17 Best Downtown Orlando Restaurants You Must Try

Are you looking for the best downtown Orlando restaurants?

We have you covered with the best places to eat in downtown Orlando to try for a delicious meal!

Downtown Orlando, or the Central Business District, is home to a variety of culinary offerings. Whether you are craving Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, or more, you will find a dynamic and inviting restaurant that has become the culinary hub of the Orlando area.

Many of these restaurants focus on using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to bring a fresh and modern approach to dining.

After working up an appetite while exploring the best things to do in Orlando, you can enjoy dining in downtown Orlando.

And after dining you can enjoy a night out at some of Orlando’s best rooftop bars. There are also plenty of options for date nights in Orlando.

Don’t forget to check out some of the Best Places To Stay In Orlando when planning your visit!

Now, let’s look at where to eat in downtown Orlando, Florida!

17 Best Downtown Orlando Restaurants You Must Try

Maxine’s on Shine

If you’re looking for a romantic eatery, head to Maxine’s on Shine. This place offers the best dining in downtown Orlando.

Maxine’s transports guests back in time with 40s decor without being gimmicky. It’s an authentic experience with regular live music!

Attend a “Rejuicination Brunch” and taste American breakfast staples with a sexy twist only Maxine’s can bring.

Fried green tomatoes are served with firecracker sauce. Drench your chicken and waffles with a zesty Asian barbecue drizzle! It is also one of the best places for breakfast in Orlando!

In the heart of downtown, Maxine’s on Shine is the place for the best breakfast in downtown Orlando.

Make sure to check out our list of the best brunch restaurants in Orlando for your trip as well!

Ace Cafe Orlando

The Ace Cafe was founded in 1938 and after a storied history was reopened in 2001. This is a great spot for the best lunch in downtown Orlando.

It is a large industrial space inside and is popular for motorcycle events!

The menu includes American favorites like slides, nachos, French onion soup, burgers, wings, and sandwiches like mahi-mahi, Philly cheesesteak, Reuben, or motor city chicken.

For entrees, try fish and chips, glazed salmon, bourbon chicken, hickory smoked ribs, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, or chicken and waffles.

Leave room for dessert! Try the key lime pie, chocolate brownie, or classic cheesecake! This is what to eat in downtown Orlando to satisfy your sweet tooth!

The Boheme

The motto of one of the most bougie Orlando brunch spots, the Boheme, is “dine artfully.”

Located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Downtown, Orlando, brunch at the Boheme is a fine dining experience serving some of the best food in downtown Orlando.

Sure, you’ve heard of a power lunch, but a power brunch? The Sunday Jazz Brunch has live entertainment and is the epitome of a power brunch!

Family-style platters include a breakfast skillet of bacon, smoked sausages, eggs, and fingerling potatoes. This might be the best downtown Orlando breakfast.

The Hunter’s Board, a savory charcuterie plate, is perfect for those wanting a spectacular tasting platter to share with the table. Prime Rib is served table-side with au jus.

Harp and Celt Irish Pub

The Harp and Celt Irish Pub in downtown Orlando is a lively two-story space with a cozy atmosphere and some of the best downtown Orlando food

This is the perfect spot if looking for late-night eats as they are open until 1 am on weeknights and until 2 am on weekends.

Here you will find traditional Irish pub fare with an eclectic twist! Try Mangners mussels, Irish nachos, Belfast burgers, Scotch eggs, whiskey wings, corned beef on rye, Shannon Salmon wrap, Dubliner, and so much more.

Try homemade pies such as cottage pie with minced beef, Irish stew with veggies and beef, steak and mushroom pie, or the house favorite fish and chips.

If looking to have a drink with your meal there is a large beer selection as well as Irish whiskies and more! This is a great choice if looking for a late-night spot that serves up delicious food!

The Stubborn Mule

The Stubborn Mule is an American restaurant in downtown Orlando that serves vibrant craft cocktails and local beers and has a diverse bar menu.

The restaurant sources all its food locally, partnering with local farmers, fishermen, and other small businesses!

Come by for Happy Hour on Tuesday to Saturday from 4 pm to 7 pm and 10 pm to 11 pm and Sunday from 4 pm to 7 pm for $5 draft beers, wine, $6 cocktails and mules, and $5 appetizers such as soft pretzel rolls, stubborn bruschetta, and edamame.

On the menu, you can find vegan dumplings, wings, flatbreads, salad and soups, bowls like quinoa avocado bowls, burgers, and sandwiches like a pastrami melt or a beyond patty.

