- Best Budget-Friendly Orlando Restaurants
- Fine Dining Orlando Restaurants
- Most Romantic Restaurants in Orlando
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Orlando
- Cool Restaurants in Orlando
Often called “The City Beautiful,” Orlando is known for its lush palm trees, waterfront parks, and close proximity to beaches. Not to mention, it’s home to world-famous tourist attractions such as Universal Studios and Disney World. But that’s just scratching the surface.
Orlando has a vibrant foodie scene, too, featuring eclectic cuisine, from hearty Southern comfort to zesty Latin and Caribbean influences. Orlando is also home to nine Michelin-starred restaurants (one even boasts two stars), so your taste buds are in for a treat.
Now that we have your mouth watering, let’s break down the top 10 restaurants in Orlando. Whether you need to grab a quick, affordable bite for lunch or you’re in search of an elegant, romantic atmosphere for date night, this list covers the best places to eat in Orlando.
10 Best Restaurants in Orlando
What foods are famous in Orlando? The cuisine here runs the gamut. Think: Cuban delicacies such as black bean soup and sweet plantains; Southern American classics such as slow-smoked BBQ, fresh-caught seafood off the Florida coast, and more unusual fare, such as fried alligator tail (locals swear it tastes like chicken!).
There’s no shortage of phenomenal restaurants in Orlando, from trendy rooftop bistros with downtown skyline views to unique themed spots that kids will love. Orlando’s status as a foodie hub makes it one of the best places to live in Florida. So on that note, here are 10 must-try restaurants that will make moving to Orlando complete.
Best Budget-Friendly Orlando Restaurants
A crave-worthy meal doesn’t have to stretch your wallet; there are a number of nice yet affordable restaurants in Orlando to choose from. So whether you’re in the mood for a stick-to-your-ribs sandwich or an authentic bowl of ramen that begs to be slurped, here are our picks for the best budget-friendly Orlando restaurants.
1. 903 Mills Market: A Friendly Neighborhood Deli
- To Drink: Florida Cracker Hurricane IPA
- To Start: Legendary Olive Tapenade
- To Eat: 903 Signature Chicken Salad Sandwich
If a traditional New York deli were to migrate south to Orlando, 903 Mills Market would be the result. This cozy neighborhood joint is the kind of place where regulars have their usual orders, while first-time customers are always welcome. The menu features house-made soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, and more. Portions are generous, yet the prices remain affordable. The result is reliably satisfying comfort food that fills you up without straining your budget.
2. Sticky Rice: Southeast Asian Street Food
- To Drink: Thai Green Tea
- To Start: Shrimp Chips
- To Eat: Coconut Curry Ramen
Sure, you can travel across the globe for a taste of Southeast Asian street food, or you can head to Sticky Rice. Inspired by the bold flavors and textures of Laos, this restaurant serves distinctive dishes, including pork tapioca dumplings, squid skewers with sweet chili, and crispy rice lettuce wraps. The colorful setting lends itself to a lively atmosphere, but its unpretentious service style makes it ideal for a quick stop or a shared bite with friends. Plus, the cost-efficient menu means you can fill up without overspending.
Fine Dining Orlando Restaurants
If your idea of a night on the town features an exclusive chef-curated menu against a backdrop of sheer refinement, these Michelin-starred restaurants in Orlando are worth the splurge. Just be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
3. Salt & The Cellar: Global Fusion, Michelin Star–Style
- To Drink: Smoked Espresso Martini
- To Start: Japanese Yellowtail Sashimi
- To Eat: Seared Chilean Sea Bass
What is the two-star Michelin restaurant in Orlando? Salt & The Cellar claims that distinction with its global menu that fuses Asian and Mediterranean ingredients with innovative techniques and artistic presentation. Salt & Cellar’s atmosphere is elegant (expect moody lights and an upscale dress code), but the menu feels soulful and even playful. Think: Spanish truffle aioli combined with Japanese togarashi. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine and craft cocktail selection, making it a nice choice for an evening out on the town with friends.
4. Capa at The Four Seasons: Chic 17th Floor Steakhouse
- To Drink: Red Sangria
- To Start: Serrano Croquettes
- To Eat: Maitake Mushroom Paella
Perched on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Resort, you’ll find Capa, a Michelin-starred steakhouse and one of the best rooftop restaurants in Orlando. The open kitchen reveals a wood-burning hearth where fresh seafood, bite-sized tapas, and prime cuts of meat are grilled to perfection. The outdoor terrace offers sweeping views of Lake Buena Vista, allowing guests to watch Disney World fireworks while sipping sangria, Spanish wine, or a craft cocktail. From its elevated location to its expertly grilled entrées, Capa makes each detail feel thoughtfully considered.
Most Romantic Restaurants in Orlando
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or impressing a first date, the ambiance matters. Take our word for it: you’ll swoon over these romantic restaurants in Orlando, perfect for cherished moments and intimate conversations.
