{"id":186241,"date":"2026-03-10T21:14:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T21:14:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/186241\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T21:14:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T21:14:09","slug":"55-new-restaurants-bars-and-sweet-shops-opening-in-orlando-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/186241\/","title":{"rendered":"55 new restaurants, bars and sweet shops opening in Orlando this year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"502\" data-attachment-id=\"412413\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/food-drink\/55-new-restaurants-bars-and-sweet-shops-opening-in-orlando-this-year\/attachment\/jws_7140\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/JWS_7140.jpg?fit=1000%2C643&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1000,643\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"JWS_7140\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Moon Wok&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/JWS_7140.jpg?fit=300%2C193&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/JWS_7140.jpg?fit=780%2C502&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/JWS_7140.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-412413\"  \/>Credit: Matt Keller Lehman<\/p>\n<p>In contrast to last year\u2019s spate of big, splashy openings, this year\u2019s crop of soon-to-open restaurants appears a lot more grounded, with many opting for smaller spaces and smaller menus. That\u2019s not to say we won\u2019t see sizable eating houses backed by corporate fat cats \u2014 looking at you, Fat Rosie\u2019s, Harlow Grove and O-Ku Sushi \u2014 or new concepts from James Beard-nominated local restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung or Jason and Sue Chin. <\/p>\n<p>We will, but there seems to be a clear shift in the ever-risky world of restaurants, reflective of uncertain times, a sputtering economy and rising food and labor costs. Value is what\u2019s attracting consumers to restaurants \u2014 value without compromise in the guest experience. If anything, the restaurants listed below will only serve to solidify Orlando\u2019s position as one of the most culinarily diverse cities in the South. From live-fire cooking and back-alley eats to sweet dessert soups and omakase treats, this list will help you navigate our culturally rich landscape in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Amalfi <br \/>The restaurant from the owners of Mangia Italian Gourmet in Avalon Park will bring \u201ccontemporary coastal\u201d Italian flavors to the east Orlando community. The restaurant will take over the space recently vacated by Mejana Grill &amp; Bar in Avalon Park. (Opening March, 12001 Avalon Lake Drive, amalfiavalonpark.com)<\/p>\n<p>Antalya Turkish Grillhouse <br \/>Shoppers at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets craving a more substantial and satisfying food option can cross the street and indulge in the sizzling sustenance of shish, adana and iskender kebabs. Cheesy kunefe is never a bad idea. (Open, 8133 Vineland Ave., antalyaorlando.com)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Baker\u2019s Son by Valerio\u2019s <br \/>It\u2019s not just about scratch-made breads, baked goods and pastries at this popular Kissimmee bakery, but also a savory bill of fare of Filipino American delights including longanitsa loaded fries, Philly bistek sandwiches, sinigang popcorn chicken and loco moco. A full caf\u00e9 menu features ube and pandan lattes as well as soft-serve ice cream. This is the fourth location in the country, with others in Texas (Houston and Sugar Land) and Jacksonville. (Open, 4797 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, thebakersonusa.com)<\/p>\n<p>Baires Grill <br \/>The Miami-based Argentinean steakhouse from the same folks who run Corazon by Baires brings smoky grilled meats, house-made empanadas, crispy milanesas argentinas and an extensive wine list spotlighting Mendoza, Salta and Patagonia wine regions to the former Mooyah space inside the Hollywood Plaza