Entrees include center-cut sirloin, salmon caprese, scallops, pork osso bucco, or chicken breast with linguini pasta.

Kres Chophouse

Kres Chophouse is the best steakhouse in downtown Orlando serving both steak and seafood with a Mediterranean twist!

The menu is updated seasonally to showcase local seasonal ingredients. Since 2003, Kres prides itself on being a modern steakhouse with seamless service and a fun atmosphere.

The best downtown Orlando dinner menu features dishes like wagyu carpaccio, pan-seared scallops, steak tartare, salads, ribeye cap, duo of duck, and filet wellington.

There are also locally caught fish dishes such as snowy grouper, seafood misto, salmon, and lobster.

If you come for the steak, there are filets, ribeyes, lamb loins, NY strips, and even elk. Pair with sides for the table like crispy Brussels sprouts, truffle fries, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, and more.

Tin and Taco

In 2017, Rob Blair had the idea to bring fresh tacos and craft beer to downtown Orlando using the freshest ingredients while making a positive impact on the community.

This is one of the good restaurants in downtown Orlando for the whole family!

The first step for the menu is choosing your base from 2 tacos, bowl, wrap, mixed fresh salad, burrito, or in the bag.

Next, you choose slow-roasted shredded chicken cooked in a variety of ways all with different toppings, seasoned ground beef, slow and low-braised shredded pork, or a meatless option.

Make sure to pair your food choice with one of the craft beers or craft sodas offered! Some are from local breweries in Orlando.

Artisan’s Table

Artisan’s Table is a creative kitchen and bar located in the courtyard of the 55 W building in downtown Orlando on historic Church Street.

Breakfast and brunch are served daily until 3 pm where you will find a mix of cuisines from French toast, croissant egg sandwiches, Japanese bowls, chicken and waffles, avocado toast, and more.

On the lunch menu at Artisan’s Table try the brisket burger, lunch bowls, buffalo chicken fries, blackened fish sandwich, veggie sub, and burger.

For the dinner menu, the chef lets the ingredients shape his menu! Try the lamb sliders, beet and burrata salad, shrimp pappardelle, grilled hanger steak, or pulled oat bolognese.

Overall, this is one of the best downtown Orlando restaurants for a mix of food choices.

Cafe Trastevere Italian

Cafe Trastevere is one of the Italian restaurants in downtown Orlando known for its intimate setting inside a converted historic home with two outdoor courtyards.

The motto is the food should warm your heart and make you smile saying “Belle Notte!”

On the menu, you will find traditional Italian dishes such as seafood Vongole Calamari, Bruschetta, Zuppa del Giorno of the day, calamari diavolo, and pasta dishes such as spaghetti carbonara, bolognese, con polpetto, eggplant Parmigiana, fettuccini Alfredo, and more.

Meat dishes include chicken breast piccata, marsala, parmigiana, and more as well as veal saltimbocca, scaloppini, and a filet with mushrooms.

Trevi Pasta

If you want one of the best Italian restaurants in Orlando, head to Trevi Pasta Restaurant!

Pasta is made fresh each night as are the sauces. The restaurant is small with a few tables in a friendly neighborhood location and worth the wait! You can order everything on the menu to go as well.

Try the signature pesto gnocchi burrata, black pasta squid ink, or fiocchetti cheese and pear and fresh ravioli. No matter what you choose, each homemade pasta is delicious!

Chose from sauces like simple olive oil, pesto, tomato and basil, four cheese white sauce, spicy marinara, pink sauce, or garlic and olive oil!

Don’t forget to grab homemade cannoli, limoncello cake, Nutella cheesecake, or any number of gelato flavors. If you want a fun family activity pick up a do-it-yourself cannoli kit!

DoveCote Restaurant

If looking for upscale dining and French-inspired food in downtown Orlando, head to DoveCote Restaurant.

Located next to the Orlando City Soccer Stadium, the award-winning menu offers a wide selection of seafood meats with an extensive bar menu.

If looking for a brunch spot on weekends they are open from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Try buttery croissants and homemade cheddar chive biscuits as well as yogurt parfaits, ham and cheese beignets, brioche French toast, and a vegan veggie burger.

This place really offers the best brunch in downtown Orlando, FL!

The dinner menu at DoveCote has roasted eggplant dip, oysters shucked or Rockefeller, French onion soup, croque madame, grilled shrimp and chorizo, French mussels, steak and frites, prime ribeye, cheese plates, and a vanilla creme brulee.

