I've eaten at hundreds of Orlando restaurants — here are 15 of the best places where you should actually get food

Alison DatkoNov 22, 2022, 19:04 IST

Orlando has a variety of eclectic focused on international cuisines, like Brazas Chicken which serves family-style Peruvian food.Orlando Jones for Insider

Orlando's expanding food scene has variety from Peruvian chicken to Viet-Cajun fusion seafood.
Whether you're planning a casual brunch or romantic dinner, here's a local's list of must-try spots.

I find it often surprises out-of-town friends and family who visit me in Orlando to discover the city is such a vibrant foodie scene, but it's true. It has a long history of offering diverse cuisines, along with plenty of great restaurants that have stood the test of time, but in recent years Orlando has transformed into a true culinary metropolis. In the 13 years I've lived here, I've been lucky enough to try hundreds of local spots, and I make it a priority to try something new as often as possible.

From dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants to countless creative-dining concepts inspired by food trucks, international street fare, thoughtful cultural fusions, and beyond, there's something for every preference and palate. If you're ever unsure about how to spend a day in Orlando, you can't go wrong eating your way through whichever neighborhood you find yourself in. You won't be disappointed, and you're very likely to discover something new — and delicious. Here are 15 of my favorite places to eat around town, from mouthwatering seafood to quirky bistros for brunch.

Pizza Bruno

Pizza Bruno serves up fresh pies, pasta, and more.Octavio Jones for Insider

Tako Cheena

Tako Cheena makes Asian-Mexican fusion with a vibrant atmosphere.Octavio Jones for Insider

Phở Vinh

We're fortunate in Orlando to have many Vietnamese spots to choose from, and Phở Vinh is a local favorite of mine. When my husband or I are feeling down for any reason and need a pick-me-up, we come to this restaurant for its welcoming, family-like vibe and inimitable soup.

Their traditional phở broth is steeped for hours before serving and I think tastes both blissful and complex — like a hug in a bowl. My go-to dishes are the Tôm Cua, which is a shrimp, snow crab soup, and noodle soup, and the Tái, which is phở with beef.

White Wolf Café

White Wolf Cafe is a brunch staple for Orlando residents and visitors alike.Octavio Jones for Insider

Knife & Spoon

Knife & Spoon serves upscale seafood like shrimp cocktails and scallops with truffles.Alison Datko

King Cajun Crawfish

King Cajun Crawfish has generously sized shellfish boils with fresh lobster tail, scallops, and more fresh catches,Octavio Jones for Insider

Ethos Vegan Kitchen

Ethos Vegan Kitchen seres vegan homestyle dishes like pizza, milkshakes, sandwiches, meatloaf, and pasta.Octavio Jones for Insider

Atlantic Beer & Oyster

My husband and I discovered Atlantic Beer & Oyster by accident while on an afternoon stroll with our two pups. We were meandering through the brick corridors that line Park Avenue, a walkable, scenic street in Winter Park, when we spotted a teeny, bare-bones oyster bar tucked away in the corner of a cobblestone courtyard. We spontaneously decided to stop and eat, and it's been one of our favorites ever since.

This hidden gem keeps things simple — their small menu has about 10 items, including ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and a signature burger. Come for the happy-hour specials and smoked-fish dip on their quaint outdoor patio, stay to watch the game at the bar, and return time and again to enjoy some of the freshest oysters and peel-and-eat-shrimp in town.

Nile Ethiopian Cuisine

Nile serves Ethiopian cuisine and is a great option to satisfy a group of both meat-eaters and vegetarians.Octavio Jones for Insider

Seito Sushi

Seito Sushi serves up award-winning sushi in two stunning locations, and is one of my go-to date spots if I'm in the mood to dress things up a bit. I typically visit the restaurant in Baldwin Park, a luxe residential community not far from downtown.

The ambiance is chic and contemporary, but not haughty. The menu features an inventive mix of signature rolls, with ingredients ranging from Jerk-spiced tuna to Wagyu beef, as well as delicious non-sushi options like soft-shell-crab pasta and katsu pork chops. One of my favorite dishes to order here is the Ichigo, a yellow tail roll topped with strawberries and chili-lime sauce. If you're looking for a standard sushi favorite that's not on the menu, ask your server for "the Rolodex," which refers to a lesser-known list of all available rolls the kitchen has.

The Hall on the Yard

The author at the Hall on the Yard, a social, watering hole with several eateries.Alison Datko

Maxine's on Shine

Maxine's on Shine serves American cuisine with a sexy twist.Octavio Jones for Insider

Brazas Chicken

Brazas Chicken serve refreshing Peruvian food and Latin-American comfort meals.Octavio Jones for Insider

Bombay Street Kitchen

Bombay Street Kitchen is an off-the-beaten-path location about halfway between downtown and the Universal Orlando area. It's my favorite Indian spot in town, and always one of my top suggestions whenever vacationing friends or family ask to meet up for dinner.

The vibe is contemporary and laid-back, with bursts of vibrant orange and turquoise decor that mimic the flavors on the plate: enlivening, fun, and bold. Explore a menu filled with shareable appetizers and delicious curries, including many vegetarian options, all inspired by traditional street-food-style eats from across India. My favorites are the vegetable samosas, pastries filled with potatoes and peas, and the baigan mirchi ka salan, a spicy eggplant curry.

903 Mills Market

Knife & Spoon's diver scallops with truffles.Alison Datko

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I've eaten at hundreds of Orlando restaurants &mdash; here are 15 of the best places where you should actually get food