Garage. Baires Grill also happens to be the official restaurant of the Argentine Football Association. (Open, 8050 International Drive, bairesgrill.com)<\/p>\n<p>Caf\u00e9 De Wan <br \/>Delightful Turkish delights including vibrant Turkish breakfast plates, soups, pide, borek, bagels, fresh-baked breads and lahmacun greet guests to this charming Casselberry eatery. Warm carrot baklava filled with ice cream? Yes, please. (Open, 1015 State Road 436, Casselberry, instagram.com\/cafedewan_)<\/p>\n<p>Chuanlu Garden Clay Pot <br \/>Leon Liu is back at it. After last year\u2019s dueling Chuan Lu Gardens controversy, Liu sold the Chuan Lu Garden briefly located in the old Peter\u2019s Kitchen space to the Ming\u2019s Bistro folks (subsequently dubbed \u201cMing Garden\u201d). Now the chef has taken over the old Chili Star space and will open \u201cChuanlu Garden Clay Pot\u201d specializing in Cantonese dishes cooked in earthenware vessels. (Opening spring, 5062 W. Colonial Drive)<\/p>\n<p>Chubby Cattle <br \/>David Zhao\u2019s all-you-can-eat wagyu joint is coming to Pointe Orlando and yakiniku lovers are salivating over the thought of tabletop-grilling cuts of highly marbled American, Australian and Japanese beef. And seafood too. (Opening 2026, 9101 International Drive, chubbycattle.com)<\/p>\n<p>Eastwood <br \/>After the success of Nuri\u2019s Tavern and June, Team Market Group can now turn their focus to what is arguably their most ambitious venture \u2014 a 3,300-square-foot, live-fire restaurant promising meats, fish and veg seared over a custom wood-burning grill and large-scale smoker. (Opening late 2026, 1024 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com\/eastwoodorlando)<\/p>\n<p>Eola Food Hall <br \/>The 15,000-square-foot, two-story venue across the street from the Orlando Public Library will have 10 vendors, a \u201csmall fine dining restaurant,\u201d a wine room\/speakeasy and a cocktail bar, not to mention panoramic floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Eola Park. The official vendor lineup has yet to be announced but expect birria tacos, a\u00e7ai bowls, Thai cuisine, burgers and wings. (Opening April, 150 Central Blvd., eolafoodhall.com)<\/p>\n<p>Fan Hwa <br \/>Owner Eric Jiang (Sushi Izuki, Jiang\u2019s Kitchen) will also open this Chinese dessert and bao shop in the heart of Mills 50. The corner space will feature an inviting interior design with natural wood tones, open kitchen and \u201cmodern Chinese aesthetics.\u201d Sweet dessert soups called tong sui will be the specialty here, as will bao both sweet (red bean paste) and savory (barbecue chicken). (Opening May, 709 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com\/fanhwadessert)<\/p>\n<p>Fat Rosie\u2019s Taco &amp; Tequila Bar <br \/>The festive Chicago-based chain setting up at the Waterford Lakes Town Center specializes in scratch-made tacos, fajitas and a 3-pound \u201cEl Patron Gordo\u201d burrito that, if downed in 12 minutes or less, is free. (Open, 749 N. Alafaya Trail, fatrosies.com)<\/p>\n<p>Flatlands Bar &amp; Grill <br \/>Simply Capri owner (and former Patina Restaurant Group CEO) Nick Valenti will veer away from the comforts of Italian fare and dabble in cheffy bar-and-grill and steak-forward cuisine with this new concept situated directly across from Simply Capri at Flamingo Crossings. (Opening May, 124 Ruby Red Place, Winter Garden, flatlandsbarandgrill.com)<\/p>\n<p>Flavors of Jamaica <br \/>The old Aardvark space will soon see dishes like ackee &amp; saltfish, curry goat roti and jerk chicken being cooked to order. This will be the third FOJ location in the region, to go along with outposts in Kissimmee and Ocoee. (Opening March, 2610 S. Ferncreek Ave., flavorsofja.com)<\/p>\n<p>Fragaria <br \/>Who knew plant-based, New Zealand-style ice cream (that\u2019s vanilla ice cream blended with real fruit in a specialty machine to produce an airy, velvety soft-serve) could be so popular in Maitland? But here we are. The parlor has taken over the space previously occupied by Melt Brownie and Sourdough Bread House.