Orlando may be known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” but the world-famous theme parks are not the only thing that’s great about this place. One of the reasons you might want to visit Orlando, and even want to move here, is the plethora of dining spots that makes this city a gastronomical haven. There’s at least one culinary place that would satisfy your every craving. Here’s our top ten list of the best restaurants in Orlando, FL:

4 Rivers Smokehouse

It all started out John Rivers, who spent almost two decades perfecting his own dry rub after he fell in love with brisket during a visit to his wife’s family in Texas. He then started serving his signature brisket at family functions and community events. And not long after, he has his own restaurant with a strong following. 4 Rivers Smokehouse is the place you go to when you want to have a taste of the best barbeque in Central Florida. It’s tender, smokey meat with and country sides are the ultimate southern comfort food that will make you come back for more.

Pizza Bruno

Pizza Bruno family-style neighborhood pizza joint that specialized in traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. The secret lies in the dough, and this Italian pizzeria has mastered the perfect crust – chewy yet crispy, leopard spotted char bursting with a unique wood fired flavor. Order the classic original pizza or get a bit adventurous and ask for their pizza of the month!

Tako Cheena

Craving for tacos in the wee hours of the night? Tako Cheena is the ultimate place to get a taco fix. No, it’s not your typical Mexican restaurant. It’s Pan-Asian flavors presented in Latin American style – the perfect fusion for adventurous foodies. Their signature “takos” are infused with unique flavors from Japan (Panko Crusted Cod), China (Chinese BBQ Char Siu Pork Belly), and Thailand (Tom Yum Mojo Shrimp). And their Indian Butter Chicken Burritos and Korean Burritos are definitely worth trying.

Cedar Key ClamsSautéed little neck clams, in a sambuca & lemon buerre blanc w/ garlic frosting crostini. Posted by Chefs Table at the Edgewater on Saturday, August 27, 2016

The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel

Five words: One of America’s Top Restaurants. The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel is an intimate gourmet restaurant that boasts of a long list of awards and commendations. This upscale dining place is located in historic Winter Garden, and is just a few miles from Orlando’s theme parks. Gastronomers from all over the world come here for the superb cuisine and excellent wine.

The Sanctum Café

The Sanctum Café is a modern, vegan and vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious, plant-based food made from fresh ingredients harvested and prepared by local farmers and artisans. Expect to see a beautiful array of colors in your bowl. The food here is as beautiful as it scrumptious! They also serve organic juice and organic coffee.

Kadence

For the ultimate sushi experience, visit Kadence in Orlando, Florida. This Michelin-rated, nine-seat sushi and sake bar offers a mesmerizing omakase menu consisting of a multi-course sushi tasting featuring the highest quality selection of seasonal fish. There’s a wide selection of sake, cocktails, and Japanese beer as well, three full pages to choose from.

Enzo’s on the Lake

Open Table, a popular online restaurant reservation service, recently released their list of “100 most romantic in restaurants in America for 2018,” and this lovely restaurant made the cut. Enzo’s on the Lake used to be a historic home overlooking the lake. Now an upscale Italian restaurant, Enzo’s offers an ideal setting for a romantic date or an indulgent meal with close friends. Everything on the menu is prepared from scratch, using only the finest quality and fresh ingredients. A must-try is their Bucatini Alla Enzo – large hollow noodles tossed with prosciutto, peas, mushrooms, bacon, and parmesan in a light sauce. Make sure you make room for dessert. The house made organic carrot cake is truly delectable!

Café de France

This cozy traditional Parisian bistro along Park Avenue, Orlando’s European-looking, cobblestoned street, serves the finest French cuisine and world class wine pairings in the area. Owned and operated by French natives, everything on Cafe de France’s menu is prepared in classic French style, using only the freshest ingredients available, from the luscious lamb, served sandwich-style at lunch to its succulent braised shank for dinner.

Santiago’s Bodega

Santiago’s Bodega is the perfect place to enjoy an all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch buffet over the weekend, where you can choose from a wide array of food from steam-tables and carving stations, as well as order made-to-order omelets, waffles, and other comestibles. This art-filled resto with an open-air patio is ideal for large groups who want to sample the breadth of the menu, including its mouthwatering tapas, prime ribs, crab legs, biscuits and gravy, pasta and, of course, delicious desserts. Mimosas, sangrias, and wines are bottomless, too!

The Ravenous Pig

The Ravenous Pig is one of Orlando’s most popular foodie destination, run by James Beard-nominees James and Julie Petrakis. This husband-and-wife chef team has turned this Euro-American gastropub into a must-visit for both locals and tourists, with their signature delicacies like pork porterhouse and the pub burger. The menu changes every day, including an ever-changing charcuterie board and seasonal seafood creations. All charcuterie is made in-house, from spiced orange salami to game-bird terrine. If you’re coming here for lunch, make sure to try the pub burger with black Angus brisket on a brioche bun.

There you have it, our list of the ten best restaurants in Orlando, Florida. There’s more to this list and you can enjoy them all if you move to this amazing city that’s full of so much fun and gastronomical spots. Imagine waking up every day knowing that you’re just a few miles away from all the world-class theme parks and attractions, and all the popular food places not just in the city but in the whole of the United States! If you’re ready to explore your options here, I will be more than happy to help. Please feel free to call me at (407) 388-4427 or send me an email at [email protected].