DineSpin

Best What's Hot in Orlando

Find the best what's hot restaurants in Orlando, FL. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Orlando's restaurant scene has shifted. Five years ago, you were choosing between chains and tourist traps. Now there's actual ambition—chefs trained in Michelin kitchens, owners who work the dining room themselves, fusion concepts that don't feel like desperate gimmicks. What follows are the places that matter right now, the ones where locals are actually eating and where a reservation (or early arrival) is worth the planning.

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Best What's Hot in Orlando

1.

Voodoo Bayou

92/100

Voodoo Bayou offers an immersive New Orleans-inspired dining experience with a captivating atmosphere and excellent service. The food is well-regarded as delicious, though it comes at a higher price point.

Pro tip: The atmosphere is pure bayou magic — dim lighting, vintage vibes, and voodoo touches.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding, including prime rib, chicken and waffles, étouffée, pork belly bao, crab cakes, and beignets. Ingredients are noted as fresh.

Food was absolutely fire

👋Service96

Service is overwhelmingly described as first-rate, with numerous servers well-regarded for their attentiveness, knowledge, and friendly demeanor, often going above and beyond.

Service was outstanding

Vibe98

The atmosphere and decor are consistently lauded as amazing, unique, and immersive, with many comparing it to New Orleans or a 'voodoo practitioner's home,' often enhanced by live music and a hidden speakeasy.

Atmosphere is pure bayou magic

💰Value75

While the food and experience are well-regarded, several diners note that the restaurant is a bit pricey or expensive, though many feel it is worth it for special occasions or the overall experience.

A little bit pricey

📍 7525 W Sand Lake Rd BLDG A, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
4.8$$$OrlandoCajun/Creole
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking a unique atmosphereFans of Cajun and Creole cuisine
2.

Sorekara

95/100

Twenty-plus courses over five-plus hours in a tasting menu so choreographed it feels orchestrated by someone other than a human. Service is excellent—warm, knowledgeable, never fussy—which matters because you're in this room a long time. The innovation is real (Japanese-French-American fusion sounds like a disaster and tastes like intention). The price ($270-370) and commitment are not for everyone; one person found the portions didn't justify the bill, another felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of courses. But for a milestone anniversary or birthday, diners describe it as the best meal of their lives.

Pro tip: Go on a Friday or Saturday and plan your evening around it—seating starts in the lobby and flows into the main room as tables open, so manage expectations about space.

🍽️Food95

The food is consistently described as outstanding, innovative, and artfully presented, with many diners calling it a culinary masterpiece.

Absolutely flawless food and beverage pairings

👋Service98

Service is frequently highlighted as impeccable, attentive, knowledgeable, and remarkably friendly, contributing significantly to the overall experience.

Service was impeccable. Attentive yet unintrusive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is well-regarded as beautiful, elegant, magical, and unique, creating a dream-like or world-frozen-in-time ambiance.

Beautifully designed restaurant

💰Value75

While most diners find the experience worth the price, noted that the portion size and taste did not justify the cost.

The portion of dishes not worth the price

📍 4979 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814, United States
4.9$$$$OrlandoJapanese
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking a unique culinary journeyThose who appreciate artistry in food and service
3.

Adriatico Trattoria Italiana

95/100

College Park's best-kept secret makes its own pasta daily, and the owner—who also happens to be the chef—doesn't delegate. This means gnocchi that actually dissolves in your mouth, not just melts. It means you'll see him work the dining room personally, greeting tables without hovering. The room is intimate enough to feel special, tight enough that conversations from the next table carry. The price tag ($50+ entrées) and reservation-only policy mean this isn't casual, but visitors regularly use the word 'excellent,' which should tell you something.

Pro tip: The exterior is deliberately nondescript—easy to walk past if you don't know it's there. Save the address in your phone before you arrive.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its authenticity, freshness, and exquisite flavors, with homemade pasta and specials frequently highlighted as outstanding.

Everything had fresh ingredients and were prepared

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as first-rate, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with many servers and the owners well-regarded.

Our server Sean was super friendly and very attentive.

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, intimate, romantic, and authentic, often evoking a feeling of being in Italy.

Its like Italy came to Orlando.

💰Value85

While generally considered good value for the quality, a few diners noted specific items as overpriced or portions as small.

The moscato wine bottle is way too overpriced

📍 2417 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804, United States
4.8$$$OrlandoItalian
Ideal for
Romantic date nightsCelebrating special occasionsAuthentic Italian food enthusiasts
4.

