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Orlando isn’t just home to Mickey Mouse and rollercoasters! It is also home to some great restaurants and unique shops, like…
- For those with a sweet tooth, Gideon’s is a popular dessert stop for locals who are looking for the best cookie out there. Their ½ pound treats are well worth the long lines. With their original location in Winter Park, Gideon’s became so popular, they opened a second location at Disney Springs.
- Briarpatch is one of my favorite brunch spots, located on Park Avenue in Winter Park. This is the perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch after shopping at the Winter Park Famers Market (opened every Saturday), and then following up with some great shopping along Park Ave. I highly recommend the Belgian Waffle.
- Prato is another one of my favorites in Winter Park. This is an Italian restaurant that offers great pizzas and a variety of Italian dishes. I really enjoy their Happy Hour and recommend you stop by Monday – Friday, between 4-6pm to try their Happy Hour specials.
- While I am not recommending the wine room for their food (although they do have a small appetizer and snack menu), this is a great place to enjoy an evening out. The Wine Room showcases over 100 wines using a dispensary system. You simply allocate money on a card that you then use to dispense wine throughout the store. I love this concept to be able to try and enjoy so many different varieties of wine.
- Four Rivers has multiple locations around the Orlando area. This is by far my favorite BBQ place that I have ever been. From their meat variety to their sides, I am never disappointed when I go to Four Rivers. They even have a small sweet shop within their restaurant so you can get your daily dose of chocolate while visiting.
- Located at Universal’s City Walk, you do not need a park ticket to enjoy this sweet shop. Voodoo Donuts has some of the most creative donuts I have seen. My personal favorite is the cookies and cream.
- This Ramen hotspot is incredibly popular in the Orlando area. Their homemade noodles, savory broths, and delicious small plates provide an awesome variety where you can go again and again.
- My vote for best tacos in Orlando. I absolutely love the fresh ingredients and creative tacos on their menu.
- While I was living in Orlando, I was absolutely obsessed with Greens and Grille. I still find myself stopping here when I am back in town. This salad and sandwich shop allows you to completely customize your meal with the freshest ingredients and perfectly prepared proteins. I love this if you are looking for a quick and healthy meal.
- The Osprey provides a fresh take on coastal cuisines. Oysters and fancy cocktails are the things to get. The bartenders here are high quality. Most have won local bartending competitions for their unique cocktails.
