Ava McDonnell
Central Florida’s culinary landscape is evolving, with exciting flavors and unique dining experiences. For 2025, the region continues to grow with an array of independent restaurants having already opened their doors. Here’s a look at some of the fresh places making their debut this year.
Asian Cuisine:
Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings (April 2025):
Husband and wife, Jerry and Jackie, bring the taste of NYC’s Chinatown to Mills Market. This new Michelin Guide-recommended spot is making waves in the Mills 50 district with unique offerings like handmade dim sum alongside Cantonese favorites like roast ducks and crispy pork.
Address: 1110 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Hours: Mon – Thurs and Sun 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Fri – Sat 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Yelp: 4.0 stars (107 reviews)
An “experiential” French-Japanese tasting menu concept, offering a multi-room dining journey and exquisite culinary adventure from two-Michelin- star Chef Ryan Ratino. Omo, short for “omotenashi,” a Japanese concept of wholeheartedly looking after guests, lives up to its name with claims of impeccable service and innovative cuisine. Customers can pick a meat of their choice with which the chef will accompany a side and drink.
Address: 115 E Lyman Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours: Wed – Sun 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Yelp: 4.7 stars (32 reviews)
This unique Japanese restaurant is in the East End Market. It is Michelin-recommended for its hands-on experience centered around Japanese Gyukatsu– flash-fried breaded beef cutlets that guests sear tableside on a hot stone grill. The menu is simple and focused on gyukatsu style meals.
Address: 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Hours: Thurs – Sun 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Yelp: 4.8 (33 reviews)
El Coqui Ninja Restaurant (Jan. 2025):
An exciting and unique addition to Orlando’s culinary scene, offering a vibrant fusion of Puerto Rican and Asian (specifically Chinese) flavors, often referred to as “Chino Boricua” cuisine. Customers can pick from Mexican style BBQ ribs, plantains, Chinese rice with Terakyi chicken and so much more. It aims to deliver a memorable dining adventure where bold global flavors collide with creative flair.
Address: 3097 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
Hours: Tues – Thurs and Sun 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Fri – Sat 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Yelp: 4.0 (34 reviews)
Latin & Mexican:
Grillers Puerto Rico (Spring 2025):
This popular restaurant specializes in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. They aim to bring the “soul of Puerto Rican cuisine to life” by combining traditional flavors with a modern twist. They pride themselves on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, from local meats to seafood. Their menu is extensive, offering a wide array of classic Puerto Rican dishes including Pork Chicharron, grilled chicken mofongo, and rice and beans.
Address: 2140 S Chickasaw Trl, Orlando, FL 32825
Hours: Mon – Wed and Sun 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Thurs 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Fri – Sat 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Yelp: 3.2 (28 reviews)
Fusion & Sabor Kitchen (April 2025):
A relatively new culinary concept brings a unique blend of Latin and Indian influences to central Florida. The restaurant’s name, “Fusion&Sabor,” perfectly encapsulates its approach. Chef Ana Soler blends traditional Latin American dishes, particularly Venezuelan and Colombian, with flavors and ingredients inspired by Indian cuisine. This results in creative and unexpected combinations with a menu that offers both Masala chicken with naan and several types of empanadas.
Address: 4417 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Yelp: 4.5 stars (4 reviews)
American & Contemporary:
The Chapman offers a new perspective on fine drinking and dining, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a sophisticated atmosphere inspired by local history. From Artistry Restaurants, the group behind other local favorites like Boca and Atlantic Beer & Oyster, The Chapman aims to offer a sophisticated and refined dining experience inspired by the rich history and elegance of Winter Park.
Address: 500 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Yelp: 4.7 (60 reviews)
The REV (Ramen Revolution)(Feb. 2025):
Ramen Revolution is a new restaurant known for its focus on ramen, seafood, and oysters. They pride themselves on handcrafted broths and use Sun Noodles, a well-regarded brand and fresh oysters. It aims to be a comfortable and welcoming neighborhood ramen shop.
Address: 728 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Hours: Wed – Sun 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Yelp: 4.6 stars (14 reviews)
Italian:
Grappolo Cucina Italiana (May 2025):
Grappolo aims to provide an elevated yet welcoming dining experience with a focus on authentic Italian cuisine. It’s a family-owned establishment that prides itself on hospitality and making guests feel at home.
Address: 526 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Fri – Sat 11:00 AM to 10:30, Sun 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Yelp: 4.3 stars (7 reviews)
This Italian culinary experience aims to transport diners to Italy with its blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. The restaurant prides itself on offering a diverse menu that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy. This includes handmade pastas, creamy risottos, fresh seafood, and traditional desserts. They emphasize high-quality ingredients and a passion for authenticity in each dish.
Address: 153 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours: Tues – Thurs 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Fri – Sat 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Yelp: 4.2 stars (22 reviews)
Piacci aims to bring the authentic essence of casual Italian street food like sandwiches and a slice of pizza, crafted with fresh ingredients and a lot of passion. They’re about taking traditional Italian flavors and presenting them in a modern, accessible, and often quickly-served format.
Address: 444 West New England Ave, Winter Park 32789
Hours: Thurs – Fri 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Yelp: 5.0 stars (3 reviews)
Mediterranean:
Rawsha Mediterranean (May 2025):
This recent addition offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with a particular emphasis on Iraqi cuisine. Located on Turkey Lake Road, it aims to transport diners with its traditional dishes and warm hospitality. What makes this restaurant unique is its strong lean towards Iraq flavors and cooking techniques like Iraq Kebab, slow-roasted Beef Shawarma, and meats spiced to represent its culture.
Address: 8956 Turkey Lake Rd, Ste B-700, Orlando, FL 32819
Hours: Mon, Wed -Thurs, Sun 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Tues 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Fri – Sat 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Yelp: 4.8 (17 reviews)
This list gives you just a glimpse into the growing culinary scene across Central Florida this year with plenty of unique and independent establishments. Be sure to check out each restaurant’s website for the most updated menus, hours, and locations. Enjoy exploring these new flavors!
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