Get out of your rut and venture into the great beyond by trying a few new Orlando eateries. Here are a few of our favorite restaurants that might not be on your radar. Be sure to click the links to read the full reviews.
26 Orlando restaurants you might not know about but should
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Oct 23, 2015 at 10:18 pm
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Pho Curry Ford
3334 Curry Ford Road | 407-930-6267
Modest joint on Curry Ford Road serves dependable pho soups and other Vietnamese staples. While we weren’t blown away by the bu?n vermicelli bowl with bland grilled pork and shrimp, the hearty beef stew banh mi served with doughy French bread and an aromatic pho tai were both stellar. A decent list of vegetarian items are offered, including fat tofu-filled spring rolls and taro-stuffed egg rolls; no desserts are offered.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
3334 Curry Ford Road | 407-930-6267
Modest joint on Curry Ford Road serves dependable pho soups and other Vietnamese staples. While we weren’t blown away by the bu?n vermicelli bowl with bland grilled pork and shrimp, the hearty beef stew banh mi served with doughy French bread and an aromatic pho tai were both stellar. A decent list of vegetarian items are offered, including fat tofu-filled spring rolls and taro-stuffed egg rolls; no desserts are offered.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Shish.Co Mezze & Grill
118 Lake Ave. | 407-661-1336
Parking lots are typically bastions for hoodlums and ruffians, yet the paved parcel at 118 Lake Ave. in Maitland attracts a different sort of character after dusk – the intrepid gastronome. They come for Shish.Co’s Turkish delights – and they’ll gladly perch their bottoms on picnic benches situated in the middle of the crammed lot to sample the late-night kebaberie’s magnificent meats.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
118 Lake Ave. | 407-661-1336
Parking lots are typically bastions for hoodlums and ruffians, yet the paved parcel at 118 Lake Ave. in Maitland attracts a different sort of character after dusk – the intrepid gastronome. They come for Shish.Co’s Turkish delights – and they’ll gladly perch their bottoms on picnic benches situated in the middle of the crammed lot to sample the late-night kebaberie’s magnificent meats.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
The Meatball Shoppe
7325 Lake Underhill Road | 407-270-6505
Small Azalea Park eatery serves up (what else?) meatballs in six different varieties, which can be enjoyed three different ways – on top of a side (consider penne pasta, polenta or white bean ragout), smashed inside a ciabatta roll, or “alone” (over greens). Meatballs, be they traditional Italian, spicy pork or lamb, are moist and juicy, though meals can leave you wanting more, given that just three meatballs come in an order. Local Muse gelato and pricey, albeit tasty, mini cannoli comprise the dessert offerings.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
7325 Lake Underhill Road | 407-270-6505
Small Azalea Park eatery serves up (what else?) meatballs in six different varieties, which can be enjoyed three different ways – on top of a side (consider penne pasta, polenta or white bean ragout), smashed inside a ciabatta roll, or “alone” (over greens). Meatballs, be they traditional Italian, spicy pork or lamb, are moist and juicy, though meals can leave you wanting more, given that just three meatballs come in an order. Local Muse gelato and pricey, albeit tasty, mini cannoli comprise the dessert offerings.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Rome's Flavours
124 E. Morse Blvd. | 407-951-8039
Roman husband and wife bring a small slice of the Eternal City to Winter Park with simple, rustic, full-flavored dishes. Rustic “paddle pizzas” served on floured cutting boards are just as delectable as the hearty potato soup and flank steak served over arugula. The focused menu also features?a variety of salumi and al dente pastas. Whatever you do, sample their gelatos, preferably in the form of an affogato.?Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
124 E. Morse Blvd. | 407-951-8039
Roman husband and wife bring a small slice of the Eternal City to Winter Park with simple, rustic, full-flavored dishes. Rustic “paddle pizzas” served on floured cutting boards are just as delectable as the hearty potato soup and flank steak served over arugula. The focused menu also features?a variety of salumi and al dente pastas. Whatever you do, sample their gelatos, preferably in the form of an affogato.?Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Trevi Pasta
2120 Edgewater Drive | 407-985-2577
College Park Italian market serves as a one-stop shop for fresh-made pasta, piadina, gelato and sundry Italian imports (think truffles). Pasta, however, is their prized possession with a variety of cuts, flavors and types from which to choose. Sauces are expertly fashioned, from simple pomodoro-basilico to creamy numbers with portobello, porcini and prosciutto. The gelato case is always a popular gathering ground for kids and adults alike.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
