There are countless restaurants to choose from in Orlando, with many of them located near International Drive. The truth is, though, not all of them are created equal.
Here are some of the best ones in my experience, known for great customer service, great atmospheres, and most importantly, great food.
Nile Ethiopian
Nile Ethiopian offers excellent Ethiopian food, with entrees averaging around $25 per person. The restaurant is decorated with traditional art and has a welcoming atmosphere.
Meals are typically eaten with your hands using injera bread, which makes the experience unique and memorable for first-time visitors.
The Hampton Social
The Hampton Social is a coastal themed restaurant that has great food but is primarily known for it’s exceptional drinks. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, often featuring live music.
It’s definitely a bit more expensive, costing around $30-$50 per person, but is a great spot for a date night or a relaxed evening out with friends.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a Bohemian-style restaurant that is consistently praised for its food, service, and overall atmosphere. They serve food tapas style, meaning you get a wide variety of plates designed to be shared.
It’s also an amazing with atmosphere with artists painting inside the restaurant, and live performances on weekends. If you have any interest in art, you won’t want to miss this place. Prices are reasonable, usually around $20 to $30 per person.
Aguadiente Steakhouse
Aguadiente Steakhouse is a Columbian and South American steakhouse with consistently great foods including their grilled meats and chicken with mushrooms.
Many visitors consistently say the passion fruit drinks are especially great. It can be a bit more expensive than other restaurants nearby, but most guests say the quality makes it worth it.
Cuba Libre Restaurant
Cuba Libre is a tropical themed restaurant and rum bar and has outstanding food and cocktails. It’s definitely on the pricier side, with costs usually ranging from $40-$70 per person.
However, the atmosphere is one of the best in Orlando. After dinner, the restaurant often transforms into a nightclub, with DJs and music that many visitors enjoy.
JoJo ShakeBAR
JoJo ShakeBAR is best known for its massive milkshakes, though full meals are also available. Regular shakes are about $10 while specialty shakes can reach around $17.
If you order a full meal, the total cost can be around $30 to $50 per person. The atmosphere is fun for adults, though some of the humor and themes may not be ideal for younger kids.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a more casual restaurant but is great for date nights. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm without feeling overly fancy.
People consistently say the service is very friendly and often goes above and beyond to make the dining experience enjoyable. The pricing is also moderate, with most meals averaging around $25–$35 per person.
Pointe Orlando
Pointe Orlando is not a single restaurant but a large complex that offers many restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, including arcades.
The atmosphere is lively and there’s plenty to explore. Parking is paid and food prices can be on the higher side, but it’s still worth visiting.
Texas de Brazil
Texas de Brazil is a fan-favorite Brazilian steakhouse offering unlimited servings of meats like steak, chicken, pork, and lamb.
They constantly bring different meats to the table and give you a green card if you want more and a red card if you’d like them to stop. It’s on the pricier side, usually about $75 per person total, but is one of the signature spots in Orlando.
Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk is a nicer casual restaurant that is primarily known for its house-made wine selection and polished dining atmosphere.
Costs are usually around $25-$40 per person, but can be a bit more expensive if you purchase drinks. Reservations are usually recommended, especially during busy evenings.
Jake writes about budget travel and Florida destinations, focusing on practical, affordable activities for families and couples. He shares straightforward guides to help visitors get more value out of their trips.

