Welcome to Orlando Family’s inaugural Best of the Best, featuring our picks for the best places to eat, drink, shop and be pampered throughout Greater Orlando. In addition to racking our own brains and those of our family and friends, we traversed the area to follow up on hot tips about worthy winners from both well-known establishments and those off the beaten path. Alright, maybe that doesn’t sound like particularly grueling work, but the payoff is being able to give you our selections for everything from chocolates and cigars to fine jewelry and flowers. And starting next year, we’ll add you to the mix via readers’ choices for your own favorites. Doing this list annually will certainly keep us busy, but trust us: We’re up for the job.

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FOOD & DRINK

STROMBOLI
O’ STROMBOLI GOURMET ITALIAN EATERY
When a restaurant names itself after a food item, we assume it’s the best thing they offer, and O’ Stromboli hasn’t disabused us of that notion. Fresh dough gets brushed with egg and stuffed with pepperoni, sausage, ham, salami, green peppers, mushrooms, marinara sauce and mozzarella before heading to the oven. Orlando (Audubon Park), (407) 647-3872, OStrombolis.com

NEW RESTAURANT
URBAIN 40
Featuring vintage décor and an Americanized take on French cuisine, Urbain 40 has been making fans since it opened last November, and you can count us among them. Our personal favorite is the Provencal bouillabaisse, but everything we’ve tried has been sublime. Save room for dessert, as the Baba au Rhum is not to be missed. Orlando (Dr. Phillips), (407) 872-2640, Urbain40.com

NAAN BREAD
SAFFRON INDIAN CUISINE
We know Saffron has our favorite naan, but it’s not quite as easy for us to pick our favorite variety. Regular? Garlic? Cheese? Bullet? Perhaps the Saffron Special? On second thought, maybe we’ll just order one of each and let them duel it out on our taste buds.Orlando (Dr. Phillips), (407) 674-8899, SaffronOrlando.com

AL FRESCO DINING
RELAX GRILL AT LAKE EOLA
The Relax Grill arguably boasts the most bucolic-meets-urban view of any al fresco restaurant in the area, being nestled on the northwest banks of Lake Eola. As a bonus, the Mediterranean-American menu has something to satisfy just about every taste, which is why we come for the setting but always stay for the delicious eats and drinks. Orlando (Downtown), (407) 425-8440, RelaxGrill.com

FROZEN YOGURT
MOCHI FROZEN YOGURT
When we’re eager to beat the heat, few things satisfy like a cold, creamy cup of frozen yogurt, and we haven’t found a better local option for it than Mochi. Granted, it’s a chain, but it’s currently exclusive to Florida. More importantly, they have an unbeatable array of flavors and toppings designed to make you say “yum.” Orlando (Downtown/Florida Mall), MyMochi.biz

WINGS
SLOPPY TACO PALACE (STP)
STP is another hole-in-the-wall whose unassuming exterior hides some of the best food in town. Their tacos, wraps and other menu items are all great, but our hands-down favorite is their wings, which come in hot, mild, teriyaki and “sweet heat” barbecue varieties, as do their boneless chicken tenders. Orlando (Millenia), (407) 574-6474, STPOrlando.com

The Dessert Lady

CAKES
THE DESSERT LADY
Owner Patti Schmidt claims she doesn’t have a favorite dessert, and we find it equally difficult to pin down a clear champion among her many tasty cakes. Maybe it’s the carrot cake? Or the coconut brûlée cheesecake? Or even the red velvet cake? Either way, we gained five pounds just trying to decide. Orlando (Dr. Phillips), (407) 999-5696, DessertLady.com

SOUP
HOTTO POTTO
Hotto Potto might not satisfy traditional souplovers’ appetites, but if you’re interested in huge levels of customization, you’ll find it here. Guests start by choosing from one of five stocks before adding veggies, protein and other ingredients, and cooking it at their table. Prepared specials and traditional soups are available, too. Winter Park, (407) 951-8028, HottoPotto.com

