The best restaurants in Orlando

What is it? A hip food hall dishing out some of the best Asian dishes in the city. 

Why we love it: One of Orlando's newer foodie hangouts is Mills Market. The former Tien Hung Market is now a thriving food hall with multiple stalls from local chefs. 

Think everything from onigiri stuffed with spicy tuna or fried chicken to hand-folded dumplings with a variety of fillings. While the food hall is small and most tables are a community space, its buzzy vibe continues to bring people from across town and even tourists visiting the theme parks. Before you leave, be sure to take a look in the refrigerated cases for a few snacks to take away with you. I love the Japanese-style fruit sandwiches. 

Time Out tip: Go with a big group of friends and get something from every stall to make your own Asian buffet with all of the delicious bites from the various stalls.

Address: 1110 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

Opening hours: Daily 10am–9pm

What is it? Casual pizza and pasta spot in one of Orlando’s hottest neighborhoods. 

Why we love it: Is there really anything better than a great slice (or two) of pizza? I don’t think so, and Pigzza is slinging some of the best pies in the city. The casual pizza joint has all the classics, like cheese and pepperoni, but also some incredible specialty pies, like a smoked brisket and grape jelly BBQ sauce pizza (sounds weird, but totally works). What I love most about the pizza is that it is made with a sourdough crust, which brings a more interesting flavor than a traditional crust. Each pizza is 12 inches, so I suggest taking a friend, getting two, and splitting them in half to share. Besides pizza, Pigzza is known for its hearty pastas, including a spicy sausage rigatoni made with house-made Italian sausage.  

Time Out tip: Pigzza regularly hosts events like trivia and live music on its large outdoor patio. Try to plan your visit to the restaurant during one of these events for an even more fun evening. 

Address: 1050 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Opening hours: Sun 11am–9pm; Tue–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–11pm

What is it? Restaurant specializing in Chinese hand-pulled noodles made fresh daily. 

Why we love it: If you asked me about my favorite comfort foods, the list would include a big bowl of Asian noodles, and some of the best in Orlando is Walala Hand Pulled Noodles. Each of the bowls of noodles is pulled to order, so you know you’re getting the freshest possible dish. Additionally, you can mix and match your noodles in a variety of ways, including in warm broths that have simmered for hours, which bring complex flavors, or in dry-style noodles (think dandan pork). There's also a small menu of handmade dumplings and bao, which really rounds out the Asian comfort-food menu. 

Before or after your meal, be sure to watch the chefs at work from the window facing the dining room. You’ll be able to see into the kitchen to watch the team season broths, fold dumplings, and pull noodles. 

Time Out tip: Join the restaurant’s loyalty program to get exclusive discounts and specials throughout the year. 

Address: 5062 W Colonial Dr #120, Orlando, FL 32808

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11am–3pm, 5pm–9pm; Sat, Sun 11am–9pm

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What is it? A neighborhood rum bar serving Cuban classics. 

Why we love it: Since 2022, Otto’s High Dive has been slinging rum-based drinks and dishing out some of the best Cuban food in the city. Be sure to bring a group of friends with you because you’re going to want to try everything on the menu. Hand-crafted cocktails are the name of the game here, with classic options like coquito and more interesting drinks like the Guava Pastelito, which combines rum, guava, mascarpone, vanilla, and marzipan into a sweet, almost dessert-like drink. And don’t overlook the cocktails on tap, which are just as strong and delish as the hand-crafted options. When it’s time to eat, dive into some crab salad with pineapple and lime, ropa vieja, or a classic Cuban sandwich. 

Time Out tip: While dinner here is worth the drive across town, brunch is really a showstopper. Each Sun, the restaurant has a pig roast, and portions of the succulent pork go quickly. Additionally, plates like shrimp and avocado toast, Cuban French toast, and crab cake Benedict all grace the menu and can be found on most tables. 

Address: 2304 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 4pm–midnight; Sun 11am–10pm 

What is it? This hip spot is known for its extensive wine list featuring more than 200 wines from around the world, all available by the ounce, glass, or bottle, plus its delicious food menu. 

