Restaurants Downtown Orlando: Must-Try Spots for Every Craving
Orlando is not just about thrilling theme parks and breathtaking attractions, it’s also a paradise for food lovers. From aromatic Italian cuisines to authentic Mexican dishes, the restaurants in downtown Orlando is brimming with a myriad of gastronomic delights. This includes the innovative Creative Village area that’s quickly becoming a new foodie hotspot.
Amid the city’s jungle of concrete, one can find top-caliber restaurants offering remarkable food coupled with spectacular views. So prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering journey as we explore the best restaurants Downtown Orlando.
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Allow us to walk you through the best Downtown Orlando restaurants (or at least, super close to it!).
Top Rated Restaurants Downtown Orlando
Maxine’s on Shine: Located at 337 Shine Ave, this popular 1940s-themed eatery is a gem in Downtown Orlando. Known for its homestyle food and vintage ambiance, Maxine’s offers a delightful array for both brunch and dinner.
Their signature dishes feature classics such as shrimp and grits, along with innovative twists including their prosciutto-wrapped pears. The retro charm, married with a modern twist on classic American fare, makes Maxine’s a must-visit.
Downtown Pourhouse: Head over to 20 S Orange Ave to discover the Downtown Pourhouse. A relaxed bar ambiance perfectly blends with their eclectic range of dishes. From mouth-watering sandwiches to hearty salads, they’ve got it all. Not to mention, vegan options are also available featuring unique dishes like Vegan Beef Wellington and Portobello Escargot.
Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa: For the meat lovers out there, mark 1326 N Mills Ave on your map. Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa offers a BBQ fusion experience unlike any other. Their menu includes a medley of smoked meats, tofu dishes, tacos, and bento boxes.
Complement your meal with unusual side dishes like Cuban black beans and Mexican street corn – a true flavor fiesta. The harmonious integration of different tastes and cultures in each dish makes this BBQ joint stand out from the crowd.
Savoring Authentic Mexican Cuisines in Downtown Orlando
Black Rooster Taqueria: Set in the heart of the city, at 40 W Washington St, Black Rooster Taqueria redefines the taco experience. This gem combines the simplicity of a taco shop with the sophistication of fine dining. With menu items such as the ‘Rooster Taco’, it’s a definite stop for Mexican cuisine lovers. It’s a well-loved Mexican restaurant Downtown Orlando, all for its dedication to quality.
Gringos Locos: Gringos Locos, located at 20 E Washington St, fuses traditional Mexican flavors with an indisputable local flair. With generous portions and low prices, it’s not just a restaurant, but a downtown dining sensation. Its signature dish, the “Double D’s”, melds cheese, seasoned beef, and sour cream in a tacos-to-die-for combination.
Tin & Taco: Meanwhile, Tin & Taco offers crafted tacos paired with a finely selected beer assortment. Found at West Washington St, it’s a lunch, dinner, and late-night hotspot. The merging of quality ingredients with innovative combinations, like the “Taco Bomba”, is what makes it an Orlando favorite.
Best Italian Restaurants Downtown Orlando
Cafe Trastevere: Cafe Trastevere, nestled at 825 N Magnolia Ave, is an escape into the rustic charms of Italy without leaving the city. This restaurant is special for its stunning ambiance that echoes the quaint, cobblestoned streets of Trastevere in Rome. But also for its authentic Italian dishes! The tender, fluffy Gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and the aromatic Osso Buco are crowd pleasers.
La Bella Luna: La Bella Luna is located in the serene Baldwin Park area at 4886 New Broad St. Don’t overlook this gem for its distance; with its old-world charm and traditional Italian cuisine, it’s worth the short drive. Known for their Parmigiana di Melanzane (baked eggplant Parmesan) and the seafood-loaded Frutti di Mare, every dish tells a delicious story steeped in Mediterranean flavors.
NYPD Pizza Lake Cay: Want to grab a quick slice in an upbeat, casual setting? Look no further than NYPD Pizza Lake Cay, at 9900 Universal Blvd. What makes it special is its New York-style thin-crust pizzas, loaded with a blend of quality ingredients.
Favorites amongst regulars include ‘Da Works’ pizza, loaded with meat and veggies, and freshly made garlic knots. Plus, they’ve got vegan and gluten-free options, serving every preference with gusto. It’s one of the best Downtown Disney Orlando restaurants, worth the quick drive from downtown.
Downtown Orlando Restaurants With a View
The Boheme: The Boheme is located at 325 S Orange Ave, just shy of Downtown Orlando. With a view of the cosmopolitan center of Orlando, it is perfect for both casual and romantic experiences. Their menu takes pride in a diverse selection of dishes ranging from New American cuisine to global fusion meals. They also offer a notable Sunday Jazz Brunch that is a treat for all senses.
The Ravenous Pig: Moving on, you have The Ravenous Pig at 565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park. Adored for its craft cocktails and locally sourced cuisine, this restaurant offers an astounding view of the bustling city.
Their menu is a tribute to American Gastropub cuisine with a seafood bar containing unmissable oysters, shrimp, and mussels. Their outdoor seating under the sprawling Florida sky adds a magical touch to the overall ambiance.
Canvas: Last but not least, there’s Canvas, situated at 13615 Sachs Ave, a short drive from downtown. Trust us, it’s worth it! This lakeside restaurant offers an incredible view of Lake Nona and features an open-kitchen concept.
The sparkling waterfront view offers a refreshing contrast to the bustle of Downtown Orlando. The menu is as impressive as the view, featuring assorted dishes that primarily focus on Southern American and Latin flavors. You certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on their famous Key Lime Pie.
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Downtown Orlando FAQs
Does Orlando have a walkable downtown?
Downtown Orlando is a very walkable and beautiful space, perfect for just wandering around or hitting up some cool spots. You can easily stroll from one fun place to another, grabbing a bite or checking out the sights without ever needing to jump in a car. It's pretty laid-back and perfect for a chill day out.
Can you eat healthy in Orlando?
Totally! Orlando, Florida is a city that offers a variety of healthy dining options for those looking to enjoy nutritious and delicious meals. Whether you’re into salads, smoothie bowls, or just some really good, clean eats, you’ll find plenty of spots around town that hit the spot. So, yeah, keeping it healthy in Orlando? No problem at all.
What Do You Think are the Best Restaurants in Downtown Orlando?
Let us know in the comments below!