The Orange County Conference Center is not in a foodie district so an Uber or Rental Car is a must! Go halfsies with a friend and wear your stretchie pants!
Orlando is a foodie city with a variety of cultures and flavors. If you’re headed to ISTE 2026, You’re going to want to check out this list of restaurants to visit when you’re not in a session. I’ve created a list and Google Map with some of my favorite places to eat in Orlando, Florida. This way, you know where to eat while attending ISTE from a certified foodie. You might not be able to check them all out during this trip but do yourself a favor and try your hardest to check as many of these off of your list as possible. And whatever you do, stay away from the chain restaurants while in the beautiful city of Orlando.
Mecatos Bakery And Cafe
This place has the BEST pastries in town. My favorite is the quesito con guayaba which is a pastry filled with cream cheese and guava paste. Pair that with a good Columbian coffee and you’re set for a few hours! You also have to try their homemade Columbian hot chocolate. It might be out of the way, but it’s worth it!
Loading Zone Philly Steaks
I’ve had Philly steaks in Philadelphia and these are THE CLOSEST to those. They have a variety to choose from but my favorites are the classic and the buffalo chicken. Pair that with the tater tots and it’s a WRAP! Good food that sticks to the ribs.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill – Orlando, FL – Skyhouse
This is good, clean food here. Their chicken skewers and spicy hummus are off the chain! Fresh ingredients are the key to their dishes. I usually order the Greek salad with a variety of hummus, pita bread, chicken, and top it off with the Baklava ice cream. Yes, I said it… Baklava ICE CREAM! Must try!
Pal Campo Restaurant
Classic Puerto Rican Food. My go-to dish is the shrimp Mofongo and Arroz con Gandules. It’s mashed up plantains topped with garlic shrimp, a side of Puerto Rican rice and pigeon peas. Trust me… if you visit Pal Campo, this dish is a must.
Arabian Nights Restaurant and Hookah Lounge
REALLY good Middle Eastern food with a very chill vibe. I order the Kofta Kabab. It’s a handmade kabab made with lamb, spices, vegetables, and flavor. I pair that with a side of vegetables and good naan after a day at FETC. I also cannot resist their homemade Baklava. It’s just too good to pass up.
NYPD Pizza Lake Cay
This is just good, thin crust New York style pizza in Orlando, Florida. I went there a few years ago because I was hungry and this place isn’t too far from the convention center. I fell in love with it. They had a two cheese slice special that I just couldn’t pass up. Not only was it affordable, it was REALLY good. A must try when at FETC.
Mardee’s Bistro And Lounge
Authentic Haitian and Jamaican food in Orlando, Florida. Mardee’s is the newest restaurant on this list but their vibe is unbelievable. It’s a bit out of the way but worth the travel. Their oxtails are tender and their Haitian meat patties are super flaky.
Sodiê Doces
This place is unreal. It is a Brazilian dessert spot and a perfect way to end EVERY ISTE evening. They sell their cakes by the pound and serve up some delicious coffee to wash them down. They even have sugar free options! Check this place out and leave your self-esteem at the door!
If you check any of these places out, please let me know which ones and what you ate. Don’t forget to share this post with a fellow ISTE attendee and remember, the best conversations happen when we break bread with great people. Buen provecho and see you in Orlando!
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