News Summary
Orlando’s restaurant landscape is seeing significant changes this October, with renowned establishments undergoing renovations, new dining spots opening, and exciting pop-up shops emerging. Prato is temporarily closed for enhancements, while Baddie Bird, a Sichuan hot chicken pop-up, is generating buzz. Upcoming locations like The Glass Knife and Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar promise unique offerings, while local projects such as PopUp Bagels and À La Cart enhance dining options. Despite some closures, the culinary scene is thriving, making it an exciting time for food lovers in Orlando.
Orlando is experiencing a transformative month in its restaurant scene this October, with a series of exciting developments and changes that promise to enhance the local culinary landscape. Renowned restaurants are undergoing renovations, new dining options are opening, and pop-up shops are delighting food enthusiasts.
Prato, a well-loved establishment, has temporarily closed its doors for renovations aimed at food and beverage enhancements, as well as kitchen expansions. The closure is expected to last throughout October, with plans to reopen at the end of the month. In the meantime, patrons can still indulge in a curated menu at Luke’s Kitchen located in Maitland.
New dining experiences are emerging across the region. Notably, Baddie Bird, a Sichuan hot chicken pop-up helmed by Top Chef Season 3 champion Hung Huynh, will operate outside of Mills Market. This pop-up offers a unique take on a beloved comfort food and aims to attract both locals and visitors.
In Winter Park, The Glass Knife is nearing the completion of its second location at 212 S. Park Ave, formerly the site of Financier. This new opening is anticipated for early November and is set to expand the bakery’s reach and offerings significantly.
Additionally, the Chicago chain Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar is planning to launch an Orlando location at 749 N. Alafaya Trail early next year, featuring scratch-made tacos and an impressive three-pound burrito to draw in taco lovers.
The Canadian restaurant chain Moxies also aims to expand into the U.S. market, with plans for an Orlando location to open in 2027 at an undisclosed spot. This move follows the brand’s successful presence in Canada and hints at future growth opportunities in Florida.
Another exciting addition to the Winter Park dining scene is PopUp Bagels, set to take over the space left by Soho Juice Co. at 646 S. Orlando Ave. This new establishment aims to cater to those craving freshly made bagels in the area.
Meanwhile, À La Cart, a food truck park, will take charge of operations at Art2, the upcoming park and venue at the corner of Orange Avenue and Robinson Street in downtown Orlando. Red Panda Noodle, opening in Art2 on October 10, will feature noodle dishes from chefs Eliot Hillis and Seth Parker, adding Asian cuisine to the mix. Moreover, local bakery Phat Ash Bakes will join the area, offering a variety of baked goods made by local bakers Ashley D’Acunto and Izzy Erazo.
For those looking for a unique dining experience, Sparrow is introducing Afternoon Tea service on the last Saturday of each month, with seatings available at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Priced at $65 (or $40 for children), this new menu is expected to attract families and enthusiasts alike.
Recently opened restaurants reflecting Orlando’s diverse culinary scene include Hong Kong Kitchen in Winter Park, Papparella Trattoria, as well as the Indian chain Bawarchi Biryanis in Sanford. New locations for Corazon Cocina Mexicana and JJ’s Scratch Cocina are also generating interest among foodies.
However, the restaurant landscape is not without its share of closures. Notable closures include Mr. J Hand-Pulled Noodle in Ocoee and the vegan eatery Leguminati located within Hourglass Market, indicating the competitive nature of the industry.
In parallel, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival continues to run from August 28 to November 22, showcasing exciting new offerings such as Gyozas of the Galaxy and providing guests with an opportunity to explore a variety of flavors from around the world.
As Orlando’s restaurant scene continues to evolve with these notable changes, both residents and visitors have much to look forward to in the coming months as new culinary experiences become available.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Weekly: Prato Temporarily Closed, Baddie Bird Pops Up
- Google Search: Orlando restaurant scene
- Click Orlando: 8 More Central Florida Eateries Shut Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida food scene
- MyNews13: Orlando Restaurant Plans to Honor Pulse Victims
- Google News: Orlando food and drink
- US News: Parking Spots Used as Colorful Protest
- Google Scholar: Florida culinary trends
- Orlando Weekly: Mr. J Hand Pulled Noodle Serves Last Bowl
- Google Search: Orlando restaurant closures
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.