Agave Azul Orlando (Dr. Phillips)

92/100

This isn't the Agave Azul you know. The new Dr. Phillips location opened six weeks ago and already feels like it's been there for years—all soaring ceilings, contemporary Mexican design, and the kind of service rhythm that doesn't announce itself. The kitchen is turning out carne asada and ceviches with the kind of precision that makes you wonder why this took them this long. One person's complaint about cold food and tiny portions reads as an outlier against the broader consensus that mention nothing but excellence. Fair warning: the ambient noise is high enough that quiet conversation is optimistic, and the pricing reflects that they know they're good.

Pro tip: Go with a group and order family-style—this space transforms from date-night intimate to celebration-energy depending on your party size.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, bold flavors, and excellent preparation, with many dishes exceeding expectations.

Every single detail exceeded expectations

👋Service95

Service is overwhelmingly described as outstanding, attentive, friendly, and professional, with numerous staff members frequently highlighted for their outstanding care.

Service was outstanding and her bubbly personality

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, upscale, lively, and energetic, with a modern, chic decor that enhances the dining experience.

Just VIBES!

💰Value80

While generally well-received, noted the price for jalapeños as high, and another mentioned it being on the pricier side.

$10 for 3 jalepenos is an insane price

📍 8685 Fenton St #120, Orlando, FL 32836, United States
4.9$$OrlandoMexican
Ideal for
Celebrations and special occasionsDiners seeking vibrant atmosphereThose who appreciate attentive service
5.

Selva Rosa Cocina & Bar

92/100

Mexican-Japanese fusion in a room so Instagram-pretty it threatens to overshadow the food—except the food won't let it. Sashimi-grade tuna meets mole, soft-shell crab meets crispy tortillas, and it lands because the kitchen knows the difference between fusion and confusion. David (the server) and his crew move with actual attentiveness, not just speed. They opened six weeks ago with a few stumbles (underseasoned dishes, portion wobbles) and fixed them immediately. The parking lot is tight and the sound carries, but if you're looking for a date night that feels current, this delivers.

Pro tip: The bar program is underselling itself—ask the bartender what they're doing with the Japanese-Mexican crossover in the cocktails.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, amazing, and outstanding, with many dishes receiving specific commendations. Unique flavor combinations and fresh ingredients are noted.

Food was amazing!

👋Service95

Service is a standout strength, with numerous mentions of attentive, friendly, and excellent staff members who enhance the dining experience.

Service was hands down the best

Vibe95

The atmosphere, decor, and ambiance are consistently highlighted as beautiful, stylish, and impressive, making it a popular spot for photos.

Atmosphere is GORGEOUS

💰Value85

Portion sizes are generally described as generous, and the overall quality of food and experience is considered worth the price.

Worth every second

📍 901 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751, United States
4.9$$OrlandoMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Date nights — stylish ambiance and creative dishesPhoto opportunities — visually appealing decorGroups seeking outstanding service — attentive staff
6.

Chatham's Place Restaurant

92/100

Chatham's Place is a highly-regarded fine dining establishment in Orlando, celebrated for its excellent food, impeccable service, and romantic ambiance enhanced by live piano music. While most diners have a flawless experience, some note small portion sizes and high prices, and a few have encountered significant wait times for entrees.

Pro tip: Outstanding fine dining with impeccable service, though portions can be small for the price.

🍽️Food95

The food is consistently described as first-rate, with many diners calling it the best they've ever had. Dishes are known for their quality, freshness, and expert preparation, with specific mentions of filet mignon, seafood, and soufflés.

Best Filet I have ever had!!

👋Service96

Service is overwhelmingly lauded as impeccable, attentive, and personalized, with staff often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. Many servers are repeatedly mentioned by name for their top-notch care.

Service is also wonderful and so attentive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently described as romantic, intimate, classy, and elegant, enhanced by live piano music, creating a sophisticated European-inspired ambiance.

Romantic and classy place

💰Value65

While the food and experience are well-regarded, several diners note that portion sizes are small relative to the high prices, leading to some concerns about overall value for money.

Portions are extremely small for the price

📍 7575 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
4.8$$$$OrlandoAmerican
Ideal for
Romantic dinnersSpecial occasionsImpressing guests
7.

Kaya

92/100

Kaya offers an excellent and authentic Filipino dining experience in Orlando, celebrated for its flavorful, creative dishes and magical, welcoming atmosphere. Service is well-regarded as outstanding, contributing to a memorable culinary journey.

Pro tip: Outstanding Filipino cuisine with a magical atmosphere and outstanding service.

