If there’s one thing Orlando has no shortage of, it’s Latin restaurants. You’ll find some of the best around – from burritos and tacos to authentic Cuban cuisine. Here are seven of my favorites.
Café Madrid
4502 Curry Ford Rd
Orlando, FL 32812
(407) 281-9491
Located on the southeast side of Orlando, Café Madrid is home to some of the best Cuban and Spanish food in Orlando. A hands-down favorite is a Cuban sandwich and black bean soup with rice. You can get this combination as a lunch special for $4.95. What a deal! There are also other entrees of chicken, steak or seafood ranging in price from around $8 to $25. View Café Madrid’s menu here.
Café Madrid is a laid-back, small restaurant where you’ll fit in wearing khaki shorts or jeans. Take-out is available. Café Madrid is open weekdays 11am-9:30pm; Sat 12pm-9:30pm; Sun 12pm-9pm.
More information is available here.
Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant
929 N Semoran Blvd
Orlando, FL 32807
(407) 275-5035
Garibaldi is the epitome of the “little hole in the wall” that doesn’t look like much from the outside but serves some really fantastic food! Try out the Dos Amigos – a burrito and an enchilada with your choice of beef or chicken. We also enjoy the Enchiladas Rancheros. While they don’t have a full liquor bar, you can enjoy a cervesa on their outdoor patio, or have a frozen wine margarita! Delicioso!
Dress is definitely casual, and take out is available. On the visits I’ve made, the staff speak very little English, but enough that you can place your order. And they’re all mucho friendly. Garibaldi is open Mon-Thu and Sun 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm.
More information is available here.
Habaneros Mexican Restaurant
200 Wekiva Springs Rd
Longwood, FL 32779
(407) 869-1700
Another best-kept secret in the Longwood area (a little north of Orlando) is Habaneros Mexican Restaurant. Enjoy the Fajita Burrito with your choice of beef or chicken and bell peppers, onions and beans. It’s only $5.85!
Habaneros is open weekdays 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-10pm; Sun 12pm-9pm. Take out is available, and dress is casual.
More information is available here.
Tijuana Flats
Locations throughout Florida
Despite being part of a chain, for cheap and delicious Tex-Mex (think burritos, tacos), you have to visit Tijuana Flats. The chain is also home to what is quite possibly the most comprehensive hot sauce bar around. Tijuana Flats features more than 100 of the hottest, spiciest food accouterments anywhere. Try out the famous (or infamous) “Smack my ass and call me Sally”. Love the sauces? You can also buy them online.
Tijuana Flats is open Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Come as you are – it’s uber-casual here. Call ahead for take out – it’s way faster!
More information is available here.
Olé Olé International Cuisine & Tapas Bar
601 S New York Ave # A
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 673-1653
On the slightly pricier side is Olé Olé International Cuisine in downtown Winter Park. Featuring authentic Spanish cuisine and a wide range of Tapas offerings, Ole Ole ranges in price from $16-$25 for entrees. The restaurant is clean and slightly upscale, although you could dress down for the occasion. A benefit is that the restaurant is within walking distance of Park Avenue and the shops of downtown Winter Park.
Olé Olé is open Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-12am; Sun 12pm-9pm. Take out is available, but not recommended. Eating in is the best choice at this restaurant.
More information is available here.
Frontera Mexican Cuisine
848 Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32809
(407) 888-2869
Another casual, yet delicious Latino meal can be found at Frontera Mexican Cuisine on Sand Lake Road. The average entrée price is about $12. The lively Tejano music and bright décor make this a fun, Latin food experience.
A good value is the “Make Your Own Combo.” Pick any three items: burrito, enchilada, taco, tostada, tamal and chile relleno, plus get rice and beans, for only $8.99.
Frontera is open Mon.-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sun. 11am-11pm. Dress is casual, and take out is available.
More information is available here.
Adobe Gilas
9101 International Dr # 2200
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 903-7264
Located at Pointe Orlando on International Drive is Adobe Gilas. This is more of a tourist spot, but is a lot of fun to sit outside and drink, especially on a warm Florida summer night!
Adobe Gilas is open Mon 12am-2am, 11am-2am; Tue-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-12am. Dress is casual. Keep in mind that at some times, Adobe Gilas is only open to those 21 years of age or older.
More information is available here.