\u00a0(Open, 110 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, fragariaicecream.com)<\/p>\n<p>Harlow Grove Restaurant &amp; Lounge <br \/>Billed as Winter Garden\u2019s \u201cpremier full-service restaurant and lounge,\u201d\u00a0this two-story restaurant space in the Smith &amp; Main complex will comprise a \u201cdynamic\u201d first-floor lounge, an upstairs dining room, and a veranda terrace under the shade of a century-old oak tree. The menu draws inspiration from global flavors.\u00a0(Opening March, 186 S. Main St., Winter Garden, harlowgrovewg.com)<\/p>\n<p>Hayashi Tar\u014d<br \/>It\u2019ll be another busy year for Lewis Lin. The Susuru and Juju chef will open Neko San this summer, but prior to that, he\u2019ll bring this \u201comakase bento\u201d store to the Royaltea space in Mills 50. Three different omakase bento boxes will be available to go, though an eight-seat counter inside will proffer more options. A ceremonial tea (ocha) experience will also be offered. (Opening April, 714 N. Mills Ave.)<\/p>\n<p>Hooked Fish Camp <br \/>From the folks who brought us F&amp;D Prime, F&amp;D Cantina and F&amp;D Woodfired Italian Kitchen comes this new venture inspired by classic coastal fish camps. Expect fresh, approachable seafood dishes, to served out of the old Hooters building near the Seminole Towne Center in Sanford. (Hey, maybe they can reuse the first part of the old sign.) (Opening spring, 550 Towne Center Circle, Sanford, hookedfishcamp.com)<\/p>\n<p>Holy City Zoo BBQ <br \/>Greg and Kristina Gaardbo, who ran the Chicago Culinary Kitchen in Palatine, Illinois, will bring their brand of barbecue and craft beer (she\u2019s a cicerone) to the revamped Longwood Retail Center. The pair will introduce a \u201cglobal\u201d style of barbecue with Egyptian, Mexican and Korean ingredients flavoring the base of traditional American barbecue from various regions, including Texas. (Opening April, 190 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, holycityzoobbq.com)<\/p>\n<p>Krispy Rice <br \/>A Japanese teppanyaki concept akin to the wildly popular Pepper Lunch (an outpost of which is also slated to open this year) will tender their do-it-yourself dishes on the Mills 50 site of the now-demolished 7-Eleven. Krispy Rice will join Jiang\u2019s Kitchen and Little Sister Dumpling on the site along with the already-opened K\u014dri Bakery &amp; Dessert and Tiger Sugar. (Opening summer, 729 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com\/krispyrice_orlando)<\/p>\n<p>Hyperbolic Brewing <br \/>The former Hammered Lamb space will see \u201ctraditionally decocted European lagers, fruited sours, IPAs and premium barrel-aged ales\u201d being poured as steamy season sets upon us. The 10-barrel brewhouse and taproom will have a covered 1,000-square-foot outdoor seating area and will offer eats via a yet-to-be-announced culinary partner. (Opening summer, 1235 N. Orange Ave., instagram.com\/hyperbolicbrewingco)<\/p>\n<p>Jiang\u2019s Kitchen <br \/>Soup dumplings, like their signature truffle pork XLB, and \u201cpremium\u201d sushi rolls will be hand-crafted inside a modern, \u201cZen-inspired\u201d space next door to Kava Kulture and Deeply Coffee. Scallion pancakes, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, dan dan noodles and more will also be offered. Owner Eric Jiang (who\u2019ll also open Chinese dessert and bao shop Fan Hwa in Mills 50) says he\u2019s planning a second Jiang\u2019s Kitchen near the Millenia Mall before the end of the year. Jiang recently opened Sushi Izuki, an omakase house in O-Town West. (Opening April, 27 E. Robinson St.; opening November, 4724 Millenia Plaza Way, jiangskitchen.com)<\/p>\n<p>Joe &amp; The Juice\u00a0<br \/>The Danish coffee chain\u00a0will open its first area location in the old Doshi space with a menu filled with fresh juices, smoothies, shakes, sandwiches, breakfast bowls and pastries. Oh yeah, and coffee. (Opening summer, 1040 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, joejuice.com)<\/p>\n<p>Kappo Tsan <br \/>The kappo-style restaurant fusing \u201cJapanese craftsmanship with Taiwanese soul\u201d by Norigami chef David Tsan also has former Hanamizuki chef-owner