Orlando’s culinary scene sparkles with Latin American gems waiting to be discovered by hungry food adventurers like you. From sizzling Colombian street food to authentic Mexican taquerias and mouthwatering Puerto Rican mofongo, the city offers a delicious tour through Latin America without leaving Florida. I’ve scoured Orlando to bring you these six incredible spots that will transport your taste buds south of the border.
1. Lechonera El Barrio – Puerto Rican Paradise
Holy mofongo, Batman! Walking into Lechonera El Barrio feels like teleporting straight to San Juan. The intoxicating aroma of slow-roasted pork (lechón) hits you before you even grab a menu.
Their crispy-skinned lechón asado practically melts in your mouth, while the mofongo – mashed plantains stuffed with your choice of protein – deserves its own fan club. Though hidden in a small strip mall, locals line up daily for their fix of authentic island flavors.
Family-owned since 2008, this humble spot serves abuela-approved recipes without fancy frills. The owners often chat with customers, making everyone feel like part of their extended Puerto Rican family. Don’t miss their homemade flan – silky, caramel-drenched perfection!
2. Arepa Burger – Venezuelan Street Food with a Modern Twist
Arepa Burger is a popular Orlando destination for Venezuelan street food, with locations in Lake Nona and Waterford Lakes. The restaurant specializes in freshly made arepas – crispy cornmeal pockets stuffed with flavorful fillings like shredded beef, chorizo, cheese, or the classic Reina Pepiada with chicken and avocado.
Families love the friendly service and casual vibe, making it an easy spot for a quick meal or weekend lunch. In addition to arepas, they serve tequeños, pastelitos, patacones, and natural fruit juices. Everything is made fresh to order with authentic flavors, honoring traditional Venezuelan recipes.
Whether you’re new to Venezuelan food or grew up with it, Arepa Burger delivers bold taste and comfort in every bite. It’s a reliable favorite for locals looking for satisfying, Latin-inspired comfort food in Florida.
3. Colombia Restaurant & Bakery – Taste of Colombia in Every Bite
Colombia Restaurant & Bakery brings authentic Colombian flavors to Orlando with a menu full of traditional favorites. This family-run spot is loved for its hearty bandeja paisa platters, featuring rice, beans, ground beef, chicharrón, plantains, and fried egg – a true Colombian feast.
Their fresh, warm arepas and empanadas are also crowd-pleasers, perfect for kids and adults alike. The bakery section offers sweet treats like tres leches cake and guava pastries, rounding out a delightful meal. The casual, welcoming environment makes it great for family dining or casual gatherings.
With friendly service and consistent quality, Colombia Restaurant & Bakery delivers the heart and soul of Colombian cuisine right in the heart of Orlando. It’s a perfect spot to explore rich flavors and comforting dishes from Colombia’s diverse regions.
4. Azteca D’Oro – Mexican Beyond Tex-Mex
Forget everything you think you know about Mexican food! Azteca D’Oro serves regional specialties rarely found outside central Mexico, making it a treasure for authentic cuisine seekers. Their mole poblano – a complex sauce featuring chocolate, chilies, and over 20 ingredients – transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
However, the true star might be their handmade tortillas, pressed fresh throughout the day. Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of these warm corn discs wrapped around succulent barbacoa or al pastor pork sliced directly from the trompo.
Families gather here on weekends, sipping horchata and sharing massive molcajetes filled with grilled meats and nopales. The colorful interior, adorned with folk art and papel picado, transports you straight to Oaxaca without the airfare – right here in Orlando, Florida.
5. Churrasco’s – Brazilian Meat Lover’s Dream
Carnivores rejoice! This Brazilian steakhouse elevates meat-eating to an art form with their rodizio-style service where gauchos parade around with skewers of perfectly grilled meats, slicing portions directly onto your plate. The picanha (top sirloin cap) alone is worth the trip – crusty with salt on the outside, tender and juicy within.
Unlike chain Brazilian restaurants, Churrasco’s maintains authentic touches like pão de queijo (cheese bread balls) made from scratch daily and hearts of palm harvested sustainably from Brazilian farms. Their salad bar features unique items like farofa (toasted cassava flour) and vinagrete (Brazilian tomato salsa).
What truly sets them apart, though, is their caipirinha bar offering over 20 variations of Brazil’s national cocktail. Try the passion fruit version – dangerously delicious and potent enough to have you dancing samba by dessert time!
6. Las Delicias Bakery – Sweet & Savory Mexican Traditions
Las Delicias Bakery is a beloved Orlando bakery and restaurant offering a wide range of Mexican and Central American dishes. Known especially for their freshly baked pan dulce (sweet bread) and savory pastries, this spot is a favorite for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
They serve traditional Mexican tortas, tamales, and tacos, prepared with authentic ingredients and bold flavors. Families enjoy the casual, friendly atmosphere and the large portions perfect for sharing. Their freshly brewed Mexican coffee and horchata complement any meal.
Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a full meal, Las Delicias combines traditional recipes with warm hospitality, making it a staple in Orlando’s Latin food scene. It’s an ideal place to discover homemade flavors in a cozy, inviting setting.
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