Embark on a sweet and savory adventure through the heart of Orlando’s tourism districts with celebrity chefs, farm-to-fork cuisine, globally inspired flavors and more heavenly dining (Voodoo Doughnuts at Universal CityWalk pictured).
Orlando is famous for theme parks and attractions, but our ever-growing culinary scene has much in store for serious foodies, too, including celebrity chef-owned restaurants, local James Beard Award honorees, high-profile food festivals, and much more.
Discover: Dining in Orlando
In fact, with so many tempting things to eat and drink, it’s possible to build an entire Orlando getaway around nothing but culinary interests. Hungry? Read on for a suggested itinerary for the ultimate 24-hour foodie adventure in Orlando’s tourism districts, including International Drive and areas close to the theme parks.
Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.
Breakfast
Jump start your day with farm-fresh breakfast fare at Highball & Harvest beginning at 7 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The menu is rooted in Florida’s rich agricultural past using ingredients grown locally and at the onsite, 7,000-square-foot Whisper Creek Farm. Choose from classic breakfast options like eggs benedict and avocado toast or more unusual fare like a Red Velvet Chicken Waffle served with candied pecan and spiced maple syrup. Pair your meal with locally roasted Lineage cold brew and freshly squeezed Florida orange juice for the perfect start to your day.
If brunch is more your style, don’t miss Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs®, part of Walt Disney World® Resort, which serves up delectable Southern brunch fare on weekends from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Savor southern fixin’s like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese grits, fried chicken and doughnuts, and “church lady” deviled eggs, paired with moonshine cocktails and sweet southern sips.
Discover: Top Orlando Brunch Spots
Mid-Morning Fun
Get your sugar fix — and a quick workout — at Universal CityWalk, part of Universal Orlando Resort and home to gourmet Voodoo Doughnuts galore. Fill your iconic pink pastry box with everything from old-fashioned cake donuts to crazy creations like the shimmering Grape Ape, cereal-crusted Oh Captain, My Captain, and the eponymous pretzel-staked Voodoo Doll donut. They have plenty of vegan options, too, plus seasonal creations exclusive to Universal Orlando Resort.
Discover: Top Reasons to Visit Universal CityWalk
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, nosh on fusion fare at Bend the Bao or The Cowfish® Sushi Burger Bar. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is another fun pick, boasting an all-day brunch, inventive comfort fare and ultra-loaded milkshakes that you have to see to believe. Stick around for lunch, or head to International Drive for even more flavorful fun.
Lunch
Pointe Orlando is another prime dining destination on International Drive. Savor the flavors of Greece at Taverna Opa, kick back and enjoy the summer vibes at The Hampton Social or head to JoJo’s ShakeBAR for delectable shakes and comfort fare with a nostalgic twist. Rodizio Grill is another fantastic option, offering an unlimited variety of succulent rotisserie style meats and authentic Brazilian sides — just remember to save some room for the rest of the day’s culinary adventures.
Discover: Top Things to Do at Pointe Orlando
More fun standalone options on I-Drive include Mia’s Italian Kitchen and Cafe Tu Tu Tango, among many others. Both offer Bottomless Brunch on the weekends, along with authentic, handcrafted dishes inspired by the flavors of Europe.
You’re probably feeling pretty tired by now, so grab an afternoon pick-me-up from iconic Orlando coffee shops like Gideon’s Bakehouse or Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, both at Disney Springs. Foxtail Coffee Co. is another popular pick, with several friendly neighborhood cafes in our tourism districts and throughout the destination. An Orlando staple since 2016, this local hotspot serves craft coffee using beans roasted right here in Winter Park.
Discover: Buzzworthy Orlando Coffee Shops
Happy Hour
If a handcrafted cocktail is more your style, settle in at the bar for some of Orlando’s most divine happy hours. Nearby at Pointe Orlando, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar offers classic mojitos, caipirinhas, sangria and small plates ranging from $4 – $7, all served in a lively bar that’s reminiscent of 1950s Havana.
Discover: Orlando Happy Hours
You’ll also find several excellent happy hours at Disney Springs, including daily offerings from STK, Jaleo by José Andrés, Terralina Crafted Italian, and Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas. On Orlando’s acclaimed Restaurant Row, standout happy hour destinations include Big Fin Seafood, Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi, and Vines Grille & Wine Bar, all of which offer a delectable selection of small plates, wine, beer and handcrafted cocktails.
Dinner
You’ll never go hungry for options at Disney Springs, where you’ll find Orlando’s largest concentration of celebrity chefs. In addition to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, celebrity chef-helmed restaurants at Disney Springs include JALEO by Chef José Andrés, Masaharu Morimoto’s MICHELIN Recommended Morimoto Asia, Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.
For more casual fare, take a trip to Flavortown at Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! or dig into mouthwatering barbecue at MICHELIN Recommended The Polite Pig, led by local restaurateurs James and Julie Petrakis of Swine & Sons, The Ravenous Pig (a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand), and Cask & Larder fame. Wine Bar George rounds out the pack, led by Master Sommelier George Miliotes.
Second Dinner
You read that right. If you’re still craving more of Orlando’s fabulous fine dining flavors, head back to Restaurant Row for steak, seafood, sushi and more top-notch options from internationally renowned names like Norman Van Aken, whose eponymous eatery Norman’s opened in 2023. You’ll also find a number of upscale steak and seafood houses, including Big Fin Seafood, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ocean Prime, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Seasons 52. It’s all waiting for you moments from International Drive, the Orange County Convention Center and Universal Orlando Resort.
Dessert
While each of these eateries offer sublime dessert options, you might be tempted to try a progressive dinner crawl and get satisfy your sweet tooth elsewhere. We say go for it!
Discover: Delectably Delicious Orlando Desserts
Decadent dessert destinations include The Melting Pot on Restaurant Row, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk, Sugar Factory Orlando at ICON Park, and JoJo’s ShakeBAR at Pointe Orlando. At Disney Springs, opt for exotic and locally-inspired ice cream flavors at Salt & Straw, creamy eclairs at Amorette’s Patisserie, sweet chocolate treats at The Ganachery, cookies the size of your hand at Gideon’s Bakehouse, and more delectable options.
Nightcap
End your foodie adventure in style at Mango’s Tropical Cafe on International Drive, where you can dance the night (and some of those calories) away. This feather-laden locale evokes the indulgent splendor of Cuba’s famed El Tropicana nightclub, complete with costumed dancers, cocktails and Latin cuisine. Live late-night entertainment can also be enjoyed at The Edison at Disney Springs on weekends. If you prefer something a little more laid back, chill out with live music at Tin Roof or Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, both at ICON Park.
Stay Connected to Orlando
You never know what we will dream up next. Connect with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services for free, personalized assistance, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Threads and YouTube for valuable offers, exclusive tips, fresh attractions and the latest events. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.
Have feedback about this blog? Let us know.
