Uncover these Orlando culinary treasures. by Russ Stacey
Orlando cuisine is much more than just the tourist places near Disney World and Universal Studios. There is a wealth of delicious restaurants that only the locals know about. Let the following list be your guide to the secret Orlando area hideaways. The restaurants vary in variety from chocolate fondue to Cuban sandwiches. You’ll want to make sure to visit the Middle Eastern restaurant that has costumed belly dancers shaking their hips to exotic music. Or you can stop by the Tex-Mex eatery that offers cheap tequila shots when a train crosses the nearby tracks. So take a trip off the beaten path and try these unknown gems. But let’s just keep these places between you and me.
Head Chef/Owner Massimo Napoli was born and raised in Calabria, Italy, and attended culinary school in Florence. He believes simple and fresh is the way to go and his restaurant in the Alafaya Village Shopping Center is meant to remind diners of his native land. The high ceiling, open kitchen and tasteful décor make it feel like an Italian café. A wine list of over 30 fine selections adds to the atmosphere. For lunch, the Panino Italiano grill pressed sandwich with ham, salami, prosciutto, lettuce, red onion, tomato and extra virgin oil might hit the spot. The dinner menu has such highlights as Filetto di Maiale (marinated pork tenderloins), Pollo Milanese (fried and breaded chicken breast topped with Marinara sauce), Malenzane alla Parmigiana (eggplant parmigiana), and personal pan pizzas. The rich desserts include tiramisu, crème brulee, and the chocolate cake Torta di cioccolata topped with gelato. Weekly specials are offered as an alternative to the regular menu items.
Estimated Price: $8–$20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Open; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Closed; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Closed; New Year's Eve: Open; Call ahead since the holiday schedule is subject to change.
Look no further than this charming restaurant for authentic German cuisine. The chef makes everything with fresh, bona fide ingredients and dishes are served in abundant portions. If you’ve never tasted real Wiener schnitzel—a juicy, fried pork cutlet seasoned with paprika—this is this place. Other treasures include spaetzle, venison soup, sauerbraten and sauerkraut. The potato pancakes, fried and topped with applesauce and sour cream, are definitely recommended. Numerous German beers—like Warsteiner and Köstritzer —are available on tap. Set in a small wooden structure and decorated like a German farmhouse, Bauern-Stube features rousing live (German, naturally) music on Friday and Saturday. Catering, takeout and delivery services are available.
Estimated Price: $10–$20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Closed; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Closed; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Closed; New Year's Eve: Open
Who knew Polish food could be so varied and delicious? Chef Marek Andruniow cooks all the food like you would get back in his native Poland. The borscht is full of chunks of red beets with a scoop of sour cream, and the soup is served in a big bowl. The Big Polish Platter, a sampler of favorites and one of their biggest sellers, contains tender and mild Kielbasa; perogis filled with farmer cheese and potato or chopped mushrooms and topped with sweet caramelized onions; a cabbage stuffed with rice, ground pork and ground beef; sweet, not vinegary Polish kraut; and mashed red potatoes. For dessert, the cheese blintzes are airy and heavenly. There’s a selection of Polish beers, as well as California and Polish wines to choose from. The deli adjoining the dining room is a great place to grab some food to go.
Estimated Price: $6–$15
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Closed; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Closed; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Closed; Christmas Day: Closed; New Year's Eve: Open
THE MELTING POT 500 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland (407) 628-1134 Hours: Monday–Thursday 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.; Friday 5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m. 1200 Douglas Ave., Longwood (407) 862-8773 Hours: Sunday–Thursday 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
Voted Citysearch’s Best Date Spot 2006, The Melting Pot is a perfect place to take your significant other on a romantic date or for a birthday or anniversary. Fondue is a fun meal and they have private booths that are dimly lit, allowing for intimate conversation as you get to watch the fondue being made at your table in a heated pot. Try dipping the veggies, apples and bread into the cheddar cheese fondue (melted cheeses mixed with beer, garlic and spices). The biggest draw here is the delectable chocolate fondue desserts that are served with strawberries, pineapple and pound cake. Dig into the "yin and yang" that’s a melted pot of half white and half dark chocolate intricately designed into the ancient Chinese symbol. This hotspot can fill to capacity, so reservations are recommended for dinner on the weekends.
Estimated Price: $25–$40
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Open; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Open; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Closed; New Year's Eve: Open; Closed on Super Bowl Sunday and July 4th.
Amira's dishes out traditional New York style-cuisine with family-friendly service. You can even bring some comfort food from home since the deli has a market that sells breads, meats and other items. Menu selections include overstuffed sandwiches, homemade soups, grilled meats and salads. The tasty homemade knishes can be packed with kasha, potato, meat or corned beef. Start out with the cucumber salad or the potato latkes (fried potato and onion patties) that you can dip in applesauce. Sample the matzo ball soup or the popular mushroom and barley soup. Vegetarians will enjoy the "Israeli platter" that consists of falafel, hummus, pita, tahini and tabouli salad. You won't be able to resist having the baklava, apple strudel or the apricot squares for dessert.
