Letter from the Editor: Who Does It Best?
Every year, Best of ORL serves as a celebration of the people, places and businesses that make Central Florida such a dynamic place to live, work and play. But this year’s competition was unlike anything we’ve seen before.
With hundreds of thousands of votes cast across 118 categories, the 2026 Best of ORL Awards became our fiercest contest yet. Some winners surged ahead with commanding leads, earning overwhelming support from loyal fans and customers. Others prevailed by the slimmest of margins, proving that every vote truly matters. The passion, pride and enthusiasm shown by our readers made this year’s results especially exciting.
The winners featured in this issue represent the very best our city has to offer, from standout restaurants and beloved local personalities to trusted professionals, cultural institutions, retailers and community favorites. Whether you’re looking for a new sushi spot, a reliable professional or a hidden gem you’ve yet to discover, these pages are filled with recommendations straight from the people who know Orlando best, YOU!
Beyond our annual celebration of local excellence, this issue takes readers on a few memorable journeys. We head west to Florida’s Gulf Coast for a look at the breathtaking St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. Through a stunning photo essay, we explore one of the state’s most luxurious destinations, where elegant accommodations, coastal beauty and exceptional experiences come together in spectacular fashion.
Closer to home, our team embarks on a New England-inspired adventure without ever leaving Orange County. At The Nauti Lobstah, fresh seafood, coastal charm and creative hospitality bring a taste of the Northeast to Central Florida. It’s a destination that proves great escapes can sometimes be found right in your own backyard.
It’s also time for our 2026 Hall of Fame, which recognizes professionals in Law, Medicine and Dentistry for excellence in their fields. Each professional has the distinction of being named by their peers to these lists a minimum of five times.
As always, thank you for reading, voting and supporting the local businesses and individuals who make our community special. We hope this issue inspires you to explore somewhere new, revisit an old favorite and celebrate the very Best of ORL.
