Culinary Tourism: Eat Like a Local

So if I had to guess, when you hear ‘Orlando’ the first thing you probably think of is something along the lines of theme parks; I’d imagine it’s not food. Culinary tourism in Orlando is a growing phenomenon.

From celebrity chefs to local and indigenous regional cuisine, Orlando is an up and coming restaurant epicenter. Culinary tourism also has a growing impact on the Central Florida economy.

Culinary tourism is defined by the World Food Travel organization as the personal experience of learning about the cuisine of a region or country. Moreover, culinary tourism doesn’t necessarily have to be gourmet cuisine.

Culinary Tourism in Orlando

Only a few minutes from Disney and Universal, Sand Lake Road, otherwise known as ‘Restaurant Row’, has over 20 dining establishments ranging from casual to upscale-all within a 5 minute radius! Here, you will find national chain restaurants like Bar Louie, Ocean Prime, Bonefish Grill, Melting Pot, Flemings and Ruth Chris Steak House. There are also specialized eateries that range from Turkish to Sushi to Italian to Indian. With such a wide variety of cuisines, one of these restaurants is sure to satisfy your craving!

Restaurant Row Orlando

About ten minutes from the theme parks lies one of my favorite Central Florida establishments, the Columbia in Celebration Fl. This is Florida’s oldest restaurant, and once you eat here you will understand why. This critically acclaimed family-owned restaurant serves up wonderful Cuban food and should not be missed while you are visiting the Orlando area.

If you feel like venturing out a bit, some great restaurants have popped up in Winter Park. Located about 20 minutes Northeast of Disney and Universal, Winter Park is an upscale charming suburb with some of the top trending restaurants.   Four Rivers is a local favorite for BBQ. Favorite dishes include the brisket and pulled pork as well as a variety of home-style sides. Additionally, you can satisfy your sweet tooth at the in-house bakery. ‘The Sweet Shop’ features unique desserts like the Oreo, Grasshopper, Mountain Dew Dorito and Coca Cola Potato Chip Cupcakes plus a unique variety of cakes and cookies.

Locals also rave about the Ravenous Pig. This medium priced gastro pub is a big hit with foodies. This is traditional pub food with a gourmet twist. The monthly pig roasts are a big local lure. Specialty craft cocktails and microbrews are enjoyed by drink coinsures. The upscale-casual Cask & Larder, the Ravenous Pig’s sister restaurant, boasts “sourced seasonal dishes, craft beers brewed on-site and fresh-shucked oysters from our oyster bar”. This is pub fare with a Southern flair. Ingredients from local farmers and fresh Florida seafood will not disappoint. People rave about the ‘melt in your mouth’ pork belly appetizer and entrees like the Nashville Hot Chicken (not too spicy, but a mild kick) accompanied by the smooth and creamy mac n cheese or the flavorful quail with a side of sausage apple stuffing. Wash down your meal with aptly paired house brewed beer.

Looking for something a little more ‘Floridian’? You can’t get more regional than the Catfish Place in the Kissimmee/St. Cloud area. This casual dining establishment has been in business for over 20 years serving locally caught wild catfish and southern style food. If you are feeling adventurous, try the fresh frog legs or gator. Bonnie Lee’s Fried Chicken located a mile from the Catfish Place serves large portions of fried chicken and fish. Locals praise the crispy fried succulent chicken and fish as well as the delicious corn fritters.

Keke’s Breakfast Café is a homegrown chain serving breakfast and lunch—think an alternative to First Watch. They have several locations including ones near Disney/Universal and Clermont.   Keke’s serves made-to-order meals for under $10. The huge pancakes, topped with a heaping spoonful of fruit & whipped cream, are a hit here. Portions are generous, and quality is good. You can’t go wrong for the price.

Clermont, a favorite destination for vacation home rental guests,  also boasts the newly opened gastro pub, the Crooked Spoon. Originally, only a food truck, now the Crooked Spoon is additionally brick and mortar. Affordable, kid friendly, outdoor seating and top notch food make this establishment a must eat when in the area. Try the 420 Burger – a juicy patty of Florida Angus topped with Swiss cheese, pineapple relish, candied bacon, honey mustard aioli on a toasted Brioche bun. This burger is in a league of its own. Check their website for daily specials and discounts.

And well, if you are just too tired after a day at the theme parks, you may want to think about dining-in your own personal Orlando vacation rental. ALL of our vacation home rental properties come with a fully-equipped standard kitchen. That means you can grab ingredients at your nearest Publix grocery, prepare a tasty meal and relax!!

Plan your next vacation and enjoy the culinary tourism in Orlando. Whether you wish to eat like a local, splurge with a celebrity chef or simply cook in your very own vacation home, a trip to Central Florida is the perfect choice. Culinary tourism and vacation rentals are 2 additional reasons why Orlando and Central Florida are the perfect choice as your next vacation destination!