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Orlando, FL

For Southern in Orlando, the local food press points to Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', Nikki's Place, and The Porch Winter Park. Picks from Orlando Magazine and Scott Joseph's Food & Travel, updated July 2026.

Editor’s picks

Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Orlando Magazine and Scott Joseph's Food & Travel. Updated July 2026.

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' · Disney Springs
Homecomin’ channels chef Art Smith’s Florida upbringing through fried chicken, biscuits, deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, and other Southern staples. The Disney Springs setting is polished and busy, but the menu stays centered on generous plates and familiar flavors. Moonshine cocktails and hummingbird cake extend the regional theme from the first drink through dessert.
Nikki's Place · Parramore
At Nikki's Place, the Southern meat and three tradition arrives through smothered pork chops, fried catfish, meatloaf, okra, and a deep bench of vegetable sides. The Parramore kitchen has carried the Aiken family's Orlando restaurant history since 1999, building on work that began in the 1950s. Affordable plates and direct cooking keep the room centered on everyday family meals rather than ceremony.
The Porch Winter Park
The Porch brings Southern leaning bar food to a large, social Winter Park room built for groups and game days. Fried chicken, sandwiches, shareable starters, and comfort driven entrees sit beside a full drinks program. It is the casual, high energy choice in this set, with the kitchen designed to support a longer evening rather than a quick counter meal.
Se7enBites · Milk District
Chef Trina Gregory Propst built Se7enBites around Southern comfort food with a modern turn. Biscuits, chicken pot pie, a meatloaf sandwich, and the Southern Cuban cover the savory side, while the bakery case carries pies and nostalgic sweets. The salted caramel dark chocolate pecan pie connects her Texas memories with the shop’s playful baking style.
P & D Soulfood Kitchen Inc · Washington Shores
P & D Soulfood Kitchen Inc turns Southern staples into generous takeout plates from its Washington Shores counter. Dense meatloaf arrives under thick gravy over bread dressing, with boiled cabbage, green beans and a corn muffin completing the spread. The rotating availability gives the menu a home kitchen rhythm, while fried and smothered meats provide additional anchors for repeat visits.

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