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DIY Restaurant Tour of International Drive

When it comes to dining, International Drive is a foodie’s paradise. This 11.1 mile road boasts over 100 restaurants that showcase cuisine from around the world. With so many places to try, it can be hard to chart which ones to should include on your culinary tour, especially if you only have a day to explore the area. This DIY Orlando restaurant tour is fully customizable to your tastes and is a great way to visit several of the best I-Drive restaurants in one day. Visit all the eateries on Route A or B, or pick and choose from each. Route A contains more American cuisine choices with bursts of worldly flavors. Route B has a strong Latin cuisine base with Asian and Mediterranean highlights.

Breakfast

They say it’s the most important meal of the day, but it’s also one of the tastiest, especially at these breakfast spots. Pick one to start your I-Drive adventure!

Route A: American-Style Breakfast

For more food than you can handle, start your tour of International Drive’s restaurants at the Hash House A Go Go. This popular restaurant brings the hearty farm foods of the American Midwest right to your plate in metropolitan Orlando. Try their ginormous HH Famous “Twisted” Flapjacks in flavors such as red velvet and lemon curd or the Andy’s World Famous Sage Fried Chicken & Waffles which won over the food critics at the New York Times.

The details: Hash House A Go Go is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday – Saturday. They serve brunch all day and night at 5350 International Dr.

What to do after: You’ll likely need some time to digest all that good food so enjoy a post-breakfast walk at the International Premium Outlets as you shop for discounted designer brands.

Route B: Sweet Brazilian Breakfast

If you prefer a lighter, sweeter breakfast, make your way to Pão Gostoso Bakery. This Brazilian bakery is famous in the area for their indulgent cakes made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo (cheese bread) or a slice of cuca de banana (banana coffee cake) paired with strong coffee to kick start your day.

The details: Pão Gostoso Bakery is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekend times (Saturday – Sunday) are 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. You’ll find them at 5472 International Drive.

What to do after: It’s just a short drive from Pão Gostoso Bakery to the International Premium Outlets, so we recommend checking it out after breakfast. Plus, you’ll avoid crowds that form later in the day.

Lunch

Phew! Shopping all morning in the Florida sunshine can zap your energy. Refuel at one of these tasty restaurants on International Drive. Which will you choose?

Route A: Poolside Retreat

If you aren’t ready to say goodbye to the fresh air and sunshine yet, head south on International Drive to Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill. Here, you can dine indoors or out by the pool in a beautiful tropical setting. The menu features Caribbean-Cuban inspired cuisine that includes everything from a Vegetarian Burger with Mojo Yucca Fries to Key West Conch Fritters, all created by Chef Tello.

The details: Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week and serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You’ll find them at 9840 International Drive inside Rosen Centre.

What to do after: You are welcome to sit by the pool and enjoy the tropical setting – it is vacation, after all. If you prefer sightseeing, we recommend Dave & Busters located about a mile north on I-Drive.

Route B: Thai Adventure

The colorful dishes at this family-owned Thai restaurant on I-Drive taste as good as they look. At Coco Thai, each dish is authentic and prepared under the direction of Head Chef Suntorn who has worked around the world including at restaurants in Dubai, Thailand, and Japan. Dishes can be adjusted for those on vegan or vegetarian diets and can be made more or less spicy. Go for a bowl of curry or everyone’s favorite, Pad Thai.

The details: Coco Thai is located on the northern end of I-Drive at 6304 International Drive Unit D. They are open Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What to do after: After lunch, put your skills to the test at the arcade in Magical Midway Thrill Park. Once you’ve had time to digest, check out their many rides including go-karts, bumper boats, and even the world’s largest slingshot.

Afternoon Snack

The 3 p.m. slump is real, even during vacation. Perk up with a snack or coffee from these cafés that are close to fun attractions. The choice is yours.

Route A: Parisian Pastries

If you are craving coffee and a pastry, iCafé de Paris has got you covered. This Paris-themed café will wake you up with their delicious lattes, espressos, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and Turkish coffee. Pair it with a chocolate croissant or a Nutella-filled crepe for the ultimate afternoon treat.

The details: iCafé de Paris is located in ICON Park at 8465 International Drive. They are open Sunday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday – Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

What to do after: Since you’ll already be in ICON Park, take this opportunity to explore one of Orlando’s newest attractions. You’ve got lots of options here including Madame Tussauds, the SEA Life Aquarium, and, of course, a ride on The Wheel.

