Every Orlando-area restaurant we've reviewed so far this year

Orlando's foodie scene feels endless these days: We're getting new additions by the day and steadily receiving national recognition (take that, Miami). With…

By Faiyaz Kara, Rob Bartlett

Taco Kat
11 S. Court Ave., Orlando
Luckily for Taco Kat, the new downtown taquería is being met with approving purrs. It's the first taquería in town to specialize solely in Sonoran-style tacos, of which harina, not maíz, tortillas form the base. Under the charge of Team Market Group executive chef Nick Grecco, Taco Kat makes their tortillas in-house using Sonoran wheat flour. The result: tortillas that are thin, browned, chewy and plenty pliable.
30 slides

Everyone and everything we saw at Beer ’Merica this year

Beer 'Merica brought Orlando out to Lake Ivanhoe for a Saturday filled with some good old patriotic drinking. We saw some crazy…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Everyone and everything we saw at Beer ’Merica this year
139 slides

The 21 craziest Orlando restaurants that aren't just for tourists

With everything it does, Orlando goes big. That's exactly why thrill seekers and Disney adults flock here by the hundreds each and…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Medieval Times
4510 W. Vine St., Kissimmee
You don’t have to re-watch Game of Thrones to get in the medieval mood. Right here in Orlando we’ve got jousting knights, mass amounts of bourgeois screaming for bloodshed, and the expectation that you’ll eat with your hands. If that last part’s got you twisted, drink away your reluctance with a strawberry Maiden’s Kiss.
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Orlando's best secret patios and where to find them

Central Florida is no stranger to the world of scenic outdoor seating, but you still may be missing some killer spots that…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Grape and the Grain
1110 Virginia Drive, Orlando
Grape and the Grain is a quaint neighborhood wine bar that also offers frequent live music and some killer high-rise views.
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The 25 best restaurants near Orlando’s theme parks

Whether you're a tried and true Orlando local or an out-of-towner planning a trip to our parks, it's important to be in…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

The H Cuisine
7512 Dr Phillips Blvd., Orlando
Find authentic Turkish flavors and impressive culinary skills at the H Cuisine, where menu highlights include specialty cuts of beef and creative starters. The spot also offers brunch and a late night menu, as well.
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Orlando restaurants to eat for $15 or less that are actually good

These days, it feels like everyone's ballin' on a budget. Good thing Orlando has an abundance of cheap eats that are actually…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Grattin Dog1006 E Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, This is not your typical hot dog and hamburger joint. Grattin Dog brings its Colombian culture to the forefront in a deliciously cheesy way — literally. Everything is topped with cheese. The menu consists of various burgers, Colombian sausages and empanadas that are sure to have you longing to come back for more.
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22 hard-to-get restaurant tables in Orlando that are always worth the wait

It's no secret Orlando is home to some great eats. Unfortunately for us, that means some of the best spots for a…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

The Ravenous Pig
565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
Using sustainable food methods and cooking with ingredients sourced close to home, The Ravenous Pig asks that you make reservations because there’s often a wait to get into this foodie heaven. The stylish gastropub and beer garden offers inventive New American eats, an in-house taproom and hand-crafted cocktails, all definitely worth the splurge.
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24 beachside restaurants and bars worth a drive from Orlando

Orlando may be a landlocked Florida gem, but that doesn't mean we don't like to soak up a little sun — we…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Coconuts on the Beach
2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach
Sitting right next to the Atlantic, Coconuts on the Beach is decked out in tropical tiki decor. Cool off inside or take advantage of the outdoor seating while you enjoy eats like conch fritters and satisfying burgers, as well as a selection of boozy buckets or draft beer in your very own souvenir cup.
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20 essential Winter Park restaurants every Orlandoan needs to try

Of all of Orlando's pockets of culinary goodness, Winter Park sure brings some special eats to the table. From mouthwatering hot fried…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Hunger Street Tacos
2103 W Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
Hunger Street Tacos offers Orlandoans fresh, authentic and creative Mexican-style street food at its flagship Winter Park location.
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Orlando scored 12 spots on Yelp’s top 100 places to eat in Florida

Yelp has released their second annual list of the top 100 places to grab a bite in Florida. This time, though, Orlando…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

4. Jam Hot Chicken
400 W. New England Ave., Winter Park
"This place is slap yo momma good! I'm not gonna lie, I was skeptical that it would be good. But I was more than pleasantly surprised — I was blown away! I consider myself to be a hot chicken connoisseur. This spot is as good, if not better than the famous Hatty B's and Prince's Hot Chicken in Nashville." – Mike N.
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Here are all the menus for Orlando Burger Week 2023

There are few better ways to kick off the Florida summer heat — or what the rest of the country may think…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Here are all the menus for Orlando Burger Week 2023
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Boozy food recipes for the ultimate brunch menu

Hop on over to your local ABC Fine Wine & Spirits to fill your basket with all the ingredients you need to serve…

Baileys French Toast

Bread, butter and Baileys: need we say more? The creamy and sweet flavors of Baileys take
this classic French toast to a whole new level by serving the Irish cream in two ways – soaked into the bakery-style bread and dolloped on top with a homemade Irish whipped cream. Serve it with fresh fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra touch of indulgence.


