The best dishes in Orlando aren’t in its well-known theme parks and chain restaurants. Rather, the best dishes in Orlando can be enjoyed at some incredible local-owned spots. Below are five of my favorites from these local gems, in no particular order.

Shroom, Papa Llama

Photo I quickly snapped before digging in.

Papa Llama is Peruvian-fusion restaurant where the menu is comprised of small plates and designed to be ordered in its entirety. The standout dish is simply called “Shroom.” Maitake mushrooms come stir-fried in a delicious sauce with tomato and red onion slices, piled high with shoestring fries, and a side of jasmine rice. For any meat-eaters who might disagree with me, order the lomo; it’s a steak-based dish prepared the same way.

Spaghettini “cacio e pepe,” Prato

Photo by @serenesocial, c/o Prato’s Instagram feed.

Winter Park hotspot Prato’s mustard spaghettini “cacio e pepe” is one of those dishes I dream about. Homemade al dente pasta is bathed in a uniquely addicting blend of silky cheese and vinegary, peppery dijon and balsamic. It might sound strange, but I promise it’s amazing.

Lava Dips, Sushi Lola’s

Photo by Amy N., c/o Yelp

Sushi Lola’s offers both Korean and Japanese menus. The one item you must try regardless of the cuisine you order for your main is the lava dips appetizer –  krab salad rolled in panko bread crumbs and deep fried, then topped with sweet eel sauce, spicy mayo, and scallions.

Lavash, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Photo c/o Bosphorous’ Instagram

Similar to pita bread but softer, lavash is a traditional flatbread popular in Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine serves a unique version of lavash. Inflated with hot air, diners must first pierce it with a knife or fork to let out steam. Then, the pliable, buttery bread can be enjoyed with hummus or a variety of other dips. Note: This bread is huge, so pace yourself, or you’ll be full before your main meal arrives!

“The Original” chocolate chip cookie, Gideon’s Bakeshop

Photo c/o Gideon’s Instagram

Thanks to its new location at Disney Springs, Gideon’s Bakehouse is no longer a local secret, but their cookies taste as good as ever. Their huge cookies weigh in at half a pound a pop, and despite the long lines, the ooey-gooey center and sprinkle of sea salt on the top keep me coming back again and again.

Bonus: “Super Green” smoothie, New Moon Market

Photo c/o New Moon’s Instagram

I just realized my roundup of my five best dishes in Orlando didn’t include anything green (although shoutout to the Shroom dish from Papa Llama for having fresh mushrooms), so I’ll add an honorary sixth favorite Orlando bite (or in this case, sip): the “Super Green” smoothie from New Moon Market. With homemade almond milk, banana, pineapple, granny smith apple, kale, and spinach, this sweet drink is chock-full of healthy goodies.

There are so many amazing local-owned restaurants in town, and these are just five of my favorite dishes in Orlando. For more delicious eats and off-the-beaten path recommendations, check out my guide to “Orlando beyond the mouse.”