The Best in Retail and Dining That You Can't Miss. #RetailInspiration
Orlando is a burgeoning city. It grows in popularity and style every single year. If you're going to Orlando for ICSC FL show this year, you need to check out these stores and restaurants for the ultimate #retailinspiration experience!
Are you ready for ICSC FL in beautiful Orlando? I know what you may be thinking: Orlando, home of Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld-- but the city is home to so much more than that! Go ahead and clear your calendar for the rest of the afternoon... it's time to plan your down time in Orlando (and get some serious retail inspiration)!
Locals love Orlando for the eclectic entertainment scene that has everything you could want in one place. Whether you bring your family along for an adventure at Medieval Times or if you just want to wind down from a day of networking by catching a Blue Man Group show, Orlando never lets you run out of things to do. Orlando, also known as "The City Beautiful," has a thriving food and shopping scene, which can be seen all over town.
If you're looking for the best dining and shopping that Orlando has to offer, use this guide to help you make the most of your time here. Make sure to also follow us on Instagram, where we've been posting more tips on must-visit retailers and restaurants in Orlando!
The Best Food in Orlando
One of the best things about Orlando is the mix of cultures that it offers. You can find delicious food from all corners of the world here - including fresh pasta, amazing sushi dishes, traditional Brazilian cuisine, Indian eats and much more.
There's so much to choose from that even long-time Orlando residents are constantly finding new places to try. If you want to taste some of the absolute best food in the area, though, you have to go to the following three places:
1. Homecomin' Florida Kitchen
It's hard to find something that hits the spot quite like down-home Southern cooking. If you're in the mood for warm biscuits and some out-of-this-world mac 'n cheese, you have to head to Homecomin' Florida Kitchen.
This is the closest restaurant on the list from the Orlando Convention Center, and it would be the perfect spot to meet with one of our experts for dinner after the show (find your expert here). Located in Lake Buena Vista, one bite of anything you order here will show you what the South is all about.
Try a classic dish like shrimp 'n grits or get a little adventurous and order the fried chicken and donuts. There's also the classic meatloaf and delicious burger selection. Whatever you do, don't forget to try the housemade moonshine! It'll probably literally knock your socks off!
2. Domu
Maybe you're flying in from Atlanta or Houston where Southern cooking is an everyday indulgence. If that's that's the case, go to Domu for something different.
Domu's claim to fame is ramen. They offer 11 ramen creations for you to choose from, along with a handful of classic Asian street food dishes.
As if that's not enough, the kitchen offers up some must-try, mouthwatering options. These include black truffle-infused burrata with an Asian spin, chicken wings with kimchi butter sauce, and lobster Asian buns.
Every dish here has been thought out and carefully crafted. The food is so good you may find yourself asking for a second round. Be sure to come hungry... and maybe wear your stretchy pants for this one.
3. Bulla Gastrobar
Sometimes, you just want something simple, yet impressive. Give traditional Spanish fare a go if you find yourself in the Winter Park area, where Bulla Gastrobar is located.
Bulla does just about everything.
Their paella is big enough to feed the whole table, and their tapas are worth ordering multiple plates of. The cocktails are fun, creative, and mixed just right. This is the perfect place to be if you have a special place in your heart for Spanish cooking or if you want to be introduced to this type of culinary style.
Try the jalapeno ceviche, the huevos "bulla", or the churrasco. If you're coming here with a large party, it's also fun to get a bunch of small and large plates and dine family style so you can try a little bit of everything... having to choose one thing is just so overrated.
Where to Go for a Top-Notch Orlando Shopping Experience
Since you're coming to Orlando for ICSC, you definitely have to do some shopping. Or at least, check out what the best places to shop in Orlando are like.
Most people assume the Mall of Millenia and the Orlando Premium Outlets are the places to be. Those are great locations, but they're not the only ones to choose from. It's worth paying a visit to the places listed below, too:
1. The Florida Mall
The Florida Mall has over 250 stores, and many retailers have their only Orlando location in this shopping center. For instance, you can't find an American Girl or M&Ms store anywhere else in the city. This location offers plenty of foot traffic, paired with a bit of an exclusive feel.
Another benefit of the Florida Mall is how family-friendly it is. Shops like the Disney Store and the Crayola Experience are perfect for keeping kids occupied while teenagers and adults browse through their preferred fashion retailers. Retailers range from everyday wear to high-end brands. So, if you want to see some of the newest trends in retail, this place should definitely be on your list!
2. Disney Springs
It doesn't get more family-friendly than Disney Springs. Formerly known as Downtown Disney, the shopping center is the ideal place for families to shop and have fun - but it's also a great spot for adults to relax and have a good time.
Disney Springs features an IMAX theater, the Rainforest Cafe, and the Lego Store for kids to enjoy all day long. Interesting food concepts are here as well, and the shopping ranges from sportswear brands and self-care boutiques to home decor and high fashion.
If you get hungry - or thirsty - from the shopping, you HAVE to visit Frontera Cocina. The Mexican food is killer, and the flavors will blow you away. Be sure to order a mezcal margarita... you'll thank us later.
3. Park Avenue in Winter Park
Winter Park is where shoppers go for an upscale, yet intimate experience. The area does tend to get crowded on the weekends, but it's much more enjoyable than fighting for parking and trying to get around at one of the larger malls.
Park Avenue is the main strip of Winter Park. It's where the best food and retailers are popping up, with more and more making their debut in recent years. The buzz around Park Avenue shows no signs of slowing down. Make sure you pay a visit to see what it's all about!
Make the Most of Your Time at ICSC Orlando
It's easy to see that there's truly something for everyone in Orlando. The thing is, you just have to find the best Orlando experience for you.
Once you get some inspiration for your retail business, it's time to put a plan into action! With Franklin Street's Retailer 360, our experts are here to help you explore all your options to reach your retail end game. We stand confidently by your side and execute on your real estate needs where you need a trusted ally.
Be sure to stop by our booth and say hi at ICSC, or go ahead and start discovering everything we can do for you.