MEXICAN
SAN JOSE’S ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Family owned and operated, San Jose’s is our preferred local source for authentic Mexican cooking, and it comes at a price that won’t break the bank. Whether you go simple with tacos, burritos or enchiladas, or mix things up with one of their house specialties like the quesadilla rellena, you’re going to leave stuffed. Altamonte Springs/Clermont/Ocoee, SanJosesOriginal.com

FAST CASUAL RESTAURANT
GREENS & GRILLE
Greens & Grille is an Orlando original in the fast-casual dining world, and it stands tall for us in two areas: fresh ingredients and customization. Whether you’re looking for a sandwich or a salad, you pick the specifics and watch as it’s made before your eyes. You can’t go wrong with their signature menu offerings, either.Orlando (Millenia), (407) 770-1407, GreensAndGrille.com

CARIBBEAN FOOD
BOB MARLEY—A TRIBUTE TO FREEDOM
Caribbean culture has no icon more recognizable than Bob Marley, and Universal’s Tribute to Freedom restaurant lives up to his name. Traditional Jamaican favorites such as oxtail stew and jerk chicken are always on the menu—along with Marley’s music—and they’re presented in a replica of Marley’s Kingston home. Orlando (Universal), (407) 224-FOOD, UniversalOrlando.com

PHO
PHO VINH
If you’ve been to Mills 50 or the Milk District, you know you can’t throw a rock without hitting a place that serves authentic pho, aka Vietnamese noodle soup. Accordingly, this was one of our hardest decisions to make, but Pho Vinh won us over with its beef pho, which is available with steak, brisket, tripe and more. Orlando (Milk District), (407) 228-0043, PhoVinhOrlando.com

BRISKET
4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE
Don’t worry, barbecue lovers, we haven’t forgotten 4 Rivers. It’s just that for us, Chef John Rivers’ brisket is the best thing on the menu. He says it took him 18 years to perfect his signature Angus recipe, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll likely agree that it was worth the wait. Throughout Greater Orlando, 4RSmokehouse.com

ITALIAN DELI
THE ALL ITALIAN MARKET
It’s a hike for us to get to the All Italian Market’s Kissimmee location, but it’s always worth the trip. Possibly because when we stop by to load up on specialty meats, fresh cheeses or even peruse the robust selection of wines, we can’t resist grabbing a bite to eat off their restaurant menu. Kissimmee, (407) 704-1856

KEY LIME PIE
EMERIL’S ORLANDO
Key lime is Florida’s official state pie, but for our money, the best example to be found in Orlando was dreamed up by Louisiana’s premier chef. The picture-perfect crust and filling is topped with toasted merengue and presented on a berry coulis for a combo that puts most other local offerings to shame. Orlando (Universal), (407) 224-2424, EmerilsRestaurants.com

SEAFOOD
MOONFISH
An exquisite atmosphere and unique fishfusion cuisine gives MoonFish an edge over other local seafood eateries in our mind. Everything served by Executive Chef Eric Andersen is hormone- and antibiotic-free, resulting in an extra level of freshness, and a hearty selection of steaks and sushi help round out the menu. Orlando (Dr. Phillips), (407) 363-7262, MoonFishRestaurant.com

The Curbside Chef

FOOD TRUCK
CURBSIDE CHEF
We adore the Milk District’s Tasty Tuesdays food-truck convergence, but none of the participants get more of our money than the Curbside Chef, thanks to Culinary Institute of America graduate Clarito Macalalad’s global fusion of American, Chinese, Filipino and Middle-Eastern flavors. And considering the truck’s appearance on Food Network’s Eat St., we’re not the only fans. Mobile, (858) 699-3663, CurbsideChef.com

The Meatball Stoppe

MEATBALLS
THE MEATBALL STOPPE
Hand-rolled meatballs aren’t the only thing on the menu at owner Isabella Morgia di Vicari’s eatery, but they certainly are the focus. And the meatballs, as well as seven different sauces, means we rarely have the same meal twice. Orlando (Azalea Park), (407) 270-6505, TheMeatballStoppe.com

