Wow, the food here was delicious. The mini bandeja paisa is a huge amount of different proteins, a soup, rice. and avocado. What stood out to me was that the avocados were ripe and creamy, the soup was comforting and hearty, and the chicharron decadent and tender. Oh, also the limonada de coco was delicious and for me a necessity; the acidity balanced out the meat and beans. This spot was recommended to me by two different colombians, one of whom described the food as "having a lot of love". I could taste that and could also see it in all of the server's warm demeanors. I will return to try more colombian food!!
Overview
Bandeja Paisa Latin Restaurant is a hidden gem tucked away at 12701, 102 S John Young Pkwy unit # 101, Orlando, FL 32837, United States, and itβs quickly becoming a favorite spot for both locals and visitors craving authentic Latin flavors. From the moment you step inside, the warm, vibrant atmosphere immediately transports you to the heart of Colombia. The decor is colorful yet cozy, making it the perfect place for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or even a late-night craving for comfort food.
One of the first things you notice is the smell of freshly cooked dishes wafting from the kitchen. Their menu is extensive, featuring traditional Colombian favorites that are hard to find elsewhere in Orlando. The star dish, of course, is the bandeja paisa-a hearty platter overflowing with rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, fried egg, avocado, and plantains. During my last visit, I watched the kitchen staff meticulously assemble each plate, ensuring the portions were generous and every ingredient cooked to perfection. The attention to detail is something that not only highlights their experience but also reinforces why customers keep coming back.
What makes this restaurant stand out is the combination of authenticity and consistency. According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, 62% of diners prioritize authentic cuisine when choosing a dining spot, and Bandeja Paisa delivers exactly that. Their chefs use traditional recipes passed down through generations while adding subtle touches to cater to modern palates. I tried their arepas for the first time here, and they were perfectly crisp on the outside while soft and flavorful inside, which shows their expertise in Latin cooking techniques.
The reviews on Google and Yelp consistently mention the same thing: friendly service and a welcoming environment. On my visits, the staff was incredibly helpful, explaining the ingredients and even offering suggestions based on personal preferences. Itβs clear that this restaurant prioritizes customer trust, ensuring that every guest leaves satisfied. One regular customer I spoke with said they come here weekly for the empanadas and tamales, praising the consistent quality over time. This demonstrates not only the restaurantβs dedication but also its credibility in Orlandoβs competitive dining scene.
Another aspect worth noting is their commitment to freshness and local sourcing. Many of their vegetables and ingredients are sourced from local farmers, which enhances the flavor while supporting the community. Nutrition research supports that fresh ingredients not only improve taste but also offer higher nutrient retention. For anyone concerned with quality and health, this approach makes a tangible difference.
Visiting Bandeja Paisa is also an educational experience. I learned about the cultural significance behind many of the dishes, like the bandeja paisa itself, which originates from the Antioquia region of Colombia and was traditionally a farmerβs meal packed with energy and protein. This cultural insight, paired with a delicious meal, creates a dining experience that feels immersive and memorable.
Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch or planning a relaxed dinner, the variety on the menu caters to all tastes. From lighter options like sopa de mondongo to more indulgent plates like chicharrΓ³n con arepas, every dish is a testament to the restaurantβs culinary authority. The location at 102 S John Young Pkwy is convenient for anyone in Orlando, and parking is easy, making it accessible without hassle.
Overall, the combination of flavorful dishes, welcoming staff, and dedication to authentic Latin cuisine makes Bandeja Paisa Latin Restaurant a standout in the Orlando dining scene. The real-life experiences of diners, the carefully curated menu, and the attention to detail all contribute to a restaurant that is trusted and celebrated by the local community.
Good to know
Service options
β Kerbside pickup β Delivery β Takeaway β Dine-inHighlights
β Fast service β Great cocktails β Great coffee β Serves local specialty β SportPopular for
β Breakfast β Lunch β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible car park β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seating β Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
β Alcohol β Beer β Cocktails β Coffee β Comfort food β Happy-hour drinks β Happy-hour food β Healthy options β Late-night food β Quick bite β Salad bar β Small plates β WineDining options
β Breakfast β Brunch β Lunch β Dinner β Catering β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β Bar on site β Toilet β Wi-Fi β Wi-FiAtmosphere
β Casual β Cosy β Quiet β TrendyCrowd
β Family friendly β Groups β TouristsPlanning
β Accepts reservationsPayments
β Credit cards β Debit cards β NFC mobile payments β Credit cardsChildren
β Good for kids β High chairs β Kids' menuParking
β Free of charge street parking β Free parking lot β On-site parking β ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
The food and customer service was delightful! I truly enjoyed my experience here! Really loved this homemade and tasty food! I felt like HOME! Caty Cortes helped during my experience there, and I canβt wait to get back with my whole family! My favorite eating spot in Orlando FL! Highly recommend! I had La Bandeja Paisa! So delicious
Stopped by this Colombian restaurant in Orlando for a quick lunch and overall had a good experience. The food was flavorful and authentic definitely a great spot if you're craving something traditional. We ordered the bandeja paisa, which was delicious and well-prepared, but the price felt a bit steep for what you get. Still, the quality and taste made up for it. Service was quick and the atmosphere was casual and welcoming. Great option for a satisfying lunch if your in the area just be ready to pay a little more than expected.
This was the first time we try Colombian food and our experience as a family was fantastic! We ordered the large la bandeja paisa and it was absolutely delicious!! Its been our best experience so far in our visit to Florida The lady that served our table was very sweet and gave us great recommendations on food and drinks! We are definitely going back!
Great time, great times. Was looking for a Colombian authentic place and I actually found one. Great service, food Oh, I see I didnβt go all and people. Thank you, Cathy!!!!
Everyone was extremely polite. The atmosphere was great. We had the large bandeja paisa and the Sancocho de costillas. We also had guacamole and tostones. We drank passion fruit and soursop as drinks. We also had un cortadito (espresso with a tiny amount of milk) Overall a great experience.
A small restaurant with big flavor . The food is delicious and the service is very good. If you are in a big party try to do a reservation before , the restaurant is not big . But worth to wait a little bit for a table . Prices are fair for the quality and size of the portions. Try the Carne Assada and burguer . The calamari were crispy and tasty. Easy parking lot .
Cute spot, went in for breakfast and server was very attentive. Personally I would have liked a little more seasoning/flavor on the eggs but it was still good. The breakfast menu was a bit limited but again, it was good. They also serve some fresh juice type smoothies which I definitely recommend trying out! Give them a shot, youβll enjoy it.