Orlando Neighborhood Has More Michelin-Recommended Restaurants Than Anywhere Else

There are many people who find this difficult. Orlando It is not just theme parks that are associated with this city. While Orlando is home to the most major theme parks in the world than any other city, the culinary scene extends beyond chicken nuggets and turkey legs. The Mills 50 district is a vibrant area in Orlando that has more Michelin-recognized restaurants than anywhere else in town. Ricky Ly of the local Orlando food guide says that Mills 50 is Florida’s biggest Vietnamese community. It has local markets and restaurants as well as businesses and businesses. Tasty Chomps The author of “Food Lovers’ Guide to Orlando.” “After a long day in the park, I was able to relax and enjoy myself at my favorite place. theme parks “I was dropping by Mills50 to pick up Asian groceries for my two-hour trip back to South Florida.”

Mills 50 was always known as Orlando’s center for Asian food and shopping. Johnny Tung is the founder of Mills Market. Mills 50 is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It was developed at the intersection of Mills Avenue, Colonial Drive and State Road 50.

In the 1970s, after the Vietnam War when Orlando was flooded with Vietnamese refugees and migrants, the area began to develop into an Asian business and cultural center. The new residents of the area contributed to its character by opening restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses that reflect their heritage. Orlando’s best-known concepts began here. It has a distinct charm—built on immigrant history—and remains a place where culture and community thrive,” says Tung. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Alfond Inn

The Alfond Inn Winter Park is just 10 minutes to the north of Mills50. Rollins College owns the 183-room boutique, and all profits go to funding scholarships at the college. Art lovers will enjoy the Happy Hour Art Tour. The tour is a guided walk that features more than 140 works of art from The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art.

Grand Bohemian Orlando Autographs Collection

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Grand Bohemian The hotel is a chic, arty getaway in downtown Orlando. Mills 50 is just a few minutes away. The lobby is lined by original artwork created by local artists. What is the best thing? If you’re in love with something, you can buy it. The Boheme’s lobby bar features live jazz or a rooftop pool.

What to do?

Leu Gardens is a great place to stroll.

Mills 50 minutes, the Harry P. Leu Gardens It is spread out over nearly 50 acres. You can explore rose gardens, bamboo forests, an edible vegetable garden (with more than 800 types of fruits and veggies), a butterfly park with species that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Find some street art.

The best way to build up your appetite is to stroll around the area and take in some of the murals. The project was originally a local initiative to celebrate the cultural diversity of the neighborhood. Now, it attracts artists from all over the world. Bonus? Bonus: The artworks are also a great backdrop for your snack photos.

Go bar hopping.

Bars and restaurants in the area offer some of most inventive cocktails and mocktails. Death in the Afternoon Specializes in everything absinthe. “For late-night bites, check out Tori ToriLy recommends a visit to the Japanese gastropub across the street, which is known for its crab-fried rice, yakitori skewers and extensive Japanese whisky highballs. Catch a show in Will’s Pub Play a game of darts at your favorite dive bar and enjoy a few drinks Wally’s Bar and Liquors.

Best Restaurants

Mills Market

One place that stands out among the many Orlando-based winners of this year’s Michelin awards ceremony is Mills Market. Johnny Tung has recently renovated this converted supermarket, which now boasts four restaurants that are recognized by the guide. You could spend an entire week in Orlando and eat exclusively at Mills Market. We envisioned a series of small, chef-driven stands where people could hop from one place to another, sampling different cuisines and flavors from Asia. I was inspired by the kinds of urban markets you find in big cities—fast, casual, and packed with personality,” says Tung. “Underneath, it is also deeply personal. It’s about our family heritage, honoring and preserving our roots, as well as creating something Orlando can proudly be called. We took over in 2024—my wife has owned the jewelry store inside Tien Hung for 20 years. We did not want the space to disappear when the original market owner retired. I grew up coming here, so I wanted to keep the original charm, but give it new energy—somewhere warm, approachable, and community-focused.”

Kai Kai Serves dim sum, Cantonese dishes, such as roast duck baos, chicken with soy sauce, and garlic rice that you will dream about for days. UniGirl William Shen, Orlando’s only restaurant with two Michelin stars, is in charge of the kitchen. Sorekara. Don’t forget to try the onigiri that are freshly filled while you wait for your turn on a rumored 12 month wait list.

