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

I visit Pizza Bruno more than any other restaurant in Orlando. Located in the blossoming Hourglass District, this wood-fired pizza spot has a hip "dive" vibe and is wildly popular with locals. Its cozy outdoor patio and snug interior, both decorated with string lights, make this a go-to spot for laid-back date nights and evenings out with friends.

The menu is divine from top to bottom, and an array of shareable appetizers and pies means you can try a little bit of everything. For starters, try their garlic knots, hopefully if they haven't already sold out for the day, and then the cauliflower or meatballs with lemon ricotta. Every pizza is great, but my favorites are the vegan Viva Verde made with kale, artichokes, and capers; and the Crimson Ghost, which features soppressata, mozzarella, and basil drizzled generously with Mike's Hot Honey.

No Orlando-restaurant list would be complete without a great taco joint, and we've got plenty to choose from. But Tako Cheena is the one that, in my opinion, really exemplifies what Orlando is all about: It's funky, brimming with color and energy, and represents a mix of culinary styles. Located in the heart of the artsy, bar-and-venue-filled Mills 50 district, this casual restaurant is open late and dishes out some of the most creative and mouthwatering tacos, burritos, arepas, and empanadas in town.

I recommend trying the curry-dusted tofu and Cantonese-style pork-belly "takos," the Korean hot dog topped with kimchi and cilantro, or the vegan empanadas. And before you head home for the evening, grab an order of churros to go, which come with chocolate ganache, butterscotch, and key-lime-cream dipping sauces.

This eclectic bistro and former antique store, located in the creative Ivanhoe Village, has been an Orlando brunch staple for more than three decades. It's one of my favorite spots to meet girlfriends for lunch, and I've come here solo on more than one occasion to enjoy a peaceful drink-and-think session at the bar.

Named after the owners' beloved late German shepherd, White Wolf Café emanates affection both through the warmth of its staff and the richness of its food. For breakfast, I recommend trying the baked-to-order cinnamon buns or the crab-cakes benedict, and a mimosa, of course. You'll leave like I do with a full stomach and a full spirit, too.

Awarded a 2022 Michelin Star, John Tesar, a four-time James Beard semifinalist and two-time Top Chef contestant, leads this upscale restaurant.

At Knife & Spoon, Chef Tesar serves American fare by creating and intriguing focus on dry-aged beef as well as an extensive selection of local fish catches, sourced right from Orlando's local waterways, to present an elevated experience far beyond traditional steak-and-seafood fare. I like to come here to indulge in a progressive menu filled with fresh, seasonal flavors accentuated by surprising pops of whimsy.

On a recent visit I ordered the ultra-refreshing hamachi crudo, the diver scallops served with celery root and a heavenly herbal sea broth, and the Wagyu flat-iron with a side of rich, umami-packed mushrooms.

With its coastal-inspired decor and open kitchen, plus a moss garden and a high, cloud-like ceiling, Knife & Spoon exudes elegance and tranquility, which I think makes it perfect for romantic dates and special occasions. It's located at the luxe Ritz-Carlton, so dress up and arrive early to enjoy a cocktail in the restaurant's comfortable lounge or at the hotel's marble-clad lobby bar.

If you're a fan of authentic Gulf Coast flavors and aren't afraid of spice, King Cajun Crawfish is a must-eat. Chef Melinda Thu Ha Nguyen, who relocated to Orlando from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, leads this no-frills Viet-Cajun spot that's known for its traditional shellfish boils and dangerously enticing "ShaBang" sauce, which is a signature mix of their house-Cajun, lemon-pepper, and garlic-butter sauces. The boils, which the restaurant sells by the pound, are platters that include your choice of clams, lobster tail, mussels, shrimp, scallops, or crawfish doused with your choice of sauce and level of spice.

If you order a boil, be prepared to don one of those oh-so-attractive plastic bibs and roll up your sleeves — but don't worry, you won't be alone. If you want something a little less messy but just as delicious, try my favorite dish, the éttoufée, which features shrimp or crawfish in a creamy roux served over white rice.

Ethos is one of those close-to-the-heart restaurants that challenges preconceptions about what plant-based meals can be. It's a family-owned spot in the town of Winter Park, just a few minutes' drive north of downtown Orlando, and it's been open since 2007. The menu at Ethos is robust, inventive, affordable, and, in my experience most importantly, delicious. I've dined here with friends on many occasions, and not a single one of us is vegan.

