make you feel right at home. It’s like a hug on a plate!

Indulge in traditional delights. Tender beef stroganoff is a popular choice. Savory pelmeni (meat dumplings) or classic borscht (beet soup) are also fantastic. The cozy, knick-knack filled decor and comforting flavors make Babushka’s a delightful escape.

• Read Next: The 12 Prettiest Spots in Tampa You Won’t Believe Exist

3. El Ambia Cubano

• 📍 Location: Orlando (Colonialtown South area)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Cuban
• 🔥 Standout Features: Cuban sandwiches and strong Cuban coffee.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fans of Latin flavors, budget-friendly eats, and coffee lovers.

¡Azúcar! Get your Cuban fix at El Ambia Cubano, a vibrant little spot serving authentic island flavors that’ll transport you straight to Havana. This is where you go for a real taste of Cuban soul in Orlando.

The star is their perfectly pressed Cubano sandwich, layered with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Also dive into classic dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef) or lechon asado (roast pork). Don’t forget a strong, sweet cafecito (Cuban coffee).

• Read Next: 12 Stunning Places to Visit in Orlando in 2025

4. The Edison

• 📍 Location: Disney Springs, Walt Disney World
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $70+ per person (Food/Drinks/Entertainment)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American Gastropub
• 🔥 Standout Features: “Industrial Gothic” theme with live entertainment (aerialists, bands, DJs), craft cocktails, multi-level venue.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Steampunk enthusiasts, themed dining, nightlife seekers, craft cocktails, and Disney Springs visitors.

Get ready for a jolt of electrifying entertainment at The Edison in Disney Springs! This lavish, multi-level space is a full-blown “Industrial Gothic” steampunk wonderland, complete with live entertainment that includes aerialists, bands, and DJs.

Sip on inventive craft cocktails like the signature “The Edison” or a “Tesla.” Enjoy upscale American gastropub fare such as decadent Clothesline Candied Bacon (DBA bacon). Their Edison burger or short rib are also popular. The unique atmosphere is a highlight.

5. Mazzaro’s Italian Market

• 📍 Location: St. Petersburg
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Deli/Bakery/Prepared Foods)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian Market / Deli / Bakery / Cafe
• 🔥 Standout Features: Deli sandwiches, pastries, wine, cheese/meat counters.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Italian food lovers, deli sandwich enthusiasts, gourmet shoppers, and bakery fans.

Mamma Mia, prepare to be overwhelmed at Mazzaro’s Italian Market in St. Pete! This isn’t just a market; it’s a sprawling, bustling temple to all things Italian. It’s an experience, an aroma, a way of life!

Grab one of their legendary, enormous Italian deli sandwiches piled high with imported meats and cheeses. Their Mazzaro’s Special or a classic meatball sub are fantastic. Don’t leave without hitting the bakery for incredible cannoli or other pastries.

6. Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

• 📍 Location: Sanford (North of Orlando)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic German / Bavarian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Traditional German beer hall atmosphere, hearty German dishes (schnitzel, sausages, pretzels), live oompah music, attached German deli/store.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German food and beer lovers, lively group dinners, experiencing Bavarian culture, fans of schnitzel and pretzels, and live music.

Prost! Get ready for a true taste of Germany at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe in historic downtown Sanford. This beloved spot is a full-blown celebration of Bavarian culture, from its traditional beer hall ambiance and live oompah music to its menu of hearty, authentic German fare.

You should definitely try their crispy Wiener Schnitzel or Jägerschnitzel with mushroom gravy. A platter of assorted German sausages with sauerkraut, or a giant Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese, are also fantastic. Wash it all down with a stein of German beer.

7. Colorado Fondue Company

• 📍 Location: Casselberry (Orlando Area)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fondue (Cheese & Chocolate) / Grill-Your-Own Meats
• 🔥 Standout Features: Fondue dining, lodge decor, grill-your-own meats, chocolate fondue desserts.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fondue lovers, date nights, group celebrations, and dessert seekers.

Dip into delicious fun at the Colorado Fondue Company! This Casselberry spot offers a cozy, rustic lodge atmosphere perfect for enjoying the interactive joy of fondue. Get ready to swish, dip, and devour!

Start with a bubbling pot of savory cheese fondue, like the classic Alpine or a zesty Fiesta, served with bread and apples. For the main course, grill your own steak or shrimp. And absolutely save room for decadent chocolate fondue like the Flaming Turtle.

8. 1921 Mount Dora

• 📍 Location: Mount Dora
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Floridian / Southern Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Seasonal/local ingredients, ambiance linked to the Modernism Museum, chef-driven menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fine dining enthusiasts, farm-to-table lovers, art admirers, and romantic occasions.

Experience culinary artistry in Mount Dora at 1921 Mount Dora. This elegant restaurant, connected to the Modernism Museum, celebrates Florida’s bounty with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients presented with creative flair. It’s where food meets art.

