Orlando, Culinarily Speaking

No-frills Cuban cuisine is the star at this Orlando area food place, which has both Orlando and Winter Park locations. Needless to say, you should order black beans—either black bean soup or the vegetarian plate with rice, plantains and salad. Though there are plenty of carnivorous selections, the vegetarian options equally impress. Don't forget the vegan empanada on the side.

Classics rule at this Winter Park eatery with bar seating and cozy booths. The menu offers plant-based versions of your favorite dishes, such as pizza or shepherd’s pie, but the specials also are worth considering. The barbecue sandwich is both delicious and filling. For dinner, you can’t go wrong ordering vegetarian lasagna and “buttery” garlic knots.

Although you’ll find vegetarian and vegan options throughout Disney Springs®, consider dining at this trendy local restaurant, which is named after “Iron Chef America” chef Masaharu Morimoto. Order the Morimoto lunch set, which you can make vegetarian by picking the salad, white rice and veggie tofu entrée. Then choose where to eat dessert at the entertainment complex; both Sprinkles and Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC offer vegan cupcakes.

Looking for a great place to enjoy time with friends and family? Check out this popular Italian restaurant with two locations in Orlando. Though there are selections for meat eaters, there's plenty of ways to customize your meal because the pizza dough is entirely vegan. Favorite vegan picks include the Marinara option with garlic, capers and oregano, or the veggie-ful Viva Verde. The freshness of ingredients shines through in the flavor of the cuisine.

The garden beds and plants in front of East End Market (3201 Corrine Dr.) hint at the local-oriented focus. Inside the foodie hub, one of the most interesting vendors focuses on healthful, ready-to-go eats. Think salads, smoothies and juices that are not only vegan but also raw and gluten-free.