International Drive is a must-do for any visitor to Orlando. It is a mecca of shopping, entertainment, and dining. It has been dubbed the Las Vegas Strip of Orlando. And when it comes to dining, it is aptly named, as you can indeed find tons of international fare on International Drive.
You'll discover a cornucopia of world cuisines, such as Italian, Indian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Thai, Cuban, Japanese, and so much more. Are you looking for a quaint Irish pub? No problem. If it's American fare you crave, you are in luck. Choose from steakhouses, pizza spots, burgers, and seafood. And you'll also find lots of chain restaurants that will be familiar to picky kids, as well as entertainment complexes like Kings Dining & Entertainment or Dave & Buster's.
We estimate that there are more than 100 eateries on I-Drive that range from the familiar to the exotic, from casual to elegant fine dining. Regardless of your craving, you're sure to find some great options to choose from out of all of the restaurants on International Drive. And the bonus is that you'll be amidst tons of attractions to either start out or to wrap your day or evening. Don’t miss some of these Cheap Things to Do in Orlando. Many are on International Drive.
Here are a few of our favorite restaurants on International Drive that are worth the wait! And we are not talking about the chains here. You can easily find those on your own.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango, where art and food seem to merge, will bring an eclectic Spanish artist's loft to mind. They serve up delicious tapas-style plates that are always fun for sharing. The ambiance is well-themed, carrying out adobe walls and original paintings from local artists throughout. You may even catch an artist in residence working. Cafe Tu Tu Tango has been a favorite for over 30 years, and the locals still love it. The menu is globally inspired, and you'll find delicious options like butter chicken tikka masala, sesame steak skewers, and Nashville hot chicken sliders.
They are also known for their art-inspired craft cocktails, signature sangrias, and beer and wine. Happy hour Monday through Friday is worth a stop by the lounge, patio, or bar. They feature live entertainment that ranges from Bolivian dancers to African drummers. Stop by!
Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit is the fastest way to be transported from Orlando to Spain. They serve classic and contemporary Spanish dishes and feature nightly entertainment. The atmosphere is vibrant and high-energy, and the tapas menu will take you on a tour of Spanish flavors. Located in ICON Park, they feature tapas dining, a full bar, and Flamenco dancing. They also have a 12-seat paella pit that serves up family-style paella, the traditional Spanish dish made from rice, vegetables, and meat or seafood. You can experience dinner and a show every night. Get ready to be transported at this favorite of International Drive restaurants.
Mia's Italian Kitchen is located in the center of International Drive and is known for homestyle Italian recipes with fresh pasta, house-made sauces, and all the traditional dishes. Their authentic made-from-scratch Italian has made it a family favorite. You'll enjoy the recipes from the owner's Sicilian grandmother. Mia's minestrone is legendary, and be sure to try the roasted wild mushroom sandwich or the roasted mushroom lasagna. Another favorite is their signature Sicilian-style rectangular pizza cooked in an 800-degree oven. Their bottomless brunch on weekends from 11 am to 3 pm is fantastic and a great chance to sample many menu items.
Vincenzo Cucina Italiana is just perfect when you want the taste of "the old country" merged with a contemporary environment, fun bar, and excellent wine selection. This is a traditional family-friendly restaurant and has been very popular in Orlando for years. A warm family vibe is elevated to make it an excellent experience, and they serve up super Italian favorites with a modern accent. Try their imported cured meats and cheeses and house-made Italian pasta. The wine selection features Italian and California wines. Live music (yes, Sinatra) maintains the vibe on Friday nights, and you're sure to see why this is an Italian favorite.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is your spot when you are ready for the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Caribbean, with a bit of salsa dancing thrown in if you are so inclined. They claim to be dedicated to exploring Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors, and traditions. And the fun is non-stop. You'll get authentic Cuban cuisine. The menu features food from acclaimed chef Guillermo Pernot, and you can choose from specials like guava BBQ ribs, seafood paella, and more.
Cuba Libre is also known for its variety of handcrafted mojitos and delicious appetizers like the Cuban sandwich spring rolls and mama Amelia's empanadas. This is the place to party to the sounds of bachata, merengue, and salsa on the weekends. Stop in for dinner or some late-night entertainment.
World's Magic Restaurant is a unique Indonesian restaurant that serves plenty of Halal and other Arabian dishes. The colorful and fragrant meat and rice dishes are served with tasty sauces. Try the grilled satay, hearty stews, and lamb, available in pastries, dumplings, and over rice. If you are uncertain about the Indonesian selections, the staff are happy to help. Or you can go with the Chicken sambal that will not let you down.
Pio Pio Restaurant offers beautifully done and affordable Latin fare. A favorite is the fantastic signature rotisserie chicken with green sauce, one of their specialties at this cozy Peruvian spot. They bring affordable and delicious Latin comfort food to a new level. Enjoy the standards like maduros, empanadas, grilled skirt steak, shrimp sauteed with garlic, or Colombian style Ceviche (Ceviche Pio Pio). They do feature a more traditional kids' menu and are family-friendly, so fear not and enjoy! They are a family restaurant and try to infuse that passion into their hospitality and everything they serve.
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse is your spot when only a delicious steak will do, and you want it served up in a classy and chic place. This two-story restaurant features two state-of-the-art bars, five private dining rooms, an attractive patio, and a super sleek interior. For wine enthusiasts, they feature a diverse list of over 1200 labels. Let their Sommelier help you with the perfect selection to accompany your entree. This is one of the more popular International Drive restaurants.
Start with a seafood tower for two to share, packed with chilled lobster tails, iced jumbo shrimp, oysters on the half, Alaskan king crab legs, bloody clam shooters, and jumbo lump crab. But save room for your favorite steak, chop, or seafood. Choose from seared Wagyu steak or other 45-day dry-aged steaks. The jumbo lump crab cakes and seared Chilean sea bass are both mouth-watering.
For the perfect dinner for two, try the Double Eagle Tasting Table. You can't go wrong. If you can think of taking one more bite, check out the impressive dessert menu. You'll see why this is one of the most popular restaurants on International Drive.
Hash House A GoGo is the place to go for the best brunch in Orlando. Inspired by the Midwest, they serve farm-fresh food and crafted cocktails. Comfort food just got ramped up! They do favorites from pancakes to meatloaf. Some choices on the menu are Andy's world-famous sage fried chicken, and the hand-hammered pork tenderloin - a pork sandwich you must try, the Hash House meatloaf with a twist, or the famous big o' pancakes that are the "size of a steering wheel." Every breakfast treat looks fantastic. Check out this hip and friendly place.
Hot Krust Panini Kitchen is where to head for a tasty and fast-casual fare. They do a selection of classic pressed sandwiches with fresh, locally baked bread and house-roasted meats. You'll taste the difference. There are also plenty of vegetarian offerings. The meat-eaters will love the Philly steak, fondue turkey, or the "Razzle Dazzle" that merges steak, provolone, strawberry jam, and banana peppers. Yum! And if it's not your day for a sandwich, try the cactus chili, the favorite of the regulars.
This is why they call it International Drive!
When it comes to dining, you're sure to find it all here. Skip the chains and mix it up a little bit. Try something out of your comfort zone. Regardless of your taste or style, you are sure to find something delightful when you visit any of the restaurants on International Drive. Read this for lots more of Orlando’s Best Restaurants.