With prices soaring and choices overwhelming, finding a satisfying midday meal that doesn’t break the bank can feel like an arduous quest that will land you in the Chick-fil-A drive-thru line with everyone else.

I’m here to guide you through a local-only eating journey where delicious food meets affordable food. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sandwich, a fresh salad, or a warming bowl of Pho, I’ve rounded up some of the best spots to enjoy a fulfilling lunch for under $20 around Orlando. My #1 hack to lessening the lunch bill will always be to bring your own beverage. My trusty Owala bottle never leaves my side and can save you a few bucks on lunch if you forgo sodas, teas, or other drinks. It’s not as fun, but it helps the bottom line.

Jalapeños Mexican Eats

Most of the menu items here are under $15 depending on the meat you choose, with tacos running $3.50 and under.

Address: 681 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751

Nic & Luc Scratch KitcheN

This cafe in Longwood is highly underrated and serves up breakfast and lunch items 2pm. Prices on lunch bowls, salads, and sandwiches range between $14-$18 and they are vegan and gluten-free friendly.

Address: 851 E State Rd 434 #128, Longwood, FL 32750

Uncle Tony’s BBQ

No specific lunch menu here, but it is some of the best BBQ in the city for a lunch splurge. The sandwich menu is among the more affordable options starting at $8 but that does not come with a side.

Address: 6807 S Orange Ave Ste. 110, Orlando, FL 32809

Overrice

Filipino favorites can be found here and they have a lunch plate that comes with jasmine rice, pancit, and lumpia you choose the meat (or tofu and veggies). Lunch plates start at $15.60.

Address: 1084 Lee Rd #2, Orlando, FL 32810

Smoke and Donuts

Smoke and Donuts lunch menu offers specials that include a sandwich (brisket or Cuban) that comes with fries and a fountain drink for $12.99. In a world where people are charging just $5 for fries, this is a deal.

Address: 601 N Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

Yummy Taste

The portions at Yummy Taste are large enough to make this a great spot for a lunch spread you share. The Boiled Pots Beef at $16.99 can easily feed 3! Add a couple of small plate on to that you have a great lunch feast!

Address: 504 N Alafaya Trail #113, Orlando, FL 32828

John and John’s Pizza Shop

While the main menu on their website doesn’t list any lunch specials or even prices for pizza by the slice, you can in fact make this a lunch spot and order from a variety of their pies per slice. Prices range from $3.99 for a classic cheese slice up to $7 for their speciality pizzas.

Address: 435 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32806

Greenbeat

With two locations (downtown and Baldwin Park) this is my preferred build your own salad spot right now. Their portions are pretty generous and I absolutely love their hummus as an add-on. Signature bowls start at $9.85 and go up to $17 with premium proteins.

Address: 486 N Orange Ave #4, Orlando, FL 32801

Address: 4851 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814

Address: 8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821

92 Chicken

I really love the wings here, and they offer a combo of a 5pc that comes with french fries or steamed rice and a drink for $13.88.

Address: 5510 W Colonial Dr Ste 106, Orlando, FL 32808

Pho Vinh

There will always be a battle of which Pho spot reigns supreme, but I believe most of the spots downtown all have something to offer. For example, Pho Vinh has one of my favorite comfort bowls, the Bùn Cari Gaa with rice vermicelli with chicken in coconut curry broth. ($16.95)

Address: 657 S Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

Orlando City Deli

If you’re craving a Chop Cheese, check out the one that Orlando City Deli serves up. The price tag is $11.99

Address: 330 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805

Stasio’s Deli

Don’t feel overwhelmed when you walk into Stasios. Just head to the counter and look for the menu taped on the glass case and pick your sandwich. I usually get the Classic Italian (last visit it was $10), but you have lots of other mouthwatering options including creating your own.

Address: 2320 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803

Mediterranean Deli

“Hello My Friend!”

This staple in College Park remains delicious and affordable after all these years. My usual order is an open-face gyro with side salad which runs you $11.99.

Address: 981 W Fairbanks Ave, Orlando, FL 32804

New Moon Market

It’s not just juice!

Head inside this College Park mainstay and grab a freshly made wrap or a pre-made healthy dish from their fridge. My favorites are the Rainbow Pad Thai Salad and the Chorizo Wrap. Lunch can run you $10 - $15.

