Home to Disney World, the illustrious Orlando, Florida, often overshadows some of Florida’s surrounding towns. But just a touch South in Central Florida, Kissimmee is a destination deserving of its own spotlight. Its special allure comprises proximity to some of the state’s most nature-filled green areas and forests for sunset walks, proximity to theme parks, and an impeccable culinary scene, which we’ll dive into below.
Kissimmee restaurants range from cozy and intimate to fine-dining and upscale, from Asian to Latin, and takeout to bistro, all proudly presenting dishes infused with both local and international flavors.
You could stroll through the charming Downtown Kissimmee while staying at an Element vacation home and stumble upon a random lunch spot. But you’d be missing out on the extraordinary culinary treasures hidden all around the city.
Allow us to share our handpicked list of the seven best restaurants in Kissimmee, Florida, each promising a meal and experience to remember!
1. Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ
Photo Credit: Alexander Prokopenko
- Address: 220 E Monument Ave STE A, Kissimmee, FL
- Favorite menu item: Succulent center-cut ribs
- Pricepoint: $
- Website: bigjohnsrockinbbq.com
Folks in Kissimmee are big fans of BBQ, and when a craving for mouthwatering brisket or mac n cheese strikes, they rush out the door with one destination in mind — Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ.
If your kids are early birds, there’s no need to hold back — indulge in a Big John Breakfast featuring flawlessly cooked eggs with biscuits and gravy. And if you saunter in at lunchtime, slow-smoked brisket, ribeye steak, fried lizard, and pulled pork await your taste buds.
Even vegetarian visitors have no reason to fret, as the joint caters to their appetites with irresistibly crispy loaded fries, gooey mac and cheese, and scrumptious 3-cheese grilled sandwiches.
Take a seat in the welcoming outdoor section, where you can enjoy your meal paired with a refreshing, ice-cold beer.
2. El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant
Photo Credit: Inspired By Maps
- Address: 1804 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL
- Favorite menu item: Gorditas
- Pricepoint: $$
- Website: eltapatiokissimmee.com
Craving Mexican made from scratch? Who says you need to go to the Texas border or downtown Miami? Oscar Perez brought his Mexican eatery here to Kissimmee, indulging fans of Latin food with El Tapatio’s offerings.
Juicy shrimp tacos with a side of homemade guac, anyone? How about a refreshing corn salad topped with your choice of protein? And if you’re really after a treat, we recommend the drool-worthy gorditas — thick, fried corn tortillas stuffed with frijoles (beans), queso (cheese), and fresh Hass avocado. Complement your meal with a couple of margaritas for a complete vacation experience.
3. Bahama Breeze
Photo Credit: Raimunda-losantos
- Address: 8160 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL
- Favorite menu item: Jerk Chicken on Pineapple Bowl
- Pricepoint: $$
- Website: bahamabreeze.com
There’s no need to fly to the Caribbean when Bahama Breeze in Kissimmee can take you there, with every single bite of their divine food. This tropical oasis of Caribbean-inspired flavors invites diners to surrender to the carefree island vibe.
Bahama Breeze’s menu is a fusion of Caribbean and American cuisines, featuring seafood paella, beef empanadas, coconut shrimp tacos, and juicy jerk chicken — the latter is served in a fresh pineapple bowl, simply to die for!
With its inviting outdoor patio blanketed by the rhythmic tunes of calypso music, Bahama Breeze masterfully captures the essence of a Caribbean getaway. It provides the best backdrop for a leisurely and flavor-packed meal in Kissimmee.
4. King O Falafel Kissimmee
Photo Credit: Agave Photo Studio
- Address: 5045 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL
- Favorite menu item: Falafels and Gyros
- Pricepoint: $
- Website: kingofalafelfl.com
When you walk into a buzzing eatery, there’s one golden rule to follow – get what everyone’s ordering. At King O Falafel in Kissimmee, the name hints at the star of the show: falafel. Herb-filled chickpea balls deep fried to perfection pair perfectly with housemade hummus and garlic sauce or Middle Eastern rice.
