Kaya Restaurant: 618 N. Thornton Ave. Orlando
Let me tell you about Kaya. This charming little restaurant has been creating waves in the Orlando food scene for the last few years, and the secret is officially out. Not only is it Michelin recommended, but it also holds Florida’s very first Michelin Green Star for sustainability and was a 2024 James Beard Finalist for Best New Restaurant in the country.
Located in the vibrant Mills 50 district (which is easily one of my favorite neighborhoods—you can check out my perfect day in Mills 50 Guide here, Kaya offers a Filipino ‘casual’ fine dining experience that is as unique as it is delightful.
As soon as we pulled up, we could tell this was not a typical restaurant. It is a small house turned into a cozy sanctuary, exuding a warm and welcoming atmosphere that instantly made us feel at home. You can find parking across the street in a decent-sized lot or look for on-street parking nearby.
We came for happy hour and did not have a reservation. Kaya always welcomes walk-in’s, and we were able to get seats at their small bar. They also have a great happy hour: Tues-Thurs from 5:30-7pm and Fri-Sat. 9pm-close.
New for 2026: Kapé Kaya Saturdays
If you aren’t looking for a full dinner, you have to try their Saturday morning pop-up, Kapé Kaya. From 9:30 AM to noon, they transform into a walk-in café with incredible Filipino-inspired pastries and coffee. It is the perfect way to start a Saturday in Orlando.
Beyond the daily service, Kaya occasionally hosts a curated Supper Club that feels more like an intimate dinner party than a restaurant outing. These exclusive, ticketed events often feature unique collaborations with other local chefs or themed menus that dive deep into specific regions of Filipino cuisine.
It is a fantastic way to meet fellow Orlando foodies while enjoying off-menu experiments from the kitchen. Because these are limited-seating events, they usually sell out fast, so I always recommend keeping a close eye on their Instagram stories or signing up for their newsletter to snag a spot as soon as they are announced.
Whichever way you choose to experience Kaya will be a delight! And although you can walk-in…I always recommend reservations due to this restaurants small size.
Delicious Roots
Kaya is the brainchild of the passionate team behind Kadence, the famous Michelin-starred omakase spot in Audubon Park. They wanted to bring the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines to our city, and the execution is flawless.
The restaurant’s name translates to ‘can do’ or ‘able to,’ reflecting the team’s spirit. You can truly taste the love they have for their heritage in every bite.
What to Order: The A La Carte Favorites
The menu changes a bit daily based on what is fresh and local, but I have to share what we enjoyed. The a la carte menu features several small dishes, and every single one was exceptional.
Some of our absolute favorites were:
- Lumpiang Shanghai: Pork and Shrimp spring rolls
- Bahay Kubo: Beets, papaya, orange, strawberry corn relish
- Crab Fat Shrimp: White shrimp, crab fat, coconut cream, collards
- Ube, That’s Good: Ube infused vodka, giffard banana, velvet falernum
Everything was delicious, but if you see these on the menu when you visit, do not hesitate to order them!
Kaya also has an amazing craft cocktail menu…and the bartender’s were amazing! All the drinks were wonderfully balanced and unique. My favorite was the ‘Ube, that’s good’ and the ‘Game Na’.
Final Thoughts
Everything about Kaya is exquisite. Despite the casual, ‘homey’ setting, the attention to detail—from the presentation to the impeccable service—is what you would expect from a world-class establishment. We felt completely welcomed into their home, which is a rarity in today’s world.
Whether you are a local or a visitor exploring the city, Kaya is a must-do. It is more than just a restaurant in a cute house; it is a celebration of Filipino culinary heritage. Put it at the top of your 2026 Orlando Restaurant List.
If you’re looking for more ways to fill your Orlando itinerary, I’ve got you covered. You might want to explore some of my favorite happy hour around town with my Insider’s Guide to Orlando Happy Hours, or if you’re planning a bigger night out, head over to my list of the Best Orlando Restaurants to see which other local favorites made the cut this year.
For those of you visiting from out of town and hitting the parks, don’t forget to check out my latest Disney World Construction Updates so you can plan your transit and timing perfectly. There is always something new popping up in this city, and I can’t wait to share my next find with you!
Thanks for reading!