Bánh Mì BoyThe original tenant of the market is now run by Top Chef winner Hung Huynh. The menu is a mix of classics with modern twists. For example, a French dip bah mi served with pho broth. Shared with Mills Market. Zaru It is a Japanese Udon place that serves chewy and freshly made udon noodles. Tung’s picks? “The Pick 3 at Kai Kai—roast duck, char siu pork, and crispy pork over garlic rice. The tan tan UniGirl offers beef sukiyaki and onigiri. The Bánh Mì Boy special with a Vietnamese iced coffee. Saigon Snow’s ube snow is the perfect dessert. Look out for Cowboy Curry and Okonomi, two new concepts that will be available soon.

EdoBoy

What you need to know about EdoboyPlan ahead. The Michelin recommended standing-room only sushi bar can accommodate eight people, but when the time slots are released each Monday at 12 noon, they are filled almost instantly. Diners can choose up to 12 pieces each of nigiri or chirashi. temaki They will be able to enjoy a wide variety of seafood (such as bluefin Tuna and Kewpie-brushed salmon) during the one-hour time slot. kabayaki sauce.

Kaya

Walking into Kaya almost feels like coming home—maybe it’s the warm hospitality from the front-of-house team or the fact that the Filipino restaurant is housed inside a cozy bungalow down a quiet street. They also offer a Florida-inspired twist on classic dishes such as pork Sisig The space is frequently visited by guest chefs and bartenders, both from local and national establishments. It is Florida’s first Michelin Green Star venue for sustainability and sources most of its food from Florida farms. Save room for dessert, and enjoy a pop in your backyard. Koko KakigoriSmall shop selling shaved-ice and sweets like sticky rice and mango donuts.

Black Rooster Taqueria

A husband and wife run the business. Black Rooster Serves “farm to taco” Mexican food. What’s the best part? The corn tortillas, which are freshly griddled to order and made on site, are all homemade. Tung said, “Black Rooster makes some of best tacos in the area.” The achiote roasted pork in banana leaves and pulled chicken are delicious. tinga Pozole is a must-try.

Shop for Best Deals

Sampaguita

Sampaguita The perfect place to indulge in a sweet treat after dinner. The small-batch ice cream shop spins up scoops inspired by classic Filipino flavors, including as Ube Cookies & Cream, Jackfruit Chili Nut, and Keso Guava Cheesecake. Are you unable to make a decision? The shop provides a flight for you so that you don’t even have to.

Haan Coffee

Haan This specialty coffee roaster/cafe sells freshly-roasted beans, handcrafted drinks, and seasonal specials. For example, matcha and lychee spritzes. The cafe is visually pleasing, and some tables are designated as “laptop free” zones.

Gold Dust Home

Gold Dust Home Two sisters run this boutique, which offers a carefully curated collection of home decor and kitchen essentials. They also offer thoughtful gifts. The shop, located in a 1930s bungalow that has been beautifully restored, is just as charming as the inventory. It’s easy to leave with more than you planned.

The House on Lang

The House on Lang The shop is also a community classroom. You’ll find unique pieces that you never knew you needed. (I’m talking to you, rainbow crocheted tank top.) Sign up for classes like happy hour yoga or perfume-making workshops.

How to get there

Orlando is an important tourist destination that’s easy to get to by air, train, or car. It may be more cost-effective and faster to fly than drive, depending on your location. Orlando’s main airport (MCO), which is located less than 30 minutes away from Mills 50 and has a Brightline Station, makes it easy to get there by train. You can rent a vehicle, take a public bus, or use a rideshare service once you reach Orlando.

How to Get Around

Orlando is best explored by renting a car. While traffic can be difficult at certain times of the day, it’s still easy to move around the city, and parking in most neighborhoods is not difficult.

Orlando’s public transport system Lynx, operates several routes that connect Mills50 with SunRail Other attractions are also available in the surrounding area. Fairs are $2 for each ride and all-day tickets are $4.50.

SunRail serves Orlando as a commuter rail. The closest station to Mills 50, AdventHealth, is about a 15 minute walk, or a quick Lynx ride. The ticket prices vary depending on the zone where you board.