Authentic Cuban Cafe

133 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789 407-629-2822

Description: WINTER PARK. One trip to this Winter Park gem, and you'll be begging them to open for dinner too. The place is so tiny that it quickly fills up during lunch, so elbow your way in and claim a pressed "Choripan" sandwich with Serrano ham and Spanish-style sausage. On your way out, order a café con leche to go. Even with no sugar added, it's like dessert in a Styrofoam cup.
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Black Bean Deli

325 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789-3608 407-628-0294

Description: WINTER PARK. Simple styling and uncomplicated service are the hallmarks of this small place, which serves up fantastic Cuban food. Especially good for takeout, the Deli offers traditional dishes like empanadas and tamales, supplementing them with sandwiches featuring pork, ham and more. As you might expect, the attention given to everything is first-rate, and it shows in the flavor. The black beans and rice, for which the place was named, are particularly good. If it's busy, don't be put off ­ just order quickly and be ready to eat. Reservations not accepted.
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Cafe Tu Tu Tango

8625 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 407-248-2222

Description: INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. It's all about artistry here ­ from the works of art adorning the walls to the creations coming from the kitchen. Portions are small and, if dining with a group, can be eaten tapas style. Foods pull on Latin American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern influences. Try the Cajun egg rolls or the duck salad. Nice wine list available by the glass or bottle. Occasionally, guests are treated to live, exotic music and dancing (belly dancers, opera singers and flamenco dancers). Smart casual dress. Reservations not accepted.
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Habana Grill

937 W State Rd 436, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714-2927 407-682-6834

Description: ALTAMONTE SPRINGS. Festive and fun, Don Pepe's is a master at doing well what it knows best. Although they've broadened their approach to Cuban cuisine by incorporating dishes from other Latin countries, they maintain a sure hand with empanadas, papas rellenos and slow-roasted beef and pork. Foods are tender, savory and have a zest that patrons crave when they're away too long. The restaurant also has a substantial collection of Spanish wines that complement the robust flavors of the cuisine. Priority seating accepted. Smart casual dress.
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Norman's

4012 Central Florida Pkwy, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Orlando, FL 32837 407-393-4333

Description: A vaulted ceiling and Italianate windows adorn this beautiful dining room, located in the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The skilled staff concoct the Asian-dressed ceviche cocktail (shrimp, green papaya, sesame, puffed rice and stuffed cashew) right at your table. Brilliant, internationally-inspired dinner choices, such as Mongolian marinated and grilled veal chop with Chinese eggplant and Thai fried rice, make quite an impression, as does the thoughtful wine list.
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Numero Uno

2499 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806 866-495-7187

Description: SOUTH ORANGE AVE. Fantastic Cuban dishes and festive atmosphere give a clue as to why this restaurant is so popular. The lunch crowd is typically large, so either arrive early or check back later for dinner. Tasty vegetables, savory pork and steaming rice are staple ingredients of many of the dishes offered at this Cuban favorite. Their specialty is paella, which takes awhile to make (but it's worth it). Smart casual dress. Reservations recommended.
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Pancho's Mexican Food

103 E State Rd 436, Casselberry, FL 32730 407-756-1136

Description: Heaven is a cheap plate of chorizo and eggs with rice, beans, and warm tortillas at 3:30am. Is your mouth watering yet? This tiny Mexican food joint, red-roofed and unassuming, is open 24 hours a day. It comes with mariachi music playing in the kitchen, orders called out in Spanish, a free-standing salsa bar, and heaping portions of food.
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Samba Room

7468 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 407-226-0550

Description: DOCTOR PHILLIPS. Live with abandon at this sensual cafe, where spicy aromas float through the air and hip-swaying rhythms entice you to dance. Upscale and hip, the restaurant tempts diners with a Latin-inspired menu, culled from the cuisines of Cuba, Brazil and the Caribbean. Seafood and meats are grilled, spiced and paired with tropical fruits to create entrees that beg to be eaten. Grilled mussels, shredded beef, jerk chicken, shrimp and chicken in coconut broth only hint at the selection. Flan, crème brûlée and a flourless chocolate cake spiced with chiles give indication of the desserts. Light, fresh cocktails are served at the bar; a cigar lounge and outdoor dining are available. Smart casual attire; reservations recommended.
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Taquitos Jalisco

2419 S Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32835 407-296-0626

Description: Hidden away in suburban shopping center, this inviting Mexican restaurant features a bold color scheme and a cabana-style bar. Traditional Mexican eats, loaded with native spices, win raves from diners, who down chilled coronas and potent margaritas to cut the heat of some of the dishes. Performing Wednesday through Saturday, live mariachi bands enhance the fun.
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Texas de Brazil

5259 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 407-355-0355

Description: INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. Few restaurants can compete with the atmosphere ­ and, yes, the cuisine ­ of this colorful chain of Brazilian-style churrascarias. A family-friendly ambience pervades as diners enjoy a feast for the ages, one that features gaucho-wearing servers circling the South American-themed dining room with mouthwatering skewers of seasoned beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and Brazilian sausage. Just pick what you want, and they're happy to serve it up. Added temptations are Texas-sized side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes and sweet fried bananas ­ the extravagant salad bar has been known to turn heads as well.
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