I’ve been visiting Orlando for as long as I can remember, and at this point it’s easily been over a dozen trips. Lately it’s basically an annual thing for me, so I’ve had plenty of chances to eat my way beyond the theme park bubble.
My favorite places to hunt for food are Winter Park for date-night spots, East End Market and Audubon Park for creative local gems, Downtown’s North Quarter and Thornton Park when I want a lively night out, and the Milk District for laid-back Southern brunch. I still love a good Disney Springs meal, but the real fun is bouncing between neighborhoods where the chefs actually live and play.
This list is a mix of big “wow” dining (yes, themed places that feel like attractions) and straight-up excellent local restaurants I’d go back to even if nobody took a photo. Expect everything from top-tier sushi and ramen to modern Mexican, Greek and Italian, global tapas, Southern comfort food, seafood, and a few spots that are just pure Orlando in the best way.
If you’re coming for a weekend, a conference, a Disney trip, or you live here and need new ideas, I built this as the hit list I’d send a friend. Start with whatever vibe you’re chasing tonight and you’ll end up with at least a few new “how is this in Orlando?” favorites.
- 👉 Pro Tip: Looking for a unique way to experience Orlando beyond the theme parks? This guided food tour through Ivanhoe Village is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss. 🍴 This charming lakefront neighborhood is packed with locally loved restaurants, boutique shops, and historic flavor. On this 3-hour walking tour, you’ll visit 5 different eateries serving tastings like pizza, fried gator bites, and ice cream. A must-do in Orlando in my opinion!
My Favorite Orlando Restaurants at a Glance
When I call a spot one of my favorites, it has to hit two things: the food has to be legit, and it has to feel like Orlando (not just a “trendy” concept). I also wanted a mix of neighborhoods and budgets!
My Top 10 Places to Eat
| Restaurant | Area | Cuisine + vibe | Order this | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ravenous Pig | Winter Park | Gastropub, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 to 2026 | Charcuterie board, Pub Burger, pork belly | Date night with house-brewed beer |
| Domu | Audubon Park + Dr. Phillips | Ramen bar, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2026 | Tokyo ramen, Domu wings | Casual dinner or weekend lunch |
| Kabooki Sushi | East Colonial + Sand Lake | Contemporary sushi from a 2023 James Beard finalist | Chef’s Sushi Tasting, $125 | Special occasions |
| Reyes Mezcaleria | North Quarter, Downtown | Regional Mexican with 150+ agave spirits | Baja fish tacos, lamb birria | A night out with mezcal |
| Se7en Bites | Milk District | Southern bakery and brunch, Michelin recommended | Minnie Pearl, chicken pot pie | Brunch, Thursday to Sunday |
| The Glass Knife | Winter Park | Bakery café, 2026 Best Dessert winner | Brioche donuts, Chocolate Truffle cake | Coffee, dessert and brunch |
| Hunger Street Tacos | Winter Park | Mexico City street food | Suadero taco, squash blossom quesadilla | Cheap eats and vegetarians |
| Maxine’s on Shine | Colonialtown | New American with live music and themed dinners | Fried green tomato and crab cake combo | Weekend brunch and date night |
| Café Tu Tu Tango | International Drive | Global tapas with live artists | Happy hour, all eight plates for $19.22 | Groups and happy hour |
| The Boathouse | Disney Springs | Seafood and steaks on the water | Raw bar oysters, then an Amphicar tour | A special meal near Disney |
If you’re building the perfect foodie day, I love pairing Winter Park (Ravenous Pig or Hunger Street) with a Downtown/North Quarter night (Reyes).
These are the spots I keep coming back to when I want something reliable and worth it. For the full lineup, keep scrolling to see all 21 places, plus what to order and how to plan your stops.
1. Se7en Bites
- 📍 Location: 617 N Primrose Drive, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: Budget friendly, rated $ by the Michelin Guide
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern breakfast, brunch and bakery
- 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin Guide recommended, featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, LGBTQ and women-owned
- 🎯 Perfect For: Chicken and waffles, scratch-made pies, weekday brunch
I send every friend who asks about brunch in Orlando to Se7en Bites first. Chef Trina Gregory-Propst owns this bright green bakery-café in the Milk District with her wife, Va Propst, and nearly everything on the menu is made from scratch. The Michelin Guide recommends it for big portions at small prices, and Guy Fieri featured it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
For the best chicken and waffles in Orlando, I order the Minnie Pearl. It stacks buttermilk fried chicken, buffalo hot honey and an over-medium egg between two pearl sugar waffles, then adds vanilla bean butter syrup on top. I always get a side of cheddar chive grits, and my second favorite is the signature chicken biscuit with red pepper jelly cream cheese.
