The Strand
A charming bistro in Orlando's Mills 50 neighborhood, The Strand offers seasonal New American dishes in a cozy, retro-inspired setting with attentive ...
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The Strand
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming bistro in Orlando's Mills 50 neighborhood, The Strand offers seasonal New American dishes in a cozy, retro-inspired setting with attentive service.
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular Orlando dining spot.
Communicate Preferences
Inform staff about dietary needs or if you prefer a quieter dining experience for a tailored visit.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exceptional Short Rib & Duck
Melt-in-your-mouth short ribs and perfectly seared duck breast are hailed as must-try entrees for their rich flavors and tender texture.
Cozy Retro Atmosphere
A charming bistro with midcentury details like mint green tiles and vintage glass blocks offers an elevated yet welcoming neighborhood vibe.
Standout Desserts
From a decadent Tiramisu to a unique Tres Leches with passionfruit and habanero, the desserts are praised as memorable finishes.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular Orlando dining spot.
Communicate Preferences
Inform staff about dietary needs or if you prefer a quieter dining experience for a tailored visit.
Ask About Specials
The menu changes seasonally; inquire about daily specials for inventive and fresh culinary creations.
Consider Bar Seating
The bar area is cozy and offers a great spot to enjoy good banter with the staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular Orlando dining spot.
Communicate Preferences
Inform staff about dietary needs or if you prefer a quieter dining experience for a tailored visit.
Ask About Specials
The menu changes seasonally; inquire about daily specials for inventive and fresh culinary creations.
Consider Bar Seating
The bar area is cozy and offers a great spot to enjoy good banter with the staff.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Strand is celebrated for its consistently excellent food, particularly standout dishes like the short rib and duck breast, complemented by a warm, cozy atmosphere and attentive service. While most diners rave about the culinary experience and ambiance, some have noted occasional issues with dish availability and consistency, with a few finding certain dishes to be bland.
"Our experience at the Strand was spectacular! While the interior is a bit small, it is furnished very well. Not too cramped and plenty of room to breathe. We didn't feel like we were overwhelmed with conversations of other guests. The music wasn't too loud and the sound of the kitchen cooking food for the guests was the perfect white noise to complete the ambience.
While we waited for our food we ordered the Aperol Spritz, which was a good classic cocktail for our evening. Not as bitter as we were expecting with more focus on the citrus flavor and very enjoyable.
We ordered the Creole Barbecue Shrimp for our appetizer. Everything about this item was phenomenal and it left us wanting more. We would love to learn how to make something similar for a meal at home. The gnocchi patty on the bottom is complimented very well with the sauce and the shrimp was seasoned to perfection.
For our entrees we ordered the Seared Duck Breast and the Demi-glazed Short Rib special they had at the time. Our favorite of the two was the short rib which melted in our mouths. The duck was good as well and the sauce with both meals was what completed the experience. Whoever makes the sauces for the food items definitely knows what they are doing to ensure a proper pairing with each dish.
To finish off our meal, we ordered the Tiramisu. We were expecting a more coffee-forward flavor but were pleasantly surprised when it had more of a focus on chocolate and hazelnut. The ladyfingers/breading wasn't too soaked and everything about this item was layered to perfection. One of the best tiramisus we have ever had!
Our server Nick was phenomenal. He wasn't too overbearing and gave us plenty of time between check-ins. He was very knowledgeable of the menu and gave great recommendations.
We look forward to coming back here again!"
Mitchell Hines
"This was our first time at the Strand, and for the most part, we had a pretty good experience. Our server Paul was absolutely fantastic, as he was well versed in the entire menu, and had some great recommendations.
We started off with the shrimp appetizer, which was really good. For the main course, my wife loved her duck, as it was very tender and perfectly seasoned. I wanted to go with the short rib, but they were out. That was a bit strange, as Paul had just gave us a full description of the dish, as it was a special. I then wanted to try the Red Snapper, but again, they ran out of it.
Options were now limited, so I went with the Alabama chicken with Mac and cheese. The chicken was lacking sauce, and felt a bit dry and flat. The Mac and cheese was actually really good, but a side dish. For dessert, we shared the strawberry pie, which was phenomenal, and my favorite bite there. We also got a glass of prosecco, as this was our 14th year wedding anniversary.
Overall, this was a pretty good experience, though a bit strange that they didn't even offer either the dessert, or a glass of prosecco for our anniversary. I understand it's not automatic, but I've been to a lot of similar places that would offer that. You'd think if you spend $240 they'd try to make you feel good about coming back, but no, nothing."
Steve Rainville
"Food was fresh but bland. Had the salmon entree with lentil purée. Salmon was perfectly cooked but lentils had little flavor. Better with some herbs infused and roasted veggies instead of blanched to add flavor. My wife’s pork chop special was very good. The Caesar salad was also good. Dishes were artfully presented. Overall good restaurant."
