Best of Orlando, Says Random Girl on the Internet

Grandpa Simpson vibes are what I'm bringing to my list of the tastiest places Orlando has to offer, but let's be very clear to start.

This is a list I curated of my personal favorites. That by no means makes any of these the uncontested Best. Best is a relative term, and you are welcome to disagree with me.

What are my qualifications for making this list? Nothing really. I've been writing about Orlando's food scene for almost 13 years now, and I've been through all of our phases and trends. From frozen yogurt shop spurt to the donut upward trend, the craft coffee surplus, the hot chicken and chicken tendie takeover, and Instagram-vibes-only restaurants. Now, deep in an Asian cuisine boom, I've been here eating, laughing, gobbling, and loving every minute of seeing Orlando go from Bennigan's Baddie to a melting pot of mom and pop culinary prowess.

I've watched as so many of our beloved restauranters went from Farmers Market and Food Truck hustlers to brick-and-mortar titans. I've seen many come and go, which has been equally heartbreaking and inspiring. Our food scene will continue to grow and improve, if developers and out-of-town investors don't drive small operations out of business, that is.

So, while you may disagree with my list, no votes were counted but my own, and there was also no promotional ad spend; therefore, it's still worth a quick scroll.

Best Bakery that started at a Farmers Market table and is still going strong.

Buttermilk Bakery

I used to run to the Maitland Farmers Market to get my fix of Buttermilk Pop-Tarts and a bag of their granola. Those were the good old days when you knew something special was happening in our little culinary corner of the city. To see Taissa and her family continuing to thrive, pivot through Covid, and maintain their consistency in their product is something that deserves way more kudos than they get. They remain the best bakery in my heart, undefeated.

Best and cheapest way to feel like you went to Europe just to eat a croissant, but all you can afford to do is hop on I-4.

J’Adore Bakery

Just when I thought another bakery surely wasn't necessary, J'Adore came along to tell me to sit down, shut up, and feast. These pastries are coming to you straight from the South of France, courtesy of the owners who moved here and opened up a small cafe in Altamonte. The construction of their croissants is a thing of beauty, and the almond croissant doesn't hold back with its generous filling, which I find myself craving over and over again. The cinnamon roll? A less gluttonous version of one of my favorite sweets. I'm so glad they are here!

Best Hot Chicken that doesn’t make my stomach explode 15 minutes after.

JAM Hot Chicken

Jam Hot Chicken started as a pop-up and has become one of the few places that get me to dine near Park Avenue, over in Hannibal Square. When I'm looking for a good hot chicken, burning my mouth and my intestines isn't what I'm looking for. It's the flavor I want to linger in, not the texture of dry chicken or an overzealous burn I'm looking to extinguish in a dunk of ranch. I need balance, and considering the spices used in its creation, I'd prefer to taste them. Jam Hot Chicken does a great job of introducing my taste buds to the flavors first; then it shows me the heat, and then cools it down with a heaping crunch of coleslaw and a handful of pickles on the side. It's a whole journey, not a one-stop trip from painful bite to chugging water.

Best Doughnuts that have never been hard, dense, or stale in their entire existence.

DG Doughnuts

If you're a true Orlando foodie, you know DG Doughnuts started as a donut delivery service. Chef and owner Amanda Eubanks is a Le Cordon Bleu alumna and was previously head of all things sweet at 4Rivers. She wanted to make donuts, so she did. From delivery to the gas station kitchen and now her home in Ocoee, Amanda's doughnuts remain some of the best in the Greater Orlando area. Her banana pudding doughnuts should win awards. What award, I don't know, but stick a blue ribbon on it. It doesn't hurt that she's a lovely human, either.

Best Coffee Shop that never serves burnt or overly acidic coffee, $8 glasses of light brown milk, or gray matcha.