Save room for dessert. The chicken pot pie has a flaky golden crust, and I often take one to go for dinner back at the hotel. Fieri tried the vanilla bean bourbon bacon moon pie on his show, and I recommend ordering one with your meal.
Check the day before you go, because Se7en Bites is closed Monday through Wednesday. It opens 8 am to 3:30 pm Thursday and Friday and 9 am to 3 pm on weekends, with no reservations. For a 2026 or 2027 trip, I’d visit on a Thursday or Friday morning to beat the weekend crowds, then head to nearby Smoke & Donuts BBQ, a new addition to the 2026 Michelin Guide.
2. The Ravenous Pig
- 📍 Location: 565 W Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park
- 💲 Price Range: $31 to $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gastropub with Southern-inspired New American food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 to 2026, on-site brewery and beer garden, menu that changes daily
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, craft beer fans, weekend brunch
The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park is my pick for a relaxed date night with serious cooking. Chefs James and Julie Petrakis opened it in 2007, and the Michelin Guide has awarded it a Bib Gourmand every year from 2022 through 2026. The menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, and beer is brewed on-site next to the beer garden.
I always start with the charcuterie and cheese platter of house-cured meats and artisan cheeses, at $22 for three selections or $32 for five. The Pub Burger ($24) with blue cheese, caramelized onion and truffle fries has been a signature for years. For something richer, I order the pork belly over cornbread pudding with hot honey or the porcini-marinated steak frites.
My favorite money-saving tip is happy hour in the Tap Room, Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 pm. The Pub Burger drops to $17, and the mushroom and Gruyère beignets are $11. Weekend brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm if you prefer a daytime visit.
Plan around the schedule, because the restaurant is closed on Mondays and dinner service starts at 5 pm. I book ahead for Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re visiting over the 2026 holidays, note it’s closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
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👉 Send me cheap 2026–2027 flights- 👉 Personal Recommendation: Experience a pub crawl… by boat! Step away from the crowds of Orlando on this scenic pontoon tour through Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes. This 3-hour guided boat tour takes you to five different lakeside bars and restaurants, each with its own local charm. Enjoy the ride, try local bites like gator bites or oysters, and sip drinks along the way. Great for couples, small groups, or anyone who loves a unique twist on the classic pub crawl!
3. Reyes Mezcaleria
- 📍 Location: 821 N Orange Avenue, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: $6 to $30 per dish
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Regional Mexican with a mezcal and tequila bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: 150+ agave spirits, 2026 James Beard semifinalist chef, heirloom corn tasting menu
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, mezcal tastings, group celebrations downtown
Reyes Mezcaleria in downtown Orlando’s North Quarter is where I go for regional Mexican food and a deep agave list. Chef-partner Wendy Lopez, a Michoacán native, leads the kitchen and was named a 2026 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: South. The bar stocks more than 150 agave spirits, and I always ask the bartenders to pour me a mezcal I haven’t tried.
I start with guacamole ($14) and the tuna tostada with sesame salsa macha ($19). Tacos come two per order, and the Baja fish tacos with beer-battered snapper and chipotle aioli are my favorite at $16. For a main, the lamb birria with consommé ($28) is rich enough to share.
For a special night, book Raíz, a $75 tasting menu built around heirloom corn from Oaxaca. It’s offered Tuesday through Thursday, and you can reserve it on OpenTable. Celebrating with a big group? The roasted suckling pig feast feeds up to 10 people for $700.
Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 pm and Sunday until 9 pm, and weekday happy hour from 5 to 7 pm includes $10 margaritas. I check the parking map on the Reyes website before I go, because the restaurant doesn’t validate garage parking. For a 2026 or 2027 night out downtown, I’d book a patio table on a weeknight.
