The 2024 Orlando Dining Awards: Readers’ Choice Part 2
Already done with part 1? Why not check out part 2 of the 2024 Orlando Dining Award Winners.
Principal Photography by Roberto Gonzalez
Back to the 2024 Dining Awards 
REEL FISH COASTAL KITCHEN + BAR | WINTER PARK
Best Seafood: Readers’ Choice
Modeled after the Southern tradition of the fish camp, a family-style seafood restaurant that serves up large portions at reasonable prices, Reel Fish offers fresh, seasonal selections from both of Florida’s coasts. The cuisine, however, gets an elevated take: here, the hush puppy (now called a fritter), a fish camp staple, is stuffed with lobster, shrimp, scallops, clams, grouper and more. Indeed, you’ll find the stars here are the Florida shrimp, Atlantic cod, Gulf oysters and North Atlantic scallops, but specials bring in sustainable seafood from waters further afield. Don’t miss out on the fabulous brunch, with menu choices such as shrimp & avocado toast, blue crab & sweet potato hash and the lobster benedict royale. reelfishcoastal.com
TAMARIND| WINTER PARK
Best Takeout: Readers’ Choice
Fresh flavors from all regions of India can be had at Tamarind, known for its outstanding selections at affordable prices. As many of us do, founder Amit Kumar learned his love of cooking from his grandmother; it plays not only into the dishes he creates, but in the ingredients and format he uses—all food is made from scratch, using authentic ingredients that speak to the culture and heritage of Indian cuisine. He’s brought many styles of Indian cuisine to Central Florida: modern Indian, traditional Indian and Indian street food, and has made the wonders of vegetarian cuisine accessible to a larger audience. tamarindfl.com
THAI BLOSSOM| WINTER GARDEN
Best Thai: Readers’ Choice
Traditional Thai cuisine presented in a warm atmosphere continues to secure Thai Blossom spots on Orlando’s “best of” dining lists. Affordability is also key, and the restaurant is also known for its many specials: lunch specials, chef’s specials and fish specials among them. The menu offers a long list of authentic Thai cuisine such as noodle dishes, fried rice, seafood entrees and curries. You’ll enjoy dining within Thai Blossom’s friendly environs, but the staff is happy to prepare your meal to go should you wish to eat at home. mythaiblossom.com
TWENTY PHO HOUR| INTERNATIONAL DRIVE
Best Pho: Readers’ Choice
You may feel like you’ve stepped into ‘80s band A-ha’s “Take On Me” video when you enter this fast-casual Asian concept billed as “America’s first 2D noodle bar.” Twenty Pho Hour’s interior is all white with black outlines, giving the appearance of two-dimensional art and messing with your depth perception. But you won’t have any problem digging into the hearty menu of pho, made with your choice of steak, seafood, chicken, veggies, oxtail, short rib and more. Or build your own dish. There are plenty of options to sate carnivores and vegetarians alike. You many, however, wish to become an omnivore while here. twenty-pho-hour.com/orlando
HOURGLASS BREWING | HOURGLASS DISTRICT
Best Beer: Readers’ Choice
With its mantra of no artificial dyes, extracts or flavors, you can count on a fresh, flavorful and uncommon glass of beer every time at Hourglass Brewing. Ingredients are hand-selected from local and international purveyors—tropical fruits from Florida, herbs from India malt from Chile and Scotland and hops from Japan are but a few examples. It’s both the perfect stop for those beginning to dip a toe into the world of craft beer or the seasoned craft drinker, with dozens of selections to taste test (our favorites are Long Drinks on the Beach and Million Bees and Some Hops). Beware, however, Hourglass just may spoil you for all other beers. hourglassbrewing.com
HOLLERBACH’S GERMAN RESTAURANT | SANFORD
Best German Restaurant: Readers’ Choice
This beloved spot in Sanford serves traditional German food in a lively atmosphere, complete with live music. Owner Theo Hollerbach’s grandfather owned a butcher shop in Kyllburg, a small town in Germany’s Eifel region, where the Hollerbach family originated, and Theo’s mother was one of the first women in the region to attain the title of certified butcher. It was Theo’s experiences as a child in the butcher shop that led him to open his own German market, with a delicatessen, bakery, meat, wine and beer selections. Upstairs, a chef-driven bistro offers small plates inspired by the best of German cuisine. hollerbachs.com
