Thursday, April 25, 2024

Several NEW Restaurants Have Opened Around Orlando Recently

Here's a round-up of new restaurants that have recently opened in Orlando!

Photo courtesy of Pinstripes


Pinstripes Orlando.  Pinstripes’ elevated menu of made-from-scratch recipes, conceptualized by Chief Culinary Officer Cesar Gutierrez and Executive Chef Douglas Geraghty, features house-made Italian-American classics, including rotating seasonal specialties prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads, like the Prosciutto Fig ($20) with Gorgonzola-mascarpone spread, Fontinella and truffle arugula; delectable sandwiches, such as the Famous Prime Rib Dip ($21) with provolone cheese, horseradish cream and au jus nestled between a pretzel bun or the Cowboy Burger ($20) with applewood smoked bacon, onion rings, calabrese sauce, balsamic BBQ, jalapeno, housemade pickles, sharp cheddar; and remarkable chef entrées such as the Chicken Parmesan ($27) with all natural cage free chicken, served with fettuccine pasta, peppercorn cream sauce, fresh mozzarella served over Italian San Marzano tomato marinara or Char-Grilled Rib-Eye ($38) with hand-cut certified angus beef, three cheese polenta, grilled asparagus, roasted shallot, bordelaise sauce.

Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth after a delicious meal with a selection of dreamy desserts, including a seasonal array of homemade Italian gelato or the brand’s Classic Tiramisu ($11), served with whipped mascarpone, ladyfingers and La Colombe coffee. 

Pinstripes Orlando will offer its famous Pintastic Weekend Brunch Buffet every Saturday and Sunday ($35 for adults; $15 for kids 6-12 years old; kids 5 and under eat free) featuring sweet and savory culinary delights, including a signature waffle station; a made-to-order omelet station; a carving station featuring prime cuts of Maple-Glazed Ham and Herb-Crusted Prime Rib; and additional breakfast selections, including Chicken and Goat Cheese Pasta and Herb-Roasted Chicken; and a sweets table everyone can enjoy featuring Milk Chocolate Fondue with an assortment of dippables, including Fresh Strawberries, Rice Krispies, Marshmallows and more. On both days, guests can also enjoy bottomless mimosas and Aperol spritzes.

Pinstripes’ delectable plates pair perfectly with its thoughtfully selected wine list, craft beer selection and handcrafted cocktails. Guests can sip on decedent signature cocktails, including a Blueberry Mash ($16), made with stoli blueberi, st. germain liqueur, blueberries, fresh mint, fresh limes, splash of soda, and a Limoncello Martini ($16), made with Meletti limoncello, Grand Marnier fresh lemon, citrus sour mix and a lemon twist. 

Pinstripes Orlando is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For those looking to extend Pinstripes’ culinary experience, off-site catering is also available.

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The long-awaited Voodoo Bayou has quietly opened in Orlando (7525 W Sand Lake Rd, 32819).  Chef Justin, who was previously with Park Plaza Gardens in Winter Park and Terralina Crafted Italian in Winter Park, is the new head chef.  As someone born and raised in Louisiana, I can't wait to try some dishes from the menu soon. 


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Three new eateries opened at ICON Park recently. Guests can now enjoy easy, quick street foods – including crunchy Korean fried chicken, tender sliced Lebanese shawarma, hand-crafted bubble waffles and meticulously sourced boba teas – while they stroll through the 20-acre ICON Park or relax on The Lawn to live music.  The three new concepts will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Photo courtesy of EVOO

EVOO: Fresh Mediterranean Kitchen (ICON Park): This Central-Florida-based concept is known for creating Lebanese fast-casual dining with traditional cooking methods and fresh, whole foods – and is famous for its tender shawarma and a full range of vegetarian dishes.  The ICON Park location features savory falafel, succulent grilled meats, and rich dips like hummus and baba ganoush, allowing guests to indulge in healthy food that’s full of flavor.

The Bone: Korean Fried Chicken Concept (ICON Park): Crispy, crunchy Korean fried chicken has taken the world by storm, with its extra-crispy exterior and flavorful seasonings. The Bone specializes in numerous Korean fried chicken recipes, and Korean street food favorites including Korean Ramen, Spicy Rice Cakes and more. Signature dishes include their soy garlic wings and traditional gochujang-infused glazed wings.

The Winnie Tea Bar – Boba Teas & Mochi Donuts (ICON Park): Boba Teas have become all the rage, and for good reason. The Winnie Tea Bar creates a unique twist on the traditional boba tea experience. It serves an exclusive selection of artisanal, handcrafted boba teas with premium ingredients and carefully sourced tea leaves – from classic flavors to inventive new creations. Each drink is meticulously prepared to ensure a perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal. For a double dose of sweetness, try one of their delicious mochi donuts with a tea.

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El Cilantrillo Restaurant:  Old Town, Central Florida’s iconic walking district of shops, food, entertainment, Classic Car Cruises and specialty events, welcomes El Cilantrillo Restaurant, Central Florida’s largest Puerto Rican restaurant group, now open in the North Plaza of the famed entertainment district. The 7,300-square-foot restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating for up to 450 guests, including a private meeting and party area for up to 50 people, the largest patio in El Cilantrillo’s history with a stage for live music performances, weekend valet parking and a stylish chic bar with patio views to enjoy tropical adult beverages.  The restaurant site also features a mini shop with a curated collection of Puerto Rican products.

New menu items debuting at El Cilantrillo Old Town include Croquetas de Mamposteao (rice and beans croquettes), Ribeye & Tomahawk Steak Bone-in, Penne Pasta with Chicken or Shrimp and Malanga Nachos (taro chips nachos).  Other popular El Cilantrillo featured menu items include El Afrentao, a huge fiesta of island delicacies including creole-style beef, chicken, seafood, rice and plantains; El Esmayao, the ultimate Puerto Rican appetizer platter with the most popular island finger foods; El Parrandάn, a feast of traditional Puerto Rican Christmas foods; and Stuffed Mofongos Cilantrillo Style, an island “volcano” made of seasoned mashed plantains overflowing with Puerto Rican-style seafood, beef or chicken. 

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Tom's Watch Bar (Coming in May 2024): Go big or go home at Orlando's newest sports bar experience coming this spring, Tom’s Watch Bar, where every seat is the best seat in the house. While your focus might be on the giant stadium screens or the 150+ TVs lining the restaurant and bar, guests can also take in amazing views of the Orlando skyline thanks to the two-story venue’s prime rooftop location, all while enjoying chef-inspired delicious dishes and drinks. The rooftop will be located right in the heart of the Orlando Entertainment District on International Drive just off I-4 at 8050 International Drive, Suite 1000 Orlando, FL 32819. 

Photo Courtesy of Tom's Watch Bar