4. Mango’s Tropical Café
- 📍 Location: 8126 International Drive, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: Dinner and show tickets priced by seating tier, alcohol extra
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Latin and Caribbean dinner show
- 🔥 Standout Features: Nightly Mango’s Live! show, live Latin band, nightclub from 10 pm
- 🎯 Perfect For: Birthdays, bachelorette parties, group nights out
For dinner with a full stage show in Orlando, I head to Mango’s Tropical Café on International Drive. The nightly Mango’s Live! show lasts about two hours, with Brazilian samba, Cuban conga, a live Latin band and a Michael Jackson tribute. It’s loud and high-energy, and I recommend it for birthdays and group nights out.
Every dinner-and-show ticket includes a three-course meal, starting with Caesar salad or tomato bisque, then roasted chicken or churrasco steak. The steak costs extra, and alcohol isn’t included in the ticket price. For celebrations, I book a center-view table, since the dancers perform on the stage and along the main bar.
Families are welcome for the show from 7 to 10 pm, though some content is aimed at adults. Guests under 21 must leave by 9:30 pm, and at 10 pm the room turns into a nightclub with DJs, a light show and dancing. The dress code is smart casual, with no tank tops, flip-flops, beachwear or hats.
Mango’s sits across from ICON Park, which makes it easy to pair with an evening on I-Drive. For big 2026 and 2027 dates like New Year’s Eve or a group birthday, I’d reserve VIP seating as early as you can. VIP bottle service is available on Fridays and Saturdays if you plan to stay for the club.
5. Domu
- 📍 Location: 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando, plus 7600 Dr Phillips Boulevard, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: Moderate, rated $$ by the Michelin Guide
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Japanese ramen and small plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin Bib Gourmand 2026, house-made noodles, weekend lunch service
- 🎯 Perfect For: Ramen lovers, casual dinners, groups sharing small plates
Domu is my go-to for ramen in Orlando, and the Michelin Guide named it a Bib Gourmand again in 2026. Chef-owner Sean “Sonny” Nguyen opened the original inside East End Market in Audubon Park in 2016, and the kitchen still makes its noodles in-house. A second location in Dr. Phillips sits near Restaurant Row, which is handy if you’re staying close to Universal.
My first order here is always the Tokyo ramen, with shoyu chicken broth, fried chicken thigh and duck fat. When I want a richer bowl, I rotate between the Richie Rich and the curry ramen. I also share the Domu wings in kimchi butter sauce and a plate of blistered shishito peppers.
Dinner tables fill up fast, especially on weekends. My tip is the weekend lunch service at East End Market, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 2:30 pm, when the wait is shorter. Weeknight dinner starts at 5 pm and goes until 10 pm.
Plan a little extra time to walk around East End Market before or after your meal. The food hall is full of local vendors, and the surrounding Audubon Park Garden District is one of my favorite Orlando neighborhoods for a slow afternoon. It’s also home to Kadence, a Michelin-starred sushi counter, if you want to build a bigger food day into a 2026 or 2027 trip.
- Visit the Domu website
- Read reviews of Domu
- For more Central Florida dining adventures: 26 Unique Places to Eat in Central Florida
6. Voodoo Doughnut
- 📍 Location: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: Specialty doughnuts around $5, Voodoo Dozen $35
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Doughnut shop
- 🔥 Standout Features: 40+ varieties, vegan options, doughnut throne photo spot
- 🎯 Perfect For: Treats before or after the parks, families, pink-box souvenirs
Voodoo Doughnut started in Portland, Oregon, in 2003, and its Universal CityWalk shop was the brand’s first location east of the Mississippi. You’ll find it next to NBC Sports Grill & Brew, a short walk from the Universal Studios Florida entrance. I like stopping here before or after a park day, and you don’t need a theme park ticket to visit CityWalk.
The Orlando shop makes more than 40 varieties, including over 10 vegan options. My first pick is the Voodoo Doll ($5.25), a raspberry-filled doughnut with chocolate frosting and a pretzel stake through its chest. The Bacon Maple Bar and the Grape Ape are close seconds, and the Universal Orangesicle is a fun one to try here.
Buying for a group? A Voodoo Dozen costs $35 and comes in the brand’s famous pink box. Some adult-themed doughnuts sold in Portland aren’t on the menu at Universal, which keeps the shop family friendly. Annual passholders should also watch for exclusive flavors released throughout the year.
Lines can stretch at peak times, and I’d go earlier in the day for a shorter wait. Before you leave, take a photo on the giant doughnut throne outside. If you’re heading to Halloween Horror Nights in fall 2026, it’s an easy sugar stop before the gates open.