Haan - Stemma - Deeply

I don't think it's possible to pick one coffee shop as supreme over all the others because our coffee scene is truly so strong. My top three rarely change. They are all consistent, and for true coffee lovers, leaning on the snobby side, consistency is key (as are homemade syrups, baristas who understand coffee and pull good shots, and a vibe that makes you feel welcome and not a bother).

Haan gets a special shoutout from me because they are a roaster, and their beans are just as exceptional on my home grinder and espresso machine as they are in their cafe. So it's ok that they rarely have a place for me to sit. I can drink their goodness at home as well.

Best Coffee Shops when you leave the Mills 50/Downtown Bubble.

Luminescent - True Coffee - Piccolo - Rosso

Now, when a new coffee shop opens on top of another coffee shop, I do let out a small sigh because so much of the Greater Orlando area could use an exceptional craft coffee spot. A special shoutout should go out to those doing the work for us in the far East and West suburbs.

Piccolo in Winter Garden is always a solid spot, and has been since their pop-up days. Rosso in Longwood serves up a great cup and roasts their own beans. True Coffee (Apopka) and Luminescent (East Orlando) are newer establishments that have impressed me and served me well while on their respective sides of town. Spread the craft coffee wealth, guys!

Best Sushi to drive across town for.

Norigami

If you live in Winter Garden, it's not a drive for you, but it's a drive for me, and a worthy one at that. Norigami doesn't feel like it belongs in a food hall anchored by a brewery with country music blaring in the background, but that's where it is, so that's where we go. Sitting at the counter and quietly watching Chef David work is a delight, and the experience is worthy of a casual night out or a special celebration.

Best Place to Eat Sushi Standing Up and Impress out-of-town friends who think Orlando is just suburban sprawl, chains, and theme parks.

Edoboy

I have a condition in the POTS family (oversharing alert), so if you understand what that means, you know that for me to STAND for the duration of my meal, the food HAS to be good. Not only are these bites are some of my favorites, but this is one of the best places to take someone who thinks Orlando is a culinary blip to show them that we are serious and we know good food. You'll get a show while enjoying a great meal. And if I faint, it won't matter as long as my last sip was their bowl of Miso.

Best overall Sushi spots that won’t disappoint you.

WA Sushi - Mosonori - Sushi Tomi

Much like coffee, the sushi scene has much to celebrate, so I can't limit my love to one place. And realistically, this is still limiting it - Seito, Kabooki, Kadence, Oza Izakaya, the list goes on. However, I want to give my love to these three spots because they've consistently provided high-quality meals and service, and I think all three are moderately priced and accessible—no need to dress up or spend $200. Good sushi in a comfortable atmosphere will always win in my book.

WA Sushi is a quiet and dark little spot tucked away in a Casselberry strip mall. Sushi Tomi is a long time IYKYK in a sprawling shopping center off John Young with no frills, that feels so authentic and perfect, and Mosonori, the most glamorous of the three, left me swooning on every roll I had while sitting at their Winter Park bar.

Best Pizza (s) because Orlando does actually have good pizza.

Black Magic - Seby’s - Ziggies

Are we seeing the trend yet? For some of these categories, it's impossible to pick one, and that is why we are blessed with so many options that there is no reason to get online and engage in weird digital food fights over who reigns supreme. When it comes to pizza, especially, what your preferences are will dictate who your beloved dough boy is. I'm originally from Connecticut, and I will fly home to eat at Sally's, so needless to say, I'm a thin-crust gal. So, no surprise, I love Ziggies. Seby's holds a special place in my heart, as far as NY-style pies go: good crust, no puddles of oil, and a delightful owner. Black Magic Pizza has also never disappointed me, from the pop-up days when I ate their pizza on top of the SODO Target roof to now, at their Milk District window, they've been solid.

That doesn't even touch on the amazing Grandma pie I had at Lil Vinny's in Winter Springs, or the pies coming out of AJ's over in Winter Garden. We have good pizza. You have to find what you like.