For a shareable starter, try the "healthy trio" of tapenade, hummus, and mango salsa served with pita and veggies for dipping. For something heartier, I usually opt for the chickun marsala or the veggie-packed pasta primavera.

If you find yourself cruising along the tourist-packed International Drive — known around here as "I-Drive" — heed the street name by skipping the chain restaurants and going for a truly international meal. Nile features an authentic Ethiopian menu, which means there are options for meat-eaters, vegans, and gluten-free diners alike. The restaurant first opened in 2006 and has been a local favorite ever since. Be prepared to forgo utensils for injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread used to scoop delectable entrées like marinated-beef short ribs and collard-green stew.

My favorite dishes are the vegetarian Tikel Gomen, which is a cabbage stew with carrots, red onions, and jalapeños, and the Shiro, which consists of ground chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. If you come with a group, I recommend requesting a private room for a more intimate experience.

Putting a sophisticated spin on the traditional food hall, this full-service dining, cocktail, and event space features a diverse menu from nine separate kitchens. Indian, Japanese, Jamaican, and Greek are among the cuisines represented, each with rave-worthy dishes, in my experience.

Located in the walkable, watering-hole-packed Ivanhoe Village on the north side of town, the Hall on the Yard I think is an ideal spot for double dates, family outings, and friendly meetups. Inside, a shimmery black-and-gold color scheme creates a whimsical, romantic vibe. Outside, there's a family- and dog-friendly courtyard complete with an open-air bar, a walk-up ice-cream parlor, and a coffee shop. One of my favorite booths is True Island — on our last visit my partner and I split their escovitch fish, which was a crispy whole snapper served with spicy pickled vegetables.

Maxine's on Shine is an award-winning neighborhood restaurant and wine bar bursting with art and a provocative, self-proclaimed "splash o' sexiness." Its married owners — Maxine, a gregarious redhead with signature cat-eye glasses; and Kirt, a fedora-wearing gentleman with a penchant for slam poetry — are like mini-celebrities here, and their personalities permeate throughout the place like smoky notes in a full-bodied syrah.

It seems like everyone in town has a Maxine's story. For example, I first learned about the restaurant shortly after I moved to Orlando, when my car broke down on a residential street while I was on my way to work. Thankfully, a kind man named Kirt stopped to help me. Once I was up and running again, he suggested I visit his restaurant that evening for a pick-me-up drink on the house. I accepted the offer, and discovered what has since become one of my favorite restaurants in Orlando. Nowadays, my girlfriends and I like coming here for their friendly vibes, happy-hour specials, and charcuterie boards.

If you're looking for great food in a spot where anything could happen, check out Maxine's for brunch or dinner — both feature an extensive drink menu and scrumptious dishes, from crab-cake-topped fried green tomatoes to lamb osso buco.

Enjoy an authentic Latin American dining experience at Brazas, which serves up family-style Peruvian food in a comfortable, unassuming space. Build your meal around the restaurant's signature roasted chicken, and choose from classic sides like arroz con frijoles, aka rice and beans, maduros, or fried sweet plantains, yuca fries, and more.

My husband and I are non-Spanish speakers, and the first time we visited Brazas, we accidentally ordered way too much food as we misunderstood the menu and didn't realize that their sides are designed to serve multiple people. It was a happy accident though, because we ended up trying so many different dishes, and we shared a laugh with our server when we realized our mistake.

Now that we've tried nearly everything they have, one of our go-to orders is the ceviche with tostones, which are crispy green plantains. I always leave here stuffed and happy, and usually bring home leftovers for the next day's lunch.

A true neighborhood café, 903 Mills Market is a sandwich shop and package store located at the corner of two residential streets, just a short stroll from Lake Davis Park, a scenic park surrounding a lake that's popular with weekend walkers and joggers. Mills Market is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they have a no-frills, dog-friendly patio that I think is great for kicking back and people-watching. I take all out-of-town friends here, as it's great for early risers and hangover nursers alike.

Choose from a scrumptious selection of sandwiches, flatbreads, wraps, and salads, all of which are delicious. Trust me, I've tried 'em all. Among my favorite dishes are the olive tapenade, which is served with warm-toasted pita wedges, the Cuban sandwich, and the 903 Market Salad, which includes tropical fruits, poppy seeds, blue cheese, and mixed greens dressed with a mango-pineapple vinaigrette.

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