7. The Glass Knife
- 📍 Location: 276 S Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, plus 212 N Park Avenue, Winter Park
- 💲 Price Range: Moderate, with bonbons from $3 and macarons from $3.50
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Bakery café with breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch
- 🔥 Standout Features: 24-hour brioche donuts, three-day croissants, 2026 Orlando Sentinel Best Dessert
- 🎯 Perfect For: Weekend brunch, birthday cakes, coffee and dessert dates
The Glass Knife has been Winter Park’s favorite bakery café since 2017, and readers voted it Best Dessert in the 2026 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards. The name comes from the founder’s mother’s collection of Depression-era glass cake knives, which you’ll see on display. A second location on Park Avenue is now open, right in the middle of Winter Park’s main shopping street.
I start with the donuts, made from 24-hour buttermilk brioche and known for selling out by noon. My favorites are the Caramel Bacon and the Hazelnut Crunch, and the Maple Pecan is fully vegan. The three-day butter croissants use New Zealand grass-fed butter, and the chicken salad sandwich comes on one.
For dessert, I order the Chocolate Truffle Signature Cake, which is gluten friendly, or the Berries & Cream pastry. Breakfast and lunch are served daily, from a cheddar biscuit breakfast sandwich to a thick skillet-baked buttermilk pancake. Coffee comes from Onyx Coffee Lab, and I like the cookie butter cold foam.
Both locations are primarily walk-in, with limited reservations and a digital waitlist that texts you when your table is ready. Orlando Avenue stays open until 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday, which makes it a good late dessert stop. In fall 2026, look for seasonal events like The Crossing, a three-course Halloween dessert experience on Friday and Saturday nights.
8. Oga’s Cantina
- 📍 Location: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 351 S Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista
- 💲 Price Range: $15 to $35 per adult, park admission required
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Star Wars-themed bar with cocktails, mocktails and snacks
- 🔥 Standout Features: Droid DJ R-3X, drinks for all ages, immersive cantina theming
- 🎯 Perfect For: Star Wars fans, families with older kids, a mid-park break
Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is my favorite bar inside a Disney park. Fans of A New Hope will recognize the Mos Eisley feel, and droid DJ R-3X, a former Starspeeder 3000 pilot from the original Star Tours, plays music above the bar. It’s a themed bar, though families are welcome and there are drinks for every age.
For a cocktail, I order the Fuzzy Tauntaun, which comes topped with a tingly buzz-button foam, or the Jedi Mind Trick. Non-drinkers should try Oga’s Obsession, a non-alcoholic drink with boba pearls. Beer fans can order the Bad Motivator IPA, and there’s a small snack menu if you need a bite.
Book early, because Oga’s is one of the hardest reservations at Walt Disney World. Bookings open 60 days in advance at 6 am Eastern, and you’ll need a credit card to hold the reservation. If you miss out, I check the My Disney Experience app for cancellations or join the walk-up waitlist when it’s offered.
Visits are limited to 45 minutes, and the room is mainly standing, with limited seating. Disney puts the average spend at $15 to $35 per adult, with a maximum of two drinks per guest. You’ll also need park admission to Hollywood Studios, and the Disney Dining Plan isn’t accepted here.
9. Hunger Street Tacos
- 📍 Location: 2103 W Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park
- 💲 Price Range: Tacos and quesadillas from $4.50
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mexico City street food
- 🔥 Standout Features: House-made heirloom corn tortillas, avocado oil frying, murals by Oaxacan artists
- 🎯 Perfect For: Cheap eats, vegetarians, gluten-free diners
Hunger Street Tacos in Winter Park is where I go for Mexico City-style street food at fair prices. Brothers Joseph and David Creech, who grew up as children of missionaries in Guadalajara, own it as a family business. Every corn tortilla is made in-house from heirloom Mexican corn that’s nixtamalized and stone-ground, and the kitchen fries in avocado oil instead of seed oils.
Tacos start at $4.50, and my order always includes the suadero, a confit brisket taco with avocado salsa. The costra de asada wraps carne asada in a crispy layer of melted cheese, and the quesa-birria comes three to an order with consommé for dipping ($16.99). Add a salsa flight with four house-made salsas and chips for $4.99.
Vegetarians eat well here. The squash blossom quesadilla ($9.50) on a handmade corn tortilla is my favorite meatless dish, and the panko-fried avocado taco is a close second. For the table, order the chicharrón de queso, a seared gouda cheese wheel with guacamole that’s available for dine-in only.
