In 2025, fifty-nine Central Florida restaurants secured spots in the MICHELIN Guide Florida—nine starred venues, 15 Bib Gourmands and 35 with additional MICHELIN honors.
That’s quite a feat since MICHELIN first came to Orlando in 2022, giving just four restaurants MICHELIN stars.
Talk about a great culinary scene for foodies!
But being a foodie is more than just seeking out the hottest new restaurants or MICHELIN-starred venues. It’s about embracing the experience and being willing to try new flavors, whether that’s through a renown chef’s tasting menu or in a casual new ramen spot.
Google Maps data estimates that the city of Orlando alone has more than 3,700 restaurants (including coffee shops and bars). So there’s always something new to add to your list, even if it’s simply new to you.
My culinary card is a lot fuller after consulting the 2025 Dining Awards results. What’s important about these awards is that they were voted on by you, the reader. And we all know the best recommendations come from people we know and trust.
So which restaurants are at the top of my list? I’m starting with the winners in our four new categories this year: Chocolates & Candy, Diners, James Beard-nominated restaurants and Tea Rooms. Talk about diversity!
Next, I’m headed to picks offered up by Orlando magazine contributor extraordinaire, Brendan O’Connor. Brendan’s prose never fails to dazzle—every time I read his reviews, I can envision myself piling his selections high on a plate. Brendan says of his choice for best barbecue that “Some brisket cuts age over 16 hours, resulting in deeply flavorful bark and tender interiors that bite like fatty meat candies.” You’ve gotta try it, and others, so head to our 2025 Dining Awards feature.
New to the dining awards this year is the Joseph Hayes Legacy Award, given to a restaurant that’s been a longtime fixture in its own community, just as Hayes was a fixture in the Orlando dining and arts scenes. He was the dining critic at Orlando magazine for 11 years, and although I never met him, those who did have told me that he was always ready with an encouraging word and was always warm and full of ideas.
The issue also takes a look at the literary scene in Orlando, guides you to the best holiday lights experiences and gives ideas on what you’ll need to get ready for holiday parties. Plus, read about Florida’s top-ranking colleges in our Higher Education Guide.