Toshi Kishimoto taking charge of the cooked items. Guests can opt from tasting-menu offerings or \u00e0 la carte selections. Former Soseki and Bar Kada beverage director Benjamin Coutts oversee the wine and sake program. (Open, 11815 Glass House Lane, kappotsan.com)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Little Sister Dumpling <br \/>Little Sister Dumpling, a fast-casual operation offering a wide variety of dumplings from classics to modern twists to vegan options, will open next door to Tiger Sugar in 2026. Expect small plates and noodle dishes, as well as beer and wine options and late-night vibes on weekends.\u00a0(Opening spring, 713 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com\/littlesisterdumpling)<\/p>\n<p>Mecatos Bakery &amp; Caf\u00e9 <br \/>The home-grown chain offering Colombian baked goods, hot bites, desserts, fruit smoothies and, of course, coffee will move into the Hannibal Square building once occupied by The Coop. Owner Edwin Lurduy says the space will receive a thorough refresh, including the outdoor area. Unlike other Mecatos bakeries, this one will have on-premise roasting so that \u201ccustomers can see the process and have access to freshly roasted coffee daily\u201d and a liquor license for coffee-based cocktails. (Opening summer, 610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, mecatos.com)<\/p>\n<p>Moon Wok Kitchen &amp; Lounge <br \/>Modern takes on Cantonese fare greets guests to this tourist-sector hot spot where hand-crafted dim sum, wok-fired staples and Chinese barbecue are the stars. The concept from the owners of Twenty Pho Hour has Kai Kai BBQ founders Jerry and Jackie Lau helping out in the kitchen, so naturally the char siu pork, roast duck and beef ho fun rule. Craft cocktails and mocktails are also offered inside the fetching space. (Open, 11701 International Drive, moonwokkitchen.com)<\/p>\n<p>Naya Comida + Barrita <br \/>Agave Azul\u2019s Juan Rios is bringing a contemporary Mexican wood-fire concept to anchor the Trelago Market in Maitland. The menu will be centered around three elements dating to pre-Hispanic times \u2014 wood fire, nixtamal and mezcal. Naya will be inspired by the Pacific Coast of Riviera Nayarit, serving hand-crafted tortillas using organic masa imported from Mexico along with mezcal and tequila-centric cocktails. (Opening spring, 601 Trelago Way, Maitland, instagram.com\/nayacomida)<\/p>\n<p>Neko San <br \/>On the heels of opening Hayashi Taro, Lewis Lin will then open this nigiri-focused sushi-ya and sake bar next door to Susuru \u2014 the restaurant that started it all for him. \u201cNeko\u201d is the Japanese word for \u201ccat,\u201d a name he chose in memory of the felines that once patrolled the area behind the restaurant and who held a special place in the hearts of Susuru\u2019s workers. It\u2019ll offer budget-friendly omakases and more. (Opening summer, 8546 Palm Parkway, instagram.com\/nekosanfl)<\/p>\n<p>Nic &amp; Luc All-Day Eatery\u00a0<br \/>Chef Leroy Bautista closed his popular Longwood eatery in late 2024, but Longwood\u2019s loss is downtown\u2019s gain. Bautista will present a menu of eclectic, farm-to-table breakfast and lunch fare from the old Daily News Deli &amp; Grille space overlooking Lake Eola. Specialty small-batch preserves as well as a host of artisanal goodies will also be available for sale. (Opening March, 201 E. Pine St., nicandluc.com)<\/p>\n<p>Noods <br \/>The sort of \u201cThai noodle soul\u201d found in the back alleys of Bangkok is what this Metrowest noodle bar moving into the old China Grill space is promising. Aromatic Thai boat noodles (kuay teow reua) will be a signature offering, as will khao soi and blood-thickened nam tok noodles. (Opening early summer, 6433 Raleigh St., instagram.com\/noods.noodlebar)<\/p>\n<p>Oak &amp; Stone <br \/>The beer and pizza tavern by Artistry Restaurants will join sister restos Boca, Atlantic Beer &amp; Oyster and the Chapman on Park Avenue later this year. Oak &amp; Stone will move into the 310 Park South space and feature stone-fired pies as well as an expansive self-serve beer wall very much like the