RECOMMENDED EATING

Restaurants

AFRICAN

NILE ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT

7048 International Drive, Orlando 407-3540026. nileorlando.com The flavors at this 14-year mainstay remain a dazzling discovery, with beef, chicken and vegetable dishes enhanced by otherworldly spices like cumin, coriander, nutmeg, fenugreek and sacred basil. There are many enticing choices, but owner Abeba Gonetse makes it easy with the Chef’s Special Combination for two featuring delectables like chicken doro wat stew in red pepper sauce, beef alicha in turmeric, yellow kik split peas, and gomen cabbage cooked in garlic and ginger. Co ee service is special: The beans are roasted in a pan over hot coals and the brew is served in small cups in a ceremony of friendship and respect. $$ 

SANAA

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463. disneyworld.disney.go.com  Sanaa’s focus on the foods of East Africa makes for a mouthwatering trip. Flavors of India, Portugal and Europe infuse the menu, with many dishes served as multi-item samplers. Pair the short ribs or the smoky, mildly spicy perfection of tandoori chicken with little-known wines from Indian vineyards. $$$ Ẃ

AMERICAN

%AMERICAN KITCHEN BAR & GRILL

1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista. 407828-2828. bhotels-andresorts.com  Winner of the Critic's Rising Star Award for 2020. Chef Venoy Rogers says his restaurant, at the B Resort & Spa, is “all over the place’’—Italian, French, Asian, deli, you name it. And that approach works well. Dishes he defines as American include the Tru e Chicken Alfredo and the East-West Pasta, the latter featuring Space Coast royal red shrimp in squid ink fettuccini and crowned with a dollop of uni. Then there’s the Knuckle Sandwich—aged Wagyu beef knuckle marinated for four days, smoked, steamed like uber-pastrami, then layered on a challah bun with Wagyu beef fat aioli. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

%BETH’S BURGER BAR

25145 S. Orange Ave., Edgewood 407-8881190; 9938 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407203-8100; 223 Wheelhouse Lane, Lake Mary 407-716-2272. bethsburgerbar.com Winner of the Dining Awards’ Readers’ Choice for Best Local Burger the past five years. Owner Beth Steele and her crew o er an impressive array of delicious creations in an informal, welcoming atmosphere. The sizes go up to triple patties and "beyond" and the toppings are also endless: peanut butter, pineapple jalapeno, and cheddar mac & cheese, to name a few. And if you dare, order the Double D Challenge—a four-patty burger featuring eight slices of bacon and five di erent cheeses. Win a T-shirt if you finish it in 10 minutes! $-$$ %CHEF’S TABLE AT THE

EDGEWATER

99 W. Plant St, Winter Garden 407-230-4837. chefstable-attheedgewater.com Kevin and Laurie Tarter’s restaurant has ruled the chef’s table category for more than a decade and 2020 was no exception, as it captured the top pick from our readers, as well as the Best Kept Secret award. Kevin Tarter’s culinary vision shines through with plates of lowcountry perloo, New Orleans-influenced fish, and fork-tender osso buco. $$$$ Ẃ

%DELANEY’S TAVERN

1315 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-849-0801. eatdt.com At this recent SoDo District addition, winner of the Critic's 2020 Award for Best Hotel Restaurant, Chef Anthony Albino o ers a variety of creative American fare, from sandwiches and soups to beef and seafood. Must-tries are the blue crab beignets, rock shrimp salad, and the corned beef sandwich, with meat that spends 10 days in brine and is then roasted in beer. For breakfast, try the Swine Frittata, with chorizo, bacon, ham, roasted mushrooms and smoked gouda cheese. $-$$$ 

%THE GLASS KNIFE

276 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park 407-5002253. theglassknife.com  Winner of the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Desserts, this is a sleek yet approachable haven for those in search of both sweet and savory. Start the day with doughnuts, an avocado and egg toast, or a cheddar biscuit sandwich. Lunch standouts include the turkey bacon club and the berry bacon spinach salad. In the evening, enjoy Southern red velvet or carrot cake, and Europeanstyle pastries along with fine wines, craft beers and champagne. $$

%GREENS & GRILLE

4104 Millenia Blvd. #114, Orlando 407-7701407 greensandgrille.com  Voted Best Salads by our readers in the 2020 Dining Awards, this popular spot in a strip center next to the Mall at Millenia o ers an abundance of signature salads, from the Summer Sweets (Romaine, spring mix, cucumbers, slices apples, orange segments, candied almonds and dried cranberries) to The Fall (spring mix, sweet peas, grilled onions, diced beets, roasted potatoes and goat cheese). You can also “make your own.’’ There's a wide selections of sammies available too. $

%MAXINE’S ON SHINE

337 N. Shine Ave., Orlando 407-674-6841. maxinesonshine.com  This casual bistro is full of quirky charm, with a menu ranging from bar snacks to full entrees emphasizing seafood. Outdoor seating, live music, an interesting wine list and the presence of delightful proprietors add up to everything you should expect from a local restaurant. Winner of the 2020 Readers’ Choice for Brunch. $$-$$$. Ẃ

RUSSELL'S ON LAKE IVANHOE

1414 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-601-3508. russellsorlando.com With commanding views of Lake Ivanhoe and comfortable, chic surroundings, Russell’s o ers upscale casual dining with an innovative and fresh menu. Indulge in fresh starters such as tuna or beef tartare before moving on to mains like crispy duck confit, grilled spiny lobster tails and a variety of steaks, chops and pasta dishes. The M-F happy hour o ers small plates and drink specials; weekend brunch dazzles with a fresh array and breakfast and lunch specialties as well as bottomless mimosas and sangria. $$$$ Ẃ