Best Restaurant that Feels Like Eating at Home (with way better food).

Kaya

As you step inside the renovated bungalow, you enter a warm space that feels like the comfortable dining room of a friend more than a bustling restaurant. Family and community are the focal point with the large image by artist Kristina Corre depicting the coming together of communities, working together, lifting each other up. You glance over from your table to see the fully open kitchen, quiet and organized, and you’re served such comforting dishes that showcase how most Filipino cooking happens - with what is found right in the backyard. It’s a special place, and was long before Green Star accolades. With karaoke outside on the front porch, a dazzling courtyard that sparkles at night, and graciously hosts other chefs and makers, this is a community hub, not just another restaurant.

Best Bang for your Buck.

Kook’n with Kim

If you know about Kook’n with Kim, you know that you leave with what feels like a pound of food each visit. Miss Kim doesn’t skimp on her portions or her flavor. The lunch portion of fried chicken with sides and cornbread easily feeds two, and do not miss her banana pudding!

Best Place to Grab a bowl of Green during those few weeks when you re-enter your healthy girl era.

Greenbeat

For some reason, Orlando has gotten salad chains I've never heard of (one gave me food poisoning), but places like Sweetgreen and Chopt have eluded us. That's ok since we have our own local spot called Greenbeat. If you've never heard of it, there are three locations: one in downtown Orlando, one in Baldwin Park, and one by the Outlets. Their salads are great and come in generous portions. I used to be a Greens and Grille girl back in the day, but I don't dare drive over to Millenia unless it's necessary. So I'm glad Greenbeat exists. Keep them in mind when you are in the mood for something lighter.

Best Ramen Slurp.

Ramen Takagi

No one has touched Ramen Takagi for me. The depth of flavor in their broth is so good. I brought some family members who practically live in Japan for the summer every year, and they agreed with my feelings that it's the real deal. You can disagree, but I'm gonna keep right on slurping. Honorable mention to Jimotti’s in Sanford.

Best overall restaurant that has never disappointed me in over 10+ years.

The Strand

A cozy neighborhood eatery serving up farm-to-table staples is what The Strand has always been. They’ve never pretended to be anything else. And while Mills has changed and grown with trendy spots that attract a bustling weekend nightlife, they remain a constant comfort of classics. Once a more unknown and underappreciated escape where you could easily walk in and grab a table has become a harder spot to snag without a reservation (unless you arrive early and grab a stool at the bar). In truth, I’m happy for them to see them get their flowers while staying consistently delicious and hospitable, and extending that to their new bar next door. I want all that The Strand has to offer, for as long as they are willing to grace our city.

Best Restaurant where you have no idea what is going on, but you 100% trust the Chefs implicitly.

Coro

I believe I’ve dined at Coro three times so far, and I can’t wait for my next meal there. The menu, while sometimes cryptic, lists a few ingredients and leaves you either furiously googling under the table, asking several questions before ordering, or simply letting go of all culinary control and selecting what sounds the most intriguing. With all that wonder, you’d think they’d have some misses under their belt for the times I’ve dined there, but they continue to impress me with each visit. The creativity to work with fresh ingredients that are delivered from local purveyors daily, while delivering a different experience each time is what keeps me coming back, and I hope it’s what keeps them in Orlando for a long time.

The best brunch spot where you can indulge in booze if you want to, but that’s not its primary identity.

Redlight Redlight

Having Chef Jes Tantalo take the helm in the kitchen at Redlight Redlight is one of the best things to happen to Orlando. Redlight has been a mainstay for craft beer lovers for a long time; many of us Orlandoans remember their space over on Bennett Road. However, if you were never into craft beer that much, you may have never stepped foot in either space, so the addition of the kitchen breathes a whole new life into what is now officially a proper brew pub. I’ve been very vocal about how Chef Jes’s menus at Redlight are sorely underappreciated or perhaps just unknown, from her wings and disco fries, to her Ode to Olive Garden menu, which was remarkably good, and her Sunday brunch, which should be packed with a line out the door.

