Looking for the next new restaurant hitting O-Town’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Orlando — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
July
Shaka Donuts, 2641 Curry Ford Rd. | Donuts
Shaka Donuts is back and better than ever at its new Hourglass District location.
June
Nomi Sushi Hibachi & Sake Bar, 12189 E. Colonial Dr. | Sushi
Coming in hot with some cold fish is this new hibachi spot. Get your cameras ready — the presentation is perfect for the ‘gram.
Black Bean Deli, 126 W. Plant St., Winter Garden | Deli
For real this time, this deli is now open and it’s bringing Cuban sandwiches to Winter Garden.
Luminescent, 12286 E. Colonial Dr. | Coffee + cocktails
This new hangout in the old Baguette Factory serves coffee by day and cocktails by night, plus street food-inspired bites.
Allure Restaurant & Lounge, 13 W. Pine St. | Upscale dining
This South Africa-based restaurant and bar located in downtown’s historic Elijah Hand Building features menu items like Creamy Tahini Carrot Soup + Chicken Roulade.
Did we miss any openings in June? Let us know.
May
The Topher Taproom at Ziggie’s, 601 Virginia Dr. | Bar
Orlando Magazine’s Best Pizza of 2023 is taking over its neighbor’s space. The former Thirsty Topher had to close, but Ziggie’s is keeping it as a dedicated bar space.
Sparrow, 807 N. Orange Ave. | Wine bar and lounge
North Quarter just got its first taste of Chef Wendy Lopez’s menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Southern Europe.
Phat Ash Bakes, 221 S. Bumby Ave. | Bakery
What it says in the name — these are some fat cookies. Plus, they have gift boxes.
Pom Pom’s Sandwiches, 212 W. 1st St., Sanford | Sandwich shop
Pom Pom’s is back, baby. Favorites are back on the menu, plus some new surprises.
Rawsha Mediterranean Cuisine, 8956 Turkey Lake Rd. | Casual mediterranean
If your ideal meal starts with stuffed grape leaves and ends with shawarma, do we have the place for you.
Ji Bei Chuan, 7750 Palm Pkwy. | Noodles
This chain, founded in Shuzhou, China, just landed near World of Beer. Slurp up rice noodles and ramen to your heart’s content.
Did we miss any openings in May? Let us know.
April
City Food Hall, 1412 Alden Rd. | Food market
Not just one restaurant, but multiple restaurants and full-service bars. Think: Blessed Belly, Takagi, and Smash Dunk. Plus, enjoy the outdoor space.
Lorelei Wine Bar, 737 N. Thornton Ave. | Wine bar
From the people behind Death in the Afternoon + Suffering Bastard comes a French wine bar. Don’t miss out on the burrata + peach insalata.
Hot Asian Buns, 204 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford | Baoery
This spot’s bao are all handmade in small batches. We’ve got our eye on the bao combo, which comes with a side of kimchi fries.
Jabal Coffee House, 8335 S. John Young Pkwy. | Coffee
Caffeinate with premium Yemeni coffee at this cafe with a luxurious vibe.
Mosonori, 7541 Sand Lake Rd. | Sushi
James Beard Award nominee Henry Moso is serving up a new handroll bar.
Did we miss any openings in April? Let us know.
Coming Soon
Sonic Bloom Room, 1321 Edgewater Dr. | Coffee shop | ETA: Late fall 2025
This coffee bar and flower shop will feature flowers and coffee in a cozy, vibey spot playing warm analog sound.
Heatwave, 741 W. Church St. | Cafe and theater lounge | ETA: June 2025
Things are heating up in the Parramore neighborhood. The former LGBTQ+ bar Stonewall will reopen as a restaurant.
Cowboy Curry, 1110 E. Colonial Dr. | Japanese | ETA: Mid 2025
How does scratch-made Japanese curry sound to you? Sign us up.
Okonomi, 1110 E. Colonial Dr. | Japanese | ETA: Summer 2025
Bring on the nigiri. From William Shen of Cowboy Curry comes another Japanese restaurant, this time offering casual sushi.
Hot as Rice Japanese Kitchen, 729 N. Mills Ave. | Japanese | ETA: Summer 2025
This teppanyaki spot — think: big, flat grill — is taking over the former 7-Eleven lot.
Oza Kai, 1821 E. Colonial Dr | Japanese | ETA: Winter 2025
Restaurateur Tim Liu — think: Mikado Sushi, Boku Sushi & Grill, and Oza Izakaya — has a new restaurant planned.
Outpost Neighborhood Tavern, 227 N Eola Dr. | Sports bar | ETA: End of 2025
This LGBTQ-friendly eatery and sports bar has received funding from the DTO Restaurant Program and is slated to open this year across from Lake Eola.
Mecatos Bakery & Café, 380 State Road 436 | Cafe | ETA: Spring 2026
The Colombian-inspired cafe plans to build its 10th area location on a previously vacant lot in Casselberry.
Still hungry for more? Dig deeper into our food news.
