10-Under-$10 Menu Items: Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, a city synonymous with world-famous theme parks and endless entertainment, also boasts a vibrant and often-overlooked culinary scene that extends far beyond the tourist corridors. Beyond the large chains, Central Florida is a melting pot of cultures, teeming with unique local eateries serving up fantastic, budget-friendly bites that capture the diverse flavors of the Sunshine State. We've explored beloved neighborhood spots and glowing customer reviews to bring you a curated list of 10 must-try dishes, all for under $10, that will satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the authentic, delicious side of Orlando.

1. Cuban Sandwich (Cubanito) from Zaza New Cuban Diner

Restaurant: Zaza New Cuban Diner
Description: A smaller, perfectly pressed version of the classic Cuban sandwich, loaded with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crusty Cuban bread.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Zaza New Cuban Diner is a beloved local gem in Orlando, celebrated for its authentic Cuban cuisine and lively atmosphere. While they offer larger sandwiches, their "Cubanito" or smaller Cuban sandwich options often fall perfectly within the under-$10 budget. Yelp reviewers consistently praise their "authentic Cuban flavors" and call their Cuban sandwich "amazing, perfectly pressed." It's a quintessential Orlando experience that offers a delicious taste of Cuba.
Price: ~$8-$9 (for the Cubanito/smaller size)
Location: Multiple locations in Orlando (e.g., 3500 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806)

2. Al Pastor Taco from Gringos Locos

Restaurant: Gringos Locos
Description: A single street-style taco featuring savory al pastor pork, grilled with pineapple, and topped with fresh cilantro and onions on a warm corn tortilla.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Gringos Locos is a highly popular local taco spot in Orlando, famous for its delicious, no-frills tacos, especially after a night out. Yelp reviewers consistently hail them as having the "best late-night tacos!" and specifically recommend the "al pastor as a must-try." They praise the flavorful meat and the fresh toppings that make each taco incredibly satisfying. Ordering two or three makes for a perfect, affordable, and incredibly delicious meal.
Price: ~$3-$4 per taco
Location: Multiple locations in Orlando (e.g., 20 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801)

3. Arepa from Arepas el Cacao

Restaurant: Arepas el Cacao
Description: An authentic Venezuelan arepa – a crispy, grilled corn-based flatbread filled with savory ingredients like shredded beef, chicken, or cheese.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Arepas el Cacao is a highly-rated local spot celebrated for bringing true Venezuelan flavors to Orlando. Yelp reviewers consistently praise their "delicious, authentic arepas," noting the "crispy outside" and "flavorful fillings." It's a unique and incredibly satisfying gluten-free option that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Venezuela, all while being wonderfully affordable.
Price: ~$6-$8 per arepa (depending on filling)
Location: 2750 N Forsyth Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792 (just outside Orlando city proper, but a local favorite)

4. Pho (Small Bowl) from Pho Hoa Restaurant

Restaurant: Pho Hoa Restaurant
Description: A comforting small bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho, featuring aromatic broth, tender rice noodles, and your choice of thinly sliced beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs on the side.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Pho Hoa Restaurant is a well-established and highly regarded local Vietnamese spot in Orlando, known for its consistent quality and authentic flavors. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "rich, aromatic broth" and the "tender meats." While a large bowl might exceed the budget, a small or regular size often fits comfortably under $10, offering a deeply satisfying and aromatic meal perfect for any time of year.
Price: ~$9-$10 (for a small bowl)
Location: 6415 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32810

5. A Single Donut from The Donut King

Restaurant: The Donut King
Description: A freshly baked, classic donut available in a wide variety of glazes and toppings, known for its soft, fluffy texture.
Why It’s a Must-Try: The Donut King is a beloved, long-standing local donut shop in Orlando, famous for its consistently fresh and delicious creations. Yelp reviewers consistently declare them "Best donuts in Orlando!" and praise their donuts for being "fresh, fluffy, and perfectly sweet." It's an essential, affordable treat that captures the comforting essence of a classic neighborhood bakery.
Price: ~$2-$3
Location: 2006 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822

