24 actually beachside restaurants within driving distance from Orlando

Nothing says summer in Florida quite like capping off a sun-soaked day with bites and brews on the beach. And even though…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Paradise Grille 6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach This restaurant couldn’t be any closer to the water, with tables just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico. There's only outdoor seating here, so make sure to slather on the sunscreen and bring some shades. On the menu, Paradise Grille offers classic American treats and a wide selection of drinks to choose from to cap off a picture-perfect beach day on Florida's Gulf coast.
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27 Orlando restaurants with covered patios to beat the heat or rain

Summer in Central Florida means unpredictable weather, no matter how many impressive eateries are waiting to be enjoyed. Don't let the afternoon…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Hampton Social 9101 International Drive, Orlando Hampton Social on I-Drive specializes in carefully curated coastal cuisine and vibes straight out of a Vineyard Vines catalog. The menu features seafood entrees, pizzas, burgers, fish and chips, "hearty bowls" and plenty to drink.
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All the Bite30 dinner deals we're excited (and hungry) for now in Orlando

Orlando Weekly's annual foodie-fueled Bite30 event is happening now through July 13, supplying locals with pocket-friendly deals on some very big flavors. Participating…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Image: All the Bite30 dinner deals we're excited (and hungry) for now in Orlando
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29 Orlando restaurants with cult-like followings

Whether you've been to the city once or have lived here for years, it's no secret Orlando does not play around about…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Se7en Bites 617 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando Known for Southern-style food and incredible baked goods, the line at Se7en Bites is always out the door on weekends. It’s for a good reason, too. The spot is perfect for brunch, with its menu of tasty pastries, biscuits and gravy, primavera Benedict and meatloaf sandwiches. Plus, it's Guy Fieri-approved.
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Orlando's 20 best 'hot and trendy' restaurants right now, according to Yelp

A restaurant is only as good as its reputation, and that rings true with these Orlando eateries largely loved by local and…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Nami 6004 Artist Ave., Lake Nona "Classy and romatic ambiance. Service was excellent ! Food was nicely presented and the seasonings in each dish did not overpower and brought out the main ingredient's flavor." — Ri M.
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The 30 best restaurants a short drive from Orlando theme parks

Orlando's known for its themed thrills and ever-increasing tourism numbers, but this summer especially is set to deliver all the magic and…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Kavas Tacos + Tequila 9101 International Drive, Pointe Orlando Kavas Tacos + Tequila is the latest venture by the team behind International Drive restaurants Taverna Opa and Tapa Toro (formerly owned). Between their Mexican and Tex-Mex offerings, the kitchen at Kavas handles both sides of the border with equal assurance.
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15 hotly anticipated new Orlando restaurants opening this summer

The summer feels are inching closer, and we're gearing up for a whole new season of eats. Over the next few months,…

By Faiyaz Kara, Chloe Greenberg

Luminescent 12286 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando The high-end coffee and cocktail bar will distinguish itself with an interior employing an ever-changing lighting scheme and a menu of Indian street eats, set to open sometime this summer.
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Orlando restaurants and bars closed so far in 2025

In a city as food-forward as Orlando, it's expected that every passing year comes with its fair share of exciting new flavorful…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Nick's Family Diner 1235 N. Orange Ave., Orlando Orange Blossom Trail breakfast spot Nick's Family Diner closed its doors after its 15-year run in Orlando. It had long been known for its cozy, casual environment, all-day breakfast and years of serving the community.
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All the new and longstanding Michelin-approved Orlando restaurants of 2025

The latest Michelin Awards ceremony touched down in Orlando to bestow upon restaurateurs and their establishments stars, nods and awards of all…

By Faiyaz Kara, Chloe Greenberg

Sorekara 4979 New Broad St., Orlando New in 2025: Two Michelin stars Japanese restaurant Sorekara, from chef William Shen and restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung, was built around the philosophy of sorekara (Japanese for “and then”) and appreciating each unique moment of life. The high-concept stunner this week became just the second restaurant in Florida to earn a 2-Michelin star rating, joining L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon as the only restaurants in Florida to earn the honor.
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Orlando restaurants open for 25 years or more that every local should know

As Orlando continues its way through a year of gastronomic firsts — with new Hawaiian diners, French brasserie concepts, wagyu counters and…

By Chloe Greenberg

The Town House 139 N. Central Ave., Oviedo The Town House, located in Oviedo, is known for its small-town restaurant feel and its award-winning breakfast. The spot has been family-owned and operated since it first opened in the 1950s.
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All the patriotic partiers and delicious brews we saw at Beer 'Merica 2025