SE7EN BITES

617 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando 407-203-0727. se7enbites.com Baker and pie maker Trina Gregory-Propst likes to push the limits of food as you know it, and her neighborhood breakfast and lunch destination packs in the patrons. Se7en Bites’ creations include hand-made moonpies, cupcakes, luscious biscuits and gravy, statuesque cakes and a chicken pot pie with a perfect crust. The salted caramel chocolate pecan pie is a thing of beauty. $

%SWINE & SONS PROVISIONS

669 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-6367601. swineandsons.com Lexie and Rhys Gawlak, 2020 inductees into Orlando magazine's Dining Hall of Fame, are the proprietors of this grocery-eatery, providing housemade sausages, terrines and bacon, along with sandwiches like the Southern Cuban (with candied collards) and hot chicken. A variety of smash burgers are also on the menu. $-$$

ASIAN

%HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE

1103 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-237-0606; 9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Windermere 407-583-6334. eathawkers.com Winner of the dining critic's Empire Building Award for 2020. Chefs specializing in cuisines from Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong put a modern twist on family recipes to create tasty fare like basil

KEY

Pricing:

$ Under $10 $$ $10-$15 $$$ $15-$25 $$$$ More than $25

Other Symbols:

% 2020 Dining Award winner  Reservations recommended Ẃ Extensive wine list Preferred Dining Partner

fried rice, coconut curry stew, Korean twice fried wings, chicken dumplings and pad thai. Hawkers originated in Orlando but now has seven locations in five states, with plans for further expansion. $-$$

KING BAO

710 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-237-0013; 11768 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-914-2544. king-bao.com  King Bao presents a variety of rolls, ranging from light and pillowy to sturdy and chew-worthy, holding treats like pork belly, shrimp and kimchi fried chicken. Fascinating combinations like Fiji apple salsa on the Glen Rhee Korean short rib, or shallot, pepper and ginger relish on tofu “Veganville” handhelds emphasize the well-thought-out flavors. $

MAMAK

1231 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-270-4688. mamakasianorlando.com Mamak brings the flavors of Malaysia to Orlando. A must-try is the wonton with hot sauce, consisting of steamed chicken and shrimp dumplings coated in peanut sauce, chili oil and sesame seeds. Other winners: pasembur, a sweet potato gravy served on crispy tofu; and gwa bao, a soft steamed bun filled with duck or pork. $-$$ CAJUN/CREOLE

TIBBY’S NEW ORLEANS KITCHEN

2203 Aloma Ave., Winter Park 407-672-5753; 494 W. S.R. 436, Altamonte Springs 407-9516928. tibbysneworleanskitchen.com Using family recipes, owner Brian Wheeler delivers satisfying N’Awlins cooking, with the jambalayacrawfish-filé gumbo as the standout. Andouille sausage is king; it’s in almost every dish. $-$$

CARIBBEAN

DAJEN EATS

323 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite F, Eatonville 407775-5791. dajeneats.com Chef Jenn Ross has carved out a delicious spot for herself and legions of fans with this Eatonville eatery, where Jamaican-inspired dishes are reimagined through a vegan lens. Ross' passion for her craft are evident in every bite of her creations, from Jamaican jackfruit sliders to non-dairy sweet treats. Not to be missed: the Identity Crisis’’ sandwich, half Jerk Chick’n and half Bu alo Chick’n, with the “meat’’ made of wheat protein. $-$$

BARBECUE

%4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE

Six Orlando-area locations 1-855-368-7748. 4rsmokehouse.com Our 2020 Readers’ Choice winner for Ribs and Takeout. The lines at 4 Rivers can get long, but the succulent barbecue sandwiches, delectable brisket and home-style sides are worth the wait. The baked cheese grits are magnificent. $-$$

PIG FLOYD’S URBAN BARBAKOA

1326 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-203-0866; Lake Nona Village, 9680 N. Narcoossee Rd., Lake Nona 407-730-7376. pigfloyds.com Serving a combination of Latin, African and American fusion, this eatery also invokes the Caribbean roots of barbecue with barbakoa, or traditional Puerto Rican smoke cooking, full of rich flavors and tropical ingredients. It’s on delicious display in the St. Louis ribs and the matahambre smoked flank sandwich. Also try the North African chicken sausage and shrimp platter. $-$$$. CHINESE

MING’S BISTRO

1212 Woodward St., Orlando 407-898-9672. This out-of-the way Mills 50 spot o ers dim sum worthy of San Francisco.. Feast on sesame balls, roast pork buns, shrimp dumplings and items you may not recognize (like chicken feet or jellyfish). In addition, a full menu of Hong Kong-style entrées o ers enticements—order the duck. $

%TASTE OF CHENGDU

2030 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-8391983; 4856 New Broad St., Orlando. 407-2864850. tasteofchengdufl.com Winner of Best Chinese from readers for 2020. Chef Xiong “Tiger” Tang puts his authentic spin on Sichuan dishes that include the sweat-inducing seasonings of his home country, with o erings like whole lobster with peppers, brisket in chili sauce, or tofu skin with chive sauce. Tang gets fresh peppers—called huajiao—from his brother in the Sichuan province. $$-$$$