WINERY
QUANTUM LEAP WINERY
Quantum Leap prides itself on blending tradition with sustainability, but what keeps us coming back is the great wine and fun ambiance. Besides the tasting room and complimentary tours, owner Jill Ramsier and her team mix it up with special events, live music and other interesting features. Orlando (Mills 50), (407) 730-3082, QuantumLeapWinery.com

COMFORT FOOD
B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
More than an homage to its namesake blues legend, B.B. King’s Blues Club is also dedicated to bringing the best of true Southern comfort food to Orlando. Meatloaf, shrimp & grits, pork chops, fried catfish and more are served fresh daily, with the resident All-Star Band providing a powerful musical backdrop. Orlando (International Drive), (407) 370-4550, BBKings.com/Orlando

ITALIAN ICE
JEREMIAH’S ITALIAN ICE
We all know how hot Orlando’s temperatures are for most of the year, which is why we’re grateful that Jeremiah’s Italian Ice can be found throughout the area. With 20 standard flavors to choose from, 15 rotating flavors, soft-serve ice cream and gelatis, we always find something to cool us down. Throughout Greater Orlando, JeremiahsIce.com

PANINIS
HOT KRUST PANINI KITCHEN
Lots of places serve paninis, but Hot Krust takes it to a delicious new level in terms of variety and freshness. Multiple kinds of chicken, beef, turkey, seafood and veggie paninis are served on white, multigrain or even gluten-free Tuscany bread. Salads, soups and sides are also available. Orlando (Dr. Phillips), (407) 355- 7768, HotKrust.com

OYSTERS
LEE & RICK’S OYSTER BAR
Admittedly, this place looks like a dive both inside and out, but if you love oysters, you’re going to praise Lee & Rick’s. If you prefer to eat oysters by the bucket, you’ll have to sit at the bar, but doing so gets you the friendly services of a dedicated shucker. Orlando (Orlovista), (407) 293-3587, LeeAndRicksOysterBar.com

GYRO
MEDITERRANEAN DELI
Hole-in-the-wall exterior notwithstanding, the Greek-influenced cuisine served at the Mediterranean Deli will have you shouting “Opa!” in record time. In our opinion, nothing on the highly affordable menu is better than their succulent lamb gyros, which are made fresh by owner Walid and his friendly staff. Orlando (Fairview Shores), (407) 539-2650

FUSION
THE COWFISH SUSHI BURGER BAR
Burgers and sushi are among our favorite eats, so we think a restaurant that fuses the two is a match made in heaven. Both dishes are available separately, but we really get excited when they’re combined in unique creations like the All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi— thanks and arigato. Orlando (Universal), (407) 224-FOOD, TheCowfish.com

HAMBURGER
BB JUNCTION
Pretty much everyone loves burgers, and increasingly, Orlandoans are embracing local farm-to-table dining options. BB Junction marries the two with some of the freshest burgers we’ve ever tried. Beyond more than a dozen burger types, they offer seven meat and vegetarian options, plus multiple types of bread, and the beer selection is on point, too. Winter Park, (407) 513-4134, BBJunction.com

HAPPY HOUR
CARMEL KITCHEN
This small, mostly Florida chain has been a big hit in Winter Park, and we suspect their happy hour has something to do with it. For starters, it runs from 4-7 p.m. instead of the all-too-common 4-6. But what really has us grabbing a stool is $5 “big pour” wine, $2 off liquor, $1 off beer and sharable plates for $6. Winter Park, (407) 513-4912, Carmel-Kitchen.com

BISCOTTI
LA LUCE
As you might expect from a restaurant created by late Napa Valley Chef Donna Scala, everything on La Luce’s menu is delicious—and there’s no better end to a meal here than their signature Biscotti con Vin Santo. Made in the traditional Tuscan style, it truly lives up to the “holy” part of its name. Orlando (Lake Buena Vista), (407) 597-3600, LaLuceOrlando.com

BAGEL
BAGEL KING
If you’re like us and won’t settle for anything less than traditional New York-style bagels, you know they’re hard to come by in Orlando— unless you swear allegiance to the Bagel King. Since 1977, they’ve been cooking up authentic, kettle-baked bagels, along with a variety of homemade cream cheese and full breakfast and lunch menus. Throughout Greater Orlando, BagelKing.net

