Explore Orlando’s Hispanic culinary heritage at these family-owned foodie gems.

I’m Kevin, a local foodie and content creator, and in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to highlight four family-owned restaurants in Orlando. Each carries a rich history in their upbringing, dedication to their craft, and an overall passion for food served with love.

Discover: Orlando’s Hispanic & Latino Culture

These spots help locals and visitors come together for a welcoming atmosphere and unique flavors, one delicious dish at a time. So, whether you’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month or just looking for true local gems to experience on your next visit, you won’t want to miss a bite of what’s waiting for you in Orlando. Let’s dig in!

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JJ’s Scratch Cocina

This lovely boutique restaurant, part of Orlando’s Curry Ford West district, came into existence with the help of local restaurateur JJ Paredes and his wonderful mom, Olivia. They believed in bringing a fabulous blend of both Mediterranean and Latin cuisines together. Each dish is handcrafted in house with fresh ingredients, a comforting atmosphere and a focus on creating a culinary experience unlike any other. Olivia is well known for having a passion for fresh, wholesome cooking and treating each guest that comes through that door like family.

Discover: Things to Do in Curry Ford West

Bold flavors are guaranteed at JJ’s Scratch Cocina, with signature menu items such as their LIMA Ceviche, slow-braised carne mechada, their gold and delicious tostadas, and much more. Their menu is a collection of their culinary memories, with each dish having a story of its own.

Alma Argentina

Alma Argentina roughly translates to “Argentinian Soul.” This concept is evident in the way they run their establishment, with bold and inspiring flavors on the menu and a friendly staff that shows amazing hospitality. This family-owned restaurant started back in 2021 with owner Marisa Flores. She was motivated by immigrant families, who described her cooking as something like what their grandmothers would make for them. She opened Alma Argentina with the sole mission of bringing authentic, high-quality, Argentinian comfort food to the United States.

Discover: Orlando Neighborhoods

What started out as an experimental restaurant in Oviedo quickly bloomed into a Latin culinary experience that captivated the hearts of locals and visitors. This catapulted them into opening another location in Celebration, with plans of building others in College Park and Lake Nona. They specialize in creating classic dishes such as their homemade empanadas, milanesas, churrasco and oven-baked pastries.

Crocante Restaurant + Bar

A true local gem near The Milk District, Crocante Restaurant + Bar offers a family-style dining experience with a modern twist on traditional Puerto Rican comfort food. This amazing Orlando staple is helmed by talented and culinary trained Chef Yamuel Bigio, whose dedication to cooking up authentic flavors and creative techniques is evident in each dish that comes out of that kitchen. What started off as a small restaurant in nearby Kissimmee has quickly evolved into the welcoming environment that you see today. It was even featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil!

Discover: Things to Do in The Milk District

Bigio got his inspiration to open an authentic Puerto Rican dining experience one night as he prepared his now-famous, slow roasted pork porchetta in his home kitchen. That porchetta is now the cornerstone of their diverse menu, which also features a wide selection of curated cocktails and scrumptious appetizers, like their Bistec Encebollao eggrolls and bacalaito tacos. This is one family-owned spot that needs to be on your foodie list.

Reyes Mezcaleria

Located near downtown Orlando, Reyes Mezcaleria offers a unique blend of regionally inspired Mexican cuisine with an inviting bar experience. It was founded in 2017 by the creative minds of local restaurateurs Jason and Sue Chin, and helmed by a Michoacán native, the talented and renowned Chef Wendy Lopez. She gathered the inspiration for her menu by visiting Mexico often and studying the Oaxacan culture and culinary traditions, which have been significant in bringing that authentic feeling that most guests crave when they walk through that door.

The meaning behind the “Mezcaleria” in Reyes Mezcaleria is that unique experience that perfectly blends in a party environment with handcrafted cocktails and wines, while simultaneously offering a lounging experience that helps bring a certain kind of peace that stays with you even after you leave the restaurant.

If I were to leave you with a recommendation from their menu, it would be the Oaxacan chicken enchiladas, which includes a mole negro that takes days of preparation, coupled with queso fresco and white onion.

Editor’s Note

This post represents a small portion of the incredible restaurants available in Orlando. For more home-cooked flavors that pair perfectly with Hispanic Heritage Month, seek out family-owned restaurants like Mordisco Steakhouse, Otto’s High Dive and Agave Azul.

Discover: Orlando Restaurants

Black Rooster Taqueria, Zaza Cuban Comfort Food or Black Bean Deli are perfect for a casual bite. And while not locally owned, the Palmas Restaurant Group has deep family roots behind 13 restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort. See our full Hispanic & Latino travel guide or visit our restaurants page for even more top recommendations to enjoy now and throughout the year.

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