Estimated Price: $5–$15
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Open; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Open; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Open; New Year's Eve: Open; Closed on Jewish holidays. Call ahead since the holiday schedule is subject to change.
CHINA GARDEN 118 S. Semoran Blvd., Winter Park (407) 671-2120 Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m.–10:30 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Make sure to rub the big Buddha statue's belly for good luck as you walk inside China Garden. But don't worry—this place will satisfy all your Chinese food cravings. This nonsmoking eatery offers traditional Chinese food at an inexpensive price. The serene interior has hanging plants, paintings, bright red booths and mirrored walls. Chow down on the Buddha's feast (sautéed veggies and bean curd) or the eggplant with garlic sauce. The delicious soups include Chinese vegetable and the hot and sour soup. The "dragon and phoenix" (sautéed lobster, chicken and veggies) is a popular house specialty. If you like to get the worm, there’s an inexpensive early bird special from 3 p.m.–6 p.m. weekdays and after 4 on Sunday. The coconut snowball, sherbet and almond cookies are perfect dessert choices.
Estimated Price: $10–$15
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Open; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Open; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Open; New Year's Eve: Open
ALI BABA 1155 W. State Road 434, Longwood (407) 331-8680 Hours: Monday–Sunday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
If you asked a genie from a magic lantern for excellent Middle Eastern food, this restaurant would appear before your eyes. The beautiful interior is decorated with colorful tiles, mosaics, fish tanks and low lighting. Make sure to stop by Friday or Saturday when the costumed belly dancers hypnotize with a family-friendly show. If you're the adventuresome type, you can even try the dancing yourself on amateur night. Or you can practice the dancing at home since Ali Baba also sells CDs and books. The exotic dishes include soups, rice, baba ghanoush, salads and tabbouleh. Try the falafel with hummus or the fiery grilled kabobs. Most patrons frequent the inexpensive buffet that allows them to sample the many flavorful dishes. Top off your feast with the baklava (a pastry made of nuts and honey). Just make sure to park your camels and flying carpets out back.
Estimated Price: $15–$25
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Open; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Open; Thanksgiving: Open; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Open; New Year's Eve: Open
PR'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 499 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park (407) 645-2225 Hours: Monday–Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Alternately known as PR’s Taco Palace, this small Tex-Mex restaurant has a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick bite or for a night out with your buddies. Start out your meal with the warm chips and fresh salsa. The menu is populated with chimichangas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, burritos, beans, rice and, of course, tacos. Sample tasty fajitas (your choice of fillings inside a grilled tortilla) that are served with variety of fresh toppings. The picante black and white enchiladas will put some kick in your step. The portions are large and the food doesn’t disappoint. Quench your thirst during happy hour (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) with a variety of PR's frosty frozen margaritas, daiquiris or beers. As friendly and casual as it gets, bring a pen to add your doodle to the inside walls or tables. Take advantage of discounted Cuervo shots whenever an Amtrak train rumbles the restaurant as it crosses the nearby tracks.
Estimated Price: $8–$25
Holiday Hours: New Year's Day: Open; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Open; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Closed; New Year's Eve: Open
BLACK BEAN DELI 325 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park (407) 628-0294 Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday closed.
Reader's Choice for Best Cuban 2006 in the Orlando Sentinel, this Cuban deli is one of the best takeout places in Central Florida. The food is delicious and served in huge portions. You’ll find soups, tamales, chicken and pork platters. The lunch and dinner meals come with salad, black beans, yellow rice and plantains. The specialty here is the delicious Cuban sandwich (Cuban bread, ham, pork, Swiss cheese and pickles) that is grilled and pressed. And just like the deli that serves it, the black bean soup is very popular. Wash down your meal with an authentic Cuban drink like a tropical guava juice or a Havana cola. Indulge the flan (baked custard with a caramel coating) for dessert.
Estimated Price: $5–$15
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Closed; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Open; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Closed; New Year's Eve: Open
LITTLE SAIGON 1106 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando (407) 423-8539 Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
This small restaurant, hidden among numerous Vietnamese restaurants on East Colonial Drive, is a pleasant surprise for those who are new to the cuisine. This eatery is always busy and offers quality food at reasonable prices. A tank full of colorful fish complements the relaxing interior. Start out your meal with the summer rolls that are served with a tasty peanut dipping sauce. Ordering involves choosing from such items as noodles, rice, curries, stir-fry and barbecued meat. Get a variety of dishes and share them with your friends. Grab your chopsticks and try the grilled pork over rice vermicelli with spring rolls. Also, don't forget to try the delicious soups here. A bonus is that the dishes on the menu are healthy since the chef uses oil sparingly. Voted Reader's Choice for Best Vietnamese 2005 in the Orlando Sentinel.
Estimated Price: $8–$15
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day: Open; Valentine's Day: Open; Easter: Open; Thanksgiving: Closed; Christmas Eve: Open; Christmas Day: Open; New Year's Eve: Open; Call ahead since the holiday schedule is subject to change.
The Top List of Delicious Hideaways - Orlando, FL