Orlando's popularity with domestic and international tourists is reflected in its varied dining scene. Though American fast food joints and restaurant chains are prevalent throughout the Greater Orlando area, everything from Japanese to Italian is served here. Popular American eateries include the Waldorf Astoria Orlando's Bull & Bear steakhouse, Hot Krust Panini Kitchen and Eddie V's Prime Seafood, while Seito Sushi & New Japanese and NYPD Pizza are must-try locales for sushi and pizza. For a more upscale atmosphere, dine at Chatham's Place Restaurant or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa's Victoria & Albert's.

Latin American fare is also noticeably present in Orlando. But unlike South Florida's cuisine, which features many Cuban dishes, Orlando's menus are more commonly filled with Puerto Rican staples like mofongo (fried and mashed green plantains with onion, garlic and olive oil that's topped with a protein like shrimp or pork), arroz con gandules (rice mixed with pigeon peas, pork and vegetables) and pastelón (a dish similar to lasagna that's made with mashed sweet plantains and ground beef). Other Latin American cuisines, such as Venezuelan and Spanish, are also represented on many restaurant menus. To sample some of Orlando's best Latin-inspired bites, check out Q'Kenan Restaurant, Melao Bakery and Padrino's Cuban Cuisine.

If a stay at Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World Resort is part of your Orlando visit, odds are you'll want to dine at Universal CityWalk or Disney Springs. These dining, shopping and entertainment complexes offer an array of cuisines, including Irish, Southern and Cuban. But meals served in both properties' eateries are pricey (for those who don't have resort dining plans), and tables are hard to come by, so finalize dining reservations well in advance for popular places like Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and The Boathouse.