The Recipe:
For the French Toast:
- Dollop Irish whipped cream*
- 2 ½ ounces Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 ½ ounces whipping cream
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of thick bakery-style bread
- 1 tbsp. butter
- Chocolate sauce
- Raspberries


For the Irish Whipped Cream*:
- ½ ounce Baileys Original Irish Cream
- 4 ounces whipping cream
- 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
For the Irish whipped cream: Whisk together ½ ounce Irish cream, 4 ounces whipping cream and powdered sugar. Chill until ready to garnish French toast.


For the French toast: In a deep plate, combine 2 ½ ounces of Baileys Original Irish Cream, 2 ½ ounces of
whipping cream, vanilla extract and 2 eggs. Heat butter in a pan on medium heat. While that's heating up, dip
the bread into the mixture. When butter is heated, place dipped bread into pan and fry until golden brown.
Serve on a plate and top with Irish whipped cream, chocolate sauce and raspberries.


Watch how to make this recipe.
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Orlando’s most essential woman-owned businesses and restaurants

As equal rights icon Jo March would say: "Women!" With March being Women's History Month, we thought it'd only be right to…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Etoile Boutique
2424 E. Robinson St., Orlando
Milk District’s own Etoile Boutique is a vintage dream shop offering a range of clothing, accessories, furniture and more. Owner Falon Quillen opened the shop in 2006 and has named her boutique Orlando’s resident original style hub, and rightfully so.
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Brand-new restaurants open now in Orlando

Orlando is slamming itself onto Florida's foodie destination map this year. With nearly a hundred new restaurants and eateries set to make…

By OW Staff

Papi’s Smashburger
66 E. Pine St., Orlando
Papi's Smash Burger, new from Orlando's own Chris Hernandez, is now in a soft open in its downtown location. And it's ready to show up and show out with a unique atmosphere and burger creations made from 100% Florida grass-fed beef — plus a bar stocked with boozy shakes.
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18 Irish pubs where you can grab a St. Patrick's Day pint in Orlando

Feeling lucky? As we close in on St. Patrick's Day, Orlando Weekly turned to the city's best Irish pubs and restaurants perfect…

By Reina Nieves

Irish 31
65 W. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo
Oviedo's neighborhood pub with daily drink specials, live music and special events.

Photo via Irish 31 Oviedo/Facebook
18 slides

Everyone and every drink we saw at Whiskey Business 2023

Now we know: Orlando can definitely savor some whiskey. This year at a new venue, Orlando Weekly's 2023 Whiskey Business took over…

By OW Staff

Everyone and every drink we saw at Whiskey Business 2023
158 slides

Every painful moment we saw at the ‘Love Hurts’ spicy eating competition in Orlando’s Milk District

Tuesday night was Valentine's Day in Orlando, sure, but it was also the night of the first "Love Hurts," a spicy eating…

By Michael Lothrop

Every painful moment we saw at the ‘Love Hurts’ spicy eating competition in Orlando’s Audubon Park
168 slides

Everything we saw at Redlight Redlight's Galentine's Day celebration in Orlando

Last weekend Audubon Park's Redlight Redlight hosted a Galentine's Day brunch and market. Locals ignored the oft-blustery weather and came out in…

By Michael Lothrop

Galentine's Day Redlight Redlight
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From soul food to superfoods: 31 Black-owned restaurants to try in Orlando now

Whether you're looking to indulge your soul or fuel up with some superfoods, Orlando is home to plenty of Black-owned eateries dishing…

By Reina Nieves

Mila's Front Porch
1030 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo
The perfect local bakery to grab traditional and specialty baked goods, like their vegan and gluten-free pastries and treats.
31 slides

Set the mood with Orlando's 20 most romantic restaurants, according to Yelp

When all else fails, a little candlelight, some ambient music and a glass of wine go a long, long way. This Valentine's…

By Reina Nieves

The Wildflower
4.5 out of 5 stars, 35 reviews
4947 New Broad St. 
”The cocktails are superb as is the ambience. Every time I've visited they have a DJ or live music, and they play a variety of musical genres. I love the decor, and they have different seating options. The back of the bar is set up almost like someone's back porch or like a den.” - Gianna N.
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Orlando’s hottest new restaurants, according to Yelp

The foodies have spoken. Here's a list of the newest and hottest restaurants and cocktail bars now open in Orlando, according to…