Best place to get a drink, not feel out of place, be able to hear the person you’re with, and the bartenders don’t look like they are actively plotting your demise.

Sparrow - Death in the Afternoon

No shade to any Mills bars, you all have great qualities, but some of you have bartenders who have been less than welcoming, and on top of that, terrible acoustics. I’m not in my twenties anymore, and a night out featuring cocktail chaos doesn’t happen much, but when I do want to go out for a drink, I don’t want to scream or get screamed at. Currently, Sparrow and Death in the Afternoon are providing me with an atmosphere suitable for an aging millennial, and for that, I am grateful. However, I am concerned about the future of Mills 50 bars, as they are now overwhelmed, now that most people prefer not to go to downtown Orlando at night. I hope we can preserve some quiet corners.

Best place to be brave and eat with Strangers.

Our Home Supper Club

The Our Home Supper Club might be the only way I will eat with strangers for the foreseeable future. These events are entertaining, with meticulous care and detail curated into a delightful evening of eating, drinking, mingling, and, of course, karaoke. While many dinners are hosted in the comfort of a private home, they have started to include larger paid dinners that involve multiple courses, stickers, DIY wine chains, disposable cameras, elaborate interactive desserts, and a true sense of calm and comfort even around a table of people you don’t know, but somehow are singing Spice Girls with.

Best food-related activity that helps you meet new people and try new things.

Bake Club Orlando

When I see people saying there is nothing to do in Orlando, I think immediately that they don’t know who Jennyfer Marie is. Jennyfer is single-handedly bringing back fun, whimsical, interpersonal events in many forms. One of her regular events is Bake Club Orlando. She secures locations, dreams up themes, decorates, provides takeaway boxes, gives you cute stickers, and doesn’t force anything but a table of tasty treats. I attended one, completely solo, and had a fabulous time. I baked something simple and watched gleefully as it disappeared from the table. At the same time, I was blown away by the talent of all the other bakers who brought their own creations, some even contributed dishes that were cherished family recipes. These are truly special events attended by a diverse group of people, and you will feel welcome. Even better, you’ll leave with a bounty of goodies.

Best Breakfast Burrito that is served with a sauce you want to take a bath in.

Papi’s Burritos

For the size of our fair city, it’s definitely odd that it took us so long to get a proper breakfast burrito. Enter Coloradoan Ashley, who went from slinging at pop-ups to having her very own stall in the East End Market. The menu is simple, offering three options for burritos served with a house-made guasacaca sauce that elevates an already solid burrito into an euphoric experience. Possibly the best part is the $10 price tag.

Best food served out of a window in an industrial park.

Gnarly Cuban

I love the Gnarly Cuban. Their Gnarly Cuban empanada won me over years ago as they found their footing at pop-ups, markets, and a brief stint at the Neighors in the East End Market. Now they've taken up a kitchen hidden in College Park's industrial area near 441 and outfitted it with a Ventanita - or window. Something you'd see all over Miami, but not here, until now. The menu is now more robust, featuring breakfast and lunch bowls, as well as other Cuban favorites, such as Croquetas, Pan Cubano, pastelitos, and, of course, Cuban coffee. Good Cuban eats remain hard to come by here. I went to a popular chain to get some items with my (Cuban) Dad, and they were all pretty abysmal. Thank goodness Gnarly Cuban is here to save the day.

Best sandwich that should have been served to Phil Rosenthal so he could roll his eyes and squeal while he ate it.

M’ama Napoli

I think the Toto sandwich from Mama Napoli would have delighted Phil Rosenthal. Sure, as a well-traveled food enthusiast, I’m sure he’s had something similar overseas, but in a tourist town like Orlando? Maybe it would have dazzled him like it dazzled me. Biting into their pillowy, perfectly soft Foccacia bread surely would have gotten a genuine reaction. It remains one of my favorite sandwiches in the city, and if you haven’t tried it yet, add it to the list.