THE POLITE PIG

Disney Springs, Town Center 407-938-7444. disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining The culinary powerhouse that is the Petrakis family trots out exemplary barbecue and more in a locally sourced, artisanal restaurant disguised as a fast food outlet. It’s all here: pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis ribs, and co ee-scented, amazingly tender brisket. But the Pig also o ers delectables like fried chicken and cedar plank salmon. roasted beets and grilled street corn. $-$$$ CREATIVE/CONTEMPORARY

%À LA CART

609 Irvington Ave., Orlando 407-776-4693. alacartorlando.com The Critic’s Pick for Best Food Hub in the 2020 Dining Awards Surrounding a convivial lawn in Colonialtown, À La Cart is a libation-filled pavilion watched over by owners April and Dustin Williams, with spots for five or more stationary food trucks. Currently featured are bowls and bao from Poke Kai; oak-smoked barbecue from Smoke & Donuts; o erings from Brazilian-themed Steak It Easy; and sweets and milkshakes from Dulce Pecado. The SwedeDish truck takes residence Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with falafel merchants Korgette doing business Monday through Thursday. $-$$ %THE BOHEME

Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, 325 S. Orange Ave., Downtown 407-313-9000. grandbohemianhotel.com Chef Laurent Hollaender lays out an amazing array of items for Sunday brunch, from oysters and crab legs, to wa es and omelets, to house-made charcuterie and decadent desserts. Evening fare includes sherry-baked Chilean sea bass and cognacflamed pepper steak. Voted Best Hotel Restaurant by readers in the 2020 Dining Awards. $$$$ Ẃ

%DEXTER’S NEW STANDARD

1035 N. Orlando Ave., #101, Winter Park 407316-2278. newstandardwp.com The Critic’s Pick for Best New Restaurant in the 2020 Dining Awards, this hotspot features the talents of Chef Ryan McLaughlin, who creates a menu of modern and inventive dishes like eggplant Napoleon, crab-stu ed beignets, a pork porterhouse and a harvest board of tomato carpaccio, marinated turnip, grilled peppers and crisp raw radishes. Plus, there’s a full sound stage for both local and touring live bands, sometimes as many as three a night. $$-$$$ Ẃ

%JJ’S FRESH FROM SCRATCH

2950 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando 407-802-2947. jjsfresh.com Voted tops for healthy selections in our 2020 Readers’ Choice poll. JJ Paredes and his mom, Olivia Lozada, blend flavors of Mexico and the Mediterranean at this Hourglass District spot. Pick a base (such as lettuce, lentil rice, roasted sweet potatoes) add meat and veggies (including chicken, pork, black beans, caramelized tofu), and finish with sides ranging from guacamole to tabbouleh. $-$$.

%LUKE’S KIT CHEN AND BAR

640 South Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-6742400. eatatlukes.com The barrel-aged and draft cocktails coming from the bar are outstanding: The on-tap Jaguar, consisting of Elyx vodka, Boomsma Beerenburger and Lindsay bitters, grapefruit, apple and lime is complex enough to occupy most of the evening and complements what Luke’s calls “classically inspired libations.” In the kitchen, the creative fare from Brandon McGlamery’s team ranges from bay scallops with watermelon, cilantro, spicy peanut and sesame, to pork steak with blackeyed peas, shishito, peach, and green tomato. McGlamery was a 2020 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. $$$ Ẃ

MRS. POTATO

4550 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando 407-2900991. mrspotato.net It sounds simple: grated potatoes, grilled into a saucer shape. But the Brazilian delicacy called a rosti potato originated in Switzerland, uses a national signature cheese (catupiri) developed by Italians and is way larger than you can imagine. The South American batata Suíça takes the idea of crisp hash browns and fills them with gooey, savory goodness like ham and cheese, beef strogano , or Bu alo chicken. Rafaela Cabede’s exemplary creations have been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. $-$$

%NIC & LUC SCRATCH KITCHEN

851 E. State Rd Suite 128, Longwood 321-9726415. nicandluc.com  The Critic’s Pick for Best Breakfast in the 2020 Dining Awards. Chef Leroy Bautista has turned his South Florida preserves-making business into a healthful breakfast and lunch setting in Longwood. The menu showcases plant-based and farm-totable: breads are from Olde Hearth and produce comes from local farmers markets. Bautista makes sweet creations like apricot lavender and mango habanero preserves; and savories like Trinidad scorpion pepper jelly and bacon jam to go with omelets and breakfast sandwiches. $

%PRIMO

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-3934444. primorestaurant.com After winning the coveted James Beard Award, Chef Melissa Kelly opened the Grande Lakes Marriott branch of Primo. Currently under renovation, the restaurant previously o ered items such as rack of lamb with figs, casarecce pasta with clams and mussels, roasted chicken breast with lima bean ragout, and pan-seared diver scallops with risotto. The produce comes from Primo’s own garden. Kelly was inducted into our 2020 Dining Hall of Fame. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

CUBAN

%A LO CUBANO KITCHEN

facebook.com/alocubanokitchen; @alocubanokitchen Picked by readers as the No. 1 food truck in our 2020 Dining Awards poll. Husband-wife team Yojan Gonzalez and Lisa Plasencia create an impressive variety of Cuban cuisine, from Cuban sandwiches and pork belly bites to pan con lechon and pork-stu ed plantains. Their mobile range is wide, but Al Lo Cubano turns up pretty often at East End Market. Check their Facebook and Instagram pages for schedules. $

%BLACK BEAN DELI

1346 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park; 1835 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-628-0294. blackbeandeli.com This family-run eatery, specializing in authentic Cuban comfort food, captured the critic's prize for Best Casual Dining in our 2020 Dining Awards The Cuban sandwich, media noche, shredded Havana pork, picadillo—and of course the black beans—are first rate, as are the empanadas. The creamy flan custard is a must-have to top o the meal. $

