Orlando’s Culinary Scene Heats Up with New Restaurant Openings and Closings

Orlando’s dining landscape is experiencing a dynamic shift, with several new restaurants preparing to open their doors and a few existing establishments closing. From innovative cuisine blending Spanish and Japanese flavors to globally-inspired barbecue and classic New York bagels, the city’s food scene continues to evolve.

New Restaurant Openings

Tierra: A Spanish-Japanese Fusion

Chef William Shen and restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung, the team behind the Two-Michelin-starred Sorekara, are launching a new concept called Tierra. Located in the former Colibri Mexican Restaurant space at 4963 New Broad Street in Baldwin Park, Tierra will blend Spanish flavors with Japanese techniques. Shen describes the menu as “a love letter from Tokyo to Barcelona.” The restaurant will also feature a culinary laboratory focused on sustainability and serving as a test kitchen. The opening is anticipated by the end of 2026.

Holy City Zoo BBQ: Global Flavors

Holy City Zoo BBQ is set to open at 190 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd. In Longwood, offering a “global” style of barbecue. Owners Greg and Kristina Gaardbo will incorporate Egyptian, Mexican, and Korean ingredients into traditional American barbecue. Kristina Gaardbo is a cicerone, promising a strong beer program.

H&H Bagels: A New York Classic

Legendary New York City bagel shop H&H Bagels is expanding to Orlando, opening an outpost at 931 State Road 434 in Altamonte Springs in May. The shop has been serving kettle-boiled, oven-baked bagels since 1972.

Other Openings

Several other restaurants have recently opened in the Orlando area:

• Yumee Katsu: Serving Korean-style katsu at 5075 Edgewater Drive.
• Kori Chicken: Specializing in Korean street fare, particularly fried chicken, at 6056 S. Orange Ave. In Pine Castle.
• Amalfi: An Italian restaurant from the owners of Mangia Italian Gourmet, located at 12001 Avalon Lake Drive in Avalon Park.
• Mugendai Sushi & Sake Bar: An upscale sushi offering at 1813 E. Broadway St. In Oviedo.
• Harlow Grove: A two-story restaurant and lounge at 186 S. Main St. In Winter Garden.

Restaurant Closings and Transitions

Pig Floyd’s (Lee Road)

Pig Floyd’s on Lee Road in Winter Park has closed after six months of operation.

Black Bean Deli (Winter Garden)

Black Bean Deli will not be opening in Winter Garden after a multi-year effort.

Other Transitions

• Aladdin’s Cafe: After three decades, the owners of Aladdin’s Cafe in Casselberry are retiring, but the business will continue under new ownership by Flafel Spot.
• Vinia Wine & Kitchen: Fabio Perricelli and Paula Gamba have sold Vinia Wine & Kitchen to Rafael and Marina Lima, who plan to introduce Portuguese fare.