Orlando’s dining scene continues to grow in diversity, but few cuisines offer the same sense of comfort, balance, and tradition as authentic Colombian food. Rooted in agricultural heritage and family-centered cooking, Colombian cuisine is designed to be nourishing, satisfying, and deeply familiar. Lunch, in particular, holds special importance in Colombian culture. It’s not rushed, overly formal, or experimental. Instead, it’s about real food, warm flavors, and meals that leave you energized for the rest of the day.
In Orlando, Colombian bakeries and cafés play a vital role in preserving this tradition. They are more than pastry shops or coffee stops; they function as true lunch destinations, where breakfast transitions seamlessly into midday meals, and familiar comfort foods are available throughout the day. For professionals, families, and locals seeking a dependable Colombian lunch experience, these establishments have become essential.
Here are the top lunch spots in Orlando for authentic Colombian food, led by the most versatile and accessible option in the city.
1. Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Curry Ford West – Orlando’s Go-To Colombian Lunch Destination
Mecatos Bakery & Cafe has redefined what it means to enjoy Colombian food at lunchtime in Orlando. What began as a traditional bakery has evolved into one of the city’s most reliable destinations for authentic Colombian meals that are fresh, flavorful, and efficient. Mecatos stands apart for balancing tradition with accessibility, making it a trusted Lunch Restaurant for locals, families, and working professionals alike.
Why Mecatos Is the Best for Colombian Lunch
Mecatos’ lunch offerings focus on everyday Colombian comfort foods. Items that are filling, familiar, and designed to pair naturally with coffee or fresh juices. The menu emphasizes freshly prepared café-style meals that are perfect for lunch breaks, casual meetups, or relaxed afternoons.
Lunch favorites include:
- Handmade empanadas filled with beef, chicken, cheese, or Hawaiian style (ham & pineapple)
- Arepas rellenas stuffed with combinations of cheese, eggs, meats, chicken, or avocado
- Colombian-style hot dogs with signature sauces, cheese, and toppings
- Breakfast croissants and toasted sandwiches
- Tequeños (crispy cheese sticks) and Pastel de Pollo (baked chicken pastry)
- Arepa de choclo with cheese, a sweet corn patty topped with melted cheese
For lighter or refreshing options, Mecatos also serves salads such as the Mecatos Salad (romaine, tomatoes, white cheese, grilled chicken) and the Tropical Salad (mixed greens, berries, nuts, avocado, and fruit), catering to those seeking a balanced lunch.
Pastries, Desserts, and Coffee
No Colombian lunch at Mecatos is complete without exploring the bakery and coffee menu:
- Freshly baked Colombian pastries: pandebonos, buñuelos, quesitos, roscones, alfajores, tequeños, and guava pastries
- Desserts: tres leches cake, tiramisu, cheesecakes, and specialty cakes
- Coffee: over 25 Colombian coffee beverages, including brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha, cortadito, colada, iced lattes, and blended coffee drinks, all brewed from premium Colombian Arabica beans
This wide array ensures guests can enjoy salads, sandwiches, hot bites, pastries, desserts, and expertly brewed coffee, all in one visit. What truly makes Mecatos stand out as a Lunch Restaurant is efficiency without compromise. Meals are prepared quickly, portions are satisfying, and flavors remain authentic, making it ideal for short lunch breaks, relaxed midday meals, or informal business meetups.
Curry Ford West Location: Convenient, Welcoming, and Lunch-Focused
Address: 2904 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
The Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Curry Ford West location is especially well-suited for lunchtime dining. Known for its friendly service, comfortable seating, and steady flow of fresh food, this location attracts a diverse midday crowd, from nearby professionals and families to long-time Mecatos regulars.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, allowing guests to enjoy a proper Colombian lunch without the formality of a sit-down restaurant. It perfectly reflects Mecatos’ mission: making authentic Colombian food approachable, consistent, and enjoyable for everyday life.
Services, Menu, and Multiple Locations
Mecatos also provides dine-in, takeout, catering, online ordering, and a rewards app, giving customers the flexibility to enjoy lunch on their own schedule. With multiple locations across Orlando, including Curry Ford West, Waterford Lakes, Lake Underhill, MetroWest, Hoffner, Apopka, and more, authentic Colombian lunch options are always within reach.
2. La Antioqueña Restaurant – Traditional Colombian Home-Style Lunch
La Antioqueña Restaurant brings authentic home-style Colombian cooking to the heart of Orlando. Their lunch menu focuses on classic regional recipes, featuring rice-based meals, slow-cooked beans, tender proteins, and perfectly fried plantains. Dishes like pollo a la plancha, carne guisada, and ajiaco-inspired soups are served in generous portions, making it a satisfying and hearty choice for midday dining.
The atmosphere is family-friendly and warm, with a cozy dining space that invites conversation and lingering over meals. La Antioqueña is perfect for diners seeking traditional flavors and comforting, well-prepared Colombian cuisine in a sit-down environment where authenticity is the priority.
3. Mi Viejo San Juan Colombian Kitchen – Comfort-Driven Midday Meals
Mi Viejo San Juan Colombian Kitchen specializes in comfort-forward Colombian lunch plates that are both filling and flavorful. Their menu features grilled and stewed meats, hearty arepas, empanadas, and sides like maduros, yuca, and mixed salads, ensuring a balanced, satisfying meal.
The setting is casual and relaxed, ideal for friends, coworkers, or families enjoying a midday break. With attention to seasoning and traditional cooking techniques, Mi Viejo San Juan delivers authentic Colombian taste that feels familiar yet exciting for newcomers, making it a strong contender for lunch-goers craving true home-style meals.
4. El Toque Colombiano – Simple, Flavor-Forward Lunch Plates
El Toque Colombiano takes a no-frills approach to Colombian lunch, focusing on quality ingredients, bold flavors, and consistent preparation. Signature dishes include empanadas, arepas rellenas, grilled meats, and savory croquettes, all served with complementary sides like beans, rice, and plantains.
This spot is perfect for guests who prioritize authenticity, portion size, and recognizable Colombian flavors during a busy lunch. Its straightforward menu, friendly service, and practical layout make it a reliable choice for both casual solo diners and larger groups seeking consistent, flavor-packed meals.
5. Sazón Colombiano Express – Fast, Authentic Colombian Lunches
Sazón Colombiano Express caters to diners who need quick, satisfying Colombian meals without compromising flavor. Their lunch options include grab-and-go arepas, empanadas, Colombian-style hot dogs, and sandwiches, alongside ready-made salads and side dishes.
This location is ideal for busy professionals, students, or anyone on the move, providing fast service while retaining authentic Colombian seasonings and textures. Sazón Colombiano Express proves that speed and authenticity can coexist, making it a standout for those who want a genuine Colombian lunch experience even on a tight schedule.
Conclusion: Where Colombian Lunch Culture Thrives in Orlando
Authentic Colombian lunch is about more than food. It’s about comfort, familiarity, and taking a meaningful pause in the middle of the day. Orlando’s Colombian lunch spots reflect this philosophy by offering meals that are filling, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Among them, Mecatos Bakery & Cafe stands out as the most versatile and accessible option in the city. Especially at its Curry Ford West location, Mecatos proves that a great Colombian lunch doesn’t require heavy platters or long waits; just fresh food, efficient service, and consistent quality. With an expanded café-style lunch menu, multiple locations, and a welcoming atmosphere, Mecatos continues to lead Orlando’s Colombian lunch scene.
For anyone searching for an authentic Colombian lunch experience that balances tradition, convenience, and flavor, these five spots are at the heart of Colombian food culture in Orlando, serving fresh, satisfying dishes full of warmth.