10 Best Restaurants Orlando Florida Has to Offer – Picked by an Orlando Local

Best Restaurants – Orlando Florida

by Ashley Conway, Guest Blogger, and Native Orlandoan

As a true native Floridian, I was born and raised in Orlando. I grew up with Disney and the Central Florida Beaches as my backyard. A food lover’s paradise, Orlando, Florida, offers a variety of great dining options!

With so many choices, when we go out to eat, we don’t hit the typical chain touristy areas. I love restaurants that offer great food and hidden gems where we know we will be eating at Orlando, Florida’s best restaurants. We want a restaurant that not only has great food but exceptional service and a great vibe. Here are my top 10 Best Restaurants Orlando Florida has to offer.  

Santiagos Bodega Orlando, Orlando FL best restaurants

Santiago’s Bodega

802 Virginia Drive

If you look for the best restaurants Orlando Florida has, Santiago’s Bodega will be at the top of the list, and for a good reason. This intimate tapas-style restaurant offers two happy hours each day and is a local favorite!

I love heading over to this great spot, not only for a fun night out with friends for a fantastic brunch on the weekends. Their brunch menu consists of an endless buffet and bottomless mimosas and sangria. Santiago’s Bodega has even been voted best brunching experience in Orlando.

4Rivers BBQ

1600 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park

With many locations around the Orlando area, 4Rivers BBQ is the best barbeque around! Founded in Winter Park, Florida, in 2009, they quickly became a local favorite and now have over 10 locations all over Florida, most being right here in Central Florida. 4Rivers offers many classic barbeque dishes, along with some one-of-a-kind tasty dishes.

My favorite is the Six Shooter, which features warm baked grits piled high with pulled pork, Southern Coleslaw, pickles, jalapenos, and 4R Signature Sauce. This mouthwatering meal will have you planning your trip back before you leave!

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Oudom Orlando, Oudom Thai and Sushi in Orlando

Oudom

100 South Eola Drive

Oudom is the best restaurant Orlando Florida has for delicious Thai and Sushi cuisine! Located right on Eola Drive, Oudom is within walking distance to Lake Eola and right in the heart of Downtown Orlando.  They offer authentic Asian dishes made to order with some of the freshest ingredients and always beautiful presentations!

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Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

1602 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista

Head over to Disney Springs and have a southern-style meal at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Restaurant. This Floridian-inspired restaurant and bar is owned by celebrity chef Art Smith, who has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Iron Chef America, BBQ Pitmasters, and many more shows. He is famous for his southern style of cooking and flavorful meals.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ has a delicious menu with some classics and serves weekend brunch, where you can find tasty dishes such as fried chicken and house-made sugar doughnuts!

Bem Bom Orlando, best restaurants Orlando FL

Bem Bom

3101 Corrine Drive

What started as a local favorite food truck has become one of Orlando, Florida’s best restaurants! After years of being a popular food truck, you now need reservations to dine at Bem Bom’s brick-and-mortar location.

Their menu is one of a kind and features Mexican and Portuguese cuisine. The food is sourced from local farmers and fishers. Their ingredients are fresh, making each dish full of flavor! They have won many Orlando awards, including the Orlando The City’s Magazine Readers Choice Award!

Kres Chophouse

17 W Church St.

With an elegant atmosphere and delectable menu, Kres Chophouse is one of the best Fine Dining restaurants you will find in Orlando. Located in the Historic District of Downtown Orlando, Kres Chophouse is right on iconic Church Street.

This modern chic restaurant features nothing but the finest, and the ambiance is perfect for a great date night! Plus, Kres Chophouse has won many awards, even Best Steakhouse in Orlando by USA Today.

Cafe Tu Tu Tango Orlando

Cafe Tu Tu Tango

8625 International Drive

No trip to Orlando is complete without a trip to Cafe Tu Tu Tango. This iconic spot is one of Orlando, Florida’s best restaurants and hidden gems! Everything about Café Tu Tu Tangos is a work of art, from the food to the entertainment. You will be mesmerized from the moment you pull up to the restaurant.

Café Tu Tu Tangos has a tapas menu that features unique fusion sharable dishes and nightly live entertainment. All the artwork on the walls is for sale, and you will even see local artists working in the restaurant on art pieces that will be sold at the restaurant.

Reyes Mezcaleria

821 N Orange Ave

Located in the North Quarter District of Downtown Orlando, Reyes Mezcaleria is one of Orlando, Florida’s best restaurants! With an inspired Mexican cuisine and unique bar that offers an extensive tequila and mezcal list, you are sure to find a fantastic cocktail to pair with your meal.

I love the atmosphere and vibrant ambiance when we walk in. Reyes Mezcaleria offers indoor, bar, and patio seating, perfect for those sunny Florida days!

Grills Lakeside Orlando seafood, best restaurants Orlando Florida

Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar

4301 N Orange Blossom Trail

Enjoy Florida’s gorgeous weather and spend the afternoon eating lakeside at Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar. This laid-back restaurant is located right on Lake Fairview, one of the most beautiful lakes in Orlando.

As a local, I love eating at Grills because of the stunning views, wonderful meals, and exceptional service. The staff and friendly, and they always have great live bands for entertainment. Watch the boats pull up while enjoying a nice cocktail and some great seafood!

Adriatico Trattoria Italiana

2417 Edgewater Drive – College Park

The best Italian restaurant in Orlando, Florida, Adriatico Trattoria Italiana, features traditional Italian dishes made from the freshest ingredients.

The menu offers many great signature dishes such as Costata D’agnello Scotto Dito, Australian Lamb Chops marinated in rosemary, garlic, and grilled to perfection. Each plate is so flavorful and delicious, and the hospitable environment is charming.  They never fail to impress us with their excellent meals and warm atmosphere!

Some Reservations Required for Orlando FL Best Restaurants

We hope this list of best restaurants in Orlando, Florida has to offer helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal at a fun restaurant!

Take it from a local – there are many great places to try in Orlando, but these are the top places you will want to go when dining in Orlando, Florida. These restaurants are all a great choice but make sure to call ahead for reservations, as many of these restaurants book up quickly, and you may need a reservation to enjoy one of these great local restaurants.

About the Author

Ashley Conway is a wife and mother of four who grew up in Orlando, Florida. She enjoys spending time with her family in the outdoors, traveling, and writing. Ashley writes about different cities and sites to see in America and hopes to one day see them all!


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