Orlando Dining for the Whole Family
Great dining options and families are two things that Orlando has in abundance, and plenty of the former are perfect for the latter. These are some of our favorites, representing an array of menu and pricing options for just about every taste and budget.
4 Rivers Smokehouse: Chef John Rivers’ popular eateries serve up world-class brisket, great barbecue and good times for the whole family. Throughout Greater Orlando, (844) 474-8377
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: Come for the extravagantly authentic Mexican atmosphere, but stay for the incredible dishes made from fresh ingredients. Universal CityWalk, (407) 224-3663
The Big Easy: No need to go to New Orleans for a taste of the bayou, not with The Big Easy serving up a unique twist on Cajun and Creole flavors. Winter Garden, (407) 654-3279
Black Bean Deli: The flavors of Cuba seem right at home in Orlando thanks to the Black Bean Deli, which has two standalone locations. Mills 50: (407) 203-0922, Winter Park: (407) 628-0294
Boma: Flavors of Africa: Modeled after an African marketplace, Boma invites everyone to feast on all-you-can-eat gourmet buffets for breakfast and dinner. Walt Disney World Resort, (407) 938-4744
Café Tu Tu Tango: This I-Drive mainstay combines fun, food and art with an inventive world-fusion menu. International Drive, (407) 248-2222
Chef’s Table at the Edgewater: Not just a great place to introduce older children to fine dining, the Chef’s Table also has casual options with lots of variety in the Tasting Room. Winter Garden, (407) 230-4837
Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster: One of Orlando’s best homegrown restaurants, Christner’s also features private rooms that are perfect for family get-togethers. North Orlando, (407) 645-4443
Columbia Restaurant: Featuring a fun, old-school atmosphere and topnotch but largely affordable Spanish fare, Columbia also offers kid-friendly menu items. Celebration, (407) 566-1505
The Crepevine: Get your crepe on with this eatery’s American take on French cuisine, affordable prices and loads of variety. Altamonte Springs, (321) 972-8999
Emeril’s Tchoup Chop at Royal Pacific Resort: Emeril’s expertise isn’t just for adults at this banging restaurant thanks to the famous chef’s extensive kids’ menu. Universal CityWalk, (407) 503-2467
Ethos Vegan Kitchen: If your family has one or more vegetarians in it, then it’s only fair to hit up Ethos Vegan Kitchen when it’s their turn to pick. Winter Park, (407) 228-3898
Garibaldi Mexican Cuisine/Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant: If you’re hungry for Mexican, you can’t go wrong with either location, though the Sand Lake eatery ups the flair factor. Restaurant: East Orlando, (407) 275-5035; Cuisine: Sand Lake Road, (407) 888-2869
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: If work and school are stressing out your family, ease on down to Buffett’s for a laidback, tropical vibe along with good food and music. Universal CityWalk, (407) 224-2155
Johnny’s Fillin’ Station: An Orlando tradition for burgers and other finger food, Johnny’s also boasts a dedicated menu for the little ones. Audubon Park, (407) 894-6900
Linda’s La Cantina: Easily one of the area’s best independent steakhouses, Linda’s features oldschool charm and a decent kids’ menu. And did we mention the steak? Baldwin Park, (407) 894-4491
Maggiano’s Little Italy: Got a big family that loves Italian? Check out Maggiano’s “family style” menu, which lets you order in bulk for the whole clan. Pointe Orlando, (407) 241-8660
Moon Cricket Grille: Moon Cricket offers American comfort food with a gourmet twist, and you’ll find something on the menu for just about every appetite. Winter Garden, (407) 905-5325
MoonFish: The seafood here is so good it landed on 2016’s Best of the Best, and the kids’ menu is about as robust as they come. Dr. Phillips, (407) 363-7262
NBC Sports Grill & Brew: If you have sports fanatics in your family, you owe them a trip to this sports-centric destination. Universal CityWalk, (407) 224-3663
Nona Blue: Offering modern tavern fare, Nona Blue has plates for every budget and a dedicated menu for the little ones. Lake Nona, (407) 313-0027
‘Ohana: Surf’s always up at ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, thanks to all-you-caneat buffets and character meet-and-greets. Walt Disney World Resort, (407) 939-3463
The Ravenous Pig: This Zagat-rated gastropub’s New American menu includes lots of gourmet burgers that appeal to adults and adventurous children alike. Baldwin Park, (407) 628-2333
RusTeak Restaurant & Wine Bar: Delicious steak, seafood, burgers, flatbreads—and refreshing glasses of wine for the parents—are on the menu at RusTeak. College Park, (407) 540-1100; Ocoee: (407) 614-3765
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show: The family that solves crimes together eats together—at least they do when they take in dinner at Sleuths. International Drive, (407) 363-1985
Sushi Pop: If you have adventurous kids, there’s no better way to introduce them to the joys of sushi than this restaurant’s contemporary, vibrant décor. Oviedo, (407) 542-5975
Taverna Opa: In addition to serving authentic Greek food in a matching atmosphere, Taverna Opa’s “family style” menu lets you order for the whole gang at once. International Drive, (407) 351-8660
Vito’s Chophouse: At this Italian-style steakhouse, steaks are flame-broiled over Florida citrus and oak wood in a custom-built fire pit, and a dedicated kids’ menu is available. International Drive, (407) 354-2467
Yellow Dog Eats: Don’t let the kitschy look fool you; everything on the menu was dreamed up by Chef Fish Morgan, a Culinary Institute of America grad. Gotha, (407) 296-0609