Best of Orlando: Top Dining Spots Celebrated by Locals

Orlando’s dining scene is more exciting than ever, showcasing a rich array of culinary treasures that reflect the city’s vibrant food culture. This year, Visit Orlando’s “Best of Orlando” awards have spotlighted the top dining spots beloved by locals. From the perfect barbecue joints to tempting dessert spots, this list is your go-to guide for exploring Orlando’s best restaurants and satisfying every craving.

Whether you’re a local foodie or just visiting, you’ll find something to savor in this roundup. The winners and finalists span from trendy Downtown restaurants to cozy Winter Park gems, each offering a unique taste of Orlando’s diverse culinary scene. Dive in and discover where you can enjoy everything from delicious seafood to mouthwatering pizzas—these are the places that truly stand out in Orlando’s thriving food scene.

Orlando’s Top Dining Destinations: Local Favorites Revealed

Best Cheap Eats

Winner: Beefy King

For unbeatable value and flavor, Beefy King reigns supreme. Known for its classic roast beef sandwiches and a variety of budget-friendly options, this local favorite combines affordability with quality.

Finalists:

  • Tacos My Guey: Fresh and flavorful tacos that won’t break the bank.
  • Gringos Locos: A go-to for delicious, budget-friendly Mexican street food.

Best Altamonte Springs Restaurant

Winner: Santiago’s Bodega

Santiago’s Bodega offers an inviting atmosphere and a menu brimming with delicious tapas. Its vibrant dishes and warm ambiance make it a standout in Altamonte Springs.

Finalists:

  • Antica Pizzeria and Market: Authentic Italian fare with a cozy, welcoming vibe.
  • Nonno’s Italian Restaurant: Traditional Italian comfort food in a family-friendly setting.

Best Audubon Park or Baldwin Park Restaurant

Winner: Domu

Domu’s ramen and inventive dishes are a hit among locals and visitors alike. Its unique blend of modern and traditional flavors makes it a must-visit in the Audubon Park and Baldwin Park areas.

Finalists:

  • Seito Sushi: Renowned for its fresh sushi and innovative rolls.
  • The Osprey: Offers a refined menu with Southern-inspired dishes.

Best Bakery

Winner: Charlie’s Bakery and Creamery

Charlie’s Bakery and Creamery is a delightful destination for sweet treats. Its handcrafted cakes and ice creams are a local favorite for good reason.

Finalists:

  • The Glass Knife: Stylish bakery offering delectable pastries and cakes.
  • Buttermilk Bakery: Known for its classic baked goods and charming atmosphere.

Best Bar Food

Winner: Tori Tori

Tori Tori stands out with its inventive bar bites and delicious cocktails. It’s the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends.

Finalists:

  • Don Julio Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar: Offers a tasty selection of bar snacks and a great tequila menu.
  • The Hideaway Bar: Known for its laid-back vibe and hearty pub fare.

Best Barbecue Restaurant

Winner: 4 Rivers Smokehouse

4 Rivers Smokehouse delivers on its promise of mouth-watering barbecue with its expertly smoked meats and robust flavors. A true standout in the BBQ scene.

Finalists:

  • Pig Floyd’s Urban BBQ: Offers a creative take on traditional barbecue.
  • Yellow Dog Eats: Known for its unique, flavorful barbecue dishes.

Best Birria

Winner: Agave Azul Cocina Mexicana

Agave Azul Cocina Mexicana specializes in rich, flavorful birria that keeps diners coming back for more. Its traditional preparation and robust flavors make it a top choice.

Finalists:

  • Tacos My Guey: Offers satisfying birria tacos with a kick.
  • Hunger Street Tacos: Known for its delicious, authentic birria.

Best Boba Tea

Winner: Royal Tea

Royal Tea is a go-to spot for refreshing boba tea with a variety of flavors and customizations. Its quality ingredients and creative combinations make it a local favorite.

Finalists:

  • Blended Bistro and Boba: Offers a wide range of boba tea options and a cozy atmosphere.
  • Chewy Boba: Known for its chewy pearls and flavorful drinks.

Best Breakfast

Winner: Se7en Bites

Se7en Bites is celebrated for its hearty and inventive breakfast dishes. Its Southern-inspired menu and charming setting make it a top breakfast destination.

Finalists:

  • Keke’s Breakfast Cafe: Popular for its classic breakfast fare and friendly service.
  • Shakers: Offers a diverse breakfast menu with creative twists.

