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We’ve all done it—hopped in the car in search of that must-try destination to curb a craving for hot chicken/souvlaki/ramen/cold brew/you-name-it. We come, we see, we devour…and then? We think about what to do next until we’re hungry again! In the meantime, it’s nice to have a diversion, and these dining destinations all around Orlando offer not only superb sweets, savories, and everything in between, they’ve also got plenty to keep you entertained and inspired while you count the minutes until your next nosh.
Pointe Orlando
In the heart of the International Drive, Pointe Orlando is a dining and entertainment mecca for locals and visitors alike, a one-stop destination like no other in the City Beautiful. Want to experience the joys of traveling the world without the encumbrances of passports or crowded airports? You’ll find boundless fare with international flair at Pointe Orlando. Options include Greek, Cuban, Brazilian and Italian, as well as seafood, steaks, and burgers. Fans of this outdoor, pedestrian-friendly mall know that food, drink and entertainment are never in short supply. 
At Taverna Opa (photo above), order a gyro or lamb board and check out the belly dancing. If ceviche, empanadas and live Latin music are more your speed, make tracks for Cuba Libre. Fancy a pint paired with fish and chips or “mum’s” pot roast? A taste of merry olde England awaits at The Pub. Dinner in the Hamptons? You can do that and enjoy acoustic guitarists at The Hampton Social.
After a comedy show at the Improv or “edutainment” that brings together the scientific, the mysterious and the kooky at WonderWorks, relax on the patio at Blue Martini Orlando, where the signature cocktail and other libations make for the perfect nightcap. Three unique bar experiences and on-stage entertainment with a DJ or live band mean the drinks are flowing and the music is going at this high-octane venue.
More than a dozen chefs and venues call Pointe Orlando home, and the energy kicks into high gear for happy hour and well into the evening. A multi-level parking garage located on property makes parking hassle-free, and most dining and entertainment venues at Pointe Orlando validate parking with purchase. Between the food, the experiences, ambiance and convenience, Pointe Orlando gets to the point with everything anyone could need for a fun and relaxing excursion.
Avalon Park
Nestled among natural preserves and quiet ponds, with a lake for its centerpiece, living doesn’t get more hometown than Avalon Park. Downtown, Marketplace at Avalon Park is the place to graze among its 13 eateries.
Start off at Bowigens Beer Company with an award-winning craft beer and take in the passing scene. Bowigens is named for its two owners, Bobby Bowen and Kevin Wigen. Both were Orlando musicians before another passion struck a chord: craft brewing. Bowen partnered with Wigen to turn their garage-based homebrewing operation into a new business venture. The mantra of Drink Local rings true at Marketplace, where pairing homegrown brews with offerings from the food hall is heady fun.
NOLA brings the way down yonder vibe of New Orleans to life in a happy gumbo of good food and great 
times. Chef Kevin Brune, a third-generation Louisiana native, delivers the flavors of New Orleans in ways rich with history and crafted with traditional ingredients. Lunchtime regulars swear by the $10 value bowls that come from Chef’s Voodoo Kitchen; shrimp po’ boy is another fan favorite. Nighttime diners order up chef’s award-winning crawfish étouffée or his bayou smash burger.
Breeze into Avalon General and experience the feel of a general store for a modern day. Shelves brim with local provisions and handmade goods, crafted with love by Central Floridians. Avalon General offers “love where you live” items that elevate and celebrate the everyday. You’ll find spices, jams and jellies, gourmet mustards, local honey and hot sauces, rubs, pastas, and gift ideas, plus wines for bringing home to share.
Spoleto Italian Kitchen specializes in organic, non-GMO, farm-to-table cuisine in a fast-casual space. Spoleto is known for its build-your-own menu option, so you can be your own chef. Pasta with shrimp and Bolognese sauce? Pumpkin ravioli with marinara? Spoleto’s chefs have seen it all! One Spoleto untouchable is the risotto, crafted of the finest carnaroli sourced from northern Italy. 
Dusty Dogz takes in rescues—as in hungry humans eager for a creative twist to traditional American fare—from gourmet hot dogs and smash burgers slathered in unique toppings to other menu items reimagined with the “inventive” in mind. Dusty Dogz aims not only to feed the community, but to support the dogs that share Planet Earth. That starts right at the counter with doggy treats free for the taking and swag for sale where portions of each purchase go directly to a local animal shelter or rescue center.
Lake Nona
From the first brushstrokes of an artist’s design years ago, Lake Nona today thrives as a vibrant community in real time designed for those with an active lifestyle—and a passion for good food.
More than 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails and open green space welcome walkers, joggers, and bikers. Across Lake Nona’s 17 square miles, community gardens pop up like tulips in a Holland springtime. Extensive public art—free and there for public enjoyment—is found throughout the community and at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, where the 50,000-square-foot Lake Nona Sculpture Garden features an outdoor art gallery with iconic pieces that are recognized globally. After drinking in the art, drink up at The Living Room Bar, which surrounds a pink dogwood tree that towers two stories high. 
One of the true dining gems in Lake Nona, Tabla Indian Restaurant at Lake Nona Landing (pictured) serves up delectable cuisine from traditional Indian to Indo-Chinese, vegan and Thai choices—all presented with pride and a passion for perfection. Lake Nona’s first Indian restaurant, Tabla boasts a loyal clientele. Co-owner Nora Jain suggests garlic naan or Tabla mixed grill for a starter, a mouth-watering kabob or tikka masala as centerpiece. For dessert, look for Indian twists on European classics like of gulab jamoon crème brulée or mango tiramisu.
For more inspiration, visit our archives.