2120 Edgewater Drive | 407-985-2577
College Park Italian market serves as a one-stop shop for fresh-made pasta, piadina, gelato and sundry Italian imports (think truffles). Pasta, however, is their prized possession with a variety of cuts, flavors and types from which to choose. Sauces are expertly fashioned, from simple pomodoro-basilico to creamy numbers with portobello, porcini and prosciutto. The gelato case is always a popular gathering ground for kids and adults alike.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
JJ's Grille
2950 Curry Ford Road | 407-802-2947
Whether JJ’s brings a Med influence to fresh-Mex, or a Mex influence to fresh-Med, most will agree that the burritos, rice bowls, pita sandwiches and tabbouleh bowls are equally worthy. A gracious and welcoming staff not only make the fast-casual experience tolerable, but enjoyable. Beer and wine served. Open daily.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
2950 Curry Ford Road | 407-802-2947
Whether JJ’s brings a Med influence to fresh-Mex, or a Mex influence to fresh-Med, most will agree that the burritos, rice bowls, pita sandwiches and tabbouleh bowls are equally worthy. A gracious and welcoming staff not only make the fast-casual experience tolerable, but enjoyable. Beer and wine served. Open daily.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Pharmacy
8060 Via Dellagio Way | 407-985-2972
When the trio of Loren Falsone, Tyler Brassil and Dominick Tardugno wowed diners with the Table – their fashionably exclusive 22-seat, weekend-only resto in Dr. Phillips – you got the sense the concept was just too small to contain their talents. An expansion of sorts was in order, and soon was born the Pharmacy next door. The modern-day boîte disguised as a 1920s-era speakeasy disguised as an apothecary retains the Table's aura of exclusivity – if not by virtue of its theme, then certainly by the lines clamoring to get past the lemon-squeezer (for all you young folk out there, that's an elevator). -Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
8060 Via Dellagio Way | 407-985-2972
When the trio of Loren Falsone, Tyler Brassil and Dominick Tardugno wowed diners with the Table – their fashionably exclusive 22-seat, weekend-only resto in Dr. Phillips – you got the sense the concept was just too small to contain their talents. An expansion of sorts was in order, and soon was born the Pharmacy next door. The modern-day boîte disguised as a 1920s-era speakeasy disguised as an apothecary retains the Table's aura of exclusivity – if not by virtue of its theme, then certainly by the lines clamoring to get past the lemon-squeezer (for all you young folk out there, that's an elevator). -Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Third Wave Café & Wine Bar
204 Flagler Ave. | 386-402-7864
Flagler Avenue's offerings are growing by leaps and bounds, but this spot stands out. Though a hot pour-over might not sound like ideal après-beach fare, maybe a scoop of ice-cold gelato or a craft brew from the tap would do the trick? Stick around for dinner under the bistro lights on the patio and order kielbasa-spiced hanger steak with sweet mustard, fresh-crunchy kale salad or a charcuterie board to share. Maybe after dinner, with the drive home ahead of you, ordering that coffee will seem like the thing to do. -Holly V. Kapherr
Read more here
Photo by Aldrin Capulong
204 Flagler Ave. | 386-402-7864
Flagler Avenue's offerings are growing by leaps and bounds, but this spot stands out. Though a hot pour-over might not sound like ideal après-beach fare, maybe a scoop of ice-cold gelato or a craft brew from the tap would do the trick? Stick around for dinner under the bistro lights on the patio and order kielbasa-spiced hanger steak with sweet mustard, fresh-crunchy kale salad or a charcuterie board to share. Maybe after dinner, with the drive home ahead of you, ordering that coffee will seem like the thing to do. -Holly V. Kapherr
Read more here
Photo by Aldrin Capulong
The Crooked Spoon
200 Citrus Tower Blvd. | 352-404-7808
Formerly a food truck famous for the "420 Burger" and helmed by the well-loved chef Steve Saelg, who passed away last year, devotees of that gut-buster now have to travel to the outer edges of Clermont to get one at this gastropub in the Citrus Tower's shadow. Sample innovative dishes like duck consommé ramen, coconut-crusted chicken over cardamom-spiced waffles with garam masala maple syrup, and probably the best homemade potato chips we've ever had. The customer service is as friendly and unctuous as the lobster grilled-cheese sandwich. -Holly V. Kapherr
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
200 Citrus Tower Blvd. | 352-404-7808