Best BBQ where the meat and the sides both slap, so even tho you spent a literal cell phone bill to eat it, it was worth it.

Mohawk Smokehouse

BBQ is expensive, so we have absolutely no time for bad meat or bad sides. Thankfully, if you can hit up a Mohawk pop-up, he will come through for you on both fronts. It's honestly been a long time since I've had a BBQ platter with no misses; it's tough to find these days. While I don't like to hype things, this truly is, to me, the best BBQ I've had in Florida. Both the brisket and the pulled pork get a 10/10 from me. Sure, there are still other contenders out there for me to try, but Mohawk Smokehouse has now set the bar incredibly high. If you go and don't enjoy it, I would be shocked. Honorable mention to Uncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ and most specifically the Cheddar Jalapeno Sausage from Smokemade Meats.

Best Fried Chicken (not Hot Chicken).

The Monroe

I’ve had the Fried Chicken at the Monroe a few times now, and it has yet to disappoint. Both on their brunch menu and their regular menu, it’s a staple of their southern-leaning cuisine for a reason. Each time I’ve had it, it’s been crispy and well-seasoned, and never dry. Some other contenders rumbling in the category, I’ve had some misfires and bland bites, so while I believe there very well could be a better fried chicken out there, for now Monroe wins.

Honorable Mention Fried Chicken that isn’t in Orlando, but worth a stop if you find yourself near Deland.

Taste of Soul

I’m cheating because this place isn’t in Orlando, but it deserves recognition for its fried chicken. A crispy, well-seasoned batter and juicy meat inside, this little gem really impressed me with its offerings.

Best random food I want to eat on its own all the time.

Mamak Roti

This is random, but I could eat the Roti from Mamak daily. It’s so buttery and light, and the signature spicy coconut kari gravy it comes with really adds some nice spice. Honestly, this and their sesame-chilled noodles carried me through Covid to-go orders, and I still love them.

Best restaurant when you are celebrating and ready to indulge.

Camille

It’s really hard for me to throw down a couple of hundred dollars on a meal. It’s the poor kid in a family of seven background in me. It feels so indulgent and over-the-top, and honestly, I usually feel woefully out of place in high-end places. Despite that, I did indulge in a meal at Camille, which is now a one-star Michelin-recognized restaurant. My one and only meal at Camille was fantastic. The way it’s set up, I didn’t feel intimidated or out of place at all. Even Chef Tung puts you at ease, which I find is pretty rare in an environment like that. Each course was exceptional, even the bread service. And the way it is arranged, you really feel like you're sitting at the counter in a wealthy friend's home and being hosted and cared for by them. I’ve only done it once because it is a splurge, but if I had a reason to celebrate again, I would absolutely consider making it a more frequent occasion.

Best place for Girl Dinner.

D.B.A

My personal Caesar salad addiction goes way back to my days working at Chili’s. Staff meals were 50% off, and as a single and very poor twenty-something working two jobs, I took full advantage of eating most of my meals there. But one cannot live on Crispers alone, so their Chicken Caesar with a side of fries became my mainstay, and literally fueled me for longer than I’d like to admit. It’s still a staple meal for me at home, so to see it become a trend was both amusing and exciting, as it meant more restaurants might cater to my hyperfixation. In comes Sister Bar to the Stand, D.B.A., going hard on a Wednesday night with a “Girl Dinner” special. Their Caesar salad, a side of fries, and a cocktail for $25. Thank you D.B.A, for making my Girl Dinner dreams come true!

Place spot to grab a quick breakfast to eat in your car and disassociate where no one can see your egg splooge.

