Darden's hometown
Darden Restaurants has its headquarters in Orlando. The first Olive Garden opened in Orlando in 1982, and Seasons 52 started here in 2003. You will find most Darden brands on International Drive and Sand Lake Road.
| Chain | Known for | Where you will find it |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Garden | Unlimited breadsticks and salad, Italian-American favorites | All over Orlando; the first one opened here in 1982 |
| LongHorn Steakhouse | Steaks at mid-range prices | Throughout the Orlando area |
| Seasons 52 | Seasonal grill, every item under 595 calories | Sand Lake Road (Dr. Phillips) and Altamonte Springs |
| Yard House | Huge draft beer list | International Drive (ICON Park) |
| The Capital Grille | Dry-aged steaks | Pointe Orlando on International Drive |
| Eddie V's Prime Seafood | Seafood, steaks and live jazz | Sand Lake Road |
Born in Orlando (and Central Florida)
| Chain | Known for | Orlando story |
|---|---|---|
| Hawkers Asian Street Food | Asian street food small plates | Started in Mills 50 in 2011 |
| 4 Rivers Smokehouse | Texas-style barbecue and brisket | Started in Winter Park in 2009 |
| Tijuana Flats | Tex-Mex with a hot sauce bar | Started in Winter Park in 1995 |
| Pollo Tropical | Caribbean grilled chicken | Miami-born and common across Orlando |
Other national favorites
| Chain | Known for | Where |
|---|---|---|
| The Cheesecake Factory | Big menu and cheesecake | The Mall at Millenia and Vineland Pointe (near Disney Springs) |
| Texas de Brazil | Brazilian steakhouse | International Drive |
| Ruth's Chris Steak House | Sizzling steaks; headquartered in the Orlando area | Sand Lake Road and other locations |
| Golden Corral | Family buffet | Several locations on and near I-Drive |
| Cracker Barrel | Country cooking and a gift shop | Near the I-4 corridor |
| Hooters | Wings; the chain was founded in Clearwater, Florida | International Drive and other locations |
Restaurants open, close, move and change hours often. Check the restaurant's own website or call before you go. No restaurant paid to be listed.
Plan the rest of your trip
Discount park tickets at Undercover Tourist, Orlando hotel deals at Rooms Cheap, rental cars at USA Auto Rental, and more Florida dining at Florida Restaurant Guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Olive Garden from Orlando?
Yes. The first Olive Garden opened in Orlando in 1982, and its parent company, Darden Restaurants, is headquartered in Orlando.
What restaurant chains started in Orlando?
Olive Garden, Seasons 52, Hawkers Asian Street Food and 4 Rivers Smokehouse, plus Tijuana Flats in nearby Winter Park.