Formerly a food truck famous for the "420 Burger" and helmed by the well-loved chef Steve Saelg, who passed away last year, devotees of that gut-buster now have to travel to the outer edges of Clermont to get one at this gastropub in the Citrus Tower's shadow. Sample innovative dishes like duck consommé ramen, coconut-crusted chicken over cardamom-spiced waffles with garam masala maple syrup, and probably the best homemade potato chips we've ever had. The customer service is as friendly and unctuous as the lobster grilled-cheese sandwich. -Holly V. Kapherr
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
El Patron Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
12167 S. Apopka Vineland Road | 407-238-5300
Chef Norberto Herrera, a Peruvian, clearly has a notion to up the Tex-Mex ante by serving dishes slightly outside the norm. I'm not talking Rick Bayless caliber here, but when was the last time you had a mole poblano with duck confit in this town? It didn't exactly blow us away – the duck was a bit dry – but we appreciated the effort. Juicy duck al pastor tacos with grilled pineapple and duck chicharrones fared a whole lot better, but cheesy alambre tacos with grilled skirt steak and bacon were our favorite.-Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
12167 S. Apopka Vineland Road | 407-238-5300
Chef Norberto Herrera, a Peruvian, clearly has a notion to up the Tex-Mex ante by serving dishes slightly outside the norm. I'm not talking Rick Bayless caliber here, but when was the last time you had a mole poblano with duck confit in this town? It didn't exactly blow us away – the duck was a bit dry – but we appreciated the effort. Juicy duck al pastor tacos with grilled pineapple and duck chicharrones fared a whole lot better, but cheesy alambre tacos with grilled skirt steak and bacon were our favorite.-Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Quickly Boba & Snow
3214 E. Colonial Dr. | 407-270-4570
If the myriad multihued macarons in the glass case at Quickly aren’t enough to blow your Francophile mind, the macaron ice cream sandwich surely will. Think: giant macaron halves stuffed with house-made gelato in up to six flavors every day, including Southeast Asian favorites like matcha and red bean.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
3214 E. Colonial Dr. | 407-270-4570
If the myriad multihued macarons in the glass case at Quickly aren’t enough to blow your Francophile mind, the macaron ice cream sandwich surely will. Think: giant macaron halves stuffed with house-made gelato in up to six flavors every day, including Southeast Asian favorites like matcha and red bean.
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Korea House
4501 Colonial Dr. | 407-896-5994
This all-you-can-eat affair is a relative steal, but, in order to prevent meat-sharing shenanigans, all parties at the table must order it (though servers can sometimes be persuaded otherwise if you're on the up-and-up). With eight different plates of meat, it pays to be a bit judicious in your grilling approach, so start off with lighter cuts like thinly shaved unmarinated beef brisket and beef tongue. Once the grill is nice and hot, throw all the meat onto the grill (don't place them individually, as I've done in the past) and toss the meat around with the supplied tongs to prevent it from sticking. -Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
4501 Colonial Dr. | 407-896-5994
This all-you-can-eat affair is a relative steal, but, in order to prevent meat-sharing shenanigans, all parties at the table must order it (though servers can sometimes be persuaded otherwise if you're on the up-and-up). With eight different plates of meat, it pays to be a bit judicious in your grilling approach, so start off with lighter cuts like thinly shaved unmarinated beef brisket and beef tongue. Once the grill is nice and hot, throw all the meat onto the grill (don't place them individually, as I've done in the past) and toss the meat around with the supplied tongs to prevent it from sticking. -Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Mark's Caribbean Cuisine
10034 University Blvd. | 407-699-8800
If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of jerk chicken, then you'll pat yourself on the back for making the trip to Mark's. The kick-ass rub is a highlight, but it didn't stop us from lavishing a bit of their house Scotch bonnet hot sauce on the bone-in chunks. Ting, a carbonated grapefruit juice that's the quaff of choice when enjoying Caribbean eats, served as a soothing palliative. A counterpoint to all the boldly flavored dishes is the ackee and saltfish. Ackee, Jamaica's national fruit, is boiled down, then sauteed with onions, seasonings and salted cod. The resulting hash looks like scrambled eggs (the ackee takes on a yellow color), but the flavors are mild and pleasant. The dish, while light on the cod, is served with a pair of boiled green bananas and a boiled dumpling (quite filling!) simply made with flour. -Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
10034 University Blvd. | 407-699-8800
