Craving a culinary adventure without the jet lag? Orlando North is serving up global flavors from every corner of the world—no passport required. From Peruvian ceviche and Puerto Rican pastries to spicy Thai curries and authentic German schnitzel, Orlando North is a hidden gem for international food lovers. Whether you’re a local foodie or a curious traveler, this guide to 15 must-visit eateries will take your taste buds on a world tour—right here in Central Florida.
Jimotti’s Restaurant – Japan
Sanford – Click here to view the website
Voted Seminole County’s Best Restaurant according to Orlando Magazine in 2023, Japanese restaurant Jimotti’s Restaurant is a must-visit for those who love to slurp up Spicy Miso Ramen, chow down on Ague-Dashi Tofu, or take their chopsticks on a date with a California Roll. Chef Junichi Takazoe is acclaimed for his work across Japan, California, and Texas, having cooked for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christina Aguilera, Maria Sharapova, Kaka, Cameron Diaz, Jean Reno, Michael Ovitz, and more. Pro tip: plan a family dinner on a Wednesday night where ramen bowls are 20% off for those who dine in!
Enzo’s on the Lake – Italy
Longwood – Click here to view the website
Make yourself at home at Enzo’s on the Lake, a romantic converted home-to-high-end-restaurant started by Jo Anne and Enzo Perlini in 1980. Start your meal with an Insalata Caprese (local beefsteak tomato, fresh mozzarella & basil drizzled with extra virgin olive oil) before indulging in Spaghetti Alla Carbonara crafted from scratch with farm fresh egg yolk, bacon, and Romano cheese. Main courses span from lamb chops to short ribs, jumbo shrimp, fish, and even ratatouille. Pair with your favorite Italian wines. Leave room for their complimentary treats served at the end of every meal. We love their spiced cookies!
Hollerbach’s German Restaurant – Germany
Sanford – Click here to view the website
Folks drive from all over Central Florida sporting their lederhosen to eat at Hollerbach’s German Restaurant for a reason! Hollerbach’s was founded in 2001 by Theo and Linda Hollerbach in the heart of Historic Downtown Sanford with a vision to create a place where guests could experience Gemütlichkeit—a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with great food, laughter, and cheer. Feast on chicken schnitzel and potato pancakes while dancing to their lively live polka music, on Thursday-Sunday each week. Have a birthday? They’ll sing a special German birthday song for you from the stage.
Tabla Indian Restaurant – India
Oviedo – Click here to view the website
Recently voted Best Indian Restaurant by the Orlando Sentinel, Tabla Indian Restaurant is your go-to spot for traditional Indian, Thai, and Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine with a modern twist. Start with tableside Pani Poori (served with chickpea, potatoes, and sweet-and-spicy wafers), samosas, or housemade momos before sampling Tikka Masala, Indo Chinese Hakka Noodles, General Tsos Chicken, and Bhindi Masala. Pair with garlic or green chili naan for a bread course and Mango Lassi or Masala Soda (Chaat Masala, Black Salt, Lemon Juice, Ice Cubes, Soda) for an unforgettable beverage experience.
El Coqui Bakery – Puerto Rico
Sanford – Click here to view the website
Recently featured as a cover story on My Sanford Magazine, the sisters behind El Coqui Bakery are somewhat of local legends. Developing a devoted following at their nearby Deltona location, when their Sanford bakery location recently opened, they had a line out the door on their first day. El Coqui (named after Puerto Rico’s most beloved tree frog) is famous for its traditional Puerto Rican treats, such as quesitos (cream cheese-filled pastries), Mallorca bread (sweet, fluffy bread), and other classic pastries. Plan to stop by their quaint Downtown Sanford location for your morning fix of Café Espresso con Leche with a scrambled egg plate with toast, or stop by for an afternoon pick-me-up with a specialty Puerto Rican sandwich.
Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar – Peru
Lake Mary – Click here to view the website
New to Lake Mary, Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar brings traditional Peruvian flavors to Central Florida with an elevated flair. Unique fusion dishes include Hummus Andino (featuring Peruvian aji amarillo paste and edamame), Papas Nativas (featuring Andean Potatoes, huancaina sauce, white cheese, soft-boiled quail egg, cilantro dust, and botija olives aioli), various Ceviches, sushi rolls, paella, and pasta dishes. Join Pisco for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm for a fun morning out with friends and plenty of pisco!
Thailicious – Thailand
Longwood – Click here to view the website
Local-favorite Thai restaurant Thailicious specializes in handmade, authentic Thai dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. Cult classics include refreshing summer rolls, papaya salad, pad thai, basil fried rice, massaman curry, and khao soi. Innovative fusion dishes include curry fries with a yellow curry dipping sauce and chicken teriyaki with fresh ginger and steamed veggies. Nothing screams comfort like a bowl of warm thai curry!
