Orlando Dining: 15 Budget‑Friendly Bites That Deliver Big Flavor
Your guide to affordable dining in Orlando that doesn’t compromise on flavor, featuring the iconic Se7en Bites (pictured).
Orlando’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of celebrity chefs, James Beard Award nominees, global flavors, farm‑to‑table delights, and more than 5,000 restaurants. Dining here can be an adventure without breaking the bank. With enhanced health and safety measures—reduced capacity, mask and social‑distancing policies, take‑out, delivery, and al‑fresco options—visitors can enjoy delicious meals with confidence. If you’re craving bold taste at a modest price, explore these mouth‑watering options that keep your wallet happy.
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified or closed. Learn more about healthy travel and what’s open in Orlando and check with your favorite restaurants for their current status.
Budget‑Friendly Dining in Orlando’s Tourism District
Bartaco
Bartaco, a standout on Orlando’s Restaurant Row near International Drive, draws inspiration from the beach cultures of Brazil, Uruguay, and Southern California. Fresh taco creations start at just $2.50, with vegetarian options like Portobello with Queso Fresco, Cauliflower, and Falafel.
Beth’s Burger Bar
Beth’s Burger Bar, an Orlando favorite, now serves its acclaimed burgers on Universal Boulevard—just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort—and at a second south‑Orlando location. Recognized with multiple “Best Local Burger” awards, the menu offers mouth‑watering burgers and handcrafted milkshakes, all under $10.
Mrs. Potato
Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives and less than 10 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort, Mrs. Potato focuses on Brazilian cuisine, especially röstis and baked potato dishes, priced between $8 and $10 on average. The menu also includes grilled chicken, steak entrée, burgers, empanadas, and desserts.
Q’Kenan
Less than 10 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, Q’Kenan offers Venezuelan and Latin plates with many items under $10. Try empanadas for under $4, arepas for under $7, cachapas for under $9, or the daily lunch special for just $7.25.
Sofrito Latin Café
Just a short distance from Walt Disney World, Sofrito Latin Café presents Latin dishes, sides, and desserts from Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba. Tapas‑style small plates range from $2 to $6 each, with highlights such as sweet plantains, Argentinian empanadas, and mini tequeños.
Budget‑Friendly Dining Throughout Orlando
Banh Mi Nha Trang
At the edge of downtown Orlando’s Mills 50 dining and nightlife district, this mom‑and‑pop shop serves authentic Vietnamese banh mi with a variety of toppings. All subs are $5.50 or less, and the shop accepts cash only.
Beefy King
For more than five decades, Beefy King has delivered roast‑beef sandwiches in Orlando’s Milk District near downtown. The family‑owned spot now offers turkey, pastrami, corned beef, and other favorites, with sandwiches starting at just $3.55. Pair your meal with a hand‑spun milkshake and don’t miss the Beefy Spuds (tater tots).
Gringos Locos
With four downtown Orlando locations, including one at the Amway Center, Gringos Locos keeps it simple with fresh tacos, burritos, and sides. Their Double D—queso‑filled soft tortilla wrapped around a crunchy taco—costs $3.39. From 4 – 8 p.m. daily, enjoy Happy Hour tacos for $2.
Hot Dog Heaven
Named the Best Hot Dog in Florida for 2018 by TheDailyMeal.com, Hot Dog Heaven east of downtown offers authentic Chicago dogs for under $4 each. Other varieties, including chili, jalapeño, cheddar, and Italian chicken sausage, all stay under $5, with sides like fries, coleslaw, and baked beans.
King Bao
In Mills 50, just north of downtown, King Bao serves fluffy, steamed buns with a range of fillings, each under $4. Choices span savory to sweet—try the Hogzilla (braised pork belly) or the Tarzan (fried bao with Nutella, bananas, powdered sugar).
Mamak Asian Street Food
Also in Mills 50, Mamak offers modern takes on classic Asian dishes from Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Small plates cost $4–$6, while full‑size dishes run $8–$10.
Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria
East of downtown near Orlando Executive Airport, Pom Pom’s blends sandwiches, salads, sweets, and loose‑leaf teas. Their signature Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving sandwich—turkey, gouda, stuffing, ginger cranberry chutney, mashed potatoes, creamed cheese, and gravy—costs $9.50.
Se7en Bites
Local favorite and Guy Fieri‑featured spot in the Milk District, Se7en Bites delivers modern Southern comfort using fresh, local ingredients. Every item on the regular menu is under $10, from breakfast and lunch to dessert and brunch, including classics like Biscuits & Gravy and Chicken Pot Pie.
Sticky Rice
Specializing in Lao street food just east of Mills 50, Sticky Rice offers lemongrass pork sausages, spicy papaya salad, mango sticky rice, and more—all priced at $5 or less. A full menu—including drinks—can be enjoyed for just $61.
Tako Cheena
Unique to Orlando and located in Mills 50, Tako Cheena fuses Asian and Latin flavors. Signature takos include Thai Peanut Chicken and Indian Yellow Curry, while creative blends like Banh Mi Hot Dog and Korean Burrito keep each item under $10.
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