If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of jerk chicken, then you'll pat yourself on the back for making the trip to Mark's. The kick-ass rub is a highlight, but it didn't stop us from lavishing a bit of their house Scotch bonnet hot sauce on the bone-in chunks. Ting, a carbonated grapefruit juice that's the quaff of choice when enjoying Caribbean eats, served as a soothing palliative. A counterpoint to all the boldly flavored dishes is the ackee and saltfish. Ackee, Jamaica's national fruit, is boiled down, then sauteed with onions, seasonings and salted cod. The resulting hash looks like scrambled eggs (the ackee takes on a yellow color), but the flavors are mild and pleasant. The dish, while light on the cod, is served with a pair of boiled green bananas and a boiled dumpling (quite filling!) simply made with flour. -Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Singh's Roti Shop
5244 Old Winter Garden Road | 407-253-2900
Rotis are huge and come in seven or eight types here – chana (curried chickpeas) is a basic favorite, but goat, duck and oxtail are all stellar – all of which can be topped with flaming Scotch bonnet hot sauce, then folded up in a thin soft naan-like bread. If your appetite isn't gigantic, try a couple of doubles (like curry tacos on soft thick bread) and a spinach fritter ladled with sweet tamarind sauce. Like its Queens, N.Y., sister restaurant, there's also a menu of West Indies-influenced Chinese food (what, you thought Americans were the only ones making chop suey their own?). -Jessica Bryce Young
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
5244 Old Winter Garden Road | 407-253-2900
Rotis are huge and come in seven or eight types here – chana (curried chickpeas) is a basic favorite, but goat, duck and oxtail are all stellar – all of which can be topped with flaming Scotch bonnet hot sauce, then folded up in a thin soft naan-like bread. If your appetite isn't gigantic, try a couple of doubles (like curry tacos on soft thick bread) and a spinach fritter ladled with sweet tamarind sauce. Like its Queens, N.Y., sister restaurant, there's also a menu of West Indies-influenced Chinese food (what, you thought Americans were the only ones making chop suey their own?). -Jessica Bryce Young
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
Lacomka Russian Bakery & Deli
2050 N. Semoran Blvd. | 407-677-1101
The Lacomka Bakery & Deli in Winter Park is serving up potato dumplings and borscht worthy of a stay at the Summer Palace. Born in Georgia in the Ukraine (did you know that in Soviet Georgia they grow peaches and eat grits?), Luboi Vyazhvich is eager to serve up her handmade cakes or wrap up whole smoked herrings so tender that they spread like pâté. Pick up a box of Csar Nicholas Royal Tea or take home some meat and cheese blintzes. The meat case holds authentic Russian sausages and homemade eggplant relish, and the taste of a "Russian melt" chicken sandwich will make you dance the "kazatski" all the way back home. -OW staff
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
2050 N. Semoran Blvd. | 407-677-1101
The Lacomka Bakery & Deli in Winter Park is serving up potato dumplings and borscht worthy of a stay at the Summer Palace. Born in Georgia in the Ukraine (did you know that in Soviet Georgia they grow peaches and eat grits?), Luboi Vyazhvich is eager to serve up her handmade cakes or wrap up whole smoked herrings so tender that they spread like pâté. Pick up a box of Csar Nicholas Royal Tea or take home some meat and cheese blintzes. The meat case holds authentic Russian sausages and homemade eggplant relish, and the taste of a "Russian melt" chicken sandwich will make you dance the "kazatski" all the way back home. -OW staff
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
Polonia Polish Restaurant
750 S. Highway 17-92 | 407-331-1933
Diners with bored palates will find revived appetite at this traditional Polish restaurant. Chicago cold cuts and homemade desserts bracket slow-cooked stews and crispy potato pancakes; many dishes are prepared from family recipes
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
750 S. Highway 17-92 | 407-331-1933
Diners with bored palates will find revived appetite at this traditional Polish restaurant. Chicago cold cuts and homemade desserts bracket slow-cooked stews and crispy potato pancakes; many dishes are prepared from family recipes
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
Chuan Lu Garden
1101 E. Colonial Dr. | 407-896-8966
For those who prefer their Chinese cuisine on the invigorating side, Chuan Lu employs plenty of fiery stimulants in their authentic, real-deal Sichuan fare. An order of cumin?lamb, laced with tien tsin peppers and aromatic Sichuan peppercorns,?is a must. For sharing, consider a platter of double-cooked pork and the bowl of Lanzhou-style beef soup with noodles. Mains are ample, but if you’re keen on starters, the spicy pork ear and a plate of thin-cut roast beef, tripe and tendon with chili sauce will get the fire started.