Why we love it: Wine Bar George at Disney Springs is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Orlando. I love that there are affordable wines on tap, and I often get the $9 Sabine rosé. When it's time to nosh, get the Big Board, six artisanal cheeses, five artisanal meats, and accompaniments. We also love the family-style platters of skirt steak with roasted veggies, or the grilled Greek seabass, perfectly cooked and filleted tableside.

Time Out tip: Drop by for weekend brunch for decadent items like brioche French toast or a fried chicken biscuit with pimento cheese. The restaurant also serves an incredible lunch, including steak and fries, and a tasty chicken salad sandwich with house-made chips. 

Address: 1610 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–11pm; Fri 11:30am–11:30pm; Sat 10:30am–11:30pm; Sun 10:30am–11pm

What is it? Soseki is the pinnacle of fine Japanese dining in Orlando. 

Why we love it: This modern omakase restaurant has received a Michelin star every year since 2022. Known for its intimate dining experience—there are just 10 seats—Soseki's menu changes monthly, and seasonality is at its core. It highlights Florida produce and fish. While guests are never privy to the menu before dining, you can expect classic omakase courses, such as piece-by-piece nigiri. Don't skip the many sakes and cocktails curated by Benjamin Coutts, Soseki's beverage director, who received the 2023 Michelin Sommelier of the Year award. Be warned that reservations are tough to come by, but it's worth the continued effort to secure one.

Time Out tip: Your dining experience will take about two hours, so be sure to allot enough time for dinner before planning the rest of your evening out. 

Address: 955 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5:30–10pm

What is it? Kaya is a Filipino restaurant that recently won a Michelin Green Star for its sustainability practices. 

Why we love it: Nestled on a side street in the Mills 50 district, Kaya is known for its set menu, where the chef creates multiple courses of modern Filipino cuisine, including dishes like sour soup served in a clay pot called Sinigang Sa Palayok and house-made tofu with strawberry jam for dessert. While I love a set menu, I actually prefer ordering dishes à la carte at Kaya. Try the chicken and pork spring rolls or the garlic fried rice for something a little more filling. If I'm feeling particularly adventurous, I always ask my server what’s new so I can try the latest creations from the chef. 

Time Out tip: If you can’t commit to a dining reservation at Kaya, they offer a walk-up list starting at 4pm every day. You can join the list online to chat with a host about seating times for the Bayani Bar, either outside or in the dining room. Just know that if you sit outside, you can only order drinks and the à la carte menu. 

Address: 618 N Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. 

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm; Sun 5–9pm

What is it? Orlando’s first stand-up sushi bar. 

Why we love it: Since we love Domu and Tori Tori, it’s no surprise that we love Sean Nguyen’s newest venture, Edoboy. The stand-up sushi bar harkens back to the standing sushi bars that line the streets of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, where locals and in-the-know travelers can get high-quality sushi at more reasonable prices than an omakase restaurant. The eight-person sushi bar is led by head chef Tyler Inthavongsa, who is creating some of the best single bites in town. I love that the menu is fairly straightforward, and the no-fuss self-serve station for water, cups, napkins, and chopsticks makes the unique dining experience more casual. 

Time Out tip: Reservations for the current week are released every Monday at noon. Since the restaurant has been so popular, you’ll want to set a reminder to snag a coveted spot at the bar. Each reservation is for one hour, and during that time, you can try up to 12 menu items. Edoboy does not take walk-ins at this time. 

Address: 728 N Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Opening hours: Thu-Mon 4-10pm

What is it? This Spanish rooftop restaurant boasts one Michelin star.

Why we love it: Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a beautiful spot for an elegant date night, a special occasion dinner, or a fancy night out with friends. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of Walt Disney World—plus two beautiful outdoor terraces to watch nighttime fireworks. Chef Malyna Si has created a menu of seasonal dishes inspired by her travels through Spain. There are shareable tapas like octopus marinated on paprika and served with mojo verde, and mains like Paella de Champinones, a paella with black garlic and maitake mushrooms. For something more substantial, try the Wagyu Beef Flight with A-5-grade beef: a 6-ounce American cut, a 6-ounce Australian cut, and a 3-ounce Japanese cut, for $225.