Agave Azul Cocina Mexicana – Mexico
Winter Springs – Click here to view the website
Family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant, Agave Azul, has combined a stylish, high-energy aesthetic with flavorful and innovative Mexican dishes since 1998. They are known for their delicious hand-pressed fresh corn tortillas used across the menu. At Agave Azul, you can indulge in Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites such as enchiladas, chimichangas, tamales, flautas, burritos, and chili rellenos while sampling their impressive list of innovative cocktails. Fan favorites include their smoky take on an Old Fashioned called the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, or fruity Mayan Ritual cocktail featuring mezcal, hibiscus, lime, and agave. Plan your visit and bring the fun!
Sweet and Salty Island Grindz – Hawaii
Sanford – Click here to view the website
Viral sensation Sweet and Salty Island Grindz took TikTok by storm when they introduced their Hot Butter Chicken Katsu Sando, loaded with mac salad, back in 2024. Veteran and “ohana-owned” vendor in the Henry’s Depot Food Hall, Sweet and Salty delivers on all your favorite island flavors with an innovative twist by serving Loco Moco Smashburgers, Grilled Pineapple Musubi, and even Huli Huli Tofu. All plate lunches are served with two scoops of rice, one scoop of mac salad, and a sweet Hawaiian roll. Plan your trip – and keep your cameras ready!
Krazy Greek Kitchen – Greece
Lake Mary – Click here to view the website
Dine al fresco on the terrace, enjoying the view of Lake Mary’s Central Park while feasting on gyros, Greek salad, hummus, dolmades, and other delicious, Greek Modern dishes on the menu at Krazy Greek Kitchen. Krazy Greek also offers catering packages with many of its most popular dishes: tzatziki, gyro meat, moussaka, and more!
The Goodway Café – France
Longwood – Click here to view the website
New to the scene and nestled in the heart of Historic Longwood, The Goodway Café blends French flair with plant-based goodness, serving dishes that will have you saying ‘oui oui’ to every bite. The menu behind The Goodway Café comes from the imagination of French Chef Amandine from Bordeaux, France. From the authentic savory Galette Bretonne to the decadently healthful Hazelnut Spread Tartine and a full array of fresh juices and heartwarming espresso beverages, this café truly has it all. Come by and stay awhile; The Goodway Café wants you to feel at home!
Negril Spice – Jamaica
Sanford – Click here to view the website
Negril Spice, a Sanford Ave cult-favorite, serves Jamaican-American fusion cuisine with a flair. They believe “cooking is an art that brings happiness to the soul,” and this is felt through their dishes. Inspired by their struggles growing up in rural Jamaica, Negril Spice has found ways to innovate with their cooking and bring folks of all walks of life together through their food. A largely unsung dish of Historic Downtown Sanford is Negril Spice’s “Veggie Chunks,” which come with curried okra, cabbage, rice and peas, plantains, prepared as a Jerk, Brown Stew, or Curry. Don’t miss out on Negril Spice’s flavorful, heaping portions!
Grafton Street Pub / Crown Alley – Ireland
Lake Mary – Click here to view the website
Sneak through the red telephone booth inside Lake Mary’s Grafton Street Bar to enter Crown Alley, a British speakeasy where the craft cocktails are as refined as the vibe. Join in their daily 5:30 pm champagne toast and take advantage of 30% off beers, wines, and select cocktails from 5-7 pm. Pair a “Lissy London” with Truffle Popcorn, Mini Lobster Rolls, or Caprese Flatbread. Or stick around Grafton Street Bar for hearty Irish fare, including their ooey gooey St James’s Gate Onion Soup Bowl, Fish & Chips, or Shepherd’s Pie.
Cubans on the Run – Cuba
Casselberry – Click here to view the website
Started by a father-in-law and son duo in 1993, Cuban sandwich shop Cubans on the Run is a legendary local establishment with an extremely dedicated following. Their most popular item, unsurprisingly, is their Cuban sandwich which includes Ham, Pork Roast, Swiss cheese, mustard & pickles – but that’s not all that’s on their menu! Nom on Steak and Cheese and Ham Croquette sandwiches, Picadillo, Fried Pork Chunks w/ Caramelized Onions, and Chimichurri Steak with Grilled Onions, amongst many other options. Be sure to make room for their to-die-for Tres Leches, Flan, and Homemade Keylime Pie. There’s a reason Urban Spoon has consistently ranked Cubans on the Run as a top Orlando restaurant!
Fragaria New Zealand Ice Cream – New Zealand
Pop-Ups – Click here to view the website
Ever heard of New Zealand-style ice cream? This unique treat is made by blending premium vanilla ice cream with real fruit, using a specialty machine that produces an airy and velvety texture! Fragaria is a local pop-up food truck specializing in a 100% plant-based version of this treat in strawberry, blueberry, and mixed berry flavors. They also serve traditional non-dairy scoops in Oreo, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors. A fan favorite combo is their Zesty Blueberry Fiesta, which includes blueberry New Zealand ice cream topped with Tangy Chamoy & Zesty Tajín. You may occasionally see them show up at some of your favorite Orlando North events; you can also hire them to cater an event of your own!
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