FLATBREAD
TAP ROOM AT DUBSDREAD
Dubsdread Golf Course is one of our favorites, and whether we’re celebrating victory or drowning sorrows, we always finish at the Tap Room. Our go-to choices are their flat breads, and with tenderloin steak; peppadew pepper and goat cheese; and tomato, basil and mozzarella varieties to choose from, we always come out winners. Orlando (College Park), (407) 650-0100, TapRoomAtDubsdread.com

SALAD
EDEN’S
We love a fresh salad, and we haven’t found anyone who makes them fresher than Eden’s. Plus, their 11 signature recipes are also available as wraps, and while protein is extra, they have plenty of options there, too. If you want even more variety, custom salads and wraps are also available. Throughout Greater Orlando, EdensOrlando.com

Farris & Foster’s

CHOCOLATES
FARRIS & FOSTER’S FAMOUS CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Although Farris left in 2003, Foster has been going strong since 2001, and he and his team continue to produce the best original chocolate to be found in Orlando. Individual chocolates, specialty shapes, gift baskets and more are ready to help you break your diet—though opting for sugar free could help. Orlando (Baldwin Park), (407) 770-1607, FarrisAndFosters.com

DOUGHNUTS
THE DONUT KING
This family business was delicious when it opened in 2007, and it’s only gotten tastier with time. The main attractions are compelling enough—especially the maple bacon doughnut— but don’t forget their breakfast and lunch menus. And if you’re a fan of a certain Northern burger chain, be sure to grab a few Castle burgers. Minneola/Winter Park, TheDonutKing.com

PIES
P IS FOR PIE
You’re setting yourself up for a potential pie overdose if you visit this shop, but we think it’s worth the risk. Owners Ed and Stacey Tomljenovich make everything from scratch using natural, seasonal and local ingredients, including full pies, mini-pies, whoopee pies and our favorite, the mason jar pies. Orlando (Audubon Park), (407) 745-4743, CrazyForPies.com

CUBAN SANDWICH
BLACK BEAN DELI
Orlandoans are increasingly embracing Cuban fare, and the Black Bean Deli almost certainly deserves a lot of credit for that surge in popularity. Everything on the menu has us longing for a personal trip to Cuba, but their classic Cuban, complete with sweet ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese and pickles, is practically impossible to beat. Orlando (Mills 50)/Winter Park, BlackBeanDeli.com

GRILLED CHEESE
TOASTED
Gourmet grilled cheese is a rising trend, and Central Florida’s own Toasted is at the forefront of it. Launched by Jeffrey Yarmuth, a 40-year restaurant veteran, and inspired by similar niche restaurants in New York, Toasted also offers burgers and salads, but it’s grilled-cheese remixes like the truffle melt or blackberry melt that earn our loyalty. Lake Nona/Winter Park, IGetToasted.com

Two Chefs

LOBSTER TAIL
TWO CHEFS SEAFOOD
Chefs Bernard Carmouche and Larry Sinibaldi are well-known names in Orlando culinary circles, and their combined expertise has resulted in an outstanding local seafood eatery. What keeps us coming back to Two Chefs Seafood is their lobster tail, which is as expertly cooked as it is affordably priced. Orlando (Downtown), (407) 270-4740, TwoChefsSeafood.com

MARKET
EAST END MARKET
Ever have one of those days where you’re not sure what you want? We certainly do, which is why we frequently can be found at the East End Market. In addition to offering a plethora of artisanal ingredients you can cook at home, the Market is also home to Txokos’ Spanish cuisine. Orlando (Audubon Park), (321) 236-3316, EastEndMkt.com

COOKIES
SE7EN BITES
We’ve yet to find anything here that wasn’t worth waiting in Se7en Bites’ notoriously long lines—including cakes, doughnuts, lunch, brunch and more—but it’s the cookies that we end up craving time and time again. There’s no telling what varieties you’ll find on any given day, but guesswork is part of the fun. Orlando (Milk District), (407) 203-0727, Facebook.com/Se7enBites