Hunger Street is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 8 pm and closed on Sundays. The Winter Garden location at Plant Street Market closed in 2025, and Winter Park is now the only place to find them. Before you leave, I’d pick up a pound of fresh tortillas for $6 to take home.
10. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
- 📍 Location: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: Specialty milkshakes from about $15, no park ticket needed
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American comfort food, all-day brunch and desserts
- 🔥 Standout Features: Steampunk theming, tableside characters, milkshake flight
- 🎯 Perfect For: Families, dessert lovers, birthday celebrations
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen looks like a Victorian chocolate factory from across the CityWalk lagoon, and the steampunk theming continues inside. The story centers on chocolatier Professor Penelope Toothsome and her robot sidekick Jacques, who visit tables for photos. You don’t need a theme park ticket to eat here, which makes it easy to fit into a CityWalk evening.
The milkshakes are the main event, and each specialty shake costs a little over $15. My pick is the Red Velvet, topped with a whole red velvet cupcake, and there’s a vegan pineapple upside-down cake shake for plant-based guests. Can’t decide? The milkshake flight lets you pick five mini shakes from flavors like Espresso Buzz, Marshmallow Crisp and Chocolate x5.
The savory side covers steak and seafood, and brunch is served all day. I like ordering the Toothsome Totchos ($14.95) for the table before dessert. There’s a full kids’ menu, plus a candy counter with artisanal chocolates to take home.
Book ahead through the Universal website or by calling (407) 224-3663, especially on weekends and holidays. With shakes over $15 each, I’d split one between two people if you’re also ordering a meal. Check closing times in the Universal app before you go, because restaurant hours change by season.
11. Kabooki Sushi
- 📍 Location: 3122 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, plus 7705 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: $31 to $50 per person, chef’s sushi tasting from $125
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary Japanese sushi with global influences
- 🔥 Standout Features: 2023 James Beard finalist chef, omakase, open until midnight on weekends
- 🎯 Perfect For: Sushi lovers, special occasions, late dinners
Kabooki Sushi is my pick for creative sushi in Orlando, and chef-owner Henry Moso was a 2023 James Beard finalist for Best Chef: South. He opened the original East Colonial location at just 22, after learning to cut fish at his mother’s restaurants. His menu blends Japanese technique with French and Mexican flavors.
For the full experience, book the Chef’s Sushi Tasting on Tock, with 10 pieces of seasonal nigiri and soup for $125 per person. A longer omakase is $250 per person, and I’d book either one several days ahead. Ask for the sushi bar, where you can watch the team torch and plate each piece.
Ordering à la carte works well too. I start with the ceviche or oysters, then order the house-made udon and the ribs, which are slow-roasted for 35 hours and finished in a wok. Expect a loud, lively room, and I wouldn’t bring young kids.
The second location on Turkey Lake Road sits just off Restaurant Row, which is handy if you’re staying near Universal or I-Drive. Its happy hour menu is different from the one on East Colonial. East Colonial stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and both locations take reservations on Resy.
- Visit the Kabooki Sushi website
- Read reviews of Kabooki Sushi
- Read next: Central Florida’s most unique dining experiences
12. Taverna Opa
- 📍 Location: 9101 International Drive, Suite 2240, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: $30 to $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Greek and Mediterranean
- 🔥 Standout Features: Nightly belly dancing at 7 pm, napkin throwing, 36-hour marinated lamb chops
- 🎯 Perfect For: Birthdays, bachelorette parties, families, big groups
Taverna Opa on the second level of Pointe Orlando turns dinner into a Greek party every night. Belly dancers start at 7 pm, and by the end of the evening guests are dancing on tables while napkins fly through the air. It’s loud and festive, and I’d plan on two to three hours if you want to see the full show.
The lamb chops are the restaurant’s best seller, marinated for 36 hours in herbs and garlic and served with lemon potatoes. I always order the saganaki, a Greek cheese flamed tableside with brandy, for the table to share. The kitchen imports its cheeses, olives and oil from Greece and makes its tzatziki, hummus and dolmades from scratch daily.
For a cheaper visit, come for the daily happy hour from 3 to 6 pm, with 2-for-1 drinks and meze like spanakopita. Bigger groups can order the family-style menu, which brings a spread of dishes to share. This fall, the seasonal menu adds lamb fricassée in avgolemono sauce and pumpkin spice loukoumades.
