4 New (& Coming Soon) Orange County Restaurants

A new set of restaurants are making plans in the Orlando area. Here's four that we spoke with that are nearing their plans to debut to the public.

For a deeper dive, click "Read the article" under each section.

Now Open

Desi Bistro — UCF/Collegiate Way (Orlando)

Address: 12058 Collegiate Way, Orlando, FL 32817

Status: Recently opened.

What to expect: Fast-casual, build-your-own Indian concept (think Chipotle style) with bases like rice or naan, customizable proteins, house sauces, and fresh salads.

Menu highlights: Mix-and-match bowls and wraps, plus handcrafted beverages like mango lassi.

Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–midnight; patio seating in cooler months.

Who’s behind it: Co-owner Sharif Bappy (also owns Desi Mart) with partner Aqim Prince.

Read the article.

Opening Soon

Jiang’s Kitchen — Downtown Orlando

Address: 27 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32801

Status: Scheduled to open January 2026 (as of August 25).

What to expect: Open-view dumpling station with handmade soup dumplings and a full dining room and bar (86 indoor tables).

Menu highlights: Soup dumplings plus beef, shrimp, pork, and crab dumplings; authentic Chinese dishes with some Shanghai items and sushi.

Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Who’s behind it: Eric Jiang and Miao Zhang; part of a group with nine other East Coast restaurants, including the recently opened Izuki Omakase.

Read the article.

Johnny’s Diner — Curry Ford West (Orlando)

Address: 3335 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806

Status: Recently posted on Facebook they posted that they’ll host a grand opening very soon.

What to expect: A refreshed classic diner with 100+ seats, new flooring, quartz counters, two counter-style (non-alcoholic) bars, and a fully updated kitchen.

Menu highlights: Hearty American breakfast and lunch staples—eggs and bacon, burgers, sandwiches—with homestyle charm.

Hours: Daily 6 a.m.–3 p.m.

Who’s behind it: Owner Paulie Krasniqi, continuing the family legacy started by Giovanni “Johnny” Krasniqi, with partners Marian and Martin Lucaj. Tribute wall planned to honor longtime patrons.

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Uncle Bob’s Frozen Desserts — Pine Castle

Address: 7726 Wyngard Rd, Unit 105, Pine Castle, FL

Status: Scheduled to open in December (as of July '25).

What to expect: Grab-and-go dessert shop with a fountain counter and freezers stocked with pre-packed items. Custom orders ready in as little as two hours.

Menu highlights: Small-batch, customizable ice cream (pints to gallons), scoops, sundaes, shakes, parfaits, novelties, ice cream cakes, plus seasonal flavors like eggnog and coquito. Non-dairy line planned.

Who’s behind it: Owner Bob Cassello, launching his first independent shop after 40+ years with Disney and prior ice cream experience.

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