DESSERTS AND BAKERIES

%BUTTERMILK BAKERY

1198 Orange Ave., Winter Park 321-422-4015. buttermilk-bakery.com Winner of the 2020 award for Best Bakery from both dining critic and readers. Taissa Rebro , her brother Phillip and mom Lana bake everything that graces the ever-changing menu, from the sweet croissant tarts with plum or apricot, to orange-cardamom buns, to baked Basque peppers on housemade sourdough. Delectable tea cakes, cookies and scones also make regular appearances. $

%SISTER HONEY’S

247 E. Michigan St., Orlando 407-730-7315. sisterhoneys.com Evette Rahman, a 2020 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame, opened Sister Honey’s in 2012 and soon began winning ribbons and accolades for her baking. She captured the 2019 World Dessert Championship for her Razzleberry swirl Key lime pie stu ed cookie against more than 1,400 other competitors. She’s also won two World Dessert Championships as well as an American Pie Council Championship, and three years’ Best of Show at the APC National Pie Championships. What to try at this gem of a bakery? Start with the custardfilled coconut cake—a four-layer pistachio variant is killer—or a sweet and billowy lemon meringue pie.

EUROPEAN

%HOLLERBACH’S WILLOW

TREE CAFÉ

205 E. First St., Sanford 407-321-2204. willowtreecafe.com Our readers’ pick for Best German Restaurant in the 2020 Dining Awards, Hollerbach’s o ers a vast array of beers and such hefty food choices as the Schlachthaus Platte with its veal sausage, pork meatloaf and smoked pork loin. There are numerous varieties of schnitzel. $$-$$$$ 

FRENCH

%CHEZ VINCENT

533 W. New England Ave., Winter Park 407599-2929. chezvincent.com Chef Vincent Gagliano o ers a delicious array of French cuisine, including sautéed snails baked in a pu pastry with a Port wine sauce, and main courses of quail with a raspberry sauce, and rack of lamb in a blue cheese sauce. The Readers' Choice winner for Best French Restaurant in our 2020 Dining Awards. $$$ Ẃ

LE COQ AU VIN

4800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-851-6980. lecoqauvinrestaurant.com A local mainstay since 1976, this French restaurant presents classic cuisine like the signature coq au vin (chicken with burgundy sauce), roasted rack of lamb, seared scallops with crabmeat and bearnaise sauce, and beef Bourgignon. $$$ Ẃ

GREEK

THE GREEK CORNER

1600 N. Orange Ave, Orlando 407 228-0303. thegreekcorner.net This Ivanhoe Village favorite o ers an abundance of Greek specialties, ranging from lamb kebobs and chops to baked dishes like pastitsio and moussaka. For lunch, try the gyro or souvlaki. $-$$$ %TAVERNA OPA

Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-351-8660. tavernaoparestaurant.com This 13-year-old I-Drive mainstay captured the Greek and Late-Night Dining categories among readers in our latest dining poll. It’s a fun spot—there’s lively music, belly dancing, dancing among diners and napkin-throwing. But Taverna also pays attention to the menu, with selections like branzino (the European sea bass), slow-roasted lamb, Nisiotiko (“the Greek paella’’), and moussaka. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

INDIAN

AASHIRWAD INDIAN RESTAURANT

7000 S. Kirkman Road Orlando 407-370-9830 aashirwadrestaurant.com This I-Drive restaurant focuses on northern Indian dishes. The familiar favorites are all here—samosas, chicken tandoori, chicken tikka—as well as intriguing selections such as chicken shakuti (anise-flavored poultry cooked in coconut-based masala gravy). There are also a dozen vegetarian choices, from tadka daal (yellow lentils cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices) to methi malai mutter (green peas in a creamy gravy with fenugreek leaf). $$

EL VIC’S KITCHEN

2445 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-674-8131 elvicskitchen.com This recent College Park addition boasts an impressive array of Indian fusion cuisine. Of particular note is the Kasundi Shrimp Couscous, highlighted by shrimp marinated in mustard seeds, turmeric, cumin, ginger and green chili chutney. Grandma’s Home Style Chicken Curry is a slow-cooked stew served with kulcha flatbread and basmati rice. There is also a variety of nizza flatbreads with delicious toppings. $-$$$ 

%TAMARIND

501 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 149, Winter Park 321-207-0760. tamarindfl.com Chef/owner Amit Kumar uses slow-roasted spices to create out-of-this-world flavors at this jewel, selected Best Indian cuisine by our readers in the 2020 Dining Awards. The Goan shrimp curry, vegetable biryani, Kashmiri aloo (potatoes in yogurt curry) , vegetable jalfrezi (vegetables, onion, pepper & curry sauce) and palak paneer (spinach and curd cheese) are standouts, as is the tandoori chicken. The vegetable samosas, pastries stu ed with potatoes and peas, are an ideal starter. $$-$$$

KEY

Pricing:

$ Under $10 $$ $10-$15 $$$ $15-$25 $$$$ More than $25

Other Symbols:

% 2020 Dining Award winner  Reservations recommended Ẃ Extensive wine list Preferred Dining Partner

