I must say, of all the places I've lived or visited in my lifetime; Orlando is where I truly feel at home.  And before you think it's for the love of the multiple theme parks in Orlando, think again.  I'm not a fan of crowds, and although I am a pescatarian I truly fell in love with the vast flavors and local fare found in Orlando's well-established foodie community. I've carefully selected a few of my favorite local restaurants in Orlando.  If you haven't eaten in at least half of these eateries then SORRY.....you're not truly a local!  AGREE or DISAGREE? Let me hear you in the comments below. 

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Maxine's on Shine
4.8  5 Rating (3)
337 N Shine Ave, Orlando FL, 32803
Our cuisine has its roots in Italian origins but is evolving w/ New World Explorations. Whether you are a vegetarian or full on carnivore, like simplicity...
Soco Restaurant
4.7  5 Rating (6)
629 E Central Blvd., Orlando FL, 32801
Award-Winning Southern Contemporary Cuisine in the Heart of Thornton Park.
The Glass Knife
4.7  5 Rating (1)
276 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park FL, 32789
Your go-to destination for cakes, desserts, donuts, fun sweet treats and specialty coffee. Plus breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, & evening savory bites....
White Wolf Cafe
4.6  5 Rating (6)
1829 N Orange Ave, Orlando FL, 32804
White Wolf Cafe & Bar is an award-winning, gourmet bistro serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Proudly located in the Ivanhoe Village District. HAPPY...
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine - Winter Park
Restaurant
108 S Park Avenue, Winter Park FL, 32789
Bosphorous is a family owned business located in Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona and Winter Garden. We offer authentic Turkish cuisine. Afiyet Olsun!
The Waterfront Orlando
5.0  5 Rating (1)
4201 South Orange Ave, Orlando FL, 32806
Located on Jennie Jewel Lake on S. Orange Avenue! Join us for great food, brews and views!
903 Mills Market
Restaurant $$
903 S Mills Ave, #903, Orlando FL, 32806
Here at 903 Mills, we strive to be more than just a restaurant. We’re your lazy Sunday afternoon, your last-minute breakfast when you’re late for work,...
PIZZA BRUNO
5.0  5 Rating (1)
3990 Curry Ford Road, Orlando FL, 32806
Pizza Bruno was opened as a Neapolitan style pizzeria. A style that for the most part has remained relatively underground in the Orlando area.
Santiago's Bodega Altamonte Springs
Bar & Restaurant $$
1185 Spring Centre S Blvd, Altamonte Springs FL, 32714
A wide array of tapas-style dishes offered in a colorful restaurant with a full bar & patio tables.
Tako Cheena
4.7  5 Rating (2)
932 N Mills Ave, Orlando FL, 32803
Where food truck meets restaurant. Serving a world fusion of flavors to please everyone's pallet. Always fresh not fancy.
Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria
Restaurant $
67 N Bumby Ave, Orlando FL, 32803
Yummy food! Great atmosphere! Amazing patrons!. East meets West with themed gourmet sandwiches plus a unique blend of authentic side salads and a wide...
The Briarpatch
Restaurant
252 N Park Ave., Winter Park FL, 32789
One visit to The Briar Patch will guarantee you never look at a breakfast plate the same again. Whether it's the home made Blueberry & Lemon Curd Pancakes...
Tin & Taco
5.0  5 Rating (2)
40 West Washington St., Orlando FL, 32801
CRAFT TACOS. CRAFT BEER. CRAFT SODA. Tin & Taco is the newest restaurant to open Downtown Orlando, with the best quality and tasting tacos! From the...
Lazy Moon Pizza | UCF
4.8  5 Rating (3)
11551 University Blvd, Orlando FL, 32817
Eat, Drink, and be Lazy. Aged dough. Homemade sauce. Eclectic, fresh toppings. Creating superior slices is our calling, so we top ’em fresh and cook...
Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen
2.8  3 Rating (2)
2603 Edgewater Dr, Orlando FL, 32804
Where the good ‘ol days and modern comforts collide into family recipes, twisted classics, and fresh food. This Neighborhood Kitchen's name is the Outpost....
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Restaurant
874 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee FL, 34741
4 Rivers Smokehouse is a family-owned brand specializing in 18-hour Smoked Angus Brisket and “Homestyle Sides,” as well as bold twists of flavor and...
Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa
4.7  5 Rating (2)
1326 N Mills Ave, Orlando FL, 32803
Zagat: "The barbecue offerings span the globe at this Mills 50 counter serve, where the menu highlights flavors from Texas to Vietnam. Wood, white brick...
Dixie Dharma
4.4  5 Rating (1)
2603 E South St., Orlando FL, 32803
Market on South is our 100% plantbased full-service kitchen, bakery, bar, & marketspace for locally-sourced, artisan craft goods. Come check us out! Opens...
Linda's La Cantina
Restaurant $$
4721 E Colonial Dr, Orlando FL, 32803-4305
Welcome to our house, Steak House that is, we have been serving the Central Florida area since 1947. All of our steaks are U.S.D.A. choice or above and...
KRES CHOPHOUSE
4.6  5 Rating (2)
17 W Church St, Orlando FL, 32801
Historic building houses a modern, bustling steakhouse with happy hours & late-night dining....