The Best Places to Eat in Orlando for Families
If you’re new to Florida Travel with Kids, you should know that we love Orlando! Here are the best places to eat in Orlando for families. Before you leave, make sure to check out even more of our Orlando content because we have a lot of it.
Whether you’re looking for 30 Things to Do at Disney World Resorts, The best state parks near Orlando, 50 free things to do in Orlando, The Best Instagram Spots at Universal Orlando, or Hidden secrets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we’ve got you covered!
For now, let’s talk about the best places to eat in Orlando for families.
Do I need a rental car for an Orlando vacation?
If you plan to venture out into Orlando to find some of the best places to eat in Orlando for families, you may want to rent a car. If you decide to rent a car in Orlando, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.
Discount USA Car Rental offers the best rates available whether you’re flying into Orlando or Sanford. As a bonus, you don’t have to pay anything until you arrive at the airport, and cancellation is completely free.
If you need to find some reasonable flights, sign up for Going free alerts.
The best places to eat in Orlando for families
Here are the best family-friendly places to eat in Orlando, listed in no particular order.
Hash House a Go Go
Good food is always waiting for you at Hash House a Go Go. If this is your first visit, you will love the menu!
At breakfast, order freshly squeezed juices. They use fresh fruit to make them all. Then consider the Snickers pancakes, tractor driver combo, or fried chicken and waffles.
If you are there for dinner, it’s all about meatloaf, pot pie, and pot roast. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! They have a churro waffle that’s big enough to share!
Three Broomsticks
This fabulous restaurant is located within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It is in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The Three Broomsticks is a British pub that is famous for its butterbeer.
Order one to enjoy with your turkey legs, shepherd’s pie, or fish and chips. Then look around at the intricate details of the restaurant until your food arrives.
The kids should be able to point out all the Harry Potter-themed items, especially if they have watched the movies or read the books.
This restaurant is a dream come true for many Harry Potter fans! Even with a limited diet, you’ll find something to enjoy! Check out NEW Vegan food at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to learn more.
Leaky Cauldron
The Leaky Cauldron can be found in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. So, yes, you will need park tickets to eat here. For the best experience at Universal Orlando, you’ll want park-to-park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express. It’s a must for any Harry Potter fan.
This is an authentic British Pub with cathedral ceilings and views of the guest rooms. This is a great place to try some bangers and mash, toad in the hole, or a Ploughman’s platter.
Mythos Restaurant
Mythos Restaurant is located in Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. This is a great restaurant to visit when you are inside this theme park.
You will dine inside an ancient cave with magical waterfalls all around you. A Greek God may even make an appearance during your meal of Mediterranean foods.
Mythos Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families with food allergies. They have dedicated menus for those who are gluten-free, vegetarian, and more.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
International Drive is home to many of the best places to eat in Orlando for families. Cafe Tu Tu Tango is on that road. Their menu is full of shareable dishes the entire family will love.
This is a wonderful place to grab a pizza for the kids and some seafood for the adults.
Local artists work in the restaurant. Plus, live entertainment can be enjoyed during your meal at Café Tu Tu Tengo.
T-Rex Cafe
Most kids love dinosaurs. So, why not go to a restaurant where numerous animatronic dinosaurs are featured?! By the way, if you have a dino-obsessed kid (like I do), you should definitely check out Dinosaur World; it’s only about an hour from Orlando!
T-Rex Cafe is located in Disney Springs. It is one of the best restaurants for lunch and dinner. The menu contains items like dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets and the Bronto burger. Save room for the chocolate extinction cake. It feeds four people!
Oh, a meteor shower happens every fifteen minutes at this restaurant. Be prepared to hear the dinosaurs make some noise during each one.
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
It is best to have cravings for Mexican cuisine when you are spending the day at Universal Orlando Parks. Inside Antojitos, you will discover a fun atmosphere.
This is our family’s favorite restaurant in CityWalk! We recommend ordering the tableside guac. There’s something on the extensive menu for everyone, even picky eaters. And yes, of course, there is a kids menu too.
Your family can choose from a menu filled with Mexican foods like quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas. The kid’s menu even has nachos and adobe grilled chicken.