restaurant\u2019s eight other locations on the Gulf Coast. (Opening fall, 310 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, oakandstone.com)<\/p>\n<p>O-Ku <br \/>Following the opening of Corner Chophouse in Hannibal Square, Indigo Road Hospitality Group will open its O-Ku concept (to join 11 others across the South) in Minnesota Row, a mixed-use development taking over the Winter Park Business Center. \u201cAuthentic Asian cuisine\u201d in contemporary digs is what\u2019s being promised. (Opening late 2026, 1311 Minnesota Ave., Winter Park, o-kusushi.com)<\/p>\n<p>Olea Taverna <br \/>Nazih Sebaali, the man behind Grazie Modern Italian Kitchen in Audubon Park and Meza Mediterranean Grill in Baldwin Park, stays in his Med wheelhouse with the opening of this Greek concept set to take over The Local Bar &amp; Grill space in College Park. (Opening spring, 3231 Edgewater Drive, oleataverna.com)<\/p>\n<p>Oza Kai <br \/>Tim Liu, the man behind Mikado Sushi, Boku Sushi and Oza Izakaya, is bringing Oza Kai to Mills 50, complete with a 10-seat sushi bar where omakases will be presented and a 120-seat restaurant offering a menu of less formal Japanese fare. The space will host three \u201cmodern tatami rooms\u201d as well as a sunroom and an outdoor lounge. (Opening late 2026, 1821 E. Colonial Drive, ozaizakaya.com)<\/p>\n<p>Paper Kites <br \/>A new year means a new concept by James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs Jason and Sue Chin is forthcoming. The duo are once again teaming up with developer Craig Ustler to transform the old Hoods Up auto shop in the Milk District into a pocha. The Korean pub is one that will be near and dear to the Chins\u2019 hearts and speak to their heritage.\u00a0(Opening late 2026, 2400 E. Robinson St., instagram.com\/goodsalt_rg)<\/p>\n<p>Pepper Lunch <br \/>Guests will sear their own meats and veg at this popular Japanese DIY teppanyaki chain. Just where exactly, we don\u2019t yet know \u2014 and this is their second year on the list.\u00a0(Opening 2026, location TBD, pepperlunchrestaurants.com)<\/p>\n<p>Pomelo <br \/>The Southeast Asian bar concept by\u00a0Top Chef\u00a0Season 3 champ Hung Huynh will feature a fun menu of fire-grilled seafood, skewers, caviar, chicken nuggets and tropical cocktails to be served out of a lush yet casual 2,600-square-foot space. That space? The former home of Brass Tap in Mills Park. (Opening summer, 1632 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com\/pomelo.fl)<\/p>\n<p>PopUp Bagels <br \/>The chain that encourages customers to \u201cgrip, rip and dip\u201d their bagels into various schmears will take over the old Soho Juice Co. space near the busy intersection of Orlando and Fairbanks avenues. (Opening spring, 646 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, popupbagels.com)<\/p>\n<p>Q Sushi Omakase Bar <br \/>From a chef-owner with 28 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, this intimate, eight-seat omakase experience will be focused on seasonal Japanese fish and premium ingredients. High-quality sushi rice seasoned with traditional dark red vinegar and served with house-made soy sauce will be used to highlight \u201cdepth, balance and authenticity\u201d of flavor. In addition to the omakase experience, Q will also offer a curated five-course option featuring traditional Japanese dishes as well as sushi. (Opening May, 67 N. Bumby Ave., instagram.com\/q_sushi_orlando)<\/p>\n<p>The Reverie <br \/>The Chez Vincent and Hannibal\u2019s Lounge spaces will be combined into a \u201cvibrant\u201d dining room and bar with \u201cwarm textures\u201d for Brandon McGlamery\u2019s American brasserie. The notable chef will present \u201crefined yet approachable\u201d cuisine, along with a curated beverage program highlighting classic cocktails with seasonal variations and a \u201cthoughtful\u201d wine list based on New World and Old World vintages.