Time Out tip: On Wednesday and Saturday, from 6-9 pm, a live Spanish guitarist plays in the restaurant, adding to the incredible vibe. And if you don’t want to splurge on a whole meal here, you can enjoy the lounge and bar—no reservation needed. The lounge menu features some of the same items as the larger restaurant menu, like a cheese board, marinated olives, and almond-stuffed dates. 

Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836 

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm 

What is it? The first Michelin-starred restaurant at any American theme park. 

Why we love it: As a lifelong fan of Disney, I was excited when Victoria & Albert's at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa won its first Michelin Star. I knew I was in for a treat when I was handed a zero-proof cocktail as a welcome and heard a live harpist strum iconic Disney and pop songs. The real show began, however, when plates of cauliflower panna cotta topped with caviar, seared A5 Wagyu, and stunning desserts started arriving at my table. The restaurant's menu changes seasonally and sometimes daily, depending on what the chefs can get their hands on. So, if you do decide to go to Disney World’s crown jewel more than once, you’ll likely not have the same meal. 

Time Out tip: While you can order a glass of wine or a cocktail to accompany your meal, consider one of the wine pairings instead. The expertly curated list pairs exceptionally well with each dish on the menu, and you may be surprised by some of the options. 

Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30–8:05pm

What is it? The bright, fresh flavors at celebrity chef Richard Blais's eatery at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Four Flamingos, are known for their citrus and seafood.

Why we love it: Dining at Four Flamingos feels like stepping back to a different era—the swaying palm trees make it feel as if time has slowed down. Each vibrant dining space, including the adorable screened-in back porch, feels right out of Key West. The menu constantly changes and features seafood such as sea bass and lobster. If you’re not a seafood lover, there’s also chicken and steaks, but the real stars of the menu are the seafood dishes. And don’t skip dessert, where the Baked Florida, the restaurant’s take on a baked Alaska that comes with a Key lime pie center, is a must. If you're in the know (now you are, you're welcome), ask about the secret patty melt burger.

Time Out tip: Blais himself often stops by the restaurant to host dinners and meet guests. Follow the restaurant’s Instagram to find out when he’ll be around next. 

Address: 1 Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm 

What is it? A popular hangout for Indian street food. 

Why we love it: One of the most popular restaurants in the city for Indian food is Bombay Street Kitchen, a recipient of Michelin's Bib Gourmand designation for a few years now. Known for its Indian street food dishes, the restaurant features a menu that opens up a world of flavors and textures from the bustling cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and beyond. There's something for everyone on the menu, but I love the dosas and pani puri for their interactive nature. You also cannot go wrong with the kale chaat, doused in various sauces and toppings, for a unique experience with every bite. When it’s time for dessert, the malai kulfi is the way to go. The traditional ice cream dessert has a variety of textures and flavors from different toppings, and it’s unlike any other ice cream sundae I’ve ever had. 

Time Out tip: The menu can be overwhelming here, especially if it’s your first time. The servers are incredibly friendly, so ask them as many questions as you wish to ensure you’re getting all of the best dishes from the menu. 

Address: 6215 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–3pm, 5–10pm

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What is it? A Japanese pub in the heart of the Mills 50 district. 

Why we love it: Tori Tori is the ideal spot for a night out in the Mills 50 district. The restaurant is a fun blend of a classic cocktail bar and the flair and food of a Japanese pub. The restaurant is known for its highball cocktails, which are served all around Japan’s izakayas. Here, you’ll find the Toki Highball, a mix of chilled Toki whiskey and soda water, but the magic comes from the custom highball machine dispensing the drink, turning it into a fantastic cocktail for under $15. When you’re ready for something to eat, head up to the bar to order, and it will come out in waves as it’s ready. The chicken oyster yakitori is a must-get. I love how sweet and succulent the pieces of the chicken oyster are, and the charcoal cooking process does not completely diminish the flavor. 

Time Out tip: If you loved your food, drinks, and service, consider buying the kitchen a round of drinks for them to enjoy after work. You can add this to your bill for just $20. 

Address: 720 North Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am