News Summary
The FSTEC 2025 conference will take place in Orlando from September 14-16, showcasing innovations in restaurant technology and offering attendees a taste of the city’s diverse dining options. The event promises to illuminate Orlando’s vibrant culinary landscape, featuring a variety of renowned restaurants that reflect the dynamic food culture. From barbecue to tapas, participants will have the opportunity to explore many unique dining experiences, reinforcing Orlando’s reputation as a significant player in the foodservice sector.
Orlando will play host to the FSTEC 2025 conference, a significant event scheduled from September 14-16 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. The conference will spotlight advancements in restaurant innovation and foodservice technology, encouraging attendees to explore some of Orlando’s most innovative dining establishments.
The vibrant culinary scene in Orlando features a diverse array of dining options, from fast-casual to chef-driven cuisine. Participants at the FSTEC conference will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the various restaurants that exemplify the city’s dynamic food culture.
Featured Dining Experiences
Several noteworthy restaurants stand out as exemplars of Orlando’s innovative dining landscape:
- 4 Rivers Smokehouse: Starting in Winter Park, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has multiple locations across Orlando. Founded by former health care professional John Rivers, this barbecue restaurant specializes in house-smoked meats such as brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and its unique vegan burnt ends. The menu includes an assortment of platters, sandwiches, tacos, and samplers, with sides like mac & cheese and fried okra.
- Café Tu Tu Tango: Renowned for its shareable tapas and small plates, this restaurant also offers a selection of craft cocktails and sangrias. Menu highlights include dips, snacks, and “Tango Favorites” like Jamon Serrano Croquetas and Garlic Chicken Wings. The lively venue features a bottomless brunch on weekends, ensuring a fun-filled dining experience complemented by live entertainment.
- Seasons 52: Part of the Darden restaurant portfolio, Seasons 52 is known for its polished-casual ambiance and a menu that changes seasonally. Dishes emphasize fresh ingredients and lighter cooking methods, featuring options such as flatbreads and cedar-plank salmon, as well as mini desserts served in shot glasses.
- Disney Springs: This outdoor entertainment and dining district boasts over 60 eateries, accessible to visitors without needing a theme park ticket. It provides a rich array of dining opportunities that cater to various tastes and preferences.
- The Boathouse: An upscale seafood restaurant known for its raw bar and a menu that includes steak, chops, and pasta, The Boathouse offers diners an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: This restaurant features comfort food inspired by Chef Art’s family recipes, utilizing locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include Art’s Famous Fried Chicken and indulgent Southern desserts like Chocolate Pecan Pie.
- Morimoto Asia: Created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, this Pan-Asian restaurant offers a unique dining experience with menu items such as Morimoto Peking Duck and LA BBQ Kalbi Beef Ribs, showcasing a blend of flavors and cooking styles.
- Mills Market: Located in a repurposed Vietnamese grocery store, Mills Market operates as a food hall featuring five different vendors who serve a wide range of international cuisines, reflecting the area’s culinary diversity.
- Norman’s: Led by chef Norman Van Aken, this restaurant focuses on celebrating Florida cuisine, featuring a prix-fixe Magical Dining Menu available only until the end of September.
Conclusion
The dining options illuminated by the FSTEC 2025 conference exemplify Orlando’s vibrant culinary landscape, offering experiences that range from high-end to casual dining. As attendees gather to discuss foodservice technology and innovation, they will be surrounded by a rich tapestry of flavor and culture that Orlando’s dining scene has to offer. From barbecues to tapas, seafood to comfort food, there is something for everyone in this dynamic city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orlando Set to Welcome New Japanese Restaurants
Orlando Welcomes H Mart with Grand Opening Event
New Retail and Dining Ventures Launch Across South Florida
Orlando’s Spectacular Holiday Events You Can’t Miss
Florida Faces Extended Stormy Weather Conditions
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Orlando Welcomes H Mart’s First Florida Supermarket
Grande Lakes Orlando to Launch Fall Festival
Chef David Tsan to Launch Kappo Tsan in Orlando
Jacksonville Welcomes The Dough Show Restaurant Opening
Additional Resources
- Restaurant Business Online: Where to Eat Around Orlando During FSTEC Conference
- Google Search: Orlando restaurants
- AAA Newsroom: Creative and Colorful Orlando Restaurant Receives AAA Four Diamonds
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
- Orlando Weekly: Nami Makes Waves in Lake Nona with Innovative Contempo Japanese Cuisine
- Google Scholar: Orlando culinary innovation
- FoodSided: Universal Orlando Resort Beverage Director Says Epic Universe Cocktails Balance Innovation with Authenticity
- Google News: restaurant innovation Orlando
- Business Wire: The Future of Perkins American Food Co Is Here: Unveils Highly Anticipated Flagship Restaurant in Orlando
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- FSR Magazine: Perkins New Flagship is a Sign of Growth to Come

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.