IRISH

%RAGLAN ROAD IRISH PUB AND

RESTAURANT

Downtown Disney, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-938-0300. raglanroadirishpub.com The good times roll with music, dancing and dazzling culinary creations from Chef Mark O’Neill. Let There Be No Rush Pork features 12-hour braised pork shoulder with caramelized apple puree, pickled mustard seeds and creamed cabbage with sage. Then there’s the Shepherd’s to Die For Pie with beef, lamb and and Irish peat-smoked mashed potatoes. Or try the Boaring Burger, boasting grilled wild boar, blue cheese, and port and pear chutney. The beer choices are extensive, including seven signature draughts made just for Raglan Road. Winner of Best Live Music/Entertainment among readers in our 2020 dining poll. $$$ Ẃ

ITALIAN

%CAFÉ PAISANO

182 W. State Rd. 434, #1000, Longwood 407767-0011. cafepaisano.com This family-run Seminole County mainstay has been going strong for 15 years and was selected as Best Neighbo0rhood Restaurant by readers in the 2020 Dining Awards voting. Café Paisano presents an array of brick oven pizzas, including one called “Heaven’’ (roasted red peppers, garlic, plum tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fried eggplant, olive oil and mozzarella cheese). The full menu features all manner of pasta specialty dishes with seafood, chicken, veal and more $$.

CALA BELLA

Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-996-3663. calabellarestaurant.com Stimulating Italian fare, including great risotto and lamb chops, is served in a beautiful dining room at this sprawling hotel. The desserts are fabulous, too. $$$$ Ẃ

%FRANCESCO’S RISTORANTE &

PIZZERIA

400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-960-5533. francescos-rist.com A 2020 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. The pizza is primo at chef/owner Francesco Aiello’s restaurant, whether you choose the simple Margherita or load it with carne or vegetables. Other standouts include the spaghetti alla carbonara and the pollo Siciliano, a chicken breast sautéed in a mix of capers, artichokes and garlic and wine sauce. $$-$$$

%FRESCO CUCINA ITALIANA

7721 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando 407- 3635775. frescoorlando.com This Dr. Phillps eatery, in business since 2008, was voted Best Italian by readers in our 2020 dining poll. Specialties include Fiochetti Pear (pocket flower pasta stu ed with pear, mascarpone and gorgonzola and served in a vodka sauce), lobster ravioli, mushroom risotto, pappardelle Bolognese, chicken or veal Saltimbocca, and a selection of wood oven pizzas. $$-$$$ %PIZZA BRUNO

3990 Curry Ford Road, Orlando. pizzabrunofl.com  Selected by readers as best pizzeria in our 2020 Pizza Bracket Challenge. Bruno Zacchini’s tiny eatery is a draw not only for your average pizza lover but also local kitchen celebs seeking the goodness of his Neapolitan soft dough pie. Zacchini keeps it simple—crushed plum tomatoes and fresh cheese for a pizza subtle in taste and a great base for toppings including hot soppressata, clams and woodfired pineapple. $-$$

%PRATO

124 N. Park Ave, Winter Park 407-262-0050 prato-wp.com From Luma executive chef Brandon McGlamery comes Prato, a trendy, communal spot with inventive o erings like mustard spaghettini, duck breast with pancetta and braised cabbage, filet mignon marsala, and some of the best pizzas around. McGlamery was a 2020 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. $$-$$$ Ẃ

THE MEATBALL STOPPE

7325 Lake Underhill Rd., Orlando 407-2706505. themeatballstoppe.com Celebrate the spirit of Italian hospitality as this charming restaurant welcomes you as part of the family. O ering authentic Italian fare as well as interpretations of classics, every dish is based upon a family recipe. Try a meatball flight with a side of polenta for a flavorful experience; vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available. $$-$$$.

JAPANESE

%DOMU

3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-960-1228. domufl.com This Audubon Park hotspot o ers a modern take on a traditional ramen bar. Be prepared to wait—90 minutes most nights; they don’t take reservations— but know that the wait is worth it. Chef/owner Sonny Nguyen cooks up a sterling assortment of pork, chicken and vegetable broth ramen with house-made noodles, as well as otherworldly crispy wings in kimchi butter. And the grilled octopus dish may be the best-tasting bargain in town. Winner of the 2020 Readers' Choice for Best Ramen. $$

%SEITO SUSHI

4898 New Broad St., Orlando 407-898-8801. seitosushi.com Voted Best Sushi and Best Japanese by readers in our 2020 Dining Awards. At Seito, owner Jason Chin and Executive Chef Huy Tin have elevated sushi and Pan-Asian dining to a delicious new level. The ramen bowls are slow-cooked, heady broths swimming with braised meats, eggs and superb noodles. Teriyaki chicken and bulgogi, grilled marinated Korean beef, also are winners. The chirashi items are beautiful arrangements of seasonal fish atop seasoned sushi rice—and some of the best plates in Orlando. Also, try the eel topped with charred Asian pear. $$-$$$. Ẃ %SUSHI POP

310 W. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo 407-542-5975; 115 E. Lyman Ave., Winter Park 321-203-2282. sushipoprestaurant.com Chef Chau Trinh is the Critic's Pick for Best Chef in our 2020 Dining Awards. His Oviedo version of Sushi Pop is a hip feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Giant screens play Japanese anime while waiters dressed in anime or glam-rock styles deliver eye-popping dishes like the Anaconda 2.0 roll, boasting avocado, eel and tempura shrimp. The Winter Park location has more restrained décor and a refined menu that o ers esoteric cold and hot tastings, such as octopus with Spanish Iberico ham lardo and sunchoke chimichurri. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

