Local's Guide: Top 30 Places to Eat in Orlando, FL.

I remember back when I was in high school I despised living in Orlando. It seemed like a tourist trap filled with cheesy gift stores and never ending chain restaurants. Within the last decade, top notch chefs and restaurant owners have opened award winning restaurants in the Greater Orlando Area and thanks to local bloggers like @LemonHearted who have brought attention to supporting local businesses and showcasing the plethora of options that exist - Orlando is a foodie destination. You just have to get away from the theme parks explore more. What I love about Central Florida is that it offers delicious and authentic multicultural cuisines at an affordable price, which I dearly miss.

My bucket list of places to dine in Orlando is long and I've only managed to put a small dent in my list, which means there’s still so much left to savor. I'm not a food critic and this list is by no means comprehensive but these are my tried and true favorite bakeries, restaurants and coffee shops in the Greater Orlando area. I lived in Orlando for 22 years before moving to Maine and I too love the Disney Parks but eating local is a great way to keep supporting the individuals that have transformed Orlando. I hope this list will show change your mind on how #OrlandoDoesntSuck. Please note: All meals were paid for by us personally and none of my mentions are sponsored nor have I been asked to write these reviews. These are my personal opinions and all images are my own and cannot be used without consent. I highly suggest you go out and explore and form your own opinions of which places you love, but I just wanted to share what I've enjoyed spending my money on.

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1. Fortuna Bakery

One of the best parts of Orlando and the surrounding areas is the influx of hispanic food. I grew up eating empanadas and drinking Frescolita, therefore it makes me incredibly happy to find places that not only offer my favorite childhood treats but also excel in their taste and quality. If you don’t believe me, just watch how many people come in and out of this location, even during the middle of the business day. Must Try: Pan De Bono, Pan de Queso, and the Baked Beef Empanada. Address: 12701 S John Young Pkwy #106, Orlando, FL 32837

2. King Bao

Looking for good eats for an affordable price, this is your spot! The best thing about fluffy bao’s, are the various flavor combinations. Firecracker Shrimp, Braised Pork Belly, Kimchi Fried Chicken, Maryland Style Crab Cakes, offering a little bit of everything to satisfy your taste buds when you and your partner can’t make up your mind. Must Try: Firecracker Shrimp, anything on their speciality menu. Address: 710 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

3. Craft & Common

I have yet to find a place that makes lattes as unique and delicious as Craft and Common while surrounded by my favorite thing: plants! Try the Wild Child latte made with rose syrup or The Dunes with orange and condensed milk. Another plus, they offer delicious baked goods from Fig and Flour Bakery or slices of amazing cake from Valhalla Bakery. Located in Downtown, they’re a nice place to start the morning and on the weekends, grab a coffee and head to the farmer's market. Since I've moved they've also expanded their menu to include hot breakfast and lunch items, beer, brunch cocktails and wine. Must Try: The Wild Child Latte or The Dunes Latte

Address: 47 E Robinson St #100, Orlando, FL 32801

4. Stasio's Deli

Orlando was serious need of an authentic Italian deli and then Stasio's arrived. It’s not necessarily what I consider "cheap eats" because you will be tempted by a lot of delicious looking menu options and maybe an Italian cookie or two but the portions are worth the price. Our go to’s: Chicken Parm Sandwich and Caprese Sandwich (the Italian Cuban is also the bomb). They feature home-style Lasagna, traditional Italian deli meats as well as in house made pickles. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a Blood Orange San Pellegrino. Must try: Chicken Parm Sandwich or Caprese Sandwich with a Blood Orange San Pellegrino Address: 2320 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803

5. DG Donuts

DG Donuts stands for Damn Good Donuts and they have definitely earned their name. Right outside of Winter Garden, in a small town called Oakland you'll find DG inside a Chevron gas station. It’s not sketch, I promise. It’s an adorable donut shop that is either packed, or empty because they have sold out of all their donuts. They are small batch, hand made, hand cut, made fresh every day from a variety of decadent flavors that rotate on a weekly basis. If you want your choice of flavor, you have to get there EARLY, especially on a weekend. Must Try: Apple Turnover or honestly anything because it really is all damn good. They also serve a delicious cold brew! Address: 16131 W Colonial Dr, Oakland, FL 34787

6. Pig Floyds

I dream of Pig Floyd’s all the time - more specifically of their Shrimp and Sausage Taco. Pig Floyds has an unstoppable variety of flavors which is why they are easily my favorite restaurant in Orlando. A mix of American Barbecue with a touch of Latin or Asian Flare. Their tacos, oakwood smoked ribs, or barbakoa platters with a side of maduros, beans and fries are all mouthwatering. What makes it hard about loving this place is the limited parking in the area, there are a few spots attached, and street parking is available- but competitive. If the struggle was ever worth the pay off, this is it. Floyds offers a large option of beer some of which are local Florida Breweries. Must Try: Shrimp & Chorizo Tacos, Oakwood Smoked Ribs Address: 1326 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

