The Orlando area is a diverse collection of cultures and cuisines, so you can find practically anything you want in this top Florida destination. From delicious, fresh seafood to tasty barbeque and everything in between, Orlando’s culinary scene has a lot to offer hungry travelers. Of course, it’s not always easy to find places that will satisfy both you and the kids, so we’ve put together a brief list of some family friendly options for you to choose from. These restaurants are located throughout Orlando and the surrounding towns, but all are within an easy drive of some great Orlando attractions, so they can be easily worked into your family vacation itinerary.
Kid-Friendly Orlando Restaurants Ming Court
Basically a traditional Asian-style restaurant, Ming Court offers all of your Chinese favorites plus a few locally-inspired extras like BBQ Pork Buns. Some of their classic dishes include dim sum, dumplings, rice dishes, stir-fry, lo mein, and more. They also offer a special lunch menu featuring popular local dishes like chicken with oyster sauce and Korean barbeque beef. Many rice and noodle dishes can be prepared on the plainer side for young kids or the health-conscious.
Nearby Attractions: WonderWorks,
SeaWorld Aquatica, I-Drive
Pio Pio Restaurant
Pio Pio’s menu features a wide variety of dishes ranging from the fairly conventional to the creative and adventurous. Known for their Peruvian-style chicken, this restaurant offers predominantly Latin-inspired cuisine, including such favorites as empanadas, seafood casserole, saffron rice, and a selection of delicious fish fillets. Pickier kids will enjoy their famous chicken options (ranging in size from a quarter chicken to a whole chicken!) and, of course, their wonderful dessert selections.
Nearby Attractions: Wet n’ Wild Orlando,
Fun Spot America, Orlando International Premium Outlets
Ci Ci’s Pizza (multiple locations)
Looking for affordable and tasty pizza? Don’t have time for a long wait? Ci Ci’s is a popular pizza option when you’re hungry and on the go. Their famous pizzas come with a variety of toppings, like the more traditional cheese or Italiano Veggie, or the more unique Hog Fest and Buffalo Chicken. If someone in your party isn’t interested in pizza, Ci Ci’s also offers additional options like pasta, wings, soup, and salad.
Nearby Attractions: SeaWorld Orlando, Grande Pines Golf Club, Discovery Cove
Buffalo Wild Wings (multiple locations)
This family-friendly chain is a great go-to when everybody’s hungry but no one can agree on what they want. BWW offers everything from burgers and sandwiches to salads and unique appetizers. Don’t forget their famous wings! Kids can choose from a varied children’s menu that includes items like mac n’ cheese, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, mini corn dogs, and more. There’s also a great beer selection for the adults to enjoy!
Nearby Attractions: Aquatica Waterpark,
Titanic: The Exhibition, Discovery Cove
Smokehouse Grill
If you’ve got barbeque on the brain, this is the place to go. This award-winning dining destination features only the best in southern BBQ, featuring dishes like brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, steaks, brisket hash and more. They even offer a sumptuous breakfast menu with specialty pancakes in flavors like Banana Split and Red Velvet.
Nearby Attractions: Big Sand Lake,
I-Ride Trolley,
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Local Cuisine Padrino’s Cuban Bistro
Although Orlando has less of a Cuban cultural influence than its southern neighbor Miami, there’s still plenty of Latin flair in the dining scene. This colorful café offers an extensive variety of tasty Cuban dishes that are sure to please the whole family, from your basic soups and salads to specialty seafood and Cuban dishes like Picadillo, Vaca Frita, and Camarones a la Jardinera. Kids will enjoy their great variety of flavorful sandwiches.
Nearby Attractions: Gatorland, Hunter’s Creek Golf Club, Mallard Lake
Yellow Dog Eats
Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, this charming local lunch place offers BBQ options, delicious signature sandwiches, and small plates called “Scooby Snacks.” Kids will love the wide variety of tasty dishes with cute names, and you’ll love the price. There are also some great healthy, veggie-friendly options if you prefer to dine on the lighter side.
Nearby Attractions: Lake Olivia, Universal Orlando,
Congo River Adventure Golf Vegetarian Options Ethos Vegan Kitchen
This casual vegan eatery is located in a beautiful loft-like space in Winter Park. Their menu focuses on offering heart, home-style fare – done vegan, of course! Some of the more popular dishes include the Hippie Burger, Blackened Tempeh, and the Tofurkey Reuben. The kids menu features a variety of healthy options including chickpea salad and pasta primavera. Ethos even offers a delicious breakfast menu on the weekends.
Nearby Attractions: Winter Park Boat Tour, Orlando Science Center, Harbor Park
Bikes, Beans, and Bordeaux
Just as its name implies, this vegetarian restaurant offers more than your usual veggie fare. It’s both coffee shop and eatery, featuring a wide variety of healthy, organic dishes. B3 (as they call themselves) is probably best as a lunch destination, with a menu focused on soups, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches. Like any good coffee shop, they also offer amazing desserts (try the J-Nutella Panini). If you’re stopping by without the kids, be sure to enjoy their curated selection of delicious wines.
Nearby Attractions: Leu Gardens, Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Mead Botanical Garden Whatever you’re in the mood for, Orlando has something to satisfy your cravings. From healthy veggie-friendly options to the most mouth-watering barbeque this side of Texas, the culinary scene is full of delicious dining destinations. Choose a locale that fits in with your touring itinerary, or go adventuring on your own. If you’re looking to find that perfect restaurant, some places to explore include Winter Park, Downtown Orlando, and Sand Lake / I-Drive.