%SUSURU

8548 Palm Parkway, Orlando 407-778-4813. susuruorl.com The Critic’s Pick for Best (Hip) Japanese in our dining poll. Susuru is like a basement rec room in some Osaka suburban home, wood paneled and plastered with mid-century tin advertising signs, pop culture toys and sideshow trinkets. But with a full, open kitchen. Don’t try to imagine it, just experience this delightful izakaya in person. There are charcoalgrilled skewers of chicken bits from meatballs and wings to skin and knee cartilage; super crisp tori senbei (chicken thigh meat “chips”); grilled yellowtail collar; beautifully crafted rice bowls; and rich ramen with 12-hour tonkotsu bone broth or creamy chicken tori paitan. $$

KOREAN

BBB TOFU HOUSE

5140 W. Colonial Drive 407-723-8299. bbbtofuhouse.com Tucked away in Chinatown Plaza is this gem, with Chef-Owner Tony Teng serving up a feast of Korean delights like bulgogi (thin-sliced marinated sirloin); cheese buldak (spicy chicken topped with mozzarella); and a variety of Korean BBQ combos. BBB also o ers excellent soon tofu soup, with seafood, short ribs, ramen, dumplings and more as options. Every meal comes with an assortment of housemade side dishes called banchan, ranging from kimchi and pepper-basted turnip to bean sprouts and citrus-dressed shredded cabbage. $$-$$$ 

LATIN/SPANISH

%PAL CAMPO RESTAURANT

13605 S. Apopka Vineland Rd., Orlando 407 778-4600. palcamporestaurant.com Set in a Lake Buena Vista strip mall, this Puerto Rican eatery packs a punch, as evidenced by the four first-place honors it captured from readers in our 2020 Dining Awards poll— Overall Restaurant, Family-Friendly, Latin, and for Service. Since 2015, Pal Campo has been cooking up authentic cuisine like tostone rellenos (green plantains stu ed with shrimp, conch, chicken, octopus or skirt steak); whole fried red snapper; shrimp mofongo; and the chuleta kan kan, a traditional pork chop presentation that’s eye-catching because of its “Mohawk’’ look, stood on end. $$-$$$

%JALEO

Disney Springs 321-348-3211. jaleo.com The Critic's Pick for Best Overall Restaurant in our 2020 Dining Awards. Renowned Chef (and culinary humanitarian) José Andrés has brought the talents of his culinary team to town, and the results are mouthwatering. The restaurant is purely Spanish— timeless dishes given a modern twist. Basque and Asturian cheeses; mini-burgers made from Iberico pork and bacon, and 45-day aged Angus ribeye served with wood-smoked Spanish piquillo peppers (chuletas de cordero) are just some of the delights. The chicken fritters (croquetas de pollo) are crisp little tubes of pulled chicken and bechamel, served on a gold-rimmed red cushion. Bold splashes of red and yellow, a massive photo of a bullfighter’s suit of lights and a lakeside patio make for an exciting space to enjoy this Spanish treasure. $$-$$$$Ẃ

%TAPA TORO

8441 International Dr., Orlando 407-226-2929 tapatoro.restaurant  Voted Best Spanish Restaurant and Best Happy Hour by readers in our 2020 Dining Awards. Paella is a big deal here—the varieties include seafood, beef and mushroom, chicken and lamb, and vegetarian. There's a seemingly endless lineup of tapas as well, from pork belly and lamb sliders, to Spanish frittata and crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce. $$-$$$ Ẃ

MEDITERRANEAN

%BOSPHOROUS TURKISH CUISINE

Four Orlando-area locations. bosphorousrestaurant.com  Chosen by readers as Best Middle Eastern cuisine in our 2020 Dining Awards. Turkish specialties from frothy tarama (whipped caviar) to falafel, along with entrees like chargrilled chicken patties and lamb shanks with vegetables are highlights at this family-owned restaurant. Bosphorous has locations in Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona and Winter Garden. $$-$$$

THE H CUISINE

7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407-930-3020. thehcuisine.com Three resident chefs craft a menu inspired by Turkish cuisine with European influences. The H prides itself on tableside preparation, including a Chateau tender filet for two seared in butter. The most flamboyant o ering is strozzapretti, an Italian pasta specialty unique in Orlando to this restaurant. Hand-rolled cavatelli are flambéd in strong spirits inside a massive, carved-out barrel of Parmigiano Reggiano with wild mushrooms and bits of ham for a creamy, cheese-abundant dish. $$$$ 

MEXICAN

%COCINA 214

151 E. Welbourne Ave., Winter Park 407-7907997. cocina214.com Winner of Best Appetizers among readers in our 2020 Dining Awards Poll. Cocina's extensive menu includes entrees like achiote rotisserie chicken and corn-crusted mahi, as well as a variety of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and flautas. And the annual Running of the Chihuahas each May is a hoot. $$$ Ẃ

%REYES MEZCALERIA

821 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-868-9007. reyesmex.com Winner of both the critic's and readers' awards for Best Mexican in our 2020 Dining Awards.Chef Wendy Lopez’s creations are magnificent revelations, highlighting Michoacán and other regions of Mexico. $$-$$$ 

%TAMALE CO.