Orlando stepped out in its most vibrant red, white and blues for the 10-year anniversary of Orlando’s brew-fueled Beer ’Merica bash, celebrating…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Image: All the patriotic partiers and delicious brews we saw at Beer 'Merica 2025
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Orlando's 23 hottest new restaurants and bars open so far in 2025

We're just months into 2025, and Orlando and its surrounding neighborhoods have already been graced with plenty of new flavors and drinking…

By Faiyaz Kara, Chloe Greenberg

Chapman & Chase Lounge 500 S. Park Ave., Winter Park The Chapman and the Chase Lounge aim to celebrate the history of Winter Park. The name is a reference to Winter Park founders Loring Augustus Chase and Oliver Everett Chapman, and the restaurant presents a menu of the best Florida has to offer — fresh fish and seafood as well as locally raised beef and plenty of citrus — in a space inspired by fin de siècle style.
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25 quintessential 'Florida' restaurants within driving distance from Orlando

Stereotypical Sunshine State restaurants are not hard to come by in Florida, and there are some especially impressive examples not far from…

By Chloe Greenberg

Black Hammock 2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo The Black Hammock is a classic Central Florida eatery that offers laidback lakeside dining, a casual bar and plenty of gator-centric dishes.
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16 Irish pubs around Orlando for St. Patrick's Day, or any day

St. Patrick's Day weekend is set to be filled with plenty of Irish-themed entertainment and Irish-inspired drinking in Orlando. And luckily for…

By Chloe Greenberg

Grafton Street Pub 7055 County Road 46A, Lake Mary This Lake Mary Irish pub aims to provide a traditional experience in modern digs, serving scratch-made eats and a lot of brews.
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26 hidden gem restaurants to be found in Orlando strip malls

The City Beautiful is littered with unassuming (and sometimes unsightly) strip malls hosting plenty of Orlando's small businesses, and some of those…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Walala Asian Noodle House 5062 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando Walala Asian Noodle House opened along Colonial Drive just last year, and has since already landed itself a spot in the Michelin Guide, on Orlando Weekly food critic's top 10 restaurants to open in Orlando in 2024, and in the hearts and stomachs of noodle obsessives across town.
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Everyone and every bite we saw at Brunch in the Park 2025

Outdoor gastronomic extravaganza Brunch in the Park made its way back to Orlando with local bites, beverages and plenty of hungry Orlandoans…

By Chloe Greenberg

Image: Everyone and every bite we saw at Brunch in the Park 2025
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19 new Orlando restaurants opening this spring

From new lantern-lit theme park eateries to upscale Yucatán spots to sought-after bao bakeries, Orlando is in for a spring full of fresh…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Sparrow 807 N. Orange Ave., Orlando Sparrow, a 1,978-square-foot wine bar and lounge, will be located about 100 feet away from Reyes Mezcaleria and will present a focused menu drawing on executive chef/partner Wendy Lopez's heritage (her great grandfather, "Papa Chema," was Spanish). But flavors and techniques from Portugal, Italy and France will also pepper the bill of fare with continental classics like tortilla Española, patatas bravas, jamón ibérico and conservas served alongside bacalhau croquetas, cacio e pepe and prawn de bourgogne.
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Don't miss the 10th anniversary of America's favorite beer fest!

Beer 'Merica brings brews, seltzers, canned cocktails, energy drinks, and — new this year — THC-infused beverages to beautiful Gaston Edwards Park…

By Monzon, Jaime

Image: Don't miss the 10th anniversary of America's Favorite Beer Fest!
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Orlando’s best brunch event is back -- join us at Brunch in the Park 2025!

Get ready for a brunch lover’s dream! Join us on March 1, 2025, at Gaston Edwards Park, for Orlando’s premier brunch festival.…

By Monzon, Jaime

Bar Louie
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30 of Orlando's best restaurants for outdoor dining

We're nearing spring weather in Central Florida, and with no shortage of new restaurants popping up and old mainstays continuing to deliver,…

By Chloe Greenberg

The Wellborn 211 N. Lucerne Circle W. This quaint neighborhood hangout spot and bar aims to offer a "taste of vacation." Guests can enjoy the scenic atmosphere, small plates, desserts and Sunday brunch on top of a plentiful wine and cocktail list.
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Butterbeer crepes, Bowser's Fireball meatball and more Epic Universe menu items: First look

We're fast approaching the opening of Orlando's newest out-of-this-world theme park, which is also set to bring with it an abundance of…

By Camila Escobar

Image: Butterbeer crepes, Bowser's Fireball and more Epic Universe menu items first look
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19 new restaurants that opened in Orlando this winter

