If you’re on the hunt for restaurants with assistive utensils or quieter hours in Orlando, you’re not alone.
That’s why Orlando Health started the Neuro-Friendly Restaurant Initiative, a way to make dining at local restaurants more accessible for Orlandoans with “invisible injuries” like strokes, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, or a progressive disorder like Parkinson’s disease.
How does it work?
Restaurants that sign up to participate will be educated on serving individuals who have invisible injuries. Then, the restaurant will offer the following:
- Pictorial menu books
- Low-traffic hours
- Meal options that meet each of these three categories: heart healthy, blood-sugar friendly, and brain wellness
- Some participating restaurants will also offer assistive utensils (e.g., utensils with textured handles or curved designs) + drink thickeners
Participating restaurants
In February 2025, The Smoothie Room became Orlando’s first restaurant to participate in the initiative. We’ll keep this list updated as more restaurants join in.
- The Smoothie Room, SoDo District | Quiet hours: Monday-Friday, 2-4 p.m.
How to join
Local restaurants interested in joining the initiative can call (321) 841-4166 for more information.
