The 2025 Orlando Dining Awards: Readers’ Choice Part 1
It's so big, we had to split the list into two parts this year!
Back to the 2025 Dining Awards 
Best Restaurant: FOREIGNER
READERS’ CHOICE
States inspires the culinary journey at Foreigner. The restaurant’s logo, an octopus, symbolizes creativity, expansion, unpredictability and braving the unknown—seeing things through the eyes of a foreigner. But don’t worry, you’ll have an expert team of chefs to guide you through this nouveau American chef’s table experience, which showcases seasonal flavors from local farm partners, as well as techniques that celebrate a blend of American and European fine dining. The Audubon Park restaurant’s refined elegance makes you feel as comfortable as you’d be at home, provided you have top-notch chefs at your beck and call. And as with any great meal, wine is an integral part of the experience. foreignerrestaurant.com
Best Food Hall: MILLS MARKET
READERS’ CHOICE
Your source for Pan-Asian cuisine, Mills Market aims to preserve the charm of the Tien Hung market, but with a modern update. Here, bahn mis meet juicy roast duck and scratch-made curry, followed by the prettiest shaved ice you’ve ever seen. Its newest concept, Okonomi, reimagines Japanese counter dining for a new generation of local food lovers. The nigiri-forward project is the latest creation from the powerhouse team behind Zaru, UniGirl and Cowboy Curry (also at Mills Market). Not only is Mills Market one of the most exciting dining destinations in Orlando, many of its eateries are no strangers to the Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN guides. It was inspired by its owners’ travels to Asia, where they found unique experiences down every alley. mills-market.com
Best New Restaurant: JUNE
READERS’ CHOICE
Orlando is hungering for more clean and natural dining. The woodfired contemporary Mexican restaurant opened in July 2025 and in just five short months has become a mainstay. All dining selections are seed-oil free (only clean, traditional oils are used), have minimal refined sugars, and unrefined ingredients are prioritized, with gluten-free selections at the core. June keeps its drinks simple as well, using fresh fruit and cane sugar—nothing fake. The space also feels fresh, with an airy dining room and a patio for those who like to dine outdoors. Get a preview of your meal by heading to the restaurant’s Facebook or Instagram pages; if you’re not sold already, you will be after browsing all the vibrant colors of its cuisine. juneorlando.com
Best James Beard-Nominated Restaurant – New Category: AVA MEDITERRAEGEAN
READERS’ CHOICE
All your senses will be on overload when you step into this stunning Winter Park restaurant. The décor is chic yet colorful (as is the cuisine), the scents wafting through make you want to sit down post haste, and the ambience is electric. You can hardly wait to get that menu in hand to start planning your culinary journey. If you have a hard time with your selections, don’t worry—on our last visit, we put ourselves solely in the hands of our server, who’s choices were perfectly on point. We can share a bit of that with you: do start with the Flambéed Cyprus Halloumi Cheese, served with Meyer lemon marmalade, sesame and local honey. And if you didn’t already know, AVA puts out one of the best brunch spreads in town. You’re welcome. avamediterraegean.com
Best Instagrammable Restaurant: PEACOCK ALLEY
READERS’ CHOICE
We could mug for the camera all day and night at Peacock Alley (and evidently you could too), the beyond-chic bar at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Drawing inspiration from the contours of the shape of a peacock’s feathers, you’ll indeed feel embraced here as you melt into the comfy seating and are beholden by the gorgeous art deco touches. Choose from a list of classic cocktails that pay homage to the Waldorf’s original in New York City—The Waldorf Cocktail is perfect for a nightcap—the Orlando property’s signature cocktails or the playful “Milk Punch of the Moment.” Don’t skip the all-day food menu, however, which offers delights such as the artisan cheese board, truffle parmesan fries, Florida burrata and yellowtail crudo. Line it all up and start snapping away. waldorfastoriaorlando.com/dining/peacock-alley
Best Tea Room – New Category: INFUSION TEA
READERS’ CHOICE
This vegetarian and vegan teahouse and cafe has been serving cozy organic loose-leaf teas and eats since 2004. Owners Brad and Christina Cowherd opened this casual, cozy “third place” following their three years serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala, where they became more involved in organic farming, tea and vegetarian cooking. They offer a wide variety of teas—which are available for online purchase—from classics like Earl Grey to the sweet, chocolatey White Raspberry Truffle. But don’t sleep on their flavorful fare, which includes an all-day breakfast menu, acai bowls, paninis, salads, quesadillas, pizza, tacos and classic tea sandwiches. infusionorlando.com
Best Chocolates & Candy – New Category:
KILWINS
READERS’ CHOICE
When you approach its cozy storefront in Winter Park, you can feel the 75 years of culture and heritage behind Kilwins. This Michigan-based chocolate, ice cream and candy shop has been serving up sweets with unique flavor profiles since the ‘40s—using Dominican and Peruvian cacao beans to enhance the rich carameliness of their milk chocolate and hints of spice and licorice in their dark chocolate. There is something for everyone here, from specialties like buckeyes, chocolate-coated orange peels, pretzels and peanut butter cups, to their crunchy brittles, caramel corn, caramel apples and assortments of fudge. kilwins.com
Best Diner – New Category: JOHNNY’S DINER
READERS’ CHOICE
This family owned and operated joint has been dishing out homestyle meals since 1995. With the brother-sister duo Johnny Krasniqi and Linda Prekaj running their two locations in Casselberry and the UCF corridor, quality, consistency and comforting meals at an affordable price point unite these two fronts. This classic fare ranges from salads, a plethora of classic sandwiches—from Reubens to gyros—burgers, soups, familiar dinners and an all-day breakfast menu. However, you can’t miss out on the $8.50 breakfast special, only available Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Sundays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. johnnys-diner.com
