Hidden gems aren’t hard to come by in Orlando — you just have to seek them out. From storied sub shops to walk-up Mediterranean delis to late-night taco spots, Orlando is full of great eateries that may be just out of site or nestled in a small space.
Here are 24 of Orlando’s best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
King Bao 710 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
This Mills Avenue mainstay specializes in diminuitive Asian buns stuffed with creative and delicious mixes of proteins and veggies.
Tako Cheena 932 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Tako Cheena is a combination of “food truck meets restaurant,” according to their Facebook. We’ll happily munch way at their outdoor dining area on one of the innovative fusion-flavor folds that Edgardo Guzman’s team has dreamt up. Late-night patrons happily scarf down spicy-sweet Korean beef taco, filled with bulgogi, kimchi and cilantro.
Cuban Sandwiches to Go 1605 Lee Road, Orlando
This walk-up restaurant is a perennial Best of Orlando winner for its traditional Cuban cuisine and unique efficiency. Even tourists know what’s up.
Redlight Redlight 2810 Corrine Drive, Orlando
Redlight Redlight grew from a small Park Avenue boutique into the 23-draft, 250+ bottle wonderland on Corrine Drive. Be aware, if you’re looking for the everyday cheap domestics look elsewhere, this location is a true beer bar with no cocktails offered either.
Art’s Sandwich Shop 1018 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
This family-owned sandwich shop has been supplying Orlando with hearty and tasty subs since 1972.
Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria 67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando
This beloved local sandwich salon features themed gourmet sandwiches and unique salads, with an entire menu under $15. Go crazy with one of their beefier pressed sandwiches like the Big Daddy’s Triple Decker, keep it light with The Cobb or indulge your sweet tooth with a Colossal PB&J. Late-night hours on the weekend.
Mediterranean Deli 981 W. Fairbanks Ave., Orlando
This deli is known for gyros, hummus and serving large portions of food so customers definitely get their money’s worth. Although a somewhat obvious choice, try the Greek salad and gyro.
Shiraz Market 188 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
This Middle Eastern market has a selection of grocery items as well as traditional Mediterranean treats. Yelp reviewers and our own dining critic, Faiyaz Kara, have raved about Shiraz’s falafel, Turkish delight and baklava among many, many other eats.
Beefy King 424 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando
This Central Florida meaty institution has been filling hungry Orlandoans’ stomachs with the best roast beef (and turkey, ham or pastrami) sandwiches since 1968. Beefy King also offers milkshakes and their own spin on the classic tater tot, Beefy Spuds. You wouldn’t want to deny this City Beautiful classic to the out-of-towners.
Kappy’s Subs 501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland
If you’re looking for a storied but low-key sub shop, Kappy’s Subs is your answer. Family-owned since 1967, the eatery serves classic American fare (like subs, burgers and dogs) from a good old-fashioned all American diner counter.
Mediterranean Street Food By Shishco 118 Lake Ave., Maitland
This casual, quick-serve Mediterranean destination offers Shish kebabs, gyros, falafel and more, plus a small patio for on-site dining.
Sapporo Ramen 5080 W Colonial Drive, Orlando
This West Colonial noodle house is bent on growing the ranks of the foodie cult of ramen, and after sampling richly flavored bowls of tonkotsu, shio, miso or shoyu ramen, you’ll be a believer. Udon and soba noodles are also offered, as are curries and gyudon, both of which are worth ordering.
Nile Ethiopian 7048 International Drive, Orlando
This cozy restaurant in the heart of the tourist strip is one of the best places in town to enjoy Ethiopian food — or try it for the first time. Order a combo platter (meat or veggie) and scoop it with spongy injera bread instead of utensils. First-timers may want to go easy on the kitfo, a spicy steak tartare.
Gnarly Barley 1407 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
This no-frills sandwich shop and bar offers a sizable selection of brews and specials, plus plenty of hangover destroyers like the Johnnie Mac n’ Cheese sandwich.
Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine 5494 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
A traditional Ethiopian dining experience that has placed in Yelp’s national Top 100 Restaurants for multiple years. Offering authentic Ethiopian cuisine, Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine is known for its excellent food and friendly staff.
Europol Polish Deli 3090 Aloma Ave, Winter Park
Dive into traditional Polish cuisine with some of the many dishes at Europol Deli that won’t break the bank. Returning customers have complemented the Winter Park deli’s selection of Polish specialties, specifically the homemade pierogis.
Bagel King 1455 Semoran N. Circle, Casselberry
Bagel King is a go-to destination for bagel and breakfast lovers all over Central Florida. The casual, counter-serve spot has been operating since 1977 and is home of the “kettle-baked bagel.” The menu also features various soups, salads and sandwiches. Bagel King is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gabriel’s Submarine Sandwich Shop 3006 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
These iconic sandwiches have been a College Park favorite since 1958. The shop serves up authentic American food like wings, subs and curly fries.
Yellow Dog Eats 1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere
Yellow Dog puts a little bit of a twist on Southern BBQ. Sure, you can go there to get ribs, but you would be missing out on their more original sandwiches and other off-script dishes.Try to make room for dessert (even though portions are huge) because their bakery is next-level.
Taco Kat 11 S. Court Ave., Orlando
This downtown taqueria specializes in Sonoran-style tacos fashioned from imported Sonoran wheat (not corn). The pliable tortillas hold a bevy of proteins, most notably barbacoa, carne asada, pollo asado and chorizo. If you’re wondering about the “Kitty Cola” vending machine, it’s actually a portal into a speakeasy tequila lounge.