Deli Desires

I recall when Deli Desires first began operating in Orlando, and I placed an order that I picked up in the Stardust parking lot, not knowing who I was meeting or what the quality of the items would be. It was a whim based on "they are a friend of a friend" DM. That first bite of Challah and the accompanying spreads told me everything I needed to know, and I was sold on this new concept that had no home yet. Now, even after part of the opening team moved away, the consistency doesn't seem to have had an impact. The Latke is in HEAVY rotation (see heavy breathing cat meme for me on a Sunday), and I truly appreciate their coffee program that gives us dependable bangers like the Candied Orange Latte, and then all of a sudden drops a Tomato Leaf latte on us like it's no big deal. If you aren't taking advantage of their $15 lunch combo, get on that. Grab extra napkins, you will encounter egg splooge.

Best tacos that are getting you as close to the West Coast in Orlando as you will find.

Over the Border Taqueria

In true Tijuana-style form, these tacos are dressed with onions, cilantro, salsa, and a heap of guacamole. It may not sound earth-shattering to you, but what's unique is the flavor and taste. They are genuinely some of the most flavorful bites I've had locally. You can taste the freshness in the toppings, the smoky flavor in the meat, not to mention a nice kick of heat. Each bite is well-rounded, and unlike so many tacos and quesadillas, they weren't greasy. At their peak in popularity, I waited almost an hour to get my hands on these, and I would do it again.

Best tacos that aren’t “street tacos”, but “fancier tacos”.

Black Rooster Taqueria - Hunger Street Tacos

Both Hunger Street and Black Rooster serve up delicious tacos. There’s no reason to pit them against each other, or crown one better than the other, in my personal opinion. They both satisfy essential needs in different areas. Black Rooster’s Crispy Fish taco is one of my all-time favorites. That crisp white fish, with the tang from the pickled cabbage, paired with the cool creaminess of the avocado, set off with a pop of lime. Gosh, I want one now, actually. I even add it into the itinerary when I take friends on food crawls, stopping here literally so they can try this one singular taco. Over at Hunger Street, the Suadero (Brisket) Taco is unctuous in the best way possible. So rich that I can’t eat more than two in one sitting. I love a good hole-in-the-wall taco spot just as much as the next person who scoffs at $5 tacos, but there’s at least good craft and reason behind the prices. These tacos both deliver. (Sorry, I don’t have a good picture of the Suadero taco; I probably ate it too fast.)

Best new addition to our culinary scene.

Palm Beach Meats

I almost didn’t make this category, because it’s a tough one. We’ve seen some really stellar openings so far in 2025, which would make it difficult to choose. Until I sat down and really thought about who brought an expertise here that can be enjoyed by both patrons in the restaurant, home cooks, local chefs, and restaurateurs, and only one name clearly came to me. Palm Beach Meats. When you speak with Eric and Meghan, the owners of PBM, you can truly appreciate that they are fully immersed in the world of Wagyu. You can’t help but learn from them. Even if your conversations are brief, they ooze knowledge and hospitality. Beyond their delicious food, I look forward to discovering what else they cultivate in Orlando.

Best Breakfast that I cannot wait to have again.

Nic & Luc

Nic & Lic was a devastatingly under-the-radar spot for breakfast in Longwood, but they closed up shop to find a new space. The new space is currently underway, closer to downtown Orlando, and I cannot wait for them to reopen, as someone has protested for years that we severely lack delicious breakfast cafes. Their breakfast burrito was a large and solid addition to what hopefully becomes a longer roster of AM burrito options, and even a simple breakfast place rivaled other places in town. I need them back.

Best comfort eats that have been a mainstay in Orlando for over 10 years that still bring it every time.

Overrice

I found OverRice at what was then called Tasty Tuesdays in the Milk District back in 2013. I blame his truck for claiming most of my attention at those events because I rarely bothered trying new trucks if Joel was there. Over the past 10+ years, OverRice has become one of Orlando's most notable and popular food trucks, thanks to the quality of its food. The consistency remains at their Lee Rd brick-and-mortar shop, with Lumpia as crunchy as ever.