If you’re looking for a fuller meal, tear into their pita bread, perfect for scooping generous portions of their velvety baba ganoush. And if you’re feeding hungry teenagers? Go for a heartier feast like the charbroiled chicken-beef combination plate with a side of delicately spiced stuffed grape leaves or the larger order of hummus.
Hiding in a nondescript plaza, this Mediterranean spot isn’t one to miss on your culinary journey in Kissimmee!
5. El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant
Photo Credit: from my point of view
- Address: 4565 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL
- Favorite menu item: Grilled Pork Chop; Wet Steak Burrito
- Pricepoint: $
- Website: eltenampakissimmee.com
Still craving more Mexican food? El Tenampa has you covered. Expect big portions of all your Mexican favorites, from chicken fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos, and quesadillas to carnitas. Vegetarians need not worry; there are delectable options like fajitas, guacamole, and cheesy quesadillas.
Our personal favorite is the ever-so-juicy Asada steak burrito, but if you’re looking for something different yet undeniably authentic, we recommend the pollo (chicken) with red mole sauce — hello, Oaxaca!
And to wash it all down? Don’t miss El Tenampa’s incredible Horchata, perfectly blended rice milk with a generous dash of cinnamon and sugar. And if you’re in the mood for a boozy night out, let loose with a couple of delicious Margaritas or Piña Coladas.
6. Woodsby’s Cafe
Photo Credit: Ron Dollete via Flickr CC 2.0
- Address: 4515 S Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee, FL
- Favorite menu item: Biscuits + Sausage and Gravy; Waffles
- Pricepoint: $
- Website: woodsbyscafe.com
Woodsby’s Cafe is a rustic little cafe dishing out big American breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in a cozy, no-frills setting. The waitstaff is incredibly friendly and will make you feel like you’re a part of the Woodsby family the second you walk in.
Devour stacks of breakfast pancakes, pork chops, or sausage before you begin exploring the lovely town of Kissimmee. And don’t sleep on the unassuming corn muffin side — trust us; there’s no point trying to recreate it at home cause its fluffy-thick texture and fresh corn flavor are unique to Woodsby’s only!
While this is mainly a breakfast spot, the joint’s dinner menu still invites you to classics like roast beef sandwiches, home-style burgers, and succulent steak tenderloins.
7. Bonefish Grill
Photo Credit: Steve Wertz via Flickr CC 2.0
- Address: 2699 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL
- Favorite menu item: Bang Bang Shrimp; Chilean Sea Bass
- Pricepoint: $$$
- Website: bonefishgrill.com
Taking the missus on a long overdue dinner date? Don’t worry — the kids will feel engaged at the vacation rental’s endless opportunity for fun and excitement, be it the theme room or digitally stocked flatscreen TV. It’s time to crack out that nice watch and heels for an upscale dining experience at Bonefish Grill.
Get your party on with a crushed pineapple martini before teasing your tastebuds with a delicious appetizer. You might try to Bang Bang Shrimp or Maryland Crab Cakes. As for the main course? Indulge in a Chilean Sea Bass or Atlantic Salmon from the restaurant’s wood-fired grill.
This versatile eatery also features a happy social hour where groups of friends can pick at scrumptious calamari bits or Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts with a spritzer or margarita in hand!
Explore Kissimmee’s Killer Culinary Scene
Elevate your gastronomic exploration of the best restaurants in Kissimmee by booking your stay with Element Vacation Homes. After all, few experiences rival our exciting amenities and deep slumber that will await you after each day of wandering through Kissimmee.
And to ensure your vacation is seamless and memorable, we offer concierge services to accompany your planning process wherever you need them. So, you can sample the flavors of Kissimmee’s restaurants, knowing that a cozy, unique retreat awaits you at the end of the day.