I book a table for around 6 pm, which gives you time to eat before the DJ and dancers get going. Park on the third level of the Pointe Orlando garage to walk straight to the entrance. Hours are 11:30 am to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11 pm on weekends, and I’d reserve early for big nights like New Year’s Eve.
13. Maxine’s on Shine
- 📍 Location: 337 N Shine Avenue, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: $31 to $50 per person, plus an 18% service charge
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American comfort food and weekend brunch
- 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin Guide recommended 2022 to 2025, themed dinners and live music, outdoor patio
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, weekend brunch, small celebrations
Owners Maxine and Kirt Earhart designed Maxine’s on Shine to feel like the parlor of a friend’s home, and you notice it the moment you walk in. The restaurant sits in Colonialtown, just east of Lake Eola, and the Michelin Guide recommended it every year from 2022 to 2025. Executive chef and partner Tom Hughes took over the kitchen in 2025.
I start with Maxine’s Combo ($18), a panko-parmesan fried green tomato paired with a Key West crab cake. For dinner, I like the lobster ravioli with scallops and shrimp in sherry cream ($36). The duck confit over goat cheese polenta ($28) is my pick on cooler nights.
Weekend brunch is my favorite time to visit, served Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. The signature chicken and waffles ($20) come with a panko-parmesan crusted chicken breast and sausage gravy. Check the events calendar for themed nights, like a murder mystery dinner and a Great Gatsby wine dinner in October 2026.
Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 pm, and tables are held for two hours. Before you go, note that every check includes an 18% service charge and a 4% card processing fee. Kids under 7 aren’t admitted after 7 pm, and parking is a small lot plus street spots on Shine and Harwood Avenues.
14. The Edison
- 📍 Location: The Landing at Disney Springs, 1570 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
- 💲 Price Range: Burgers from $23.50, cocktails around $16 to $18
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American gastropub with craft cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: 1920s industrial gothic theming, live entertainment, cocktail classes
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, cocktail lovers, weekend brunch
The Edison in The Landing at Disney Springs looks like a 1920s power plant, with soaring ceilings, exposed machinery and moody lighting. It won a 2026 OpenTable Diners’ Choice award for cocktails, and the bartenders treat each drink like a showpiece. Live entertainment fills the room at night, and it’s open daily until at least 11 pm.
Order the DB Clothesline Candied Bacon first, four smoky strips clipped to a mini clothesline with rosemary. It’s the dish everyone photographs, and I think it’s the standout on the menu. For a main, I go with The Edison burger, topped with sharp cheddar, bacon and Edison sauce ($23.50).
The Edison added a weekend brunch in 2026, served Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 3 pm with live music from the start. I’d order the sticky monkey bread and the Brunch Stack burger with hash brown and a fried egg ($26). Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm, a good time to try the cocktails for less.
Cocktail fans should book a Shaken & Stirred class, where the bartenders teach recipes and techniques. There are kid-friendly options on the menu, which makes lunch an easy family stop. Reserve on OpenTable or through Disney, and remember that parking in the Disney Springs garages is free.
15. The Stubborn Mule
- 📍 Location: 100 S Eola Drive, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: Burgers and handhelds from $17, signature mules $13
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American gastropub
- 🔥 Standout Features: Signature Moscow mule list, daily happy hour, outdoor patio
- 🎯 Perfect For: Weekend brunch, happy hour, casual dinners near Lake Eola
The Stubborn Mule has been a Thornton Park favorite since 2016, just steps from Lake Eola. Two Culinary Institute of America graduates own it, and the kitchen sources from local farmers and fisheries. The bar pays tribute to the Moscow mule, with eight signature versions at $13 each.
I start with the classic Stubborn Mule of vodka, lime, orange bitters and ginger beer, then switch to the Smoked & Mezzy with mezcal, passionfruit and mango. The Smash Burger ($19) stacks two brisket-blend patties with charred sweet onion and American cheese. For a bigger dinner, I order the braised short rib over white cheddar mash ($34).
Weekend brunch is my favorite time to come, with bacon beignets ($12) and a burger on a pearl waffle bun ($19). The steak and eggs with a 12-ounce NY strip ($28) is the heartiest plate on the brunch menu. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio for people-watching in Thornton Park.