Best getaway to Hawaii in your mind.

Rion’s Ocean Room

Have I ever been to Hawaii? No. So what I have to say about Poke means absolutely nothing. However, having tried all the Poke in Orlando, this is the best to my taste buds. What some Poke has lacked for me in the past is flavor on its own. Just chunks of raw fish thrown in a bowl, and then you're upcharged to add accouterments to make it more desirable. At Rion's, I made only minor adjustments to my selections, and the changes I made were primarily for a textural component. The flavors are already mixed in, allowing the proteins to stand on their own with a bit of rice. It's been a great addition to the East End Market.

Best Vegan spot to support while we are losing our Vegan spots.

Veggie Garden

Orlando’s vegan scene has been taking a beating lately. We once had a fairly admirable vegan scene, but we’ve lost many in the past few years, making it more critical than ever to support the ones that are still standing, one of which is Veggie Garden. Right next door to Pho Huong Lan, this spot might get overlooked, but the service is so sweet and the food is delicious and comforting. It was one of the few places I could take a visiting vegan friend from out of town, and she was so grateful for the food and hospitality. Support them!

Best slice of pie that might change your life.

Sister Honey’s Chocolate Cream Pie

Sister Honey’s over in SODO doesn’t receive the local love she deserves. Her pies are perfection. As the kids say, “the audible gasp I gusped” when I first had a slice of her chocolate cream pie. It has no peers here. When you enter her Sodo shop, you can see the accolades on the wall. Her powerful pie-making skills are no secret, but often get overlooked in favor of more dazzling sweet cafes. In a city with many solid bakeries, there are few, if any, I would choose over Sister Honey’s for a pie.

Best place to get Pho in a city of seemingly endless Pho options.

Pho Huong Lan

What separates Pho Huong Lan from all the other Pho establishments? The Broth. There is no razzle-dazzle in this joint, tucked away off Mills, actually hidden from clear view from Colonial. They don’t need to impress with much else because they know they have the secret to arguably the best Pho in the city. I have no business rating other cultures’ food as the best; all I can tell you is it’s my favorite, and I’ve slurped Pho all around Orlando. Honorable mention to Pho 2 tô on Colonial.

Best Bagel that you can actually enjoy without it being toasted.

Jeff’s Bagel Run

I’ve been a Jeff fan since he was dropping bagels off at doorsteps. A nice crackly, crunchy exterior and a chewy (but not overly dense on the jaw) interior. If you get that ratio right, it doesn’t need to be toasted. I can count more times that my bag of bagels was handed to me warm than not. What often needs a toaster is a poor performance bagel. If you have a toasting preference, that’s fine, but to make it your default setting to disregard some really excellent bagels, I can’t agree. On a recent trip to NYC, I ate some stellar bagels, not a toaster in sight.

Best B.E.C without hopping on a flight to NYC.

OffEarth Street Food

This spot flies under the radar because it’s inside the ghost kitchen at Curry Ford and Conway. The owners, who originally hail from New York, give us a very close taste of the real thing. In all my B.E.C. research, it was the cheapest and had the most flavor. It was just salty enough, lots of cheese, with a good Kaiser roll - it hit all the spots. Honorable mention Orlando City Deli always makes a stellar B.E.C as well.

Best place to enjoy Ethiopian food with friends and family.

Selam Ethiopian

My first experience with Ethiopian food was in NYC ages ago, and from my first meal, I was hooked. I LOVE Ethiopian food! I love Romay’s Food Truck, and I love the Nile, but I think Selam is my favorite. The whole restaurant exudes warmth and hospitality. Their combination platter easily feeds two or even three. There’s something so satisfying about grabbing different vegetables and meats with your own little piece of Injera, enjoying how the flavors and textures blend. If you haven’t tried Ethiopian food yet, this is your sign.

Best Korean-style wings that are technically a chain but locally owned.