2411 Curry Ford Road, 407-203-6505. tamaleco.com The Critic's Pick for Best Neighborhood Restaurant in our 2020 Dining Awards. Fernando and Jennifer Tamayo o er up an assortment of corn flour tamales that are creamy, robust and stu ed with intense flavors—from breakfast tamales (served all day) to deep, rich mole and carne asada tamales, lengua and nopales tacos (tongue and cactus), mushroom and black bean tamales, and thick masa sope topped with pork sausage. Grab a chicharron preparado—fried pork skins topped with cabbage, tomato and pickled pork rind—and a micheladas, Mexican Modelo Negro beer mixed with lime juice, spices, tomato juice and chili peppers. Tamale Co. proves that ancient recipes can be very hip. $-$$

SANDWICHES

%BAD AS’S SANDWICH

207 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando 407-757-7191; 1881 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-9516971. badasssandwiches.com Winner of the Readers' Choice Award for Best Sandwiches in our 2020 dining poll. John Collazo’s sandwich shops are required stops if you’re looking for terrific, boldly flavored combinations in handhelds. Try the signature Bad As’s sandwich with its stack of well-seasoned beef, pork, chicken, Havarti cheese, pickled onions and garlic aioli. A frequent special is the Capone, a mouthwatering Italian collection of mortadella, capocollo, ham, chorizo, Fontina cheese and basil-manchego aioli. Servings are large—and multi-napkin juicy. $-$$

%HINCKLEY’S FANCY MEATS

3201 Corrine Dr., Orlando 786-671-1023. hinckleymeats.com The Best Sandwich (Critic’s Pick for 2020) resides at Hinckley’s in East End Market, and what a sandwich it is: pastrami on rye, with Old World salted, cured, dried, spiced and smoked beef on Olde Hearth Bread Co. rye, with freshly grated horseradish, incomparable Havarti cheese and Russian dressing. An extremely close second is Hinckley’s pressed pato Cubano of duck ham, roast duck, pickled mushrooms, mustard and Gruyère on Cuban bread. $

POM POM’S TEAHOUSE & SANDWICHERIA

67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-894-0865. pompoms-teahouse.com  This Milk District favorite o ers two dozen inventive pressed sandwiches and an array of salads. Try the Fu Man Chu sandwich, a wild combination of Asian-spiced pulled pork, goat cheese and ginger-cranberry chutney. The Billy Chang features smoked brisket, blue cheese, strawberry jelly and red onions. $

%STASIO’S ITALIAN DELI & MARKET

210 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-277-7755. Voted Best Deli by our readers in the 2020 Dining Awards poll. Maria and Louie Palo and children Al, Diana and Michael operate this Milk District standout, o ering imported pastas, Mulino Bianco cookies, sweet salciccia sausage and a host of other treats. The deli case holds family recipes like chicken pesto meatballs and fresh-baked lasagna, while popular sandwiches include the superb eggplant Parmigiana and “The Stasio” of prosciutto, capocollo, soppresata and fresh mozzarella. $-$$

SEAFOOD

THE OSPREY

4899 New Broad St., Orlando 407-960-7700. theospreyorlando.com This Baldwin Park mainstay recently changed its focus to seafood. Menu o erings include sunburst trout with hoppin' john, cioppino, whole grilled branzino, fish and chips, and blue crab hush puppies. Non-seafood items include the Tavern Burger and Josper-roasted chicken. $$$-$$$$ 

%REEL FISH COASTAL KITCHEN

1234 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-5433474. reelfishcoastal.com Winner of Best Seafood among readers in our 2020 Dining Awards poll. At Reel Fish, restaurant veteran Fred Thimm takes an upscale fish camp vibe and runs with it. The restaurant’s takes on “fish camp classics’’—fried shrimp, scallops, oysters or fish—are flawlessly cooked, with a slightly salted batter. The Low Country Boil dazzles with wild-caught Florida shrimp, scallops, snow crab, mussels, Andouille, redskin potatoes, corn on the cobb, and charred okra. For strarters, try the fish dip, flaked trout mixed with matchsticks of green apple. $$-$$$ 

KEY

Pricing:

$ Under $10 $$ $10-$15 $$$ $15-$25 $$$$ More than $25

Other Symbols:

% 2020 Dining Award winner  Reservations recommended Ẃ Extensive wine list Preferred Dining Partner

SOUL FOOD

NIKKI’S PLACE

742 Carter St., Orlando, 407-425-5301. nikkisplace.net Southern cuisine is the name of the game at this Parramore mainstay, where Chef Nick Aiken Jr. has been serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1999. Customers love the scratch dishes and reasonable prices, as well as the myriad of menu choices, including meatloaf, smothered beef liver and onions, beef stew, fried catfish and chitterlings with rice. $-$$

SHANTELL’S JUST UNTIL...

503 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-878-7785. shantellsinsanford.com  Shantell Williams cooks up a wide array of soul food at her eatery, along with a big side of welcoming charm. The fried chicken is the best around (try it on a Belgian wa e) and the hot wings carry plenty of spice. Other favorites: jerk chicken (or shrimp) and rice, and the Mac a Bella—a marinated, grilled portabello mushroom topped with mac-n-cheese. On Wednesday evenings, Williams hosts a “Talking Taboo’’ discussion, where patrons discuss everything from politics to race relations. $-$$

SOUTHERN

THE COOP

610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park 407-8432667. asoutherna air.com 4 Rivers barbecue king John Rivers’ venture into fried chicken, catfish and other down-home cuisine has produced very good results, with standouts like fried green tomatoes on a BLT, house-made pimento cheese, Low Country shrimp and grits, and chicken ‘n wa es. $-$$

%SOCO-SOUTHERN

CONTEMPORARY CUISINE

629 East Central Blvd., Orlando 407-849-1800. socothorntonpark.com  Winner of Best Southern cuisine among readers in our 2020 Dining Awards poll. Chef Greg Richie delivers delicious down-home cuisine highlighted by creative twists, including a pecancrusted fresh catch, smoked black-eyed pea ravioli, grilled meatloaf on lobster mashed potatoes, and Korean-style fried chicken. There’s also an impressive lineup of craft cocktails. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