7. Papa D's

Located in Dr. Phillips close to the Fresh Market is the family owned New York style pizza joint. We’ve been coming here for years Ricky even longer (almost 10 years!) and what I love most is how homey it feels. Not pretentious, just delicious New York style pizza. And yes, pineapple does belong on pizza so get their Hawaiian Pizza, or their Chicken Parm Sandwich with their seasoned fries. I know your stomach will thank you.

Address: 5106 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

8. Gratitude Coffee

I met Jen Hackney, the owner one time when I was stopping in for a latte and we began talking about dogs and I was captivated by how humble and fun she is. What started as a food truck, is now a small brick and mortar location in College Park. If you know a bit of her story you’ll know she is truly an inspiration to chase your dreams. It’s amazing watching her connect with numerous locals as they stop in for their morning pick me up but apart from her story she also serves delicious lattes featuring a variety of flavors such as lavender or cinnamon vanilla at an affordable price. Address: 1307 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

9. Hawkers asian street fair

You haven’t really been to Hawker’s if you’ve never had their Roti Canai. It’s a fluffy Malaysian flat bread served with a side of curry sauce. Their success is very apparent as they’ve expanded to different cities in Florida and opened up their second location in Orlando, and rightfully so. Their menu is extensive, serving up Asian Street Fare from different countries. Our favorites include Bulgogi Beef Skewers, Hong Kong Wonton Soup and of course, their Roti Canai and for dessert, end the way you came in; with Roti! This time you can order Cinnamon Roti and your life would be better for it. Must Try: Roti Canai of course, Phad Thai

Address: 1103 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

10. The Ravenous Pig

The Ravenous Pig is crème de la crème, serving local sourced ingredients and seasonal creations. This one breaks my rule because I’ve only been there once for my birthday, but it was such an amazing experience that I can't help rave about it. This award-winning American gastropub was created by James and Julie Petrakis, Winter Park natives, who are well known in Orlando for spearheading Orlando's foodie movement. Ricky and I came for brunch and started with a pastry board, then for our entrees I had the seasonal Banana Foster French Toast while Ricky dined on the pub burger. The flavor profile of each dish was incredible, I wish I could articulate it a bit more for you but I know you'll love it, no doubt. Must Try: Their items are seasonal and always changing so I can’t recommend any specific dishes but I would try one of their Cask & Larder beers.

Address: 565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

11. Flyer's Wing and Grill

I’ve driven by Flyers hundreds of times on West Colonial Drive, but until my good friend Jordan took us to lunch here, we didn’t know what we were missing - hands down my favorite wings in Orlando. The restaurant is very unassuming, which may be why we’ve driven by and never stopped but that's our lesson learned: don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Address: 5621 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808

12. Royal Tea

To be honest I am not really a tea drinker of any sort, but I am just for Royal Tea. Each drink is made to order, with every ingredient made fresh daily, which I believe really makes a difference in the flavor. However, the real winner is the cheese mousse topping. It’s both creamy and sweet especially on the Jasmine Green Tea or the Rose Pu’er. If you’re looking for something more refreshing, I would try one of their fresh fruit teas like Ricky’s go to the Whole Orange during a hot summer Florida day. Must Try: Jasmine Green Tea with Cheese Mousse Topping

Address: 714 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

13. Eat End Market

East End is a cultural food hub in Audubon Park District on the outskirts of Downtown Orlando. From Domu’s house made noodles to Gideon’s Bakehouse gigantic chocolate chip cookies, East End is a great testament to collaboration between Central Florida’s farmers and food artisans. My other favorite merchants include Olde Hearth offering artisan bread and pastries and Lineage craft coffee roaster. La Femme Du Fromage has the best hand crafted cheeses offering a grilled cheese and beer tasting on Friday nights and I can’t forget Farm-Haus, they offer farm to table breakfast, lunch and dinner options. If you're in the mood for light shopping, Porch Therapy has a beautiful selection of plants. Must Try: Domu Wings, Richie Rich Ramen Bowl Address: 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

14. Briarpatch

A tradition with one of my good friends is to walk around the Farmer’s Market then head to Briarpatch early for a delicious brunch outside with our dogs, eating waffles and sipping on a brunch cocktails pretending we fit in with the Winter Park crowd. If you're coming on a weekend after 10am, be prepared to wait in line outside for a spot to eat. Must Try: Blueberry Stuffed Pancakes, Bourbon Blackberry Lemonade Address: 252 N Park Ave #3814, Winter Park, FL 32789

15. Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream

This local, handcrafted ice cream shop literally wants to make you scream for ice cream with flavors like Lavender Vanilla, Cookie Monster, Cinnamon Crunch. That’s why I love that they offer a “Ice Cream Flight” for only $11 you get to choose 4 flavors nestled into mini waffles bowls. They only use high quality ingredients and have unique flavors which makes makes them stand out from the rest of the ice cream spots in Orlando. Must Try: Maple Walnut, Coconut Address: 3114 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

16. Earls Kitchen + Bar

This upscale casual dining restaurant chain and bar took over Blue Martini’s previous spot at the Millenia Mall and I was surprised by the quality, service and variety of options along with their gorgeous outdoor patio and cocktails. It’s been a staple for us if we want to celebrate special occasions or if I just want have a drink and relax with girlfriends. If it's a beautiful day out, I highly recommend sitting in their patio - it's beautiful. Must try: Dynamite Sushi Roll, Garlic Fries, Warm Spinach & 3 Cheese dip, Chicken Hunan Kung Pao, Blackened Swordfish Tacos, Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl. Address: 4200 Conroy Rd H246, Orlando, FL 32839

17. Le Croissant Gourmet

This Winter Park bakery has been a favorite for years. Quality french desserts are hard to come by but they make a solid croissant and fruit tart. It’s not typically the place I would go and sit for breakfast, but if you do stop by they make delicious croissant sandwiches and french toast. Must try: Almond Croissant, Mixed Fruit tart Address: 120 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789

18. Ocoee Taco Company

This family owned business started out as a food truck on 50 which quickly gained traction and have sense grown into a brick and mortar store in Downtown Ocoee. I've never eaten at their food truck but Ricky has he always raved about it. What I love about this spot is it's affordable prices and the variety of authentic Mexican cuisine. A gordita is hard to find on most Mexican menus but you'll find it here - it's basically the Mexican version of an arepa. Also, I can’t really find any reasons to complain when I'm washing down cheese and carbs with a Pineapple Jarrito. Must try: Chicken Tostadas & Gorditas Address: 40 Taylor St, Ocoee, FL 34761

19. Thai House

Thai House is a staple in my family. Before they moved to the Northeast, we had dinner here on a monthly if not weekly basis because we loved it that much. The inside is quaint and cozy, and the food is fresh. It’s perfect for a romantic date night, but also very accommodating for large parties which was always a plus for us. They also have a pretty extensive menu but my go-to is always Chicken Phad Thai and their Crab Rangoon appetizer even though it’s quite tempting or me for order a little bit of everything including dessert. Must try: Tom Yum Soup, Phad Thai, Crab Rangoon & Spring Rolls, Coconut Icecream & Fried Bananas Address: 2117 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

20. Antonellas

Although Antonella’s make a delicious New York Style Pizza served by the slice or by the pie, we’ve also enjoyed other items on their menu like their wings, garlic knots and Ricky's favorite - Chicken Parmesan. They are family owned and operated, with a small location in Winter Park serving delicious food without the pompous attitude of Winter Park.

Must try: Lasagna, Hawaiian Pizza, Garlic Knots

Address: 360 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

21. Black Bean Deli

If I’m ever in doubt of where to eat, BBD is my go to for amazing food at an affordable price. They’ve actually been open for over 15 years in Central Florida but I only started going a couple years ago when I was commuting to UCF and we became hooked on their cuban sandwiches. There's a lot to choose from: traditional cuban sandwich, plantains, flan, and their avocado dressing. I could go on and on about how much I love BBD, it has a special place in my heart. So much so that we are getting them to cater our wedding. Must try: Media Noche Sandwich, Vanilla Flan, Maduros, Ropa Vieja Empanadas. Address: 1835 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

22. Little Blue Donut Co.

On some weekends when I was headed to Piante for new plants, I’d walk by this donut shop tempted by the sweet aroma in the air to purchase a donut and I’d give in just about every time. Although cake donuts are not my first choice, these renowned fresh to order donuts are delicious and one of my favorite parts is you can customize your own donut. Unfortunately I've learned that they have closed down their brick & mortar location in Winter Park but they still operate their food truck around Orlando, so you can follow them on FB to view their upcoming schedule. Learn more: https://littlebluedonut.com/