Orlando's dining-out scene is moving and changing, and the past couple of months have been no exception. This winter, the city has…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Black Coffee/Cafe Negro Bistro 761 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park Black Coffee/Cafe Negro Bistro, a Latin-ish concept by Univision personality Jose "El Negro" Figueroa, now serves cheffy breakfast, lunch and early dinner fare as well as weekend brunch. Ángel Serrano, a fixture in Puerto Rico's food landscape, will oversee the menu.
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29 Orlando restaurants that are always worth the wait

Orlando's ever-bustling culinary scene is no secret, which means some of the best spots for an impressive meal are usually some of…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Kaya 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando At Kaya, a modern Filipino restaurant, there's a homey feel and a menu that deliberately tests any preconceived notions people may have of Filipino fare.
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The 22 most romantic restaurants in Orlando, according to Yelp

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, which means it's time to make sure you're caught up on all things romantic dining in the…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Tori Tori 720 N. Mills Ave., Orlando "If you're in the mood for exceptional Japanese cuisine, Tori Tori is a standout spot that delivers on both quality and flavor. From the moment you step inside, the ambience sets the tone: modern yet cozy, with a touch of traditional Japanese design that makes you feel like you're dining at a hidden gem in Tokyo." — Eric M.
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These are the 27 most unique dining experiences in Orlando

Orlando is known for its flair in all things attractions, experiences, and most maybe most importantly, flavor — and there are some…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Mosonori 1100 Orlando Ave., Winter Park The show-stopping design and aesthetics of Henry Moso's temaki bar come courtesy of local design firm GDP, but the show goes on as chefs prepare nori-wrapped hand rolls with aplomb. As outstanding as the roll marrying king crab, Kaluga caviar and spicy mayo is, don't pass on a tasting of toro tartare with truffle ponzu and bubu arare.
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The 25 wildest things to eat at the 2025 Florida State Fair

The Florida State Fair is back, and besides carnival rides and farm animals, a vast menu of over-the-top (often fried) gut bombs…

By Creative Loafing Tampa Bay staff

Fried Pickle Mac & Cheese Loaded fried pickle mac & cheese with a drizzle of ranch dressing. Perfect for pickle lovers and mac & cheese fanatics alike! Location: Chester's Gators & Taters
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The 25 most popular new restaurants in Orlando right now, according to Yelp

We're kicking off a new year with plenty to look forward to in the culinary world, and, as always, we can count…

By Chloe Greenberg

Mosonori 1100 Orlando Ave., Winter Park "The interior was absolutely stunning! I loved that guests could choose between omakase or à la carte options, it really caters to everyone. I went with the six hand rolls combo, and the tuna hand roll was my favorite. The service was just as impressive as the food. Our hostesses were so sweet and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. This spot is perfect for a romantic date night or catching up with friends." — Alina P.
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Best bites: The most memorable Orlando plates restaurant critic Faiyaz Kara cleaned last year

Of all the food pieces I write for this fine publication, none burden me with as much agony as cataloging the most…

By Faiyaz Kara

Gordita at Reyes Mezcaleria Chef Wendy Lopez made my list last year with her hamachi aguachile, and she makes this year’s list with a dish from her $75 Raiz tasting menu: a gordita fashioned from mushito rojo masa from Michoacan stuffed with lengua, red onion and cabbage. A chunky cataract of salsa rojo washed over the tongue (the gordita’s and my own).
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Photos: KFC chicken tender concept Saucy debuts in Orlando

Fast food chain KFC has unveiled its latest concept right here in Orlando, and its all about the tendies. Saucy, a "flavor-forward…

By Chloe Greenberg

Image: Photos: KFC chicken tender shop Saucy debuts in Orlando
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Each and every restaurant Orlando Weekly reviewed in 2024

As Orlando's culinary scene continues to grow and change with each passing day, our trusted restaurant critic continues to eat his way…

By Faiyaz Kara

Ômo by Jônt 115 E. Lyman Ave., Winter Park "Just when we thought fine dining was dead, along comes the small-capacity, budget-busting omakase house to resuscitate the experience for the 1-percenters and live-to-eaters. There's now a glut of high-dollar chef's tasting counters in this city, each jockeying for multicourse supremacy — and Ômo by Jônt, Ryan Ratino's 16-seat offshoot of his two-Michelin-star Jônt in Washington, D.C., may very well reign supreme. Here, elite ingredients and indulgences like highly marbled Hida wagyu from Gifu and Kobe Wine Beef from Hyogo, or wild scallops, kinki and nanatsuboshi rice from Hokkaido are a given." Read more here.
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