Route B: Mediterranean Small Plates

The funky, colorful vibe at Café Tu Tu Tango will help revive you during a midday slump. With options on their all day menu like avocado hummus, Cajun chicken dip, and Roma tomato & goat cheese flatbread, this Mediterranean-inspired café can easily accommodate your dietary preferences. Caffeine, if you need it, is available in the form of espresso and cappuccino.

The details: Café Tu tu Tango is located on 8625 International Drive. They are open Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

What to do after: You know that pirate ship caught your eye as drove by, so after your meal, visit Pirates Cove Adventure Golf next door. If the kids (or you) love pirates, you won’t want to miss this.

Dinner

Dinner on I-Drive isn’t simply a meal, it’s a party and you’re invited. Will you be dancing on the tables at Taverna Opa or dining leisurely at Fogo de Chao?

Route A: Party in the Greek Isles

The Greek food at Taverna Opa is delicious but it’s the entertainment that steals the show. The atmosphere is lively and loud and soon you’ll be dancing, flinging napkins in the air, and yelling “Opa!” along with the staff and fellow diners. The entire dinner is an interactive experience – from mashing your own hummus to dancing with belly dancers around the spanakopita and moussaka.

The details: Taverna Opa is located on the second level of Pointe Orlando at 9101 International Suite 2240. They are open Sunday – Thursday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Nightly belly dancing begins at 7 p.m.

What to do after: Take a breather after all that excitement as you shop at the many boutiques in Pointe Orlando.

Route B: All-You-Can-Eat Meat

I-Drive has plenty of Brazilian restaurants but if you can only go to one, go to Fogo de Chao. Here you’ll enjoy churrasco as Brazilian gaucho chefs bring unlimited fire-roasted meats right to your table including Picanha (sirloin), Cordeiro (lamb), Filet Mignon, and more. For a vegetarian gaucho dinner, try the Market Table which includes unlimited salad bar and side dishes like polenta, cheese bread, and caramelized bananas.

The details: Fogo de Chao is open for dinner Monday – Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. They are open Saturdays 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit them at 8282 International Drive.

What to do after: If you haven’t yet visited ICON ParkTM, now is the perfect time to do so. It has a wax museum, an aquarium, and an observation wheel. Take that five minute walk from Fogo de Chao to ICON Park™ and enjoy the rest of your night.

 

After Dinner Drinks and Dessert

The unrelenting Florida sun may have gone to bed by now, but that doesn’t mean you should yet. Keep the party going at these delicious drink and dessert spots.

Route A: Ice Cream and Chill

The south end of International Drive doesn’t have nearly as much going on but there are still some places that are worth a visit. One of those places is Ginther’s Swirls. This small family-owned ice cream shop serves towering ice cream cones that somehow taste even better than they look. You can also customize your order and turn it into a sundae, milkshake, or float.

The details: Ginther’s Swirls is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday. You’ll find them at 11036 International Drive.

What to do after: Another gem in this part of International Drive is Escapology. Considered one of Orlando’s best escape rooms, Escapology’s heart pounding games are a great way to put that ice cream sugar rush to good use.

Route B: Mambos and Mojitos

Equal parts atmosphere and flavor, Cuba Libre Rum Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a tropical drink. Go for a classic Cuba Libre, try a guava caipirinha, or one of their inventive mojitos. You can also enjoy a selection of mini desserts before you hit the dance floor to show off your best salsa moves.

The details: Cuba Libre is open Sunday – Wednesday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visit them at 9101 International Drive in Pointe Orlando.

What to do after: Stay for more dancing all night long including top 40 hits and hip hop or take the party to the clubs next door like the Blue Martini Lounge or B.B. King’s Blues Club.

 

Rest and Relax at Rosen Hotels & Resorts

After your tour of International Drive’s restaurants, you’ll need a place to rest up for your next day of adventures. With properties on International Drive and in the nearby Lake Buena Vista district, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has got you covered. You’ll enjoy amenities like a mini fridge and microwave in your room ideal for storing leftovers, as well as swimming pools, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. To find the right hotel for you, click the yellow button at the top of the page or give us a call at 1-866-33-ROSEN (1-866-337-6736).

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