Orlando’s food scene is full of surprises, and some of the tastiest dishes come from places you might drive right by. These hole-in-the-wall restaurants are where locals go for real, delicious food that hits the spot. Service, seating, menus and other amenities may be light, but the fantastic food and the heart all shine here a these hole in the walls.
Let’s dive into the city’s best under-the-radar eats!
19 Must Try “Hole-in-the-Wall” Spots in Orlando
1. Tortas El Rey
Address: 6151 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809
Phone: 407-850-6980
A longtime local favorite off South Orange Blossom Trail, this no-frills Mexican joint serves up massive, flavor-packed tortas, sizzling al pastor tacos, and fresh agua frescas. It’s cash-only, counter service, and worth every penny.
2. Kook’n With Kim
Address: 307 W Kennedy Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810
Phone: 407-683-0815
Run by Chef Kim herself, this Southern soul food kitchen is tucked behind a nondescript convenience store in Pine Hills. Expect comforting plates of fried chicken, mac and cheese, and rotating daily specials full of heart and heat.
3. Mediterranean Deli
Address: 981 west Fairbanks Orlando FL 32804
Phone: 407-539-2650
Located in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it plaza on Colonial, this family-run spot offers freshly made shawarma, hummus, and tabbouleh at unbeatable prices. With only a few tables, most regulars take it to go—but it’s always made to order.
4. Bamita Banh Mi
Address: 2100 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-759-4858
Inside a modest Vietnamese grocery store, Bamita cranks out some of the best banh mi sandwiches in the city. The bread is perfectly crisp, the pickled veggies are house-made, and the pork is marinated with serious love.
5. Nile Ethiopian
Address: 7048 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407.354.0026
Set in a small, dimly lit corner unit, Nile offers communal platters of injera and richly spiced stews. It’s quiet, slow-paced, and wonderfully authentic—a go-to for those in the know.
6. Shiraz Market
Address: 188 S US Hwy 17/92 Longwood, FL 32750
Phone: (407) 637-5967
Part grocery, part grill, Shiraz serves up Persian kabobs and saffron rice from the back counter. There’s no ambiance, but the food is incredibly fresh and deeply flavorful.
7. Neighborhood Eatery
Address: 231 N. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 648-1050
This West Orlando gem is quite literally hidden in a residential neighborhood and known mostly by word-of-mouth. From jerk chicken to seafood pasta, their rotating menu is as bold as it is unexpected.
8. Toshka Syrian
Address: 1520 S US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750
Phone: 321-850-4044
Small, family-owned, and proudly low-key, Toshka specializes in traditional Syrian dishes like kibbeh, lentil soup, and chicken shawarma. The flavors are deep and homey.
9. Mr. Wang’s Sports BBQ
Address: 5600 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808
Phone: 407-601-1057
Operating in a run-down plaza with minimal signage, Mr. Wang surprises with smoky, sticky Chinese-style BBQ ribs and wings. The seating’s limited, but the portions are not.
10. El Pueblo Winter Park
Address: 7124 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone: (407) 677-5534
A hidden gem for Salvadoran pupusas and tamales, El Pueblo is tiny, cozy, and full of regulars who come for the hearty homestyle cooking. Try their horchata—it’s house-made and ice cold.
11. Briskets BBQ Shack & Grill
Address: 298 Geneva Drive, Oviedo, FL
This roadside smokehouse near Curry Ford gets smoky by noon and sells out by dinner. With just a couple of picnic tables, it’s first-come, first-fed, and locals line up for brisket and burnt ends.
12. Memories of Peru
Address: 8204 Crystal Clear Lane #1600, Orlando, Florida 32809
Phone:
Tucked inside a quiet strip off Semoran, this Peruvian spot is easy to miss but hard to forget. Their lomo saltado, fried yuca, and chicha morada punch through with authentic flavor.
13. Mr. J’s Hand-Pulled Noodles
Address: 1688 E Silver Star Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
Phone: 407-930-6699
Operating out of a compact shop with minimal decor, Mr. J’s offers hand-pulled noodle bowls that are springy, rich, and made fresh right in front of you. Their beef noodle soup is a must.
14. Teriyaki House Huayuan Restaurant
Address: 5600 W Colonial Dr, Ste 108, Orlando, FL
Phone: 321-281-8088
This low-key gem delivers flavorful Taiwanese comfort food with consistency and heart. Regulars rave about the crispy pork chops, savory bento boxes, and generous portions that make this spot a quiet favorite.
15. Lacomka Bakery & Russian Store
Address: 2050 FL-436 #140, Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone: 407-677-1101
Inside a plain shopping strip on the east side, Lacomka offers Eastern European pastries, soups, and meat-stuffed pirozhki that feel like a warm hug. There’s barely room to sit, so grab it to go.
16. Meng’s Kitchen
Address: 2415 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-420-7628
Tucked away in a modest plaza, Meng’s Kitchen quietly serves up authentic Chinese homestyle dishes that locals swear by. From wok-fried noodles to savory rice plates, the food is fast, flavorful, and always satisfying.
17. Pho Huong Lan – West Colonial
Address: 5600 W Colonial Dr, Suit 316A, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 276-8033
A small Vietnamese noodle house known for its ultra-fragrant broths and generous herb platters. It’s simple, affordable, and consistently comforting.
18. Zorba’s Greek Kitchen
Address: 7325 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, FL 32822
Phone: 407-270-6505
Zorba’s is a Greek-style hideaway offering gyros, grilled meats, and house-made tzatziki. It’s got that “grandma’s kitchen” vibe—with flavor to match.
19. Nikki’s Place
Address: 742 Carter Street, Orlando, FL 32805
Phone: (844) 536-7962
An icon in the Parramore area, Nikki’s Place has been slinging soul food for decades. It’s a humble, cafeteria-style joint, but the smothered pork chops and sweet potato pie are legendary.
