Check out some of Orlando, Florida’s top eating spots during FSTEC. | Photo: Shutterstock.
FSTEC 2025 is billed as the conference “where restaurant innovation meets foodservice technology,” so attendees would be remiss not to explore some of the Orlando area’s more innovative restaurants.
Running from Sept. 14-16 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, the conference is jam-packed with educational sessions and dynamic speakers, but there is time to fit in some off-location dining experiences. We put together a cross-section of choices, from leading-edge fast casuals to chef-driven destinations.
4 Rivers Smokehouse first opened in Winter Park, part of the Orlando metro area, and the original location is still there along with a couple of others in Orlando proper. The fast-casual barbecue restaurant was started by John Rivers, who perfected the art of cooking brisket after a career in health care. The menu still includes that house-smoked brisket along with pulled pork, ribs, sausage, smoked turkey, pulled chicken and even vegan burnt ends. The meats can be ordered as platters, sandwiches, tacos and samplers, along with sides such as mac & cheese, fried okra, cheese grits, cole slaw, fries and more.
Café Tu Tu Tango is a local favorite serving shareable tapas and small plates along with craft cocktails and signature sangrias. The menu is divided into sections such as dips and spreads, snacks and veggies, meats and seafood, and tacos and sliders. “Tango Favorites” to share include Jamon Serrano Croquetas, Garli Chicken Wings, Sesame Steak Skewers and Crispy Brussels Sprouts. On weekends, there’s a bottomless brunch. The eclectic ambiance is as big a draw as the food and drink, with vibrant art in a gallery-like setting and live entertainment nightly.
Seasons 52, a polished-casual restaurant and wine bar in the Darden portfolio, has a location in Orlando that is worth checking out. The seasonally changing menu focuses on fresh ingredients inventively prepared, all with lighter cooking techniques. The Flatbreads are a signature, topped with the likes of barbecued chipotle shrimp; wood-grilled corn, bacon and cheddar; and pesto chicken and mozzarella. Cedar-plank salmon, caramelized grilled scallops and a number of wood-grilled beef, lamb and seafood entrees are good dinner bets, but there are also pasta and salad options. The mini desserts are the perfect size indulgence to end a meal. Sweets such as Belgian Chocolate S’mores, Key Lime Pie and Turtle Cheesecake come layered in shot glasses; guests can order one or a flight of six for the table.
Disney Springs, an outdoor entertainment and dining district within Walt Disney World, has over 60 restaurants that are accessible without a park ticket. While some lean toward snack bars, there are a number of chef-driven fine-dining choices. Located at The Landing, which fronts the water, is The Boathouse, an upscale restaurant that’s big on fresh seafood and a notable raw bar, in addition to steak, chops and pasta. For more casual fare, burgers, lobster rolls and salads are available.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is inspired by Chef Art’s comfort food family favorites, sourced with ingredients from Florida farms. Art’s Famous Fried Chicken is a bestseller, but there’s also meatloaf, shrimp and grits, deviled eggs and other Southern specialties. Moonshine cocktails are on tap, but there are plenty of other drinks, both boozy and alcohol-free. Desserts have a Southern accent, too, with Chocolate Pecan Pie and Hummingbird Cake leading off the list.
On another end of the dining spectrum is Iron Chef Morimoto’s spot, Morimoto Asia. The Pan-Asian restaurant spotlights the chef’s unique spin on Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes. Morimoto Peking Duck, LA BBQ Kalbi Beef Ribs and Mongolian Filet Mignon are a few highlights, but those are rounded out with lots of vegetables, stir-fries and noodles. For weekend brunch, the menu focuses on dim sum, sushi and noodle dishes. The soaring, two-story space is defined by 20-foot chandeliers, lounges and an exhibition kitchen.
For a less pricey eating adventure, Mills Market is a former Vietnamese grocery store converted into a food hall. There are five vendors offering up everything from banh mi, barbecue, Japanese rice balls (onigiri) and handmade dim sum. Better for lunch, as seating is at a premium.
Norman’s is Norman Van Aken’s Orlando restaurant, a chef who’s been a longtime evangelist of Florida cuisine and food products. The Magical Dining Menu is currently available through the end of September—a prix-fixe dinner for $60 plus an optional wine package. With starters such as Brazilian conch chowder and fried green tomatoes, followed by entrees like Florida snapper, vegetarian paella Valenciana and pork Havana, it’s a great deal. Desserts include Key lime pie and Havana bananas flambe. Norman’s also offers less structured menus for happy hour, a la carte dinners and “flights and bites.”
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