When visiting Orlando, you should try a variety of dishes that showcase the city's diverse culinary scene, including Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and international cuisine.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Orlando's cuisine is defined by its Southern roots, with a strong emphasis on comfort food, barbecue, and fresh seafood. The city's culinary scene is also influenced by its international population, with a wide range of ethnic restaurants serving everything from Mexican to Vietnamese cuisine. Orlando's location in central Florida means that it has access to a wide range of fresh produce, including citrus fruits, strawberries, and blueberries. The city's theme parks and resorts also play a significant role in shaping its culinary scene, with many restaurants and eateries catering to tourists and visitors.
Orlando's food culture is also characterized by its casual, laid-back atmosphere, with many restaurants and eateries offering outdoor seating and a relaxed, family-friendly environment. The city's food trucks and street food scene are also worth exploring, with many vendors offering unique and delicious dishes at affordable prices. From traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken and biscuits and gravy to international cuisine like sushi and tacos, Orlando's culinary scene has something to offer for every taste and preference.
In terms of regional variations, Orlando's cuisine is similar to other cities in the Southern United States, with a strong emphasis on comfort food and traditional Southern dishes. However, the city's international population and tourist industry have also introduced a wide range of international flavors and cuisines, making it a unique and exciting place to explore for foodies.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gator Bites | Appetizer | Deep-fried alligator bites served with a side of tangy sauce | The Coop, a fried chicken restaurant in the East End Market |
| Conch Fritters | Appetizer | Crispy fritters filled with conch meat, onions, and bell peppers | The Boathouse, a seafood restaurant in Disney Springs |
| Cuban Sandwich | Sandwich | A pressed sandwich filled with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard | La Taqueria, a Cuban restaurant in the Mills 50 district |
| Key Lime Pie | Dessert | A tangy and sweet pie made with key lime juice, condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust | The Key Lime Pie Company, a bakery in the Disney Springs area |
| Southern Fried Chicken | Main Course | Crispy fried chicken served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, and biscuits | The Polite Pig, a barbecue restaurant in Disney Springs |
| Grilled Mahi Mahi | Main Course | Fresh mahi mahi grilled to perfection and served with a side of tropical fruit salsa | The Oceanaire Seafood Room, a seafood restaurant in the Pointe Orlando complex |
| Chicken and Waffles | Brunch | A classic Southern dish featuring crispy fried chicken served with a fluffy waffle and maple syrup | The Coop, a fried chicken restaurant in the East End Market |
| Empanadas | Snack | Flaky pastry pockets filled with beef, chicken, or cheese | La Taqueria, a Cuban restaurant in the Mills 50 district |
| Stone Crab Claws | Appetizer | Fresh stone crab claws served with a side of tangy mustard sauce | The Boathouse, a seafood restaurant in Disney Springs |
| Beignets | Dessert | Sweet fried dough pastries covered in powdered sugar | Cafe du Monde, a coffee shop in the Disney Springs area |
Street Food & Snacks
- Gator Bites: deep-fried alligator bites, $10-$12 per serving
- Funnel Cakes: sweet fried dough pastries, $8-$10 per serving
- Churros: sweet fried dough pastries coated in cinnamon sugar, $5-$7 per serving
- Empanadas: flaky pastry pockets filled with beef, chicken, or cheese, $5-$7 per serving
- Corn Dogs: deep-fried hot dogs coated in cornmeal batter, $8-$10 per serving
- Cotton Candy: sweet flavored sugar, $5-$7 per serving
- Popcorn: freshly popped popcorn, $5-$7 per serving
- Snow Cones: shaved ice flavored with sweet syrups, $5-$7 per serving
Drinks
- Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice: a glass of 100% orange juice, $5-$7 per serving
- Iced Tea: sweet or unsweet tea served over ice, $3-$5 per serving
- Lemonade: fresh lemonade made with real lemons and sugar, $5-$7 per serving
- Craft Beer: a selection of local and regional beers, $7-$10 per serving
- Wine: a selection of red, white, and sparkling wines, $8-$12 per serving
- Fresh Coconut Water: a refreshing and hydrating beverage, $5-$7 per serving
Dining Customs
- Tipping: 15-20% of the total bill is customary
- Reservations: recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak season
- Dress Code: casual dress is acceptable at most restaurants, but some upscale establishments may require formal attire
- Eating Etiquette: it is customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit, and to keep your hands visible on the table
- Table Manners: it is considered polite to keep your phone on silent mode and to refrain from talking on the phone during meals
- Payment: credit cards and cash are widely accepted, but some establishments may not accept certain types of payment
Where to Eat
- Food Trucks: a variety of food trucks offering unique and delicious dishes, often found in the Disney Springs area
- Restaurants: a wide range of restaurants offering everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine, found throughout the city
- Cafes: cozy cafes serving coffee, pastries, and light bites, often found in the downtown area
- Markets: outdoor markets offering fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods, such as the East End Market
- Food Courts: indoor food courts offering a variety of dining options, often found in shopping malls and theme parks
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- East End Market: a outdoor market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods, located in the Audubon Park neighborhood
- Disney Springs: a shopping and entertainment district offering a wide range of dining options, including restaurants, food trucks, and snack stands
- Winter Park Farmers' Market: a weekly market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods, located in the city of Winter Park
- The Coop: a fried chicken restaurant offering a unique dining experience, located in the East End Market
- The Polite Pig: a barbecue restaurant offering a wide range of meats and sides, located in the Disney Springs area