Feature
Dish and Tell
Six locals. Six orders they won’t stop thinking about. These are the dishes our readers swear by—and reorder without hesitation.
- Fred Lopez
Orochi Ramen
Birria Ramen
I live with a self-proclaimed soup lady, so trust me, I’ve had my share, even in the dead of summer. This one cuts through the noise. The Birria Ramen is rich, deeply savory, with that slow-built heat that keeps you going back in for another bite. The broth has real depth, the kind you don’t fake, and the noodles hold up all the way through. I load it up with kikurage, corn, bok choy, and black garlic, and it turns into a full-on experience, not just a bowl of soup. Add a little extra chili oil, and it hits just right.
– Zach Sutherland
BarTaco
Pork Belly Taco
What I love about this taco is how well all of the flavors play off each other. The sweetness of the árbol chile glaze complements the richness of the pork belly, while the pickled red onions bring a bright acidity that keeps the taco from feeling too heavy. With the fresh cilantro, it has a really balanced, vibrant flavor that makes it stand out every time.
– Emily Eagle
Bruno’s Oysters
Lobster Roll
Being a Maine girl, I don’t hand out lobster roll praise lightly, but this one earns it. Big, buttery chunks of lobster, sweet and briny the way they should be, piled high and dressed just enough to let the meat shine. The roll is perfectly toasted, the balance is spot-on, and every bite tastes like it came straight off the dock. I’ll admit, I’ve even borrowed a few of his not-so-obvious touches for my own kitchen. It’s that good.
– Meagan Sutherland
La Piccolina
Ceviche Mixto
As a Peruvian, I don’t play around with ceviche…and this one delivers. Fresh fish, clean cuts, just the right amount of red onion, good salt, and that perfect kick of ají. Everything comes together in a cold, citrusy leche de tigre that wakes up every bite. The choclo gives it that authentic texture, and the sweet potato balances it out exactly how it should. Whenever I’m missing a taste of home, this is my spot.
– Martin Orihuela Valdivia
Mister 01 Pizza
Star Luca
For me, the Star Luca is the kind of pizza that instantly stands out because it feels both creative and elevated without losing what makes pizza comforting. The star shape filled with ricotta, along with the mozzarella, tomato sauce, and spicy salami, gives it a really memorable mix of richness, heat, and balance. I love it because it feels like a signature dish you keep thinking about after the meal, and it’s one of those pizzas that makes Mister 01 feel truly special.
– Chris Lofholme
JAM Hot Chicken
The Sando
Hands down, my #1 go-to chicken spot in Winter Garden—great service, great vibes, and the food is always on point. There’s some kind of voodoo happening in that kitchen because the chicken is unbelievably tender, juicy all the way through, with just the right crunch on the outside. And the heat? Mild is more than enough for me, but hot can absolutely punch you in the face if you want it to.
– Jazlyn Egan