23. Tastebuds Catering

Tastebuds was one of the very first food trucks we tried in Orlando years ago before Tasty Tuesday in the Milk District really took off and we have repeatedly purchased from them ever since. Coming from Venezuelan roots, I have always loved arepas filled with ropa vieja and cheese and a bite of their food takes me back to my grandma's homemade arepas. Their menu focuses on authentic Venezuelan food such as arepas and tequenos, but on the weekends they also have a breakfast centered menu for the Winter Park Farmer's Market. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Tastebuds-Catering-Food-Truck-274144330212/

24. Twistee Treat

An oldie but a goodie. Twistee Treat is in a category of its own because they serve solely soft serve ice cream in ridiculously large portions and a variety of flavors. I have many memories coming here after school with my mom to get a Banana Split or gathered around with friends after a Younglife Club. Originally from North Ft. Meyers, this family owned chained has been sprouting around the greater Orlando area but my favorite one is still the one on Maguire Road in Ocoee. Must try: Birthday Cake Twirl, Banana Split Address: Multiple Locations

25. La Empanada Food Truck

In addition to Tastebuds Foodtruck, another one food truck loves involves these specialty empanadas. We discovered them at Tasty Tuesday back in 2012 right before the big boom of food trucks in Orlando and we’ve been hooked ever since. A few of the empanada fillings are permanent such as the picadillo, but others are seasonal which gives you a great option of trying something new. They’ve also started offering brunch around town with huevos ranchero empanadas or mini cinnamon crunch, which sounds so good! PS: Don't take empanadas for granted - we miss them so much.

Must try: Black Bean & Plantain Empanada Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/laempanadafoodtruck/

26. Tin & Taco

So bad but so good! Tin & Taco offers unique shredded chicken or angus ground beef combinations and the best part is that every meal is $8.00. You can get them in tacos, bowls, mix green salad, burrito, or in-the-bag (of Doritos) while also offering craft beers and sodas. For us, this is a great and affordable late night eat in Downtown Orlando, but it gives us enough options to satisfy our different cravings. They also opened a second location in Sodo on East Michigan Street.

Must Try: Hail Caesar in-a-bag( Chicken Caesar Salad in in a Bag of Doritos or the Mac Attack Burrito (mac & cheese, ground beef, cheese) Address: 40 W Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801

27. Border Grill

Across from Universal Studios behind a gas station, is a small shopping plaza that is easily missed We found this authentic Mexican spot when one of Ricky's friends recommended it to us, and we became hooked. You could easily judge them by their location or their look, but their made to order quesadillas are gooey and tasty, the guac and chips are fresh, you can drink a Jarrito or horchata. If you get really lucky they might have their fresh watermelon water available - it's amazing. Must try: California Burrito, Guacamole & Chips Address: 5695-A Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

28. Cowfish

I am not a big fan of theme park restaurants considering prices are a lot more than my wallet can handle but Cowfish’s fun atmosphere has been one of our favorite places to celebrate birthdays with family and friends. Their claim to fame is their sushi and burgers in a bento box, or their BBQ and Cheeseburger Sushi Rolls. It’s definitely a great place to visit if you love to try weird combinations that are surprisingly delicious such as “The Cowfish has Officially Left the Building Burger”, it features a full pound of beef, creamy peanut butter, fried bananas, applewood bacon on a brioche bun - and it was damn good!

Must try: The Marshmallow Crisp Milkshake, Crab Rangoon Dip & The All American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi. Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

29. Seven Bites

Chef and owner, Trina, has a truly humble and inspiring back story and she has outshone herself with comforting southern food that is good for the soul. It’s definitely not good for your waistline, but southern food hardly is and you’ll forget all about it once you dig into their Southern Biscuit sandwich or Cheesy Grits. I promise, so worth it! They were recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for a very good reason but that also means they’re pretty much always packed, so if you don’t want to wait outside in a line, get there super early on the weekends.

Must try: Orange Blossom Tea, 7th Trimester Biscuit Sandwich Address: 617 Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

30. Hunger Street Tacos

Who does not love a good taco? Everyone sure does seem to love Taco Tuesday and Orlando is crawling with taco options but I enjoy HST for many reasons. Their menu is creative, the food is affordable and the menu is varied enough to please your palate. In addition to their authentic Mexican food, they also have a weekend only Brunch Menu, which we have tasted and loved like their Churro French toast.

Must try: Fried Avocado Taco

Address: 2103 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

31. Buttermilk bakery

I tried to keep end this list with even numbers but I couldn't stop myself. Buttermilk Bakery deserves a mention because their baked goods are amazing and unfortunately, there are too many to choose from. The S'mores cookie, their homemade pop-tarts, the Everything Croissant with egg. They're all just as a delicious as the next, and if you're looking for something a little extra they do offer weekend brunch, quiche, avocado toast and yogurt bowls. Address: 1198 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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All images are property of Daniela Amieva and cannot be used in print or social media without consent.