\u00a0(Opening fall, 533 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, thereveriewinterpark.com)<\/p>\n<p>Sabai Thai Street Food <br \/>This family-run operation from Bill Spradlin and wife Viradee Pissara will serve its street-style Siamese dishes out of the old Dragon King space in SoDo. Their son, Alex, who worked as a sous chef at Isan Zaap and Lim Ros, will handle the stir-fry operations while Viradee handles everything else, which includes a tom yum noodle soup (\u201cthe star dish\u201d) and homemade Thai sausage. (Opening March, 3333 S. Orange Ave., sabaithaistreetfood.com)<\/p>\n<p>Selva Rosa Cocina &amp; Bar <br \/>The striking and Instagram-friendly room in the former Teak Neighborhood Grill serves a blend of Mexican, Latin American and Asian flavors, from hamachi leche de tigre sushi rolls to picanha tacos served on tortillas rojas. The open space features numerous nooks as well as a cocktail bar, sushi bar and \u201cEl Patio Rosa\u201d outside. Tuesdays feature AYCE tacos and sushi for $25. (Open, 901 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, instagram.com\/theselvarosa)<\/p>\n<p>Six Ravens <br \/>Gideon\u2019s Bakehouse owner Steve Lewis will open a shop specializing in grab-and-go hand pies called \u201ccoffyns\u201d just a few doors from his uber-popular cookie house. The fluffy yeast rolls will encase a variety of savory fillings. Even better is that he\u2019ll work with some local culinarians, like Eliot Hillis and Seth Parker of Red Panda Noodle and Bruno Zacchini of Pizza Bruno, on the hand pie offerings. And, yes, cookies will be served. And beer. (Opening fall, 1600 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, instagram.com\/six.ravens)<\/p>\n<p>Suffering Bastard <br \/>The Sanford tiki bar by Lorelei Wine Bar and Death in the Afternoon owners Arthur Booth and Julian Burgos will make the move from its current space inside Tuffy\u2019s Bottle Shop to the former Balloon World space in Mills 50. A food program will also be offered to soak up those Pain Killers and Zombies. (Opening late 2026, 828 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com\/sufferingbastardtiki)<\/p>\n<p>Tactical Brewing Co. <br \/>The Baldwin Park brewery will move a few doors down into the Metro Gymnastics space with expanded brewing facilities, a five-vendor food hall (one of which will serve barbecue) and a live music stage. An 8,000-square-foot outdoor area with lakeside views should prove popular. (Opening December, 4915 New Broad St., tacticalbeer.com)<\/p>\n<p>Terra Modern American <br \/>The restaurant\/lobby bar inside the Society Living high-rise downtown is the latest concept by Thriving Hospitality (Lamp &amp; Shade, Thrive Cocktail Lounge, The Packwoods) and will feature composed New American dishes by chef Ryan Stewart. Terra will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and focus on seasonal flavors and \u201crelatable dishes cooked right.\u201d (Opening spring, 434 N. Orange Ave., terramodernamerican.com)<\/p>\n<p>Tierra <br \/>Like Eneko Atxa of Bilbao\u2019s 3-Michelin star Azurmendi, chef William Shen will blend Spanish flavors and Japanese technique at this highly anticipated restaurant moving into the Colibri Mexican space in Baldwin Park. The menu (\u201ca love letter from Tokyo to Barcelona\u201d) will be more accessible than Shen\u2019s 2-Michelin star Sorekara just around the corner and will also house a culinary laboratory which will serve as a test kitchen and a hub for sustainability. (Opening late 2026, 4963 New Broad St.)<\/p>\n<p>Tropixs Lounge &amp; Eatery <br \/>This ambitious venture from Negril Jamaican Restaurant chef-owner Steve Myers will lend downtown an upscale island vibe. The restaurant buildout inside the old TD Bank space within the historic Metcalf Building should prove challenging. (Opening late 2026, 100 S. Orange Ave., instagram.com\/tropixslounge)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Turci Osteria Italiana <br \/>Vinicius Turci, of Turci Panino, Turci Pasta and Luca Turci Italian Restaurant, will open this fourth concept highlighted by a large central bar with a full bar program. Expect smaller, \u201ccarefully crafted\u201d dishes designed to expose guests to the menu\u2019s variety. The interior will be vibrant, but the mien relaxed and convivial. (Opening summer, 171 