Best Eats in Orlando – How to Eat Like a Local

Best Eats in Orlando – How to Eat Like a Local

“People who love to eat are always the best people.” Julia Child

Is it time to venture out of the world of typical theme park food of chicken nuggets, hamburgers and fries? Did you know that Orlando offers over 4,500 restaurants to choose from during your vacation? From donuts to BBQ, Orlando has a great variety of local choices.  Here are some of the top rated local restaurants in Orlando.

Fishbones

Fishbones is listed as one of America’s top seafood restaurants! Fresh seafood is flown in every day and they cook their steaks over an 1100° citrus oak wood fire on a custom built pit. They also offer some of the best sushi in the area! Steak, sushi and seafood! Can’t go wrong with that combination!  Fishbones on Sand Lake road is the best location if you are staying at any of the theme park areas. Reservations are recommended.  $$$$

Rocco’s Taco & Tequila Bar

If you like tacos and tequila, this is where you need to go! Offering great Mexican cuisine with a choice of over 425 tequilas, Rocco’s is a local favorite! They hand make their corn tortillas and offer the best table side guacamole in Orlando! The Orlando location on International Drive is busy all the time! Reservations are recommended. $$$$

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

Okay this restaurant is not close to the theme park areas, but it is worth the drive or cab ride up I-4 to historic downtown Sanford, Florida! Serving traditional German cuisine along with being located on beautiful Lake Monroe makes this a definite place to visit during your stay! And most nights, you will find live music being played in the outdoor patio area.  If you have someone in your group who needs a gluten free diet, Willow Tree Café offers a great variety of gluten free items.  $$$

4 Rivers

Ask any local the best BBQ place in Orlando and I bet they’ll tell you 4 Rivers! On any given day in the Orlando area, you will see many cars proudly sporting a 4 Rivers bumper sticker –that’s how much locals love this place! Locally owned by a local family, this establishment just gets it when it comes to BBQ. Plus, having six locations just in the Orlando area, means chances are you are close to a 4 Rivers location.  Not only do they serve great BBQ, they serve homemade desserts that are amazing!!  $$

Café Tu Tu Tango

Okay, this place is just cool! They offer tapas style dining while local artists work and interact amongst the diners! Locally owned, Café Tu Tu Tango offers a unique dining experience. Being located off International Drive makes this an easy place to get to from all theme park areas! And it is reasonably priced so it won’t break your dinner budget.  $$

If your vacation schedule allows you to venture away from the theme park areas, try some of these great local eats in Orlando!

Written by Carla Stotts.  Carla lives in the Orlando area and loves all that Central Florida has to offer for your vacation experience! Living in Central Florida has allowed Carla to specialize in Disney and cruise vacations. Book your next vacation with Carla at 417-848-8369 or at carla@destinationstoexplore.com.