Let’s face it: we’re all tired of the same old overpriced chains near the parks. As a fellow longtime local who lives for hidden gem restaurants Orlando, you know the kind of magic you find tucked away in a random strip mall or an unassuming storefront, I’m here to spill the real tea on where we’re actually eating.
Think hole-in-the-wall heroes and those underrated spots that only Florida license plates know about. We’re talking food that slaps harder than anything you’ll find on International Drive. (If you are visiting our amazing theme parks, check out our Guides To The Parks!)
This year’s list is freshly updated, featuring 2025 best restaurants and those perennial favorites that are still somehow flying under the radar. From incredible Vietnamese in Mills 50 to amazing Ethiopian food in unexpected plazas, these 12 spots prove that Orlando’s food scene is seriously world-class—if you know where to look.
I’ve ranked them loosely by “how shocked your out-of-town friends will be that this exists here,” with price guides ($$ = entrees under $20/person), must-orders, and pro tips. Let’s dig in!
Discovering Hidden Gem Restaurants Orlando
1. Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine
(South Orlando – 5494 Central Florida Parkway)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: Tucked away in a quiet plaza far from the theme park frenzy, this family-run spot is a consistent national favorite. Tear off pieces of injera with your hands and dive into spicy tibs or veggie combos. It’s communal, insanely flavorful, and exactly what Dining in Orlando should be.
- Must-order: The combo platter for two ($35–40) with doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and lentil sambusas.
- Price: $$
- Pro tip: Go spicy—they don’t hold back if you ask! Cash is preferred if you’re dining with a big group.
2. Banh Mi Boy
(Mills 50 – Vietnamese District inside Mills Market on Colonial Drive)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: In the heart of Orlando’s vibrant Mills 50 District, this tiny sandwich shop is nested inside the Mills Market, and the banh mi here are legendary. The crispy baguettes are perfectly stuffed with grilled pork, pâté, and pickled veggies.
- Must-order: The #1 Crispy Pork Belly banh mi ($14–$16).
- Price: $$
- Pro tip: Bring your appetite. There are several food stalls inside Mills Market that are worth a try! Parking in their lot out back can be chaos, so embrace the challenge.
3. Curry Bowl
(Maitland – Hidden in an office park at 1700 Fennell St)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: Literally surrounded by corporate buildings, this Indian spot is lunch-hour gold for North Orlando locals. The butter chicken rivals any other in town, plus they have great daily specials.
- Must-order: The lamb biryani or the goat curry.
- Price: $$
- Pro tip: The weekday buffet is clutch if you’re nearby for work.
4. YH Seafood Clubhouse
(Phillips Crossing-8081 Turkey Lake Rd)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: This elevated Cantonese restaurant is heavy on the seafood. Found in a strip mall this spot brings unexpected elegance and flavor.
- Must-order: Anything off the dim sum menu—no carts here…everything comes out piping hot.
- Price: $$$
- Pro tip: It gets super busy; be sure to get reservations.
5. Nile Ethiopian
(located at 7048 International Dr)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: Another Ethiopian powerhouse that somehow still flies under the radar despite its rave reviews. Many locals prefer the richer spice profile here compared to Selam.
- Must-order: The special kitfo (spiced raw beef) or a large veggie combo.
- Price: $$
- Pro tip: Try Tej (Ethiopian honey wine) or their famous coffee if you need a pick me up!
6. Tori Tori
(Mills 50 – Hand rolls & izakaya pub)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: This moody, neon-lit spot feels like Tokyo dropped into a parking lot. Hand rolls are made to order, and they have funky daily specials like blue crab. Grab a hand roll and one of their great Japanese-inspired cocktails.
- Must-order: Any hand roll flight + a Japanese whisky highball.
- Price: $$$
- Pro tip: Bar seating is prime for watching the bartenders work mixology magic.
7. Sticky Rice Lao Street Food
(Mills 50 area – follow @stickyricelao)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: Lao food is Orlando’s most underrated cuisine, and this spot dominates. This Michelin recommended spot has a papaya salad that clears your sinuses and perfectly grilled meats.
- Must-order: Khao Piek Sen (noodle soup) and lemongrass beef jerky.
- Price: $
- Pro tip: They offer spice levels 1–10. Locals usually go for a 7+.
8. Koyla Pakistani BBQ
(Kissimmee – Newer spot that’s already cult-favorite)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: Charcoal-fired bihari kebabs and nihari (slow-cooked beef stew) that truly transport you to Karachi, hidden in a massive highway plaza.
- Must-order: The mixed grill platter—it’s the best way to try a little of everything.
- Price: $$
- Pro tip: It’s totally worth the drive from Orlando proper for this.
9. Red Panda Noodle
(New 2025 location at Art² Al La Cart Downtown)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: This food truck has blown up into a permanent spot—find their truck at Al La Cart City downtown location. With their handmade noodles pulled fresh daily, it’s no wonder they won Ramen Rumble!
- Must-order: The Spicy Chicken Katsu Noodle.
- Price: $$
- Pro tip: For metered parking use the ParkMobile app and use code: PARKDTO for 2 hours free M-Sat before 6pm. Parking is free after 6pm and on Sundays.
10. Zaru
(Mills 50 – Noodle bar that’s blowing up quietly)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: Udon and soba noodles are made in-house and served with creative, delicious toppings. It feels like a genuine secret Tokyo alley spot.
- Must-order: The Carbonara Udon (yes, really, trust me).
- Price: $$$
- Pro tip: Check out their happy hour deals on sake.
11. Negril Jamaican Restaurant
(Metrowest Orlando) They have 2 locations
- Why it’s a hidden gem: One of the few spots for proper Jamaican cuisine. This family-owned gem has been dishing out island favorites since 1996.
- Must-order: Jerk chicken or curry goat.
- Price: $$
- Pro tip: Weekends can get busy so get there early.
12. Papa Bees Wings
(Longwood – Technically a suburb, but locals swear by it)
- Why it’s a hidden gem: This wing joint is a North Orlando institution. It’s crispy, saucy wing perfection that consistently wins awards. If you love comfort food, also check out our list of Orlando’s Best Brunch Spots For Comfort Food Classics.
- Must-order: The Garlic Parmesan wings.
- Price: $$
- Pro tip: Go early—they often sell out!
Bonus: Interactive Map & 2026 Tips
Click For Google Maps with all these restaurants saved!
The influence of new attractions like Epic Universe keeps bringing in amazing international spots, but I promise you, these 12 gems remain gloriously tourist-free. Remember the pro moves: always try to go on a weekday, tip your servers well (cash is king!), and if you’re brave, ask for “local spicy.” If you hit up even three spots from this list, please report back! I’d love to hear you!
Support local – eat where the parking lot is full of Florida plates!
Thanks for reading!