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, instagram.com\/turciosteria)<\/p>\n<p>Vines by H <br \/>The old Vines Grille &amp; Wine Bar in Dr. Phillips has been fully renovated and is now under the direction of The H Hospitality Group, the team behind Turkish steakhouse The H Orlando. The menu features everything from flatbreads to ceviches to scratch-made pastas, but prime steaks and seafood are still the focus. (Open, 7533 W. Sand Lake Road, vinesbyh.com)<\/p>\n<p>Yumee Katsu <br \/>Korean-style katsu in such varieties as cheese, spicy pork, fish, chicken curry udon and more is what this chain with more than 100 locations in South Korea offers. (Open, 5075 Edgewater Drive)<\/p>\n<p>Zama <br \/>This Mexican restaurant by Agave Azul honcho Juan Rios moving into the Armstrong Lock building is inspired by the jungles of Tulum and the Riviera Maya. Zama will feature a seafood-leaning menu and plenty of live-fire cooking; house-made corn tortillas are a given, as is an extensive tequila list. (Opening late 2025, 1120 N. Mills Ave.)<\/p>\n<p>Zayn &amp; Co. <br \/>The Palestinian food truck operation\u00a0will open a booth in the back patio of\u00a0Digress Wine\u00a0offering the same Arabic coffee beverages, tea and baked goods. Even better, the owners will also debut\u00a0Mashawi, a food truck specializing in Palestinian American street eats including shawarma, falafel and smashburgers with a twist, in Digress Wine\u2019s parking lot. (Opening March, 1215 Edgewater Drive, instagram.com\/zayn.and.co)<\/p>\n<p>Zaza Cuban Comfort Food <br \/>The Cuban diner chainlet is in full-on expansion mode and will move into the space that long held Brick &amp; Fire Pizza in Hospital Row. If you see your doctor munching on a Cubano or medianoche, you\u2019ll know why. (Opening mid-2026, 1621 S. Orange Ave., zazacubancomfort.com)<\/p>\n<p>Zukku-San Sushi Bar &amp; Grill <br \/>The concept from Tampa-based Majestic Restaurant Group started as a stall inside Armature Works, but will open in a large space at Pointe Orlando and serve \u201cculinary masterpieces\u201d from their \u201cartist\u201d chefs. Think \u201cmasterpiece\u201d rolls, tempura-fried seafood and veg, and wok-fired noodles and entrees. Cocktails will also be offered. (Opening April, 9101 International Drive, zukkusushi.com\/zukku-san)<\/p>\n<p>Orlando\u2019s daily dose of what matters. Subscribe to The Daily Weekly.<\/p>\n<p>Related Stories<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/news\/orlando-area-news\/woman-accused-of-shooting-rihannas-home-has-arrest-record-in-orlando\/\" rel=\"bookmark nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773177248_134_shutterstock_666964339.jpg\" class=\"attachment-newspack-article-block-landscape-medium size-newspack-article-block-landscape-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Woman accused of shooting Rihanna\u2019s home has arrest record in Orlando\" data-hero-candidate=\"1\"   data-attachment-id=\"412414\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/news\/orlando-area-news\/woman-accused-of-shooting-rihannas-home-has-arrest-record-in-orlando\/attachment\/cannesfrance-may19singerrihannaattendstheokja\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/shutterstock_666964339.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Shutterstock&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 19: Singer Rihanna attends the 'Okja' photo-call during the 70th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2017 in Cannes, France.&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498435200&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Copyright (c) 2017 Andrea Raffin\/Shutterstock.  No use without permission.&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Cannes,,France,-,May,19:,Singer,Rihanna,Attends,The,'okja'&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cannes,,France,-,May,19:,Singer,Rihanna,Attends,The,\u2019okja\u2019\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/shutterstock_666964339.