STEAK HOUSES

%CHRISTNER’S PRIME STEAK &

LOBSTER

729 Lee Road, Orlando 407-645-4443. christnersprimesteakand-lobster.com  Year in and year out, readers pick Christner’s as the city’s best steak house: They were tops once again in our 2020 Dining Awards poll, and also captured the Best Old Favorite category. Owners Carole, David and Alice Christner serve USDA Prime, corn-fed Midwestern beef and Australian cold-water lobster tails in a masculine, woodsy atmosphere. There’s also a 6,500-bottle wine cellar and an extensive single-malt scotch collection. $$$ Ẃ

A LAND REMEMBERED

Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 866-996-9939. landrememberedrestaurant.com Themed around Patrick Smith’s novel of the same name, which chronicles a Central Florida family’s experiences around the time of the Civil War, A Land Remembered serves a menu centered on steaks from the Harris Ranch. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

%THE VENETIAN CHOP HOUSE

Caribe Royale Resort, 8101 World Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-238-8060. cariberoyale.com Winner of our 2020 Readers’ Choice award for Most Romantic Restaurant. A top-end, fine-dining experience within a hotel, the Venetian is full of deep tones, cut crystal and a replica of Tempietto de San Pietro in the corner. Among the dishes are bison short ribs, Norwegian salmon and a selection of gourmet burgers. $$-$$$ Ẃ

THAI

%ORCHID THAI CUISINE

305 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-331-1400; 1210 S. International Pkwy., Lake Mary, 407878-2988. enjoyorchidthai.com Our Readers’ Choice winner for Best Thai in the 2020 Dining Awards. Specialties include mussels in lemongrass ginger broth, thai coconut soup, a wide selection of curries, duck basil, and tilapia sautéed in basil, tamarind and ginger. $$

THAI BLOSSOM

99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407-905-9917. mythaiblossom.com  Located in downtown Winter Garden's historic Edgewater Hotel, Thai Blossom o ers an extensive selection of curries, fried rice and noodle dishes, plus delectables like Thai basil duck, ginger red snapper, garlic shrimp and squid, mussels in green curry, and a whole deep-fried soft shell crab served as an appetizer with sweet and sour sauce. $$

VEGETARIAN

%ETHOS VEGAN KITCHEN

601-B New York Ave., Winter Park 407-2283898. ethosvegankitchen.com Winner of the Critic's Pick for Best Plant-Based Restaurant in our 2020 Dining Awards. Kelly and Laina Shockley have run Ethos since 2007, keeping to their socially conscious menu of no animal products, dairy, honey or eggs. The comfort food fare makes even carnivores comfortable. Chef Kelly's talents show in a beautiful baked calzone crust surrounding tofu ricotta, or wheat and shiitake mushroom powder "chicken'' and caramelized onion that fills a flaky empanada. There's also sausage made from wheat gluten; a Philly cheesesteak-like seitan sandwich; and tofu in place of chicken in a coconut curry wrap. $-$$

MARKET ON SOUTH

2603 E. South St., Orlando 407-613-5968. marketonsouth.com  If you turn up your nose at the thought of “plantbased dining,’’ then you’ve never eaten at this popular spot beside the 408. Not to be missed: Chef Shaun Noonan’s Carolina BBQ pulled jackfruit or Celine Duvoisin’s much-in-demand doughnuts (“100% egg-free and dairy-free and not healthy at all’’). $-$$

VIETNAMESE

PHO 88 VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

730 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-897-3488. pho88orlando.com  The specialty here is pho—broth, noodles and meat—with choices seemingly endless (11 variations of beef noodle soup alone). Other menu items include beef stew, stir-fried noodle dishes, and the banh mi Vietnamese sub. $-$$

%VIET-NOMZ

7581 University Blvd, Winter Park, 407- 6366069; 11798 E Colonial, Orlando, 407- 601-4113. vietnomzfl.com  The brainchild of friends Mike Cho, Phillip Nguyen and Chris Chen was voted Best Vietnamese by our readers in the 2020 Dining Awards poll. Promoting a modern take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine and street fare, Viet-Nomz o ers an abundance of pho noodle soup and entrée bowls, including “What the Pho?!” with chicken pho broth, chicken, eye round, beef balls and vegetables. Other notables: Vietnamese street tacos, and wings with a fish sauce glaze.

WINE BARS AND LOUNGES

THE ATTIC DOOR

28 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. 407-7507063. jrsatticdoor.com This eclectic spot proclaims itself “the swankiest little wine bar and live music venue around.’’ Relax wth a glass of wine in one of the mismatched chairs or leather sofas amid the funky array of lamps and tables. The evening menu includes steak pot pie and a smoked salmon flatbread. There's traditional afternoon tea service on Saturday and Sunday, with fresh-baked scones, finger sandwiches and desserts. $-$$ Ẃ

%THE COURTESY

114 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. thecourtesybar.com The Critic’s Pick for Best Cocktails for 2020 is Gene Zimmerman’s Courtesy, located in a tiny sliver of the 1925-built Autrey Arcade, where patrons can enjoy a selection of craft cocktails and absinthe in a speakeasy-esque, atmospherically lit setting.

MORE ONLINE: Be sure to check out additional restuarant listings and other reviews in our dining section on orlandomagazine.com.

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Fireworks at the Fountain over Lake Eola is live this year, along with other Independence Day celebrations throughout Central Florida. Turn the page to find July 4th activities in your part of town.