5. Reyes Mezcaleria: Elevated Regional Mexican
- To Drink: Oaxacan Old Fashioned
- To Start: Tuna Tostada
- To Eat: Slow-Cooked Lamb Birria
Looking to sweep your significant other off their feet with an adventurous culinary experience? Then, snag a table at Reyes Mezcaleria. This restaurant offers a refined take on Mexican cuisine rooted in Oaxacan traditions, pairing authentic heirloom ingredients sourced from Oaxaca with a warm, candlelit ambiance and bohemian decor. The menu ranges from familiar classics like queso and guacamole to more exotic fare like beef belly. True to its name, Reyes Mezcalaria is also known for its mezcal menu, featuring more than 150 agave-based options to choose from.
6. Highball & Harvest: Artisanal Farm-to-Table Fare
- To Drink: H&H Limoncello Spritz
- To Start: Poached Asian Pear Salad
- To Eat: Low Country Shrimp and Grits
You might not associate a farm-to-table eatery with a luxurious five-star resort, but Highball & Harvest offers a compelling case. Tucked into an intimate corner of the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, this restaurant merges its refined setting with a Southern comfort food menu and local Florida ingredients, many of which are sourced from the resort’s onsite farm. The lush, garden-like atmosphere of the patio encourages couples to linger, whether over a basket of Cajun-style butter rolls and signature craft cocktails, while admiring the surrounding natural greenery.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Orlando
Why should the little foodies in your crew miss out on a memorable culinary experience? Now they won’t have to; these fun restaurants in Orlando appeal to taste buds of all ages. From casual family outings to special occasions, here are the best kid-friendly Orlando restaurants to check out. (Bonus: they’ll delight parents too!)
7. Rainforest Cafe: An Immersive Culinary Adventure
- To Drink: Raspberry Lemonade
- To Start: Amazon Bruschetta
- To Eat: Caribbean Coconut Fried Shrimp
One of Orlando’s most iconic themed restaurants is Rainforest Cafe. Located inside a towering volcano in the heart of Disney Springs, it has enthralled both children and adults alike for the past three decades. Its immersive jungle environment, complete with thunderstorm sounds, realistic foliage, and animatronic animals, will entertain kids from the moment they walk in. Rainforest Cafe also offers a menu suitable for all ages, with Caribbean-inspired dishes such as coconut shrimp and blackened fish tacos.
8. Teak Neighborhood Grill: Ultimate Burger Emporium
- To Drink: Fresh-Brewed Iced Tea
- To Start: Street Corn Dip
- To Eat: The OMG Burger
If your crew is in the mood for a lively spot with casual gastropub fare and unfussy vibes, Teak Neighborhood Grill fits the bill. The spacious outdoor seating area makes it easy for families to unwind. Plus, it’s one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in Orlando, so even the furriest family members can join in. This restaurant is famous for its massive burger selection, with nearly 30 flavor combinations, ranging from a bison patty on brioche to smoked ham on a pretzel bun or beef and bacon served on waffles. Adults will also appreciate the tap list of local beers and the menu of creative, seasonal cocktails.
Cool Restaurants in Orlando
What are the top-rated restaurants in downtown Orlando? The area is full of hip eateries with sleek, modern atmospheres and eclectic menus. If you’re looking to explore the coolest foodie scene that Central Florida has to offer, combining standout food and views, look no further than these must-try restaurants in downtown Orlando.
9. The Monroe: Familiar Flavors with a Trendy Twist
- To Drink: Good Luck Negroni
- To Start: General Tso Cauliflower
- To Eat: The Monroes’ Famous Fried Chicken
As one of the most unique restaurants in Orlando, The Monroe is part coffeehouse, part cocktail lounge, and part modern bistro. This restaurant’s mid-century decor (think: clean lines, rich wooden accents, and geometric details) creates a stylish, laidback setting any time of day, whether you’re stopping by for avocado toast and a latte for breakfast or fried chicken and a nightcap for dinner. Located in Orlando’s mixed-use Creative Village, The Monroe is a convenient option for lunch breaks, quick meals between classes, or dinner before a night out downtown.
10. AC Sky Bar: Unbeatable Rooftop Vibes
- To Drink: Luxe Margarita
- To Start: Calamari Fritto Misto
- To Eat: Brisket Rigatoni Bolognese
Voted the best rooftop restaurant in Orlando for two years running, AC Sky Bar rounds out this list of can’t-miss culinary destinations. The thoughtfully curated menu of shareable plates and inventive cocktails pairs seamlessly with the dynamic ambiance and panoramic downtown views that capture why Orlando has earned the nickname, “City Beautiful.” Whether you’re craving small tapas, such as calamari and ahi tuna nachos, for a relaxed meetup with friends, or a larger entrée, like roasted salmon or bolognese, for a festive celebration, AC Sky Bar never disappoints. Don’t forget to order one of their famous margaritas, too.
Great Taste Deserves Space
The first step after finishing your moving checklist is sampling these irresistible Orlando restaurants as you settle into your new city.
Once those cravings are satisfied, it’s time for step two: settling into your new home. If the space feels a little cramped after you unpack, CubeSmart’s Orlando self-storage options have you covered. We offer solutions for a variety of needs, from climate-controlled units to boat storage and more.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
