With just a couple weeks to go until NAFSA 2026, we're excited about hosting NAFSAns in this year's conference city, Orlando, Florida. To get some intel on the city and the spots no NAFSAn should miss, we asked members of the 2026 Local Arrangements Team—all Orlando residents—to share their favorite spots to eat, drink, and be merry (or enjoy good conversation) in the city they call home.
NAFSA thanks LAT members Giselda Beaudin, Mona Belakbir, Thora Cecil, Elise DeWolf-Ott, Lauren McLellan, and Sophia Zaldivar for contributing to this post.
But First, Coffee
The I-Drive and the general convention center aren't very walkable, so Starbucks is always a conference staple. The best independent coffee spots require a short car ride but are worth venturing to outside of conference hours. For Orlando's best coffee culture—local roasters, relaxed cafés—plan a stop in Winter Park or the Mills District.
iCafe de Paris: A charming French-inspired café with excellent espresso, pastries, and light bites. Located right under the Orlando Eye, it's a great spot for people-watching while enjoying a Parisian-style café au lait and a fresh sweet or savory crepe.
Moma's Café: Creative coffees, smoothies, and breakfast options in a welcoming, neighborhood-style space.
Craft & Common: A stunning, Instagram-ready oasis known for its bright, "Scandi-boho" aesthetic. Beyond their top-tier specialty coffee, they are famous for creative seasonal lattes (like lavender vanilla) and elevated brunch toasts.
Amor Em Pedaços Bakery: A beloved Brazilian bakery where the coffee pairs perfectly with their namesake "pieces of love." The go-to spot for authentic pão de queijo (cheese bread) and decadent Brazilian cakes in a warm, family-owned setting.
CFS Coffee: A Colombian-centered shop with a cozy, rustic-chic vibe, specializing in 100 percent Colombian beans. CFS is also widely praised for their "healthier choices" menu, including artisanal arepas and avocado toasts.
Also worth knowing: Foxtail Coffee, a local chain founded in nearby Winter Park. Juan Valdez Café (the "Starbucks of Colombia") offers a quick, high-quality caffeine fix with world-famous hand-picked beans. And if you want something to go with your coffee, Jeff's Bagel Run is always a good choice for a delicious bagel.
Power Lunch
Café Tu Tu Tango: The consensus pick! A vibrant, art-filled space serving tapas-style small plates in a high-energy room with live entertainment and resident artists painting at their easels. Plenty of vegetarian options. A very "Orlando" experience. (~0.5 mile from the convention center, ~15-minute walk)
The Hampton Social: Coastal-inspired with nautical decor, a lively atmosphere, and a menu of fresh seafood, specialty cocktails, and famous lobster rolls. Known for "Rosé All Day" vibes and a breezy, chic feel. (short walk)
Kavas Tacos + Tequila: From the same team that runs Taverna Opa (see below), this vibrant Tex-Mex spot offers classics as well as playful takes on Mexican street fare.
Cuba Libre: This convenient option is right across the street from the convention center.
Taverna Opa: A high-energy Greek spot. Famous for tableside-prepared hummus, wood-fired meats, and a festive atmosphere that often breaks out into Zorba dancing and napkin-throwing. (~0.5 mile, ~15-minute walk)
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar: Reliable Mexican fare, good for groups, upbeat but efficient for lunch. (~15-minute walk)
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse: Surprisingly good lunch menu with a quieter midday vibe, great for sit-down conversations. (~10–15 minute walk)
Mia's Italian Kitchen: Authentic Italian comfort food centered around a bustling open kitchen. Known for giant hand-rolled meatballs and house-made pasta.
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: American comfort food, salads, and flatbreads. Very convenient when time is tight. (adjacent to the convention center)
And if you have time for a longer lunch: Maggiano's Little Italy (~10-minute drive) has hearty Italian options that are easy to share—a good spot for networking meals.
Happy Hour: Tipples & Nosh
Café Tu Tu Tango, The Hampton Social, and Taverna Opa: Recommended above as lunch spots, these are also great options for happy hour!
JoJo's Shake Bar: A 15-minute walk from the convention center, Jojo's is playful and casual, with cocktails, boozy shakes, and comfort-food bites. Good for grabbing something light and socializing.
Voodoo Bayou: Excellent cocktails and Cajun and Creole bites—with an atmospheric speakeasy vibe.
Ice Bar: A unique Orlando experience worth trying for the novelty.
If you have time to venture to Disney Springs (~15-minute drive), STK and Summer House are both worth a visit for happy hour.
Honorable mentions: Yard House (Pointe Orlando, extensive menu and beer selection), The Pub Orlando (British-style, relaxed predinner stop), Blue Martini Lounge (I-Drive, strong cocktails and popular with the happy hour crowd), Cuba Libre (I-Drive), Palm Tree Club (I-Drive), Sports & Social (Pointe Orlando, elevated bar food and sports), Corazón by Baires (50 percent off appetizers and drinks early in the evening), American Social (upscale modern sports bar), Sixty Vines (wine on tap and fantastic small plates), and Tin Roof.
And for Dinner…
Café Tu Tu Tango: Recommended above for lunch and drinks, this perennial favorite is also great for dinner!
Tori Tori: A high-energy Japanese izakaya in Mills 50, this spot is perfect for craft cocktails and charcoal-grilled skewers in a stylish atmosphere. Another consensus pick!
Kres Chophouse: Housed in a historic building, this bustling steakhouse is a local favorite for its sophisticated atmosphere and high-quality filets and seafood.
Susuru: A favorite for modern Asian comfort food with bold flavors and a lively, local vibe. Great for casual dinners that still feel special.
Totoya Sushi & Lounge: A refined Thornton Park gem offering premium sushi and intimate table service, just steps from Lake Eola.
Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar: A fun, immersive aviation-themed atmosphere with craft cocktails and shareable bites. Ideal for groups or a relaxed, themed night out.
I-Drive is full of restaurant options. Try Mango's, Tom's Watch Bar, or Hash House A Go Go! Disney Springs is also a great option!
Also worth checking out: Shin Jung Korean, The Strand, Maxine's on Shine, Outpost Neighborhood Tavern, Santiago's Bodega, Mamak Asian Street Food, The Stubborn Mule.