September 10, 2025

Orlando’s Food Scene Sees Major Changes with New Openings and Closures

News Summary

Orlando’s culinary landscape is transforming as new restaurants emerge while long-standing favorites close. Notable openings include Osteria Ester, Perla’s Pizza, and KungFu Kitchen, while closures such as Soco and Blu on the Avenue mark the changing tide. The city continues to diversify its dining experiences, attracting both residents and visitors with innovative culinary offerings.

Orlando is experiencing a significant shift in its vibrant food scene, with numerous new restaurants launching while several longtime favorites are closing their doors. The changes reflect the dynamic nature of the local dining landscape, showcasing an array of diverse culinary offerings.

After more than a decade of operation, Soco has permanently closed in Thornton Park. Owner Craig Ustler plans to replace it with a new venture, Osteria Ester, created by chefs Jason and Sue Chin. This Italian-American restaurant is set to feature handmade pastas crafted by chef Michael Cooper, who draws inspiration from his grandmother for the restaurant’s name. Osteria Ester is expected to open later this year.

Additions to Orlando’s culinary scene include Perla’s Pizza, which is set to reopen in Winter Park on September 12. Under the direction of chef Michael Collantes, the pizzeria will feature the much-discussed Florida Man pizza, which has generated considerable buzz among locals.

New establishments are cropping up across the city, with the Secret Slice now open for business behind a distinctive red door at The Neighbors in East End Market, offering pan pizzas with online ordering. Another upcoming highlight is Neko San, a quick-style omakase and sake bar from chef Lewis Lin, scheduled to launch this winter adjacent to his restaurant Susuru. Neko San will offer a one-hour, nigiri-focused omakase experience starting at $65.

Further diversifying Orlando’s food options, KungFu Kitchen—a noodle and dumpling house by chef Peter Song—will be opening its second location at 5320 S. Kirkman Road on September 15. Additionally, Asian supermarket and food court H Mart plans to open at 7501 W. Colonial Drive on September 25, featuring a wide variety of cuisines ranging from Korean corn dogs to Japanese fried cutlets.

However, not all news is positive, as several establishments have recently closed. After 13 years of service, Blu on the Avenue in Winter Park has shuttered. Multiple PDQ Chicken locations across Winter Park, Hunter’s Creek, and Waterford/UCF will close on September 14 and relaunch as Saucy! by KFC. Frank’s Pizza Shop, associated with Antonella’s Pizzeria, has also closed its University Boulevard location.

Other casualties include the historic College Park Diner, which has permanently closed due to several health code violations, and Dancing Yeti, a Nepalese food stall that has shut down at the Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall. The changes point to an ever-evolving landscape as business owners seek new opportunities and directions.

Apart from closures, community-focused initiatives continue to thrive. Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew at Disney Springs is donating a portion of the sales from its H.O.W. Butterfly doughnut during September to the Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper organization. Additionally, chef Jes Tantalo is set to host an Oktoberfest celebration at Redlight Redlight on September 20, which will feature German food specialties.

Recent openings also include Asin, a Filipino restaurant by chef DJ Tangalin, now serving a tech-driven small bites menu in Ivanhoe Village. Other notable new entries into the dining scene include Okonomi, a small 10-seat venue for nigiri; Allure Lounge, offering a fusion menu and live music; and Piacere Pizza, which operates a food truck at A La Cart.

As Orlando welcomes these new restaurants and bids farewell to established favorites, the city continues to showcase its diverse culinary landscape and vibrant food culture, responding to shifting consumer tastes and preferences. The continual turnover of venues maintains a fresh and innovative dining experience for both residents and visitors alike.

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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.

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