6. Drip Coffee from Lineage Coffee Roasting

Restaurant: Lineage Coffee Roasting
Description: A meticulously brewed cup of high-quality, locally roasted drip coffee, prepared with precision and care.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Lineage Coffee Roasting is a cornerstone of Orlando's burgeoning specialty coffee scene, known for its commitment to sourcing and roasting exceptional beans. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "excellent coffee" and the "great vibe" of their shops, calling them "consistently high quality." It's the perfect spot for an affordable and top-notch caffeine fix that showcases Orlando's dedication to craft beverages.
Price: ~$3.50-$4.50 (for a regular drip coffee)
Location: Multiple locations in Orlando (e.g., 1011 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803)

7. Empanada from Empanada Mama

Restaurant: Empanada Mama
Description: A crispy, fried or baked pastry pocket filled with a variety of savory ingredients like seasoned beef, chicken, or cheese.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Empanada Mama is a popular local spot dedicated to serving up delicious, authentic empanadas with a wide array of fillings. Yelp reviewers consistently rave about the "so many delicious flavors!" and praise the empanadas for being "crispy and perfectly filled." Ordering two or three makes for a fantastic and very affordable meal or snack, offering a taste of Latin American comfort food.
Price: ~$3-$4 per empanada
Location: 1629 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32807

8. Chicago Dog from Hot Dog Heaven

Restaurant: Hot Dog Heaven
Description: A perfectly steamed hot dog, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all on a poppy seed bun.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Hot Dog Heaven brings an authentic taste of Chicago to Orlando, making it a beloved local spot for hot dog enthusiasts. Yelp reviewers consistently praise its "authentic Chicago dog!" and highlight the "great snap" of the hot dog and all the classic, perfectly balanced toppings. It's a reliable, flavorful, and incredibly affordable choice for a satisfying and fun meal.
Price: ~$5-$7
Location: 5355 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807

9. Slice of Pizza from Antonio's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

Restaurant: Antonio's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant (Maitland)
Description: A large, classic New York-style pizza slice with a perfectly thin, crispy crust, topped with savory tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Antonio's Pizzeria, located just north of Orlando in Maitland, is a highly regarded local Italian restaurant known for its authentic flavors and excellent New York-style pizza. While a full meal can be more, a single slice offers an accessible taste of their quality. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "huge, classic New York slice" and commend the "great sauce and cheese." It's a reliable and delicious choice for a quick, satisfying, and authentically Italian-American bite.
Price: ~$4-$5 per slice
Location: 611 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751

10. Single Scoop Ice Cream from Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream

Restaurant: Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream
Description: A single scoop of their handcrafted, artisanal ice cream, made with high-quality ingredients and available in a delightful array of classic and inventive flavors.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream is a hugely popular and rapidly expanding local ice cream shop in Orlando, celebrated for its unique flavors and commitment to quality. Yelp reviewers consistently rave about the "creative flavors" and "super creamy" texture, calling it "a local gem for ice cream." It's the perfect, refreshing, and affordable treat to cool down on a warm Florida day, providing a comforting taste of local craftsmanship.
Price: ~$5-$6
Location: Multiple locations in Orlando (e.g., 3114 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803)

Orlando's dynamic food scene proves that incredible flavors don't have to come with a hefty price tag, especially when you explore its amazing local establishments. From authentic Cuban sandwiches and vibrant al pastor tacos to classic Chicago dogs and gourmet homemade ice cream, these ten dishes under $10 offer a fantastic way to explore the city's diverse and locally-driven culinary landscape. So, whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, make sure to savor these delicious and affordable bites that showcase Orlando's unique charm!

Price Comparison Table

Dish	Restaurant	Price (Approx.)	Location
Cuban Sandwich (Cubanito)	Zaza New Cuban Diner	$8-$9	Multiple locations in Orlando
Al Pastor Taco	Gringos Locos	$3-$4 per	Multiple locations in Orlando
Arepa	Arepas el Cacao	$6-$8 per	2750 N Forsyth Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792
Pho (Small Bowl)	Pho Hoa Restaurant	$9-$10	6415 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32810
Single Donut	The Donut King	$2-$3	2006 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822
Drip Coffee	Lineage Coffee Roasting	$3.50-$4.50	Multiple locations in Orlando
Empanada	Empanada Mama	$3-$4 per	1629 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32807
Chicago Dog	Hot Dog Heaven	$5-$7	5355 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807
Slice of Pizza	Antonio's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant	$4-$5 per	611 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
Single Scoop Ice Cream	Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream	$5-$6	Multiple locations in Orlando