Hot Dog Hall of Fame
The Hot Dog Hall of Fame is located within City Walk at Universal Studios. They serve hot dogs with all the toppings. Hot dogs sound pretty simple, but they really take it to the next level.
Your family will have so much fun choosing their favorite toppings.
Hot Krust Panini Kitchen
On a day when you are not visiting the Orlando theme parks, head over to Hot Krust Panini Kitchen. This is an excellent place to order paninis. They also have burgers, wraps, and soup on the menu.
The whole family can eat here. The menu has plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and halal options to choose from. Just don’t forget the french fries.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
A quick stop at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe can fuel the whole family before a long day at any of the Orlando theme parks. Of course, the kids will love the silver-dollar pancakes. But you may prefer the Florida waffle topped with bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.
Chef Mickey’s
Chef Mickey’s is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Orlando. If this is your first visit to see Mickey Mouse, you will want to add this restaurant to your list.
You will find this restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You do not need to be a hotel guest to dine there. However, you should make reservations for your meal in advance.
This restaurant has had guests ordering from a menu. However, its infamous buffet will be back as of March 2023. This means you can all pile your favorite foods high on the plate. There are also plenty of kids’ favorites; think mac and cheese and chicken fingers.
The best part is you never know which Disney characters will make surprise visits during your meal.
Rainforest Cafe
There are a few different locations for Rainforest Cafe in Orlando. You will find one in Disney Springs. There are also a couple over in Lake Buena Vista. Animal Kingdom is home to a Rainforest Cafe too.
The menu is full of kid-friendly items. Choose from burgers, pasta, steak, and seafood. Of course, the brownie volcano dessert is always a hit!
Save a little time to visit the store at the end of your meal. The entire family will most likely find a few souvenirs to take home.
Taverna Opa
Taverna Opa is a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant in Orlando. It is an excellent option for delicious food in a great atmosphere.
The lamb chops are the signature dish at this Orlando restaurant. Oh, and the hummus and tzatziki are all made from scratch every day.
Ford’s Garage
Ford’s Garage can be found at the Orlando Premium Outlets. This is a short drive from all the theme parks in Orlando.
You will feel like your family has stepped back in time when you enter this Orlando area restaurant. This is one of the most popular themed restaurants in the area.
Inside, you can check out the vintage Fords, as well as gas pumps and signs.
Everyone will find something they love on the menu, especially since it is packed with all the favorites. But, of course, I’m talking burgers, nachos, wings, and more!
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
At Universal’s Citywalk, you will find this Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. You can head over for dinner after a long day at Universal Studios Orlando. Or stop in mid-park hop for a bit of dessert.
The dessert menu boasts all types of flavors of milkshakes and sundaes. You can also choose chocolate cream pie, classic French chocolate mousse, and other yummy desserts.
You may feel a little full the next day, but it will all be worth indulging in. We have a post with the full CityWalk Orlando Restaurants List, so make sure to check it out.
Raglan Road Irish Pub
You won’t need to skip your cravings for authentic Irish food when you are on vacation in Orlando. All Irish cuisine cravings in Central Florida can be taken care of with a visit to Raglan Road Irish Pub.
You will find this Irish pub at Disney Springs. They have all the Irish favorites like fish and chips and bangers and mash. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in Disney Springs, and with good reason!
Live music can be heard in the background. You may all want to get up and dance in between bites.
Sugar Factory
Does anyone in your family have a sweet tooth? If you just said yes, head over to ICON Park!
Sugar Factory has everything from milkshakes and sundaes to chicken with waffles and sliders. This will quickly be one of your favorite places to go when you need a sweet treat.
The King Kong Sundae has sixteen scoops of ice cream. As well as lots of toppings and sparklers. That should be enough for you all to share.
The Ravenous Pig
The Ravenous Pig is located in Winter Park. This restaurant chose to include a modern twist with a few of its dishes. This isn’t a big tourist spot. So, you won’t find the crowds like at some of the other best Orlando restaurants.
Basically, you get a great atmosphere to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
Black Rooster Taqueria
You do have options when you want Mexican food during a vacation in Orlando. This is one of the best family restaurants in Orlando for lunch.
The inside of Black Rooster Taqueria is colorful, and the staff is friendly. The great food has become a local favorite.