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/shutterstock_666964339.jpg?fit=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\tOrtiz last year filed an emergency petition in Orange County court attempting to stop a Billie Eilish concert at the Kia Center\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/food-drink\/55-new-restaurants-bars-and-sweet-shops-opening-in-orlando-this-year\/\" rel=\"bookmark nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773177249_139_JWS_7140.jpg\" class=\"attachment-newspack-article-block-landscape-medium size-newspack-article-block-landscape-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"55 new restaurants, bars and sweet shops opening in Orlando this year\" data-hero-candidate=\"1\"   data-attachment-id=\"412413\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/food-drink\/55-new-restaurants-bars-and-sweet-shops-opening-in-orlando-this-year\/attachment\/jws_7140\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/JWS_7140.jpg?fit=1000%2C643&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1000,643\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"JWS_7140\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Moon Wok&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/JWS_7140.jpg?fit=300%2C193&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/JWS_7140.jpg?fit=780%2C502&amp;ssl=1\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\tFrom live-fire cooking and back-alley eats to sweet dessert soups and omakase treats\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/news\/orlando-area-news\/orange-county-leaders-unanimously-approve-resolution-opposing-proposed-ice-facility\/\" rel=\"bookmark nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773177249_478_517972223_1169387334995853_435879839876518199_n.webp.webp.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-newspack-article-block-landscape-medium size-newspack-article-block-landscape-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Orange County leaders unanimously approve resolution opposing proposed ICE facility\" data-hero-candidate=\"1\"   data-attachment-id=\"395095\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/news\/orange-county-leaders-ratify-change-to-ice-agreement-after-threats-of-removal-from-office-40105894\/attachment\/517972223_1169387334995853_435879839876518199_n-webp\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/517972223_1169387334995853_435879839876518199_n.webp.webp?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"517972223_1169387334995853_435879839876518199_n.webp\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/517972223_1169387334995853_435879839876518199_n.webp.webp?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/517972223_1169387334995853_435879839876518199_n.webp.webp?fit=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\tThe resolution is symbolic, but demonstrates a united commitment \u201cto public safety, to the rule of law and to treating every person with dignity,\u201d per Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p class=\"collection-link has-small-font-size\">This article appears in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/collections\/march-4-10-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">March 4-10, 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n<p>\t<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Credit: Matt Keller Lehman In contrast to last year\u2019s spate of big, splashy openings, this year\u2019s crop of&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":186242,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[23398,139,141,140,7872,87486],"class_list":["post-186241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-new-restaurants","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news","tag-orlando-restaurants","tag-restaurants-opening-in-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=186241"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186241\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/186242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=186241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=186241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=186241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}