🍽️Food95

Kaya offers an first-rate and authentic Filipino dining experience, with dishes frequently described as flavorful, creative, and beautifully presented. Ingredients are noted for their freshness and quality.

Undoubtedly one of the best restaurants

👋Service95

Service is well-regarded as outstanding, with staff noted for being welcoming, attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience.

The service was nice, attentive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is frequently described as magical, cozy, intimate, and welcoming, often evoking a sense of home and Filipino culture.

Dining at Kaya Restaurant was nothing short of magical.

💰Value75

While many find the food and experience worth the price, some diners feel the a la carte portions are small or the overall cost is high for the quality received.

Prices here are at a fine dining level

📍 618 N Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
4.6$$$OrlandoFilipino
Ideal for
Adventurous foodies seeking unique flavorsCelebrating special occasionsExperiencing elevated Filipino cuisine
8.

Purple Ocean Superfood Bar

92/100

Purple Ocean Superfood Bar is a highly-regarded plant-based eatery celebrated for its remarkably fresh and flavorful açaí bowls and creative vegan dishes. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and friendly service are significant draws, making it a popular spot for healthy and delicious meals.

Pro tip: Best açaí bowls ever, amazing food, great vibes, and friendly staff.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, vibrant flavors, and creative plant-based preparations, with açaí bowls being a particular highlight.

Amazing fruit and Acai

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, patient, and enthusiastic, contributing positively to the overall dining experience.

Great service and friendly staff

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as a major draw, with diners highlighting its cute, tropical, island, and relaxed vibes, often enhanced by Latin music.

Cute and a vibe

💰Value90

Portions are noted as generous, and prices are considered fair, especially given the quality and size of the offerings.

Great value for your money

📍 1530 S Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32806
4.9$$OrlandoVegan/Vegetarian
Ideal for
Vegan and vegetarian dinersThose seeking fresh, healthy optionsDiners who appreciate a lively atmosphere
9.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

92/100

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. In Orlando offers a highly enjoyable, themed dining experience centered around the Forrest Gump movie. It excels in providing excellent service and a fun atmosphere, complemented by consistently delicious food, making it a popular choice for families and fans.

Pro tip: The food was delicious and fresh, and the service was amazing!

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, fresh, and well-prepared, with many dishes, particularly shrimp preparations, highlighted as standouts. Some minor critiques exist regarding texture or temperature, but overall quality is high.

The food was delicious and fresh.

👋Service95

Service is overwhelmingly described as outstanding, with numerous servers well-regarded for their attentiveness, friendliness, humor, and knowledge. Staff are noted for making guests feel welcome and for their ability to handle busy periods.

Our server was amazing!

Vibe95

The Forrest Gump theme is a major draw, creating a fun, energetic, and immersive atmosphere that diners consistently enjoy. The decor and memorabilia are frequently mentioned as highlights.

Fun and full of that classic Forrest Gump charm

💰Value80

While acknowledged as potentially pricey, especially given its theme park location, the value is generally considered good due to generous portions and the overall experience provided.

A little pricey but you should expect that

📍 6000 Universal Blvd Suite 735, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
4.8$$OrlandoAmerican
Ideal for
Forrest Gump movie fansFamilies with childrenTheme park visitors seeking a fun meal
10.

Zikrayat Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge

92/100

Three weeks old and already hitting strong marks, which would be suspicious except the shawarma arrives with the kind of char and spice that doesn't happen by accident. The room walks a tightrope between hookah lounge and upscale restaurant—table service, cloth napkins, actual care in plating—and mostly nails it. One diner hit a dry-meat situation during service and the management owned it immediately. The pricing is higher than a casual Mediterranean spot usually costs, but if you're actually looking for quality execution with hookah on the side, this lands.

Pro tip: The baklava is underselling itself in the reviews—it deserves a solo order even if you're full.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mediterranean flavors, freshness, and beautiful presentation, with specific highlights including shawarma, hummus, and baklava.

Every dish was full of flavor

👋Service93

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, professional, and welcoming, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.

Staff was attentive and friendly

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as warm, welcoming, cozy, elegant, and relaxing, with a great lounge vibe.

Atmosphere was warm and welcoming

💰Value75

While generally well-received, a few diners noted the restaurant is on the pricier side, though portions are often described as generous.

A little on the pricey side

📍 11025 International Dr Suite C, Orlando, FL 32821, United States
4.9$$$OrlandoMediterranean
Ideal for
Mediterranean cuisine enthusiastsGroups seeking a relaxed lounge atmosphereHookah patrons

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