COFFEE HOUSE
STARDUST VIDEO AND COFFEE
Founded in 1970, Stardust Video and Coffee is a longtime Orlando fixture, and with good reason. It’s a de facto community center for Audubon Park residents, and besides serving coffee and tea, they also have a full bar, a food menu (including chef’s specials) and Sunday brunch. OK, and the coffee is pretty amazing, too. Orlando (Audubon Park), (407) 623-3393, StardustVideoAndCoffee.WordPress.com

VEGAN
ETHOS VEGAN KITCHEN
Most restaurants at least have token vegetarian options, and some might even have a touch of vegan, but if you want to steer clear of meat completely, it’s hard to go wrong with Ethos. Their hearty, home-style fair is 100-percent vegan, and many items are also gluten- and/or soy-free. Winter Park, (407) 228-3898, EthosVeganKitchen.com

SUSHI
SUSHI POP
Sushi is another category with a lot of stiff local competition, but Sushi Pop’s combination of atmosphere, presentation and freshness won our votes this year. Their fish is delivered fresh weekly from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, but the way Chef Chau uses it is where the magic really comes in. Oviedo, (407) 542-5975, SushiPopRestaurant.com

NACHOS
JIMMY BUFFET’S MARGARITAVILLE
Jimmy Buffet is as laid-back as they come, but the Volcano Nachos served at his Orlando eatery are anything but, layering a veritable mountain of tortilla chips with cheese, chili, jalapenos, pico de gallo, sour cream and fresh guacamole. No one will blame you if the spicy dish has you ordering more than one margarita. Orlando (Disney Springs), (407) 224-2155, MargaritavilleOrlando.com

DIM SUM
MING’S BISTRO
The battle for Orlando’s dim sum champ was almost too close to call, but after deliberating over countless dishes, we ultimately went with the savory small plates to be found at Ming’s Bistro. The service is on par with the selection—which is to say, they both keep us coming back for more. Orlando (Mills 50), (407) 898-9672

The Soda Fountain

ICE CREAM
THE SODA FOUNTAIN
If you normally scream for ice cream, we recommend toning it down a notch before visiting The Soda Fountain, as such dramatics would really clash with the sweet shop’s friendly vibe. They’ll happily dish out gourmet scoops, egg creams, sundaes, milkshakes, sorbet spritzers and floats in a wealth of flavors regardless of your volume. Orlando (College Park), (407) 540-1006, TheSodaFountain.com

BARBECUE
PIG FLOYD’S URBAN BARBAKOA
Orlandoans are blessed with a wealth of great barbecue options, but Pig Floyd’s Asian-, Caribbean- and Latin-influenced fare sets it a hair above the rest in our minds. It’s all thanks to the vision of founder Tito Ward Esteves, who frequently mingles with guests as they pig out on his signature platters, sandwiches and tacos. Orlando (Mills 50), (407) 203-0866, PigFloyds.com

HOAGIES
BRIANTO’S ORIGINAL HOAGIES
We have countless Northern transplants in Orlando, but they’re not the only ones who like a traditional hoagie. Whether you’re in the mood for something hot, something cold or even an authentic cheese steak, owner Brian Seals and his staff will sate your appetite. Just don’t badmouth any Philly sports teams while you’re there. Orlando (Waterford Lakes), (407) 988-3606, Briantos.com

CUPCAKES
LA SWEETZ
Look out, sweet shops—a new cupcake king is in town. After launching in Miami, LA Sweetz recently opened a second location in Orlando, and they had us from the first bite. Plus, with dozens of flavors to choose from, including old favorites and new twists, they seemingly have something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Orlando (Dr. Phillips), (407) 757-2000, LASweetz.com

BREWERY
ORLANDO BREWING
Orlando Brewing was O-Town’s first modern brewery, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s still the best. With two dozen original brews to choose from, there’s something for every beer lover, and the option to buy in sizes ranging from 12-ounce bottles to 15.5-gallon kegs means there’s a choice for every budget, too. Orlando (Downtown), (407) 872-1117, OrlandoBrewing.com