This is the best place to order a loaded taco in Orlando. Although, you may prefer the pozole verde.
Benihana
As you are driving down International Drive, you will want to come to a quick stop when you reach Benihana. This Orlando restaurant offers the best dining experience.
You can sit at a table with its own hibachi grill. Then watch, mesmerized, as the chef prepares your meal right in front of you. This interactive experience will change the way you dine in the future.
There are vegetarian and gluten-free items on the menu. Choose your course meal carefully, or you may leave without trying all your favorites.
Reyes Mezcaleria
This is a downtown Orlando restaurant that has quickly been chosen as one of the favorite restaurants in the area. Your taste buds will start dancing after your first bite at Reyes Mezcaleria.
Your family can each choose a menu item, or you can share multiple dishes. It all depends on how hungry you are. If you have spent the day at Magic Kingdom, you may be hungry enough to eat everything you order!
Wine Bar George
Planning a Walt Disney World trip usually means stopping at Disney Springs. The kids love the Disney atmosphere. The adults love the unique experience. Plus the fact there are plenty of best places to eat in Orlando for families in this one location.
A great place to go is Wine Bar George. The adults can choose from more than 140 wines. The entire family can devour the family-style platters of food. If you visit on the weekend, you will discover a Sunday brunch waiting for you!
Hunger Street Tacos
Hunger Street Tacos can be found in Plant Street Market. You will find this market over in Winter Garden. This is one of the best places to go when you are craving tacos and quesadillas. Hunger Street Tacos also serves Mexican street corn, so don’t forget to add that to your order.
Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen
Four Flamingos is a new restaurant in Orlando. This fun restaurant has a Key West vibe. The chef is one of many celebrity chefs in the area. You’ve probably heard of Richard Blais if you’ve ever watched any cooking shoes, particularly Top Chef.
They do offer a kids’ menu. So you won’t need to worry about whether or not the kids will eat.
It is definitely the perfect place to relax after a day at Universal Studios Florida. But, if you really want to make your meal special, ask about the secret menu burger. It’s a secret recipe too!
Jam Hot Chicken
A great feast will always be waiting for you when you go to Jam Hot Chicken. They make the best chicken sandwiches in Orlando.
Everyone in your family can choose their preferred heat level. Then, whenwill instantly bite into a crispy sandwich filled with all the fixings when the food arrives.
Vivo Italian Kitchen
If you are looking for the best Italian restaurant in Orlando, look no further than Vivo Italian Kitchen. You will find this restaurant on Universal Citywalk.
This restaurant has an open kitchen. This means you can watch the food as it is being prepared. They make their dishes the traditional way, including a secret family recipe.
The best part is this restaurant has two floors. That means they can fit the crowds that arrive at City Walk late at night. I recommend sitting upstairs on the open-air covered patio. The views are incredible. By the way, parking at CityWalk is free after 6 PM if you didn’t know already.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando is not too far from the Hard Rock Hotel. Which, by the way, is one of the best Universal hotels! This is the largest Hard Rock Cafe. It is located in City Walk right in between Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure. The restaurant is filled with numerous pieces of Rock and Roll memorabilia.
If you love Rock and Roll memorabilia, it’s also worth it to head over to Hard Rock Hotel and check it out. They have some great restaurants too! We’ve stayed here, and it’s the best Universal hotel (in my opinion!) The pool even has music underwater.
Back to Hard Rock Cafe, this is a high-energy restaurant. The kids will fit right in if they are still bouncing off the walls from a day full of fun at the Orlando theme parks.
The Best Places to Eat in Orlando for Families
I hope this list of the best places to eat in Orlando for families helped you find some family-friendly restaurants in Orlando. Don’t worry; there are plenty of options outside of the theme parks! However, if you plan to visit Disney or Universal anyway, you might as well dine at some of their restaurants too!
More things to do in Orlando:
- The Best Fanny Pack for Disney
- 15 Amazing Volcano Bay Tips and Volcano Bay Hacks
- 25 Free Things at Disney World
- Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World
- 2023 Universal Orlando Planning Guide
About Florida Travel With Kids
Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.
Did you enjoy this post? I would love it if you pinned it for later! Or, make sure to share it with your friends on social media if they are looking for things to do in Florida with kids.
Leave a Reply