Happy hour is every day from 3 to 6 pm, plus 10 to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. You’ll get 25% off starters, signature mules, cocktails, draft beer and wine by the glass when you dine in. Street parking fills up fast, and I’d use the Thornton Park garage to skip circling the block.
16. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
- 📍 Location: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: Appetizers from $18, Burgushi rolls around $25
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Sushi, burgers and Burgushi fusion
- 🔥 Standout Features: Burgushi rolls, spiked milkshakes, three-story dining room
- 🎯 Perfect For: Groups with mixed tastes, families, dinner after the parks
At The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, half your group can order burgers while the other half orders sushi. The brand started in Charlotte, North Carolina, and its three-story CityWalk restaurant has outdoor seating with views of CityWalk. TouringPlans ranks it among the top table-service restaurants at Universal Orlando in 2026, and I agree.
The fun part is Burgushi, which means sushi rolls made with burger ingredients and sandwiches built from sushi ingredients. I’d try the Buffalo Chicken Burgushi ($25), or order a bento box to sample a little of everything. To start, the crab rangoon dip ($18) with wonton crisps is easy to share.
Save room for dessert, because the Orlando location serves sushi-shaped pastries you won’t find at other Cowfish restaurants. Hand-spun milkshakes come plain or spiked, and the bar also pours sake and specialty martinis. Kids’ meals arrive in their own bento boxes, which makes this an easy pick for families.
You don’t need a theme park ticket to eat at CityWalk, and you can reserve through Universal or by calling (407) 224-3663. I’d book ahead for dinner after the parks close, when CityWalk gets busy. Parking is in the Universal Orlando garages, a short walk from the restaurant.
17. Café Tu Tu Tango
- 📍 Location: 8625 International Drive, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: Happy hour small plates $4.22, bottomless brunch $34.22
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Global tapas and small plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: Artists painting during service, nightly live entertainment, Orlando Weekly Best I-Drive Restaurant 2026
- 🎯 Perfect For: Groups, happy hour, bottomless brunch
Café Tu Tu Tango has been an International Drive landmark for more than 30 years, and Orlando Weekly named it Best I-Drive Restaurant in 2026. Artists paint around the dining room while you eat, and live entertainment fills the room every night. Each month spotlights a different local artist, which gives repeat visits something new to see.
The menu is all small plates, and I order three or four per person to share. Start with the restaurant’s Tango Favorites, like the Jamón Serrano croquetas and Cajun chicken egg rolls. Groups of six or more can book the Tour of Tango, a guided tasting of signature plates with dessert for $40.22 per person.
Happy hour is one of the best deals on I-Drive, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm at the bar, lounge and patio. Small plates are $4.22 each, or you can get all eight happy hour dishes for $19.22, with beer, wine and sangria at $5.22. There’s also a late-night happy hour from 9 pm to close Sunday through Friday.
Bottomless brunch is served Friday through Sunday, with brunch dishes and unlimited street tacos for $34.22 per person. Add bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys for $24.22, and enjoy live entertainment while you eat. I’d reserve ahead for weekend brunch and Friday nights.
- Visit the Café Tu Tu Tango website
- Read reviews of Café Tu Tu Tango
- Discover more gems across the region: Must-try restaurants throughout Central Florida
18. Enzo’s Hideaway
- 📍 Location: The Landing at Disney Springs, 1560 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
- 💲 Price Range: Dinner pastas from $29, lunch panini from $17
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Roman-style Italian with Prohibition-era cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden tunnel bar, barrel-aged cocktails, largest aged rum and scotch selection at Disney Springs
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, cocktail fans, a calmer break from Disney Springs crowds
Enzo’s Hideaway sits in a tunnel beneath Maria & Enzo’s in The Landing at Disney Springs, themed like a Prohibition-era rum runner’s hideout. The bar stocks the largest selection of aged rums and scotches at Disney Springs, and the dim tunnel room feels far from the crowds upstairs. It’s one of my favorite spots here for a slower dinner.
For cocktails, I order the barrel-aged Bespoke Gentleman ($30), a rye boulevardier that arrives with fire at the table. The Rum Runner ($19) is a lighter pick, and rum fans can try the Smuggled Rum Flight. There’s also red sangria by the glass or pitcher if your group wants to share.