92 Chicken

Technically, no chains are allowed on my list, but 92 Chicken gets a pass. Why? Well, it's my list, my rules, and these wings are delicious. The secret behind these wings is the double crunch; each piece is double-fried to a golden crisp. What really makes it my favorite is that this crunch remained intact with the toppings I chose. The Snow Onion, especially, could have easily sogged these wings up, but the crunch was still there with an amplification of flavor. A local person owns this spot on W. Colonial (I'm not sure if it's a franchise or not), but regardless, these wings are a big winner for me. Honorable mention to the KFC Wings over at Kai Asian Street Fare, and yes, of course, Domu's wings are great as well.

Best Food Truck that I wish was a Restaurant.

Lumenes Catering

Over in West Orlando, at Hiawassee and W. Colonial, to be exact, is a little blue food truck situated in a small shopping center, serving up some of the best Haitian food I've had in Orlando (outside of friends' cooking). That's what Lumenes food tastes like, though, and maybe that's why I love it so much. As tho your friend made you a plate of her best Griot recipe that tastes so vibrant and fresh, you couldn't stop thinking about it, so you begged her for more. No need to beg here, just order from Lumenes (call, don't text or DM) and your plates will be waiting for you. Go for the Griot, black rice, and mac and cheese, and enjoy.

Best Vietnamese Coffee that makes me feel like I’m going to have a heart attack in the best way.

Bamita

Around 2016/2017, there was a Vietnamese spot on E. Colonial called Mai Bistro (RIP), and not only was their food good, but they also served me the most intense Vietnamese coffee of my life. They even warned me before they handed it to me. I laughed, thinking it was partially a joke. Surely, if they knew how much caffeine I consumed, they would forgo the warning. Well, they were right to warn me, and they probably should have added a waiver. My heart started beating faster after a few sips (or at least it felt like it). They were so lovely, they even gave me a Phin filter so I could start learning how to make my own at home. They closed, and I was devastated because I would go regularly just for that Vietnamese coffee. I had been chasing that feeling ever since. The closest thing I have found to it is Bamita. A tiny (literally, only two people can fit at a time) walk-in spot off E. Colonial serves up delicious sandwiches, but their Vietnamese coffee is liquid gold. There are several options on their menu, including adding an egg foam or a salted foam. They have everything you could imagine wanting in or on top of your Vietnamese coffee, and they are currently my favorite. Honorable mentions to Black Phin, P’s Viet Mi, and Uncle Dieu’s Food Truck.

Best spot for a Bánh mì.

Bánh mì Cali

There's actually a lot of competition for a really good Bánh mì in Orlando. We have, off the top of my head, three or four excellent spots that would delight anyone with a craving, so we are not lacking in options. However, nobody has dethroned Bánh mì Cali for me, although some have come close. It's the bread. The FRESH BREAD that many customers are standing inside waiting for it to emerge from the ovens so they can buy several baguettes at once. Everything is always so fresh and balanced on these sandwiches; they are genuinely one of my favorites in the city. Honorable mention to An Vi in Casselberry and Bamita over on E. Colonial.

Best place to satisfy a Chinese food craving.

Taste of Chengdu

A typical order from Taste of Chengdu for me usually includes Sichuan pork wontons, cucumber salad (to help recover from each bite of the wontons), Dan Dan Noodles, Sichuan Cold Noodles, and Slow-Cooked Pork Belly. They are a constant in my life when I get the craving, and while it’s nice to have the ability to go back in dine inside, I still love a take-out picnic in Baldwin Park by the lake. Honorable Mention Yummy Taste in E. Orlando.

I have several more places to try, so in the next six months or so, will these rankings hold up? I can’t be sure. But what I am sure of is that local restaurants are hurting, several are down YOY, and they need our support, which is hard because, yes, everything costs more. When possible, opt for a local spot over a chain. A local family feels that choice way more than a huge corporation.