Carlos Eats Approved Travel Guide: Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida is one of the top travel destinations in the world. The home of Disney World and Universal Studios is no stranger to tourists. Millions of people flock here every year for the parks, and it’s easy to understand why. There is so much more to Orlando than that though.

The locals support a growing gourmet food and drink scene that includes excellent craft cocktail bars, local breweries, bakeries, and more. You’ll find creative cocktail spots tucked away from the tourist crowds, breweries pouring their own small-batch beers, and bakeries serving up everything from classic pastries to unique creations. There’s also a strong line-up of award-winning farm-to-table restaurant scene and plenty of international food options to explore.

Recommended Restaurants:

Reyes Mezcaleria: This award-winning Mexican restaurant just outside of downtown Orlando is sure to impress from the fresh flavors the modern decor and friendly service. Don’t miss their specials for happy hour and Taco Tuesday. Their refined tasting menus are also sure to impress. 821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Salt & The Cellar: Chef Akira Back is probably the best chef most visitors in Orlando don’t know. He has acclaimed restaurants around the planet and is operating inside of the boutique hotel, ette. 3001 Sherberth Rd, Kissimmee, FL
Wine Bar George: This local restaurant found at Disney Springs and is run by Master Sommelier George Miliotes. He previously was in charge of wine culture for Darden Restaurant Group including The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s. An extensive wine list and quality craft cocktails also is supported by excellent appetizers and quality entrees. Don’t miss their meatballs. Brunch is worth a visit as well. Reservations are recommended and available on OpenTable. You can also find Wine Bar George at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Terminal C. 1610 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Shin Jung Korean BBQ: Quality Korean food for over 20+ years in the Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood. Michelin-recommended and mixture of both classic Korean food as well as soups and Korean BBQ. There’s no all-you-can-eat, but the quality is certainly there and the staff is friendly. 1638 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Domu: Gourmet ramen was championed in Orlando by Sean “Sonny” Nguyen. Made-from-scratch noodles and gourmet broth will hit the spot, but honestly you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu including their award-winning wings and cocktails. Their location in Dr. Phillips is more accessible to those visiting theme parks on vacation, while their East End Market location is good for those staying in North Orlando. Multiple locations.
Susuru: Orlando is no stranger to izakaya pub food from Japan and Susuru is one of the original concepts that help to popularize this cuisine in Central Florida and eventually across the state. Food is meant to be shared or enjoyed in bites, although they do have some larger menu items for solo diners. 8548 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836
Yumee Katsu: This is a no frills Korean cafeteria offering a varieties of katsu dishes with assorted side dishes. What impressed me is the juiciness and flavor of the katsu that is very comparable to cafeterias in Seoul or in Japan. 5075 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32810
Inay’s Kitchen: You can find decent Filipino food throughout Orlando, but Inay’s has some of the best I’ve enjoyed for a small restaurant. The staff is nice and the lumpia is delicious. It’s a bit out of the way for most people, but worth the drive if you really want delicious Filipino cuisine in a hole-in-the-wall environment. 1097 S Clarke Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
STK Steakhouse: A premium steakhouse concept in major U.S. cities and a good spot for a date or celebration inside Disney Springs. The menu rotates regularly. Make sure to dress to impress. Their brunch is also quite good and they have unlimited bubbles. 1580 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Recommended Bars:

Tori Tori: This modern Japanese izakaya cocktail bar is quite popular with the locals and get really busy on weekends and nights. It has a bit of a clubby atmosphere loud music and bouncers at times. The food is quite good and the cocktails even better. Don’t miss their happy hour on weekdays. 720 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
The Courtesy Bar: One of the most popular bars in Downtown Orlando found a new home in Winter Park. The cocktails are still great and so are the vibes. If craft cocktails are your thing, this is the place. 1288 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto: Tiki drinks are flowing at Disney’s Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World. Drinks pack a punch and bartenders will remind you of a true resort experience. Fully recommend whether you are a Disney guest or not. 1600 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 3283
Quicksand Wine Bar: This natural wine bar in Mills 50 has a quiet ambiance with chill staff and even some food options. The wine list is regularly updated and has a variety of options and even a great special on bottles if you visit during happy hour or on Wednesdays. 1903 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Geo-82 Bar & Lounge: Epcot has the best cocktail bar on Walt Disney World property. From inventive drinks to delicious appetizers, there’s a little bit of everything. The wine list is surprisingly approachable and fairly priced. Staff are very friendly as well. 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Sparrow Wine Bar: If Spanish wines are your thing, you’ll love Sparrow from the same team behind Mezcaleria. They have a great happy hour and intimate ambiance. Don’t miss their Thursday night vinyl nights. 807 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Recommended Cafes/Bakeries/Ice Cream Shops:

Haan Coffee: Arguably the best coffee shop in Orlando. Haan Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Florida. Excellent espresso pours and creative drinks including rotating seasonal items. It gets really crowded so you might be unable to find a seat after ordering. 1235 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Light On The Sugar Bakery Café: This local bakery chain has a nice variety of pastries as well as tea drinks and coffee. The shops usually have enough space to meet a friend to catch-up. Multiple locations
Deeply Coffee: Another great coffee option in Orlando with two locations. The original location is located in downtown Orlando and they recently opened a second location in Winter Garden. 111 N Magnolia Ave #50, Orlando, FL 32801
Sampaguita Ice Cream: Asian ice cream flavors at Sampaguita are top quality and will not disappoint. The Mills 50 shop is open late and gets plenty of crowds. I recommend the ube soft serve, their jackfruit nut, and the mango pie. 1233 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Jabal Coffee: As Middle Eastern coffee shops take Orlando by storm, Jabal sits a tier above with a beautiful and spacious interior and an expansive menu. Plenty of seating and Wi-Fi. They even have rentable rooms for meetings. Their Americano espresso packs a punch and its open late. What’s there not to love.
The Greenery Creamery
Saiko
New General Cafe

Recommended Hotels in Orlando, FL:

Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek: If you want a great hotel option that is an official Disney property, I recommend Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek. This property has a lazy river, plenty of restaurants with quality food, and comfortable rooms. It’s just minutes from Disney Springs and the theme parks and is connected to the Waldorf Astoria. 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821
Universal Helios Grand Hotel: I would consider this hotel a must for guests visiting Universal’s Epic Universe theme park. It takes less than 5 minutes to walk from your hotel room into the theme park and they have an excellent resort pool. Passholders and Florida residents can enjoy discounts at the property. I’d skip their coffee shop in favor for coffee shops inside the theme park. 8505 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
Universal Orlando- Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn and Suites: This is a good hotel on a budget for quick trips to Universal Orlando or Disney World. The beds are not the softest, but the price is fair, there are plenty of food options, and great pool bars. Recommend for out of towners looking for a quick trip on a budget. 7125 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek: There is nothing quite the luxury experience of visiting a JW Marriott. This location frequently holds groups and conferences. The Asian restaurant on the roof is excellent and the staff is world-class. I recommend Sea + Sear for a top-tier luxury dining experience. 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821
ette: If you’re looking for a boutique European-style hotel concept, ette has very comfortable beds and delicious food. The pool is private and the Salt & Cellar has great food just downstairs. The property is in Kissimmee just near Disney World, but hidden on a backroad. 3001 Sherberth Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Attractions

Universal Studios Orlando: Originally opened in 1990 to have fans “ride the movies,” Universal Studios Orlando has vastly expanded its focus over the years to include Harry Potter, Transformers, Minions, Fast & Furious, and more. It’s the oldest of the three parks that are part of Universal Orlando Resort and that’s the charm it has.
Universal Studios: Islands of Adventure: The theme park for thrill seekers. If fast roller coasters and giant water rides or big drops are your style, Islands of Adventure is for you. The lands are more spread out and are connected by the Hogwarts Express train for those who have 2-park passes.
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Three Broomsticks
Disney World
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Disney Springs: You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and bars around this outdoor shopping complex as well as an AMC movie theater, Cirque du Soleil, and more.
The Mall at Millenia: Although times are difficult for malls, Millenia continues to pull crowds for both luxury shopping and also has a number of restaurants and quick-service options.
Boxi Park Lake Nona: This outdoor open-air container park regularly has live music and events and has a number of stands serving food. Consider it the evolution of food truck parks. It’s a weather-dependent experience for sure. 6877 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
Exploria Stadium
Lake Eola Park
Lake Baldwin