Embark on the ultimate foodie adventure in Orlando’s tourism district with celebrity chefs, farm-to-table freshness, global cuisine and more heavenly dining (Morimoto Asia pictured; courtesy Patina Restaurant Group).


Updated April 20, 2021

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: Celebrity Chefs 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 district, including International Drive and areas close to the theme parks!

Breakfast/Brunch: Highball & Harvest

Highball & Harvest hash entree
‘Keep It Classic’ Benedict With Yukon Potato Hash at Highball & Harvest in Orlando

Highball & Harvest puts Orlando’s farm-to-table movement front and center with fresh ingredients from the onsite, 7,000-square-foot Whisper Creek Farm at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The chef-driven menu is packed with tasty lunch and dinner options, but foodies should note that they also serve some of the best breakfast fare in Orlando’s tourism district, including the “Keep It Classic” Benedict with Yukon potato hash (pictured).

Discover: Amenity-Packed Orlando Resorts

Mid-Morning Fun: Universal CityWalk

Influencer Katie Ellison and her family visited Voodoo Doughnut at Universal Orlando
Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk in Orlando (Photo: Katie Ellison)

Hope you’re not already starting to fill up — but if so, a walk around Universal Orlando Resort’s all-in-one dining, shopping and entertainment district will serve you well. With lunch just around the corner, we recommend appetizers and small plates from Universal CityWalk’s diverse dining options. Standouts include Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar™, Hot Dog Hall of Fame®, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville®, and The Cowfish® Sushi Burger Bar, among others.

Discover: Universal CityWalk

If you’re after something sweet, check out the gourmet creations at Voodoo Doughnut, plus the crazily impressive array of dessert offerings at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

Lunch: Pointe Orlando

Taverna Opa table with a variety of food and wine
Discover Authentic Greek Cuisine at Pointe Orlando’s Taverna Opa

Located on International Drive, Pointe Orlando is a walkable, outdoor venue with attractions, shopping and — most importantly for our purposes — dining. You’ll easily find an unforgettable lunch here. The only hard part is choosing from Pointe Orlando’s venues!

Discover: Pointe Orlando

Dining options here include classic American fare at The Capital Grille and The Hampton Social, as well as international flavors at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, Maggiano's Little Italy and Taverna Opa, among others.

Afternoon Activities: ICON Park®

Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit paella and cockails
Dig Into Paella and Other Dishes at Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit, Part of ICON Park® in Orlando

Also part of International Drive, ICON Park has its own lineup of entertainment, stores and restaurants, many of which are perfect for quick bites between adventures on The Wheel and other attractions at the outdoor venue.

Discover: ICON Park

For example, Spanish-style small plates can be enjoyed at Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit, while Tin Roof offers Southern and Tex-Mex favorites. The latter also plays nightly live music, as does Blake Shelton's all-new Ole Red. You’ll find plenty of other fast-service options here, including Shake Shack, and Sugar Factory is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

First Dinner: Disney Springs®

JALEO at Disney Springs Arroz Caldoso del Bogavante
Chef José Andés’ Arroz Caldosa de Bogavante at JALEO at Disney Springs®, Part of Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando

Disney Springs at Walt Disney World® Resort is home to Orlando’s largest concentration of celebrity chefs, so it goes without saying that dinner here is a must! Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of options, including the brand-new JALEO by Chef José Andrés. (It’s complemented by Pepe, the first-ever brick-and-mortar version of Andrés’ famous food truck.)

Discover: Disney Springs

Other dinner-worthy, celebrity chef-helmed restaurants at Disney Springs include Masaharu Morimoto’s Morimoto Asia, Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. And though Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! is more of a lunch place, you can also find burgers and sandwiches created by the Mayor of Flavortown at Planet Hollywood.

Second Dinner: Restaurant Row

Eddie V's Prime Seafood filet and crab stuffed shrimp
Eddie V's Prime Seafood in Orlando

That’s right, a second dinner: You are a foodie, aren’t you? Found on Sand Lake Road not far from International Drive, Orlando’s Restaurant Row is a dining destination with more than a dozen top-flight options, including Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, The Whiskey and Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, which has attracted numerous celebrity admirers through the years.

Discover: Restaurant Row

Dessert: Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Cafe Tu Tu Tango exclusive venue
Have an Artistic Dessert at Cafe Tu Tu Tango in Orlando

From Restaurant Row, it’s just a short jaunt to Cafe Tu Tu Tango, a tapas- and art-focused restaurant with live entertainment on International Drive. More importantly, they have some wildly imaginative desserts, including the Chocolate Calzone and Banana Pizza. You won’t find these items listed on the regular menu, but the staff will gladly make them for you on request.

Nightcap: Mango’s Tropical Cafe

Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Samba Show dancers
End Your Orlando Foodie Adventure With Cocktails, Dancing and Live Entertainment at Mango’s Tropical Cafe

You’ve packed on a lot of calories today, and there’s no better way to burn them off than with late-night dancing and cocktails at Mango’s Tropical Cafe on International Drive. In addition to live entertainment courtesy of the famous Mango’s Dancers, this 55,000-square-foot entertainment and dining venue offers dancing, cocktails and Latin cuisine — including a special late-night food menu on the off chance you’re still hungry!

Extra Helpings

Depending on the time of your visit, you can complement your Orlando foodie adventure with any of these acclaimed, food-focused happenings!

Spring Food Festivals & Events in Orlando

  • Downtown Food & Wine Fest (February)
  • Seven Seas Food Festival (February – May)
  • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March – May)

Fall Food Festivals & Events in Orlando

  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (August – November)
  • Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (November)

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