Dining Suggestions in and near Orlando during the FSTEC Conference

Orlando, Florida, is not just a destination for theme parks and sunshine. It's also a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to every palate. Let's explore some of the city's most popular restaurants.

Café Tu Tu Tango serves up shareable tapas and small plates, accompanied by craft cocktails and signature sangrias. While the identity of the chef and founder remains elusive, this vibrant eatery is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Seasons 52, a polished-casual restaurant and wine bar in the Darden portfolio, offers a refreshing change with its focus on fresh ingredients inventively prepared using lighter cooking techniques. With an Orlando location, it's a must-visit for those seeking a health-conscious dining experience.

4 Rivers Smokehouse, located in the Orlando metro area, is a fast-casual barbecue restaurant that has made a name for itself with its house-smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, smoked turkey, pulled chicken, and even vegan burnt ends. The story behind its founder, John Rivers, is inspiring; after a career in health care, he perfected the art of cooking brisket.

For those seeking a taste of Asia, Morimoto Asia is the place to be. The restaurant, run by Iron Chef Morimoto, offers a unique spin on Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes. Standout items include Morimoto Peking Duck, LA BBQ Kalbi Beef Ribs, and Mongolian Filet Mignon. On weekends, the menu focuses on dim sum, sushi, and noodle dishes.

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' serves comfort food inspired by Florida farms. Dishes like Art's Famous Fried Chicken, meatloaf, shrimp and grits, and Southern specialties are all crowd favourites. Don't forget to save room for dessert, where Chocolate Pecan Pie and Hummingbird Cake are popular options.

The Boathouse, located at The Landing in Disney Springs, is an upscale restaurant offering fresh seafood, a notable raw bar, steak, chops, and pasta. It's the perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

Disney Springs itself is an outdoor entertainment and dining district within Walt Disney World, with over 60 restaurants to choose from.

Norman's, run by Chef Norman Van Aken, is a restaurant that champions Florida cuisine and food products. The Magical Dining Menu, currently available, offers a prix-fixe dinner for $60 plus an optional wine package. The menu includes starters like Brazilian conch chowder and fried green tomatoes, entrees like Florida snapper, vegetarian paella Valenciana, and pork Havana, and desserts like Key lime pie and Havana bananas flambe.

Lastly, Mills Market is a food hall located in a former Vietnamese grocery store, offering five vendors that serve banh mi, barbecue, onigiri, handmade dim sum, and other Asian dishes.

This summer, the FSTEC 2025 conference is scheduled from Sept. 14-16 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. While it's not a restaurant, it's an exciting event for those interested in the food technology industry.

Orlando's culinary scene is as diverse and exciting as its theme parks. Whether you're in the mood for barbecue, Asian fusion, or comfort food, you're sure to find something that suits your taste buds. So, next time you're in Orlando, be sure to explore these fantastic restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you!