Read more here
Photo via Orlando Weekly
1101 E. Colonial Dr. | 407-896-8966
For those who prefer their Chinese cuisine on the invigorating side, Chuan Lu employs plenty of fiery stimulants in their authentic, real-deal Sichuan fare. An order of cumin?lamb, laced with tien tsin peppers and aromatic Sichuan peppercorns,?is a must. For sharing, consider a platter of double-cooked pork and the bowl of Lanzhou-style beef soup with noodles. Mains are ample, but if you’re keen on starters, the spicy pork ear and a plate of thin-cut roast beef, tripe and tendon with chili sauce will get the fire started.
Read more here
Photo via Orlando Weekly
Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
7048 International Dr. | 407-354-0026
Orlando’s lone Ethiopian restaurant is a blessing for foodies with an appetite for the exotic. Utensils come in the form of pancake-like sourdough bread called injera, used to scoop intensely spiced dishes from a large communal platter. Be sure to sample traditional honey wine as well as Ethiopian coffee, brewed in a clay pot. -Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
7048 International Dr. | 407-354-0026
Orlando’s lone Ethiopian restaurant is a blessing for foodies with an appetite for the exotic. Utensils come in the form of pancake-like sourdough bread called injera, used to scoop intensely spiced dishes from a large communal platter. Be sure to sample traditional honey wine as well as Ethiopian coffee, brewed in a clay pot. -Faiyaz Kara
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
Ming's Bistro
1212 Woodward St. | 407-898-9672
Hard to spot, but well worth seeking, Ming’s specializes in the a la “cart” scarfing extravaganza known as dim sum, though spicy beef hot pan with vermicelli and ginger scallion fish fillets are also worthy dishes. Menu descriptions are terse, so be sure to ask your red-vested server about the ingredients.
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
1212 Woodward St. | 407-898-9672
Hard to spot, but well worth seeking, Ming’s specializes in the a la “cart” scarfing extravaganza known as dim sum, though spicy beef hot pan with vermicelli and ginger scallion fish fillets are also worthy dishes. Menu descriptions are terse, so be sure to ask your red-vested server about the ingredients.
Read more here
Photo via Yelp
Sapporo Ramen
5080 W. Colonial Drive | 407-203-6777
Banish all thoughts of salty plastic-wrapped bricks: It isn’t that kind of ramen. This West Colonial noodle house is bent on spreading the foodie cult of ramen, and after sampling richly flavored bowls of tonkotsu, shio, miso or shoyu ramen, you will be too. Udon and soba noodles are also offered, as are curries and gyu-don, both of which are worth ordering. Starters (overdone edamame and mushy octopus fritters) are best skipped. Ramen rules here.
Read more here
Photo via Orlando Weekly
5080 W. Colonial Drive | 407-203-6777
Banish all thoughts of salty plastic-wrapped bricks: It isn’t that kind of ramen. This West Colonial noodle house is bent on spreading the foodie cult of ramen, and after sampling richly flavored bowls of tonkotsu, shio, miso or shoyu ramen, you will be too. Udon and soba noodles are also offered, as are curries and gyu-don, both of which are worth ordering. Starters (overdone edamame and mushy octopus fritters) are best skipped. Ramen rules here.
Read more here
Photo via Orlando Weekly
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