Best Brunch

Winner: Briarpatch Restaurant

Briarpatch Restaurant is renowned for its delightful brunch options and inviting atmosphere. Its diverse menu and quality ingredients make it a standout choice for brunch.

Finalists:

  • Maxine’s on Shine: Offers a vibrant brunch menu in a lively setting.
  • Santiago’s Bodega: Known for its tapas-style brunch offerings.

Best Burger

Winner: Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes

Mooyah excels with its customizable burgers, crispy fries, and delicious shakes. Its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients makes it a top pick for burger enthusiasts.

Finalists:

  • The Tap Room at Dubsdread: Offers a range of gourmet burgers in a relaxed environment.
  • The Hangry Bison: Known for its creative burger combinations and hearty portions.

Best Caribbean Restaurant

Winner: Otto’s High Dive

Otto’s High Dive brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to Orlando with its bold and flavorful dishes. A must-visit for fans of Caribbean cuisine.

Finalists:

  • Caribbean Sunshine Bakery: Offers a taste of the Caribbean with its flavorful dishes.
  • Crocante Restaurant: Known for its authentic Caribbean fare.

Best Casselberry Restaurant

Winner: Bagel King

Bagel King is a local favorite for its delicious bagels and breakfast offerings. Its welcoming atmosphere and quality food make it a standout in Casselberry.

Finalists:

  • Johnny’s Diner: Offers classic American diner fare with a homey feel.
  • Colorado Fondue Co.: Known for its unique fondue options and cozy ambiance.

Best Cheesesteak

Winner: LaSpada’s Original Cheesesteaks and Hoagies

LaSpada’s delivers on its promise of authentic, mouth-watering cheesesteaks. Its generous portions and flavorful ingredients make it a top choice for cheesesteak lovers.

Finalists:

  • Kappy’s Subs: Offers hearty cheesesteaks and classic subs.
  • Cavo’s Bar and Kitchen: Known for its tasty cheesesteak sandwiches and casual setting.

Best Chinese Restaurant

Winner: Hawkers Asian Street Food

Hawkers Asian Street Food stands out with its diverse and flavorful menu. Its street food-inspired dishes offer a taste of various Asian cuisines in one place.

Finalists:

  • Taste of Chengdu: Known for its authentic Sichuan dishes and vibrant flavors.
  • Chuan Lu Garden: Offers traditional Chinese dishes in a comfortable setting.

Best Dessert

Winner: The Green Kafe

The Green Kafe is known for its innovative and delicious desserts. Its focus on quality ingredients and creative presentations make it a standout choice for sweet treats.

Finalists:

  • Sweet Dee’s Bakery: Offers a range of delectable and beautifully crafted desserts.
  • Pink Donuts: Known for its colorful and delicious doughnut creations.

Best Downtown Orlando Restaurant

Winner: The Boathouse

The Boathouse offers a delightful dining experience with its waterfront location and diverse menu. Its seafood dishes and relaxed atmosphere make it a standout in Downtown Orlando.

Finalists:

  • Kres Chophouse: Known for its upscale steakhouse experience and elegant ambiance.
  • The Ravenous Pig: Offers a creative menu and a lively atmosphere.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurant

Winner: The Coop

The Coop is celebrated for its Southern comfort food and family-friendly environment. Its generous portions and warm atmosphere make it a top choice for dining with loved ones.

Finalists:

  • Auntie’s Cafe: Known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty menu.
  • Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Offers a variety of family-friendly options and a casual dining experience.

Best Fast Food

Winner: Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A continues to impress with its consistent quality and customer service. Its delicious chicken sandwiches and friendly atmosphere make it a top choice for fast food.

Finalists:

  • Five Guys: Known for its juicy burgers and fresh fries.
  • Shake Shack: Offers a range of tasty burgers and shakes.

Best Fine Dining

Winner: Victoria & Albert’s

Victoria & Albert’s is the epitome of fine dining with its exquisite cuisine and luxurious setting. Its exceptional service and gourmet dishes make it a top destination for a special occasion.

Finalists:

  • Capa Steakhouse: Known for its elegant ambiance and high-quality steaks.
  • Bull & Bear Steakhouse: Offers a refined dining experience with top-notch service.

Best Food Truck

Winner: Tacos El Rey

Tacos El Rey stands out for its authentic and flavorful tacos served from a convenient food truck. It’s a local favorite for delicious and accessible Mexican cuisine.

