The 2025 Orlando Dining Awards: Readers’ Choice Part 2
Already done with part 1? Why not check out part 2 of the 2025 Orlando Dining Award Winners.
Back to the 2025 Dining Awards 
Best BIB Gourmand Restaurant: JUJU
READERS’ CHOICE
Fried, grilled and dry-aged sashimi courses are what make this Bib Gourmand restaurant stand out. Juju shares the same dining room as its sister restaurant, Susuru, and its cuisine is almost too beautiful to eat. It features a seven-seat kappo bar; at a kappo bar, guests sit at the counter and chefs serve dishes directly to them, allowing for greater interaction and engagement. But make no mistake, the cuisine is no less decadent—in fact, this method of serving allows for a focus on fresh, in-the-moment preparation; the term “kappo” itself means “cut and cook.” Juju is one of 35 MICHELIN-recommended restaurants in Orlando. susuruorl.com/juju-restaurant
Best Burgers | Best Cheap Eats: BETH’S BURGER BAR
READERS’ CHOICE
Beth’s Burger Bar is truly “proof once again that a girl can beat five guys.” Born from her vision to make a completely customizable burger menu, owner and founder Beth Steele brought to life an adult concept sure to please your inner child: crafting the perfect burger paired with your choice of beer and wine. You can customize your burger, beginning with your protein, toppings, sauces, cheese or no cheese (although the obvious answer here is cheese) and endless sides—from classic fries to fried okra. From the Peanut Butter Burger to the Pizza Burger with marinara, mozzarella parm, pepperoni, basil aioli and Italian seasoning, the possibilities are endless. bethsburgerbar.com
Best Cocktails: MATHERS SOCIAL GATHERING
READERS’ CHOICE
If you’re looking for a history-rich bar that’s as delectable as its drinks, Mathers Social Gathering checks both boxes. This gorgeous cocktail lounge is distinguished by its exposed brick, dark wood finishes, vast pillars and original exposed wood truss ceiling—feeling both sophisticated and a little sexy (especially on Tuesday and Saturday nights for their burlesque shows). Their mixologists use artisanal spirits, house-made ingredients and seasonal fruits to create both classic cocktails and modern concoctions. Pair the refreshing mango mojito or spicy Phoenix—named for the building’s renaming to commemorate its survival of a major fire in 1884—with their small bites, from truffle popcorn with parmesan to a cozy plate of milk and cookies. mathersorlando.com
Best Doughnuts: THE SALTY DONUT
READERS’ CHOICE
This artisanal donut shop, affectionately known as “The Salty,” has earned a cult following, and for good reason. The Salty Donut is all about small-batch, chef-crafted donuts with flavors like Brown Butter & Salt and their famous Butterbeer™ Donut. Looking for something a little more savory? The Everything “Cragel,” a homemade buttered croissant rolled and shaped into a bagel, tossed in everything bagel seasoning, is a taste sensation. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, even The Salty’s coffee drinks, such as the classic Cinnamon Cereal Milk latte and Maple & Brown Sugar cold brew, pair perfectly with their sweet creations. The chic atmosphere makes it the perfect place to linger over your treat. A new location was added to Vineland Pointe this year (also in Audubon Park). saltydonut.com
Best Server | Best View: THE PINERY
READERS’ CHOICE
So named because it sits on land that once produced Florida’s top export crop—pineapples—The Pinery still pays homage to that agricultural heritage today and is known for its chef-driven experience steeped in southern hospitality. It’s the brainchild of Carol Sizer Holladay, who realized her dream of owning and running her own restaurant after 26 years in the hospitality industry. The Pinery’s cuisine celebrates the best of Central Florida’s local flavors, and the picturesque environs overlooking Lake Ivanhoe add another special ingredient to that meal. Add to that exquisite service—you chose the restaurant’s Marco Antonio as your favorite server in Orlando—and you have all the elements of an unforgettable meal. thepineryorlando.com
Best Mexican/ Tex-Mex | Best Happy Hour: COCINA 214
READERS’ CHOICE
A staple of Orlando’s dining scene for 15 years, the bold flavors of Mexico are expertly handled at Cocina 214, where vibrant salsas, street corn and avocado bites meet a larger menu of nachos, burritos, tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas. There’s also a section of the menu called Los Favoritos, “The Favorites,” which is apt, because the corn-crusted Mahi and the carne asada are definite crowd pleasers. Looking for vegetarian or vegan options? Delicious choices include the truffle & mushroom quesadilla, very veggie tacos, the nacho macho and huevos rancheros. And regarding Cocina 214’s happy hour win, we dare you to find another restaurant with as many margaritas, whether you want them on the rocks, frozen, hand-shaken and served up or as part of a flight. No matter which you choose, the El Diablo margarita is a must; it’s The 214 Frozen swirled with chef-made sangria. cocina214.com