Come by for the happy hour Monday to Friday at the bar for happy hour plates and sliders.

The Tap Room at Dubsdread

Located in the clubhouse of Dubsdread golf course in Orlando you will find the Tap Room with an award-winning setting and delicious American cuisine like Orlando’s best burger.

Here you will find yourself surrounded by politicians, locals, and celebs alike.

The historic 1924 building has a large outdoor seating area as well. This is also a restaurant for lunch in downtown Orlando as you will find daily chef specials like fresh fish pick of the day from salmon to scallops to ahi tacos.

They also offer classic signature sandwiches that include chilled lobster, smoked bbq, and cajun shrimp.

Or try the award-winning 1/2 pound burgers served in a variety of ways.

For vegetarians, they offer grilled portabello mushrooms with goat cheese, black bean wrap, salads, and more!

Gringos Locos Washington

Gringos Locos Washington can be considered the best Mexican restaurant in downtown Orlando.

They pride themselves on the freshest ingredients and never use frozen products. All meats are cut and slow-roasted in-house for seven hours!

Come by for happy hour from 4 pm to 8 pm daily for $2 tacos, $6 burritos, and $2.50 domestic beers.

Try the Mexican stoplight, a sampling of all the homemade salsas served with tortilla chips, handmade empanadas, and an assortment of tacos including street tacos, sloppy tacos, fish tacos, and custom tacos.

If you come hungry for delicious Mexican, try one of the chef’s plates with slow-roasted pork, enchiladas, chimichangas, or a border bowl.

The burritos come in a variety of options from Sanchez with roasted pork, the veggie, drunk gringo, an everything burrito, or lean green with chicken.

Bento Asian Kitchen and Sushi

Bento Asian Kitchen and Sushi in downtown Orlando is a modern quick spot serving sushi and Asian-style bowls. They aim to keep things simple and are known for the sushi and bento boxes.

You can choose from your choice of entrees served in a bento box with string beans, lo mein noodles, ginger salad rice, and dessert.

Each entree can be customized with chicken, tofu, steak, shrimp, or veggies. Choose from Mongolian, curries, stir-fry, General Tso, and more!

If in the mood for sushi, try the classic rolls like rainbow, spicy tuna, fried avocado, Florida, or Cali. Signature rolls include crunch roll, Volcano, Miami, Hot Lava, and Zen Garden for those who are vegetarian!

This is one of the best places to eat in downtown Orlando for a yummy date night out on the town.

Thai Cafe

Thai Cafe is one of the best downtown Orlando restaurants serving delicious Thai food.

Family-owned and operated since 2001, Chef Noi serves comfort food using family recipes. She loves to source ingredients from local farmers around her hometown!

All entrees come with a salad and can be customized to be mild, medium, or hot! Try traditional Thai soups such as Tom Yum or Tom Kha Gai. Try specialties like pepper steak, basil duck, peanut chicken, red curry, or panang curry!

Also offered are stir-fries like pad cashew, mixed veggies, drunken noodles, pad Thai, and fried rice! Each of which can be customized with your choice of chicken, seafood, beef, vegetables, or tofu!

Greenbeat

For one of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Orlando, check out Greenbeat. This restaurant aims to make healthy food accessible to all.

The food here is made from scratch daily with garden-fresh ingredients.

If you are looking for a light and healthy meal, you will love the signature salad bowls offered here. Try the Spicy Thai Delight, Spring Comfort, or Watercress & Fruits.

You can also build your own salad bowl with your favorite ingredients!

Not vegan? There are plenty of cheeses and proteins to mix in with the veggies and fruit.

You will agree this is one of the best restaurants in downtown Orlando, FL, for a healthy meal!

Cucina Pizza & Bar

If you are craving a tasty pizza, Cucina Pizza & Bar on Church Street has you covered! Their take on modern Italian food will leave your mouth watering.

The menu changes seasonally, but no matter when you visit, you will find something delicious to try for either lunch or dinner.

For pizza, you can craft your own or order one of the many Two Brother’s Chef Crafted Pizzas. These include Meatball & Whipped Ricotta, Penne Alla Vodka, and Quatttro Formaggi.

There are vegan pizzas too such as Vegan Hawaiian and Vegan Bbq Tofu. Gluten and cauliflower crusts are available as well.

This downtown Orlando eatery is more than just pizza. There is a full menu with a mix of Italian and American classics.

Other options include burgers, salads, sub sandwiches, pasta dishes, chicken wings, seafood dinners, and more!

This is definitely one of the top downtown Orlando restaurants!

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