Last Updated on December 12, 2024
While Orlando is mainly known for their theme parks, it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to food. There are so many options to tease your palate. If you’re all about Cuban cuisine, there’s something for you. If you care for something hot and spicy, there’s something for you.
Ready to enjoy food from the best restaurants in downtown Orlando and all over the city, just like the locals do? Here are six tasty options to kick off your adventure.
Cuban Sandwich
Close your eyes for a moment. Think about a perfectly toasted baguette filled with layers of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a hint of mustard. In Orlando, we take this Cuban classic and add our own twists.
To have a dining experience fitting a local, head to Black Bean Deli or other Orlando restaurants you’re fond of. This spot is practically a local landmark and a must for Cuban food enthusiasts. They serve the sandwich just right—crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside.
And don’t miss the sides. Pair your sandwich with some yuca fries or plantains for a full experience. Once you’ve tasted this, you might wonder why anyone ever needs plain old turkey and cheese again.
But don’t stop at Cuban. There are way more immigrant fine dining that can give you a taste of home or another continent. If that’s something that makes your mouth water, look into the best food in Orlando options. Locals like The Great Southern Box Co. are a great place to start.
Florida Stone Crab
You know you’re having authentic Florida dining experiences when the famous stone crab is on the menu. This is basically tender, slightly sweet crab claw meat, served cold with a tangy mustard sauce on the side. This local delicacy is only available fresh from October to May, so it’s practically a seasonal celebration.
Orlando locals flock to places like Big Fin Seafood Kitchen and other Orlando restaurants that serve fresh seafood when stone crab season arrives. You can grab a seat, order a round of stone crab claws, and feel like you’re getting the true Florida experience.
Gator Bites
Gator bites are one of those “only in Florida” experiences; it is practically a rite of passage around here. It’s tender, slightly gamey meat that’s somewhere between chicken and fish, deep-fried to golden perfection.
Not only that, but it’s crunchy on the outside and surprisingly juicy on the inside, with a flavor that’s mildly savory and a bit unique. To experience this in a casual, local-friendly setting, check out Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen or other top dining spots in Orlando.
Korean BBQ Tacos
Orlando’s food truck culture is bursting with creative fusion dishes. One of the best Orlando cuisine to come out of this culture is the Korean BBQ taco: savory, marinated meat with that rich, slightly sweet sauce—and wrap that up in a warm taco shell. The flavor combination is incredible, balancing salty, sweet, and spicy in each bite.
One of the best places to try this is Korean BBQ Taco Box, a local favorite known for bold flavors and generous portions. These tacos are packed with marinated beef or spicy chicken, topped with fresh slaw, scallions, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. Grab a couple of these, find a shady spot to sit, and you’re set for a true Orlando food truck experience.
Key Lime Pie
If you’re in Florida, you have to try key lime pie. It’s a statewide favorite, especially on hot days, and Orlando’s no exception. Think about it for a moment: a creamy, tangy filling made from Key limes, a bit sweeter and more fragrant than regular limes.
The filling sits on a buttery graham cracker crust, and it’s usually topped with a dollop of whipped cream for good measure. One of the best places to try it is Sister Honey’s, a local bakery that’s won awards for its pies.
Venezuelan Arepas
There’s a huge Latin American community in Orlando that has brought many wonderful dishes to the city, and Venezuelan arepas are a top favorite. An arepa is a warm, round corn cake that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s usually stuffed with fillings like shredded beef, chicken, cheese, or avocado. Arepas are hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a grab-and-go meal.
Head to Arepas El Cacao or other top dining spots in Orlando with this flavor for an authentic taste of Venezuelan street food. You can go classic with beef and cheese or get creative with options like chicken and avocado.
Closing Thoughts
Orlando’s food scene offers a mix of adventure, tradition, and comfort, making every meal an experience. Whether you’re biting into a Cuban sandwich or savoring a Southern BBQ box, these foods capture the city’s spirit. Go on out and try what you can. It’ll make for a fun experience!