Address: 2314 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

LaSpada’s

I make no apologies for LaSpada’s being the spot with one of my favorite sandwiches, and no, it’s not the cheesesteak. Their “famous hoagie” comes with pepper ham, Genoa salami, capicola, sopressata, provolone cheese, and all the green fixings. I get the 8” inch mini, which is still large for me, and the price is $10.95. There is plenty of room in the budget if you want to add curly fries.

Address: 1010 Lee Rd, Orlando, FL 32810

Bánh Mi Cali

Over in West Orlando in the Chinatown plaza you’ll find one of my favorite banh mi spots. My favorite is the Grilled Pork ($7.25). You’ll see the fresh baguettes coming straight out of the oven which is what makes these sandwiches so good.

Address: 5210 W Colonial Dr #154, Orlando, FL 32808

Border Grill Fresh-Mex

I think about this California Burrito a lot. At $13.50 it’s a sizeable beast filled with steak, french fries, house-made queso, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. The horchata is also delicious, so while this lunch might make it hard to return to work after, it’s well worth it.

Address: 5695-A Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

Sherry’s Trini Flavors

In a gas station on 436, Sherry’s Trini Flavors is one of the few places on that side of town where you can grab doubles for lunch. A curry beef entree will run you $16; the buss-ups range from $12-$16.50. There are multiple protein options including veggie and goat.

Address: 1200 W State Rd 436, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Veggie Garden

Veggie Garden in downtown is perfect for Vegans, but as someone who isn’t a Vegan, I’d still eat here without hesitation. I love the #22 Bun Cha Gio - Rice noodle, 3 fried spring rolls, fresh lettuce, cucumber, sweet pepper, basil leaves, roasted peanut, fried shallot, pickled daikon, carrot, mixed soy sauce ($12). Most of the entree bowls are in the $12-$13 range.

Address: 1216 E Colonial Dr #11, Orlando, FL 32803

Pig Floyd’s

Pig Floyd’s is lunch-friendly with affordable options and quick service. I’m always a fan of their urban tacos with a side, or grab a bento box starting at $12.99.

Address: 1326 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Black Rooster Taqueria

A Mills 50 staple at this point, Black Rooster tacos are meant to be eaten right there in their quaint and colorful taqueria. While there aren’t any lunch specials here, three tacos is all you need for a solid lunch. My favorites are the Black Rooster Asada ($4.75) and the Crispy Fish ($4.75). And if we’re splurging, we are definitely adding on an order of sweet plantains.

Address: 1323 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

JAM HOT CHICKEN

So the cheapest lunch hack for Jam Hot Chicken is to get the three piece tenders which is $9.50 with a side of fries ($4) - preferably you’ll have a lunch buddy you can split the fries with. I promise it’s enough food to fill you up for lunch. Or just go buck wild and get the sando and fries. Either way, you’ll be happy.

Address: 400 W New England Ave #13, Winter Park, FL 32789

Pho Huong Lan

Hailed by many in Orlando as THE place to get the most authentic Pho, you may have to wait for a table but it will be worth it. Their bowl sizes run from small to mega ($13-$21) and trust me you will leave completely full and satisfied.

Address: 1216 E Colonial Dr Suite 7, Orlando, FL 32803

M'ama Napoli Italian Bakery & Deli

New on the scene this is now my favorite place for a thick, fresh Italian sandwich with the best focaccia you are going to find in the city. The Toto sandwich I got was like biting into a cloud. It’s filed with prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes, and shaved parmagiano ($13.95). It will make you go over budget, but the bombolone (Italian doughnut) was airy and fluffy. I got the one filled with pistachio. The cannoli was also delicious, so creamy and not overly sweet. It’s a must.

Address: 965 S. Orlando Ave Winter Park

Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria

An Orlando institution for sandwiches, head to Pom Pom’s for something unique. Their sammies can run between $12-$15 but are pretty filling and packed with flavor.

Address: 67 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Sticky Rice

At Sticky Rice in downtown Orlando you can try Tapas-size Laotian foods that are relatively affordable. Dishes range from $10-$20 and it’s a great spot to share the feast. I love the Crispy Rice Lettuce Wraps ($10) and wings ($11).

Address: 1915 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

OH MY GYRO

Quick, tasty, and