The food is hearty Italian, and I’d start with the cured meats and artisan cheese board ($36), which serves two. For dinner, the Pasta della Nonna ($38) pairs house-made fusilli with short rib and meatball sausage in salsa rosa. Lunch is served daily until 4 pm, with carbonara and panini that cost less than the dinner mains.
Enzo’s is open daily from 11:30 am until 11 pm, or 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Kids 9 and under get a $16 meal with a starter, main, dessert and drink, which helps families. Watch for the ticketed Bootlegger’s Dinner series, with the next one on November 12, 2026, featuring Flor de Caña rum.
19. Gringos Locos
- 📍 Location: Multiple locations, including Downtown
- 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tex-Mex / Tacos / Late-Night
- 🔥 Standout Features: “Best Tacos in Orlando” contender, late-night hours, super affordable/delicious.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Late-night taco fiends, budget-friendly Mexican, and satisfying, no-frills flavor.
When late-night taco cravings hit, Gringos Locos is your Orlando savior! This beloved local chain is famous for its incredibly delicious and super affordable Tex-Mex fare, especially its award-winning tacos. The vibe is always lively, casual, and unpretentious. The aroma of sizzling meats is irresistible.
You absolutely have to try their famous “Double D’s” (Dirty D’s) tacos, loaded with your choice of meat, or a massive burrito. It’s fast, cheap, and fantastically good – a true Orlando institution for a reason!
- Visit the Gringos Locos website
- Read reviews of Gringos Locos
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20. The Boathouse
- 📍 Location: The Landing at Disney Springs, 1620 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
- 💲 Price Range: Upscale, with Amphicar tours at $125 per car
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood, steaks and raw bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Waterfront dining, vintage Amphicar tours, weekend sing-along brunch
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions, families, waterfront dinners
I recommend The Boathouse to anyone who wants a waterfront dinner at Disney Springs. It sits on the lake in The Landing, and the restaurant says USA Today named it the No. 1 restaurant at Disney Springs. Vintage boats displayed around the property add to the nautical feel.
I start at the raw bar with oysters, then order the coriander-seared yellowfin tuna or a steak. The mini sliders with fries are a crowd-pleaser, and there’s a full kids’ menu for families. Live music plays Friday and Saturday nights from 8:30 to 11:30 pm.
The highlight for me is the Amphicar tour, a captain-guided ride in a 1960s car that drives straight into the lake. Tours last about 20 minutes and cost $125 per car for up to four people, from 10 am to 10 pm daily, weather permitting. Spend $50 at the restaurant and bring your receipt for $25 off, then book as a walk-up at the Boatique or the dock podium.
Weekend mornings bring the Captain’s Sing Along Brunch, with a piano player taking song requests on Saturdays and Sundays. For a group celebration, the Venezia, a 40-foot water taxi, hosts up to 16 people for champagne or wine-tasting cruises. I’d reserve a table, then line up for an Amphicar ride right after your meal.
21. ICEBAR Orlando
- 📍 Location: 8967 International Drive, Orlando
- 💲 Price Range: ICEBAR entry from about $27 online, regularly $36
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ice bar with cocktails and lounge bites
- 🔥 Standout Features: 70+ tons of hand-carved ice, coats and gloves included, Fire Lounge with live DJs
- 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, birthdays, a break from the Florida heat
ICEBAR Orlando bills itself as the largest permanent ice bar in the world, and it’s an easy, fun stop on International Drive. Everything in the frozen room is carved from more than 70 tons of ice, from the bar and seats to the shot glasses. The room stays around 23°F, which is a shock after a hot Florida day.
Coats and gloves come with your ticket, which runs about $36 at the door, and I’ve seen it for around $27 through online resellers. I’d plan on 30 to 45 minutes in the ice room before you need to warm up. Drinks are served in glasses made of ice, and beer and wine aren’t poured in the cold room.
When you need to thaw out, head to the Fire Lounge next door for signature cocktails and food, or step out to the Polar Patio. Live DJs keep the energy up later in the evening, and Thursday nights bring Throwback Request Live, where you can request old favorites. The venue also hosts mixology classes if you want to learn a few cocktails.
ICEBAR opens at 5 pm daily, and guests ages 8 to 20 are welcome only until 9 pm. After 9 pm it’s 21 and up, with a dance floor and late hours on weekends. There’s free parking behind the building, and I’d check the dress code before you go.
- Visit the Icebar Orlando website
- Read reviews of Icebar Orlando
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Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