John Procacci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, The Strand has received Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin Guide, indicating high-quality food at a good value.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is popular and can get busy.
Diners consistently praise the Creole Barbecue Shrimp, Seared Duck Breast, Demi-glazed Short Rib, and the Tiramisu.
The Strand offers a cozy, neighborhood feel, and typically diners dress casually. There is no strict dress code.
Yes, many guests find The Strand to be a perfect spot for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries due to its elevated yet cozy atmosphere.
The menu changes seasonally, so it's best to check with the restaurant directly or inquire upon arrival about specific vegan or vegetarian options.
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Girl Dinner Caesar Salad and Fries around Orlando
When The Strand was open for lunch, it was the ideal place for a salad and fry combo, and I often miss their lunch service. There are no fancy pics from my recent dinner; just an iPhone photo will have to do, but you can see the spread in all its glory. My dinner was their take on a Caesar, including romaine, radicchio, parmesan, croutons, fried capers, pickled egg, and Caesar dressing with fried chicken added (and wisely put on the side since it was hot), a side of fries, and a strawberry margarita.
Orlando adds 4 New MICHELIN Starred Restaurants in 2024 MICHELIN Guide Florida Awards
Visit Orlando will soon launch a new culinary marketing campaign in partnership with Tripadvisor to continue to elevate the destination’s growing dining scene, following the MICHELIN announcement. The initiative includes three different Epicurean Trips for Orlando, which will be promoted on Tripadvisor’s digital and social channels, targeting foodie travelers in the U.S. and Canada to incorporate Orlando’s diverse culinary offerings into their summer travel planning.
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In addition to the stars and Bibs, Michelin added a list of 23 "recommended" Orlando restaurants to their guide: Pizza Bruno, Kabooki Sushi, Se7en Bites, Sticky Rice, Shin Jung, Maxine’s on Shine, Tori Tori, Hawkers, The Polite Pig, Black Rooster Taqueria, The Pinery, Bacán, Selam, Ravello, Citricos, Primo at JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando, Sear + Sea at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, and Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
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For a cozy neighborhood vibe and seasonal dishes: The Strand has been one of my go-to restaurants since I moved back to Orlando. It’s a restaurant I feel good supporting because it’s family-run and they source their ingredients locally – you can find the specifics on the chalkboard above the main entrance!. Their menu changes seasonally but I love the snapper cakes to start, and the red snapper and scallop entrees.
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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Confit local vegetables, black rice, & house made labneh with citrus agrodolce, toasted hazelnut crumbs, & paprika oil... The Strand started as a small neighbourhood restaurant in Orlando and grew over the years due to its popularity and amazing food.
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Seven Central Florida restaurants received Bib Gourmand recognition: Bombay Street Kitchen, Domu, Papa Llama, the Ravenous Pig, the Strand, Swine & Sons, and Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen. Domu was highlighted in our List of Great Restaurants Near Walt Disney World, as were a handful of Michelin’s recommended locations below.
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The Strand is a full dining experience, serving up classic American dishes with a Southern yet modern twist. Their goal is to bring the Orlando neighborhood together with good food, a vintage atmosphere, and craft beer and wine. Their menu is constantly evolving, which means you’ll never have the same experience twice.
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Seven more local restaurants were recognized with a “Bib Gourmand,” or restaurants of note that serve a full menu of starters, main courses, and desserts for roughly $49, including Bombay Street Kitchen, Domu, Papa Llama, The Ravenous Pig, The Strand, Swine and Sons, and Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen.
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Strand’s midcentury logo is just one of the many retro details about the restaurant. Located in a vintage building made with 1950s glass blocks and bedecked in mint green midcentury tile, The Strand feels and tastes like an elevated home kitchen. Dishes are timeless but not boring.
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Walking into The Strand, I was immediately struck by the cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant's dim lighting, modern decor, and comfortable seating instantly put me at ease. The helpful and accommodating staff greeted me with warm smiles, making me feel right at home.
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The restaurant makes you feel right at home with its cozy and inviting atmosphere. This is one of my favorite local restaurants in Orlando’s hipster neighborhood Mills 50. Each dish is made from the heart and with love by the owners and chefs.
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This neighborhood bistro has consistently tasty food and drinks. It is located in a former corner diner, with a retro and chic atmosphere. The menu features many seasonal ingredients.
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807 N Mills AveOrlando, FL 32803(407) 920-7744 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The Strand is a New American bistro that debuted in February 2014 along North Mills Avenue.
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New American dishes made from scratch offered with craft beer and wine. Be sure not to miss their new sister bar, d.b.a. locate next door for some incredible cocktails.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Orlando by Diners
- Rating: 4.5/5 (496 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 807 North Mills Ave. Orlando, Florida - Categories: New American- Read more on Yelp
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