Orlando is an amazing city to experience the parks, but there are also amazing unique restaurants that you should experience while you are here.These restaurants are not just for the food, but they transport you to another time, place, memory, or create a whole new one for you. Here are a few of my recent choices:
Taverna Opa – @tavernaopaorlando Pointe Orlando, International Drive
If you want to have a fantastic Greek experience and awesome Greek food then go to Taverna Opa! Taverna Opa is a spirited Greek restaurant that not only has delicious food, but they have some great music and entertainment at night. The tavern offers a great selection of Greek dishes, including seafood, lamb, chicken, etc. plus some great nightly entertainment. Some dishes include Bronzini, lamb chops, Greek salad, grilled octopus, lamb shanks, hummus, Greek yogurt, kabobs, to name a few.
Taverna Opa also has happy hours and great nightly entertainment. The restaurant has entertainment including a belly dancer. I recommend coming to experience authentic Greek food and entertainment and it is open 7 days a week! I am sure you will enjoy your time here.
London House – @londonhousefl Sandlake Road
A unique touch of British and European flare in premier cultural experience is waiting for you at London House. London House is a blend of private upscale club during the day that requires membership and then its lounge and restaurant opens at 5pm to the public several days a week (closed generally Sundays and Mondays for private events/functions). Members of the London House are called Key Holders that generally have business luncheons and meetings with clients during the day. There are different memberships available.
The unique a la carte menu includes specialties like Scotch Eggs, Beef Wellington, Duck, Lobster, etc. After watching Hell’s Kitchen, I must return to have some Beef Wellington one day. I can’t wait. London House also has a lounge that does stay open until 2am on Saturdays and Sundays to cater to the late night crowd too. London House is also great to go for special occasions. Enjoy this European experience.
U & Me Revolving Hot Pot – @uandmehotpotorlando Lake Buena Vista area
I just found the server at U & Me Revolving Hot Pot adorable. Having a robot serve us some dishes was awesome and fun. If you bring your younger kids, they would get a kick out of it. This Hot Pot restaurant serves both vegan and meat food options, including beef, chicken, shrimp, seafood, vegetables and noodles that you add to your hot broth. You choose the options you’d like to add to the broth and we truly enjoyed seeing this “cook” at our table. It is so unique and if you haven’t been to a hot pot style restaurant this was definitely a great new unique treat in the Orlando area.
Cafe TuTu Tango – @cafe_tu_tu_tango International Drive
Cafe Tutu Tango has been a long tried and true restaurant on International Drive in Orlando for 30 years. It is a unique mix of tapas and small plate dishes with an eclectic mixture of art and decor. It brings both food and fun to its visitors in a unique way. They have great shareable dishes, afternoon Happy Hours, and a Bottomless Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Cafe Tutu Tango serves a mixture of dishes including avocado hummus, Tuscan meatballs, chicken, tacos, and pizza to name a few, in cute shareable dishes. The art that decorates it comes from local artists and they offer live entertainment.
The Hampton Social – @thehamptonsocial Pointe Orlando, International Drive
The Hampton Social decor represents a fun and breezy modern nautical, coastal vibe and lifestyle. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining and Pointe Orlando. This is one of the top Orlando restaurants for brunch. There is a good mix of dishes the restaurant serves, such as Maine-style Lobster Roll, Shrimp Tacos, Tuna Tartare, Grilled Octopus, Four Cheese Pizza, and other items like Monkey Bread, Bananas Foster, etc. Hampton is open for lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends. Besides rotating wines and East Coast draft beers, they have zero proof cocktails and have nice Flower Walls decorating the restaurant, like a nice day by the sea.
Honorable Mention JuJu Susuro – @jujususuru Maguire Road in the Milk District
JuJu is a Showa Retro Izakaya new restaurant located in the Milk District in Orlando. While it is new, it is brought to Orlando by the experienced team from Susuro on Palm Parkway and Jude Sushi in College Park. We were there for their opening and able to sample so much of this unique restaurant that has various sections. The restaurant’s appearance is that of a Showan period styled Japanese house. There is a high end Kappo Bar and chef’s table that seats 6 by reservation only offering 10 courses that offer premier sake pairing options.
The other section offers traditional izakaya settings with drinks, snacks and more casual dining. There is also a section geared to the late night crowd. We were able to try so much fresh sushi, as well as cooked items including various skewers of beef, chicken, pork, potatoes, etc. The decor also consisted of various items from Japanese culture and we really liked the unique setting. On top of that, the staff was so nice and helpful, making the visit an exceptional experience.
What Orlando restaurants would you add for a unique dining experience?
Last, whatever restaurant you choose, I must say there are just so many great restaurants in Orlando and these are just a few of my favorites. I recommend you try these if you are visiting the City or an area local wanting a new experience. They offer some great food in cool settings. I can’t wait to go again and try more.
Looking for more things to do in Orlando check out the bike trails to burn off all those meals. Also, check out Visit Orlando for magical dining another great foodie experience in Central Florida.
