Orlando’s Culinary Highlights – Family, Adult, Solo & Theme‑Park Dining
Whether you let food drive your travel plans or simply want a delicious side‑kick, our brand‑new FamilyVacationist food column, Delicious Destinations, is your go‑to guide. From family‑friendly restaurants to hidden gems for solo explorers, we cover everything you need to taste Orlando’s vibrant culinary scene.
Let’s Eat: Orlando
I’m Megan duBois, a full‑time food and drink writer who can’t resist an ice‑cream cone when she’s not busy hunting for the next great bite. Each month I bring you to a new city, where I discover restaurants, bars, bakeries, and breweries that cater to families, adults, and solo travelers alike.
This month we’re heading to one of my favorite destinations: Orlando, Florida. Known worldwide as the theme‑park capital, Orlando also boasts a thriving dining scene featuring celebrity chefs, international fare, and uniquely themed eateries.
Whether you’re visiting the parks or simply strolling through Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, Lake Buena Vista, Winter Park, or International Drive, you’ll find an abundance of dining options. Below are the top spots you shouldn’t miss.
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The Best Restaurant for Families: Splitsville Luxury Lanes
For a memorable dining experience, head to Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs. This hybrid venue offers a full‑service restaurant alongside a modern bowling alley, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. The menu features gourmet burgers, sushi, and more, while the lanes provide endless family fun. Reservations are recommended on weekends.
Must‑Have: Loaded Fries and the Volcano Roll
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The Best Restaurant for Adults: Wine Bar George
Wine Bar George at Disney Springs is a haven for wine lovers, boasting a 140‑wine selection curated by master sommelier George Miliotes. Pair a glass with small plates such as burrata with tomatoes and grilled bread, grilled romaine lettuce, or crispy mac‑and‑cheese bites. The Santa Carota short ribs are a standout main that pairs perfectly with a robust red.
Must‑Have: Burrata small plate and Santa Carota short ribs
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The Best Restaurant for Solo Travelers: Sticky Rice Lao Street Food
For solo diners, Little Vietnam’s Sticky Rice Lao Street Food offers an authentic Laotian experience in a lively night‑market setting. The menu is packed with affordable, house‑made dishes like noodles, sticky wings, dumplings, bao, and Laotian beer. Frequent visitors rave about the Jeow B chicken bao and curry ribs.
Must‑Have: Jeow B chicken bao and curry ribs
The Best Themed Restaurant: The Three Broomsticks
Harry Potter fans can step straight out of the books at The Three Broomsticks, located inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The restaurant serves classic British fare—fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and more—and finishes with the iconic Butterbeer.
Must‑Have: Fish and chips and Butterbeer
- Related: Your Guide to Orlando’s Only All‑Inclusive Theme Park
The Best Mid‑Day Snack: Gideon’s Bakehouse
For a quick bite, Gideon’s Bakehouse in East End Market (and soon at Disney Springs) is famous for its oversized, decadent cookies. Choose from favorites like chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or peanut butter crunch, and don’t miss the monthly special, which could be rocky road, Mexican chocolate chip, or coffee toffee. A single cookie often leads to a second line for a box to take home.
Must‑Have: Original chocolate chip and candied walnut chocolate chip (available Wednesdays only)
The Best Orlando Brewery: Crooked Can
Just outside Walt Disney World’s gates, Crooked Can sits inside Plant Street Market and delivers some of the city’s finest craft beers. Their signature Florida Sunshine Lager is light, refreshing, and perfect for a sunny Orlando day. The brewery also offers tours, so you can see the brewing process before sampling their four flagship brews.
Must‑Have: Florida Sunshine Lager