By OW Staff

Otto’s High Dive
4.5 out of 5 stars, 33 reviews
2304 E. Robinson St.
 “After weeks of driving by and feeling the FOMO, I finally sat down at Otto's! So excited this gem is in our Milk District neighborhood. We got a reservation for 5pm (latest available when we checked at the time) but it was perfect in time for happy hour. We shared a few plates but the crab salad and oysters were definitely our favorites!” — Dorsa V.
Photo via Otto’s High Dive/Instagram
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A dozen of Orlando’s most beautiful bites: Pics of the prettiest plates our restaurant critic cleaned in 2022

In 2022, third-culture cooking really made an impression in restaurants around this city. A new generation of chefs, influenced by the culture…

By Faiyaz Kara


Kunefe, Istanbul Grill



The cheese-filled, phyllo-threaded, pistachio-topped pastry is an absolute favorite of mine, and the version served here is unexpectedly devoid of the syrup that typically pools around the base, making for a significantly lighter, and less cloying, capper to a meal.
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Top tables: The best restaurants that opened in Orlando in 2022

This was a year when third-culture cooking really made an impression in restaurants around the city. A new generation of chefs not…

By Faiyaz Kara

No. 1: Kaya618 N. Thornton Ave.
This latecomer by Kadence founding partner Lordfer Lalicon and Jamilyn Bailey was the most hotly anticipated restaurant opening of the year, and just a month into Kaya’s existence, it’s lived up to the hype. From the unfeigned hospitality and memento-steeped interior to the seafood- and veg-forward tasting menu and staunch focus on sustainability and local sourcing, the restaurant is an intimate reflection of the path Lalicon and Bailey have taken as first- and second-generation Americans. The techniques and flavor combinations Lalicon employs in five “waves” of dishes, be they raw (kombu-cured flounder from Ponce Inlet with chili salad and coconut kinilaw foam) or cooked (Seminole squash simmered in coconut milk, garlic, ginger and bagoong), firmly establish the 37-year-old as one of the city’s finest chefs.
23 slides

All the Orlando restaurants that closed in 2022

We loved them. We miss them. But in the end, it wasn't enough to save these Orlando area restaurants from the brutal…

By Staff

Mediterranean Blue
After 20 years serving gyros to rabidly devoted fans, this shop called it a day. You can find a "Mediterranean Blue" slice at John & John's Pizza Shop in tribute.
26 slides

Orlando's hot and new restaurants of fall 2022, according to Yelp [PHOTOS]

It's been a year. Between the November election, larger national stories (pour one out for Roe) and even globally, you can't deny…

By Jenna Jones

Bad As's Burgers
(4205 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, Conway/Curry Ford; 407-601-4363)
Opened 8 weeks ago. Read our review here.
22 slides

The best Orlando restaurants when you're broke AF

Times change, tastes change, but bills remain a constant. As we've done before, we'd like to share some of our favorite places…

By Gabby Macogay

Cilantro's Taqueria1427 S Bumby AveFresh, authentic and affordable. What more can you ask for? Cilantro’s antojitos, or “little cravings”, are deliciously inspired by Mexico City’s street food vendors and crafted with fresh ingredients.
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24 essential dive bars in Orlando you should know by now

We spend a lot of time and energy here at Orlando Weekly telling you about the latest and greatest trends in the…

By Alex Galbraith

Nora’s Sugar Shack 
    636 Virginia Drive, (407) 447-5885
    You can't just take a name like Nora's Sugar Shack. You have to earn it by being a proper dive. Luckily, this dog-friendly bar has the spirit.
24 slides

All of the fast food chains that have come to Orlando in 2022

Orlando is no longer a morass of endless chain restaurants. The culinary scene has exploded in the last decade and change with…

By Alex Galbraith

Jollibee
It seemed like the cultishly beloved Filipino fast food chain would open in October. Sadly, that's not true. Fans are still holding their breath for this chain's fried chicken and spaghetti.
22 slides

26 Orlando restaurant patios to take in the nice weather

Being outdoors in Orlando can be a mess for much of the year, but when nice weather finally arrives an amazing thing…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Hillstone 
    215 South Orlando Ave., Winter Park FL 32789, 407-740-4005
     This one is along Lake Killarney, but it will make a big dent in your wallet. However, their dock-style patio on the water makes for a great view at sunset. You may even consider splurging for their New York strip steak and Cabernet Sauvignon while you’re at it.
    Photo via Hillstone/Instagram
26 slides

The best french fries in Orlando, according to Redditors in the know

Who in the world doesn’t love french fries? Crinkle-cut, curly, shoestring, waffle, skin-on, hand-cut, steak, sweet potato — whichever kind you crave,…

By Gabby Macogay

Chicken Fire 
2425 E. Colonial Dr.
Reddit users say that Chicken Fire’s fries “have a really good salty/sweet combo,” one user claiming to be “obsessed” with the dipping sauce that comes alongside them.
18 slides