Indulge in sophisticated dishes. Expect beautifully plated creations like fresh Florida Gulf seafood, such as snapper or grouper. Inventive vegetable preparations, like roasted heirloom carrots, or perfectly cooked local pork belly, also shine.

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9. Yellow Dog Eats

• 📍 Location: Gotha (West Orange Trail area)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic American / Gourmet Sandwiches & BBQ
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic store, beautiful patio, gourmet sandwiches, BBQ, dog-friendly.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Gourmet sandwich lovers, BBQ fans, dog owners, and outdoor dining.

Unleash your appetite at Yellow Dog Eats in Gotha! Housed in a historic general store, this wonderfully quirky spot is famous for its creative gourmet sandwiches, delicious BBQ, and charming garden patio. It’s dog-gone delicious!

Sink your teeth into inventive sandwiches. The “Florida Cracker” (pulled pork with blueberry BBQ sauce) is a must-try. “The What the Fig?” (turkey, fig, and brie) or their tender smoked brisket sandwich are also fantastic. The laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere is beloved.

10. Jacks London Grill

• 📍 Location: St. Augustine
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic British Pub Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Classic British pub ambiance, hearty pub food (fish & chips/pies!), British beers.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pub grub lovers, British beer fans, comfort food, and fish & chips enthusiasts.

Fancy a proper pint in America’s oldest city? Head to Jacks London Grill in St. Augustine! This spot brings the authentic charm and hearty fare of a traditional British pub right to historic Florida. Cheerio!

Tuck into classic pub dishes. Crispy, golden fish and chips are essential. Savory shepherd’s pie, or a hearty steak and ale pie, are also fantastic choices. Wash it all down with a pint of your favorite British ale.

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11. Domu

• 📍 Location: Audubon Park Garden District, Orlando (also East End Market & other locations)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ramen / Japanese Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Famous for rich tonkotsu ramen, creative small plates (especially wings), lively atmosphere, popular and often a wait.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ramen connoisseurs, Asian fusion lovers, trying unique chicken wings, trendy casual dining, and flavorful small plates.

Get ready to slurp some serious ramen goodness at Domu. This incredibly popular spot is renowned for its rich and flavorful bowls of Japanese noodle soup and creative Asian-inspired small plates. It’s a vibrant and bustling eatery that always draws a crowd.

Trying their signature Domu Ramen (a rich tonkotsu broth with chashu pork) is essential. Their famous Domu Wings (crispy fried chicken wings tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce) are legendary. Other inventive small plates like pork belly buns are also fantastic.

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12. Cocktails & Screams

• 📍 Location: Downtown Orlando
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Mainly Drinks)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Themed Cocktail Bar / Light Bites
• 🔥 Standout Features: Year-round Halloween/horror theme, spooky decor, themed cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Halloween lovers (anytime!), horror movie fans, and drinkers wanting spooky sips.

Every day is Halloween at Cocktails & Screams in Downtown Orlando! This immersive bar plunges you into a delightfully dark and spooky world, with eerie decor, creepy characters, and cocktails that are to die for (figuratively speaking, of course!).

Sip on creatively named and concocted themed cocktails like “The Undertaker” or “Witches Brew.” The “Frankenstein” (a green, bubbly concoction) is also popular. They offer some light bites to go with the boos and booze. For a night out that’s thrillingly different.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Most Unique Restaurants in Central Florida

Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Central Florida? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Central Florida’s most unique restaurants.

What food is Orlando known for?

Orlando is a melting pot of flavors, but if there’s one thing you’ve got to try, it’s the seafood. Being so close to both the Gulf and the Atlantic, the city serves up some of the freshest catches around. What’s more, Orlando’s theme parks bring in a world of flavors, from butterbeer in the Wizarding World to the global tastes at Epcot’s festivals. I recommend diving into the local food truck scene for some real gems. Think gourmet tacos, fusion dishes, and, of course, Florida’s citrus-packed desserts!

What is Florida’s favorite sandwich?

Ah, the Cuban sandwich! This masterpiece layers ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between freshly baked Cuban bread. Pressed to perfection, it’s a taste of Florida’s rich cultural heritage in every bite. I’d say, make your way to restaurants in Tampa or Miami, where the debate over who makes the ultimate Cuban sandwich rages on. My advice? Try them both and pick your side!

Which part of Florida has the best food?

This is like asking me to pick my favorite song – impossible! Each part of Florida brings its own flavor to the table. South Florida, with Miami’s vibrant Latin American cuisine, offers dishes that are as colorful as they are delicious. Central Florida, home to Orlando, is a theme park foodie’s dream, plus it has a burgeoning local food scene. And let’s not forget about the Gulf Coast, where seafood reigns supreme. Honestly, the best part is wherever you find yourself hungry!

What is the official state food of Florida?

While Florida doesn’t have an “official” state food, key lime pie proudly holds the title of the state pie. Originating from the Keys, this dessert is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a creamy filling, a crunchy graham cracker crust, and a dollop of whipped cream on top. Trust me, nothing says Florida like enjoying a slice of key lime pie under the palm trees.