Finalists:

  • Macho Taco: Known for its creative taco offerings and vibrant flavors.
  • The Yum Yum Truck: Offers a range of tasty and inventive food truck fare.

Best Indian Restaurant

Winner: Aashirwad Indian Cuisine

Aashirwad Indian Cuisine is celebrated for its rich and flavorful Indian dishes. Its authentic recipes and inviting atmosphere make it a standout in the local Indian dining scene.

Finalists:

  • Café Tandoori: Known for its delicious Indian food and friendly service.
  • India Palace: Offers a range of traditional Indian dishes in a comfortable setting.

Best Italian Restaurant

Winner: Christini’s Ristorante Italiano

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano excels with its authentic Italian dishes and elegant atmosphere. Its attention to detail and refined menu make it a top choice for Italian cuisine.

Finalists:

  • Luma on Park: Known for its creative Italian dishes and sophisticated setting.
  • Pio Pio: Offers flavorful Italian fare with a welcoming vibe.

Best Japanese Restaurant

Winner: Kabooki Sushi

Kabooki Sushi is renowned for its fresh sushi and inventive Japanese dishes. Its unique flavors and stylish setting make it a top choice for Japanese cuisine.

Finalists:

  • Shin Japanese Cuisine: Known for its authentic Japanese dishes and friendly atmosphere.
  • Nikki’s Sushi: Offers a variety of sushi options and a casual dining experience.

Best Mexican Restaurant

Winner: La Fiesta Mexican Grill

La Fiesta Mexican Grill is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and traditional Mexican dishes. Its welcoming environment and quality food make it a favorite among locals.

Finalists:

  • El Buda: Known for its creative Mexican dishes and lively atmosphere.
  • Chili’s Grill & Bar: Offers a range of Mexican-inspired dishes in a casual setting.

Best Pizza

Winner: Pizza Bruno

Pizza Bruno is renowned for its delicious and creative pizzas. Its high-quality ingredients and inventive toppings make it a top choice for pizza lovers.

Finalists:

  • Domino’s Pizza: Offers consistent quality and a range of pizza options.
  • The Pizza Press: Known for its customizable pizzas and fresh ingredients.

Best Seafood Restaurant

Winner: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood excels with its high-quality seafood and elegant dining experience. Its fresh ingredients and refined dishes make it a top destination for seafood lovers.

Finalists:

  • Ocean Prime: Known for its upscale seafood dishes and sophisticated setting.
  • The Boathouse: Offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious seafood options.

Best Sushi

Winner: Sushi Pop

Sushi Pop is celebrated for its inventive sushi creations and fresh ingredients. Its modern atmosphere and unique menu make it a standout in the sushi scene.

Finalists:

  • Sushi Tomi: Known for its high-quality sushi and welcoming service.
  • Sushi & Noodles: Offers a range of delicious sushi and noodle dishes.

Best Vegan or Vegetarian Restaurant

Winner: The Green Kafe

The Green Kafe is a local favorite for its delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. Its focus on fresh, healthy ingredients and innovative recipes make it a top choice for plant-based dining.

Finalists:

  • Veggie Garden: Offers a range of tasty vegetarian dishes in a cozy setting.
  • Houndstooth: Known for its creative vegan options and welcoming atmosphere.

Best Wings

Winner: WingHouse Bar & Grill

WingHouse Bar & Grill excels with its flavorful wings and lively atmosphere. Its variety of sauces and generous portions make it a top choice for wing enthusiasts.

Finalists:

  • Buffalo Wild Wings: Known for its extensive wing menu and sports bar vibe.
  • Wingstop: Offers a range of tasty wing flavors and a casual setting.

Best Winter Park Restaurant

Winner: The Ravenous Pig

The Ravenous Pig is celebrated for its creative and delicious menu. Its modern approach to Southern cuisine and inviting atmosphere make it a standout in Winter Park.

Finalists:

  • Cafe Tu Tu Tango: Known for its eclectic menu and vibrant setting.
  • Briarpatch Restaurant: Offers a diverse brunch menu in a charming environment.

Why These Orlando Dining Spots Shine: A Culinary Celebration

Orlando’s dining scene continues to amaze with its creativity and variety, and this year’s “Best of Orlando” list celebrates the very best the city has to offer. These standout restaurants, from bustling food trucks to elegant fine dining spots, represent the heart and soul of Orlando’s culinary world. Whether you’re seeking a new favorite spot or just exploring, this guide is your ticket to enjoying some of the finest dining experiences in the city.