News Summary
Orlando’s culinary landscape is flourishing with the introduction of new restaurants and engaging community events. Notable openings include The Rev in Ivanhoe Village, which offers ramen and seafood, and Nuri’s Tavern in downtown, specializing in unique pizzas. Additional expansions like Mister O1 in Oviedo and the upcoming Nabe add to this vibrant scene. Upcoming events, including the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe park, further enhance Orlando’s appeal as a food destination, alongside celebratory gatherings at established venues showcasing local talent.
Orlando’s Culinary Scene Thrives with New Openings and Exciting Events in Early 2025
Orlando’s culinary landscape is getting a boost in early 2025, with several new restaurants opening and a variety of events set to engage the local community. Among the notable new establishments is The Rev, which has opened at 728 Virginia Drive in Ivanhoe Village, taking over the space previously occupied by Orlando Meats. The restaurant features a diverse menu that includes ramen, seafood, and oysters. Originally announced more than four years ago under the name Ramen Revolution, the establishment is owned by Jason Dugan, known for his work with Santiago’s Bodega.
Another newly opened venue is Nuri’s Tavern, located at 63 E. Pine St., in the former Robinson Coffee Room. This restaurant specializes in unique thin, crackly-crusted pizzas, served in convenient square slices. This addition showcases the growing trend of specialized dining options in the city.
In Oviedo, food enthusiasts can look forward to the new location of Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza, set to open on March 4 at 10 Alexandria Blvd. With existing locations in Lake Mary and Dr. Phillips, this expansion is part of the brand’s effort to reach pizza lovers across central Florida.
Adding to Orlando’s fast-evolving food scene, Nabe is preparing for its soft opening in early March. This wagyu shabu-shabu concept by Lewis Lin is set to make its debut next to Peperoncino within the Dellagio Town Center in Dr. Phillips. Guests can expect an extensive menu that includes premium seafood, an innovative cocktail selection, and a specialized sake program.
The culinary shifts are further highlighted by Salvatore’s Prime Sandwiches, which has transitioned from a stall at Henry’s Depot in Sanford to a newly established brick-and-mortar location at 1520 Edgewater Drive in College Park. This change marks a significant step for the sandwich shop, as it establishes a permanent home in the bustling College Park area.
In addition to new restaurant openings, Orlando’s dining scene will also be enhanced by significant upcoming events. Notably, Universal’s Epic Universe park is set to open on May 22 and promises to include two full-service restaurants. These venues are Atlantic, which will feature seafood and steak served in a Victorian aquarium-themed environment, and The Blue Dragon Pan Asian Restaurant.
This year also marks the second anniversary of Smoke & Donuts, which is set to celebrate with an event on February 22. Highlights include $2 drinks and food items, live music, and raffle prizes starting at 11 a.m.
Moreover, Chez Les Copains Brasserie at City Food Hall will begin offering brunch service on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing another dining option for locals seeking brunch on the weekends.
For those interested in charitable events, Norman’s Orlando will host a five-course dinner benefiting the Jacques Pépin Foundation on February 28. This exclusive event features contributions from several notable chefs, with tickets priced at $240. There is a possibility that celebrity chef Jacques Pépin himself may attend this gala, adding to its allure.
Orlando’s food scene is evolving, with both new establishments and events dedicated to showcasing the best of culinary talent. As restaurants continue to flourish, local residents have an abundance of dining experiences to look forward to in the coming months, enhancing Orlando’s appeal as a vibrant food destination.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Eataly Opens Its First Location in Florida
University Approves Levy as Exclusive Food Service Provider
Orlando Welcomes New Luxury Homes: Toll Brothers Unveils Ashley Model
Celebrate Father’s Day in Central Florida
Chef Faces Building Permit Challenges in Orlando
Orlando Man Arrested for Aggressive Hotel Incident
Controversial Demolition of Michelin-Star Chef’s Restaurant in Orlando
Orlando Cancels AREA15 Plans for New Development
Tiger Woods Celebrates Son Charlie’s Major Championship Win
Terramia Wine Bar Trattoria Reopens in Altamonte Springs
Additional Resources
- Orlando Weekly: The Rev is Open and Serving Ramen
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- Orlando Weekly: 25 Indoor Activities
- Google Search: Orlando indoor activities
- Orlando Weekly: Terramia Wine Bar
- Google Scholar: Restaurant trends Orlando
- Orlando Weekly: Lake Mary Heathrow Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lake Mary Heathrow Festival
- Orlando Weekly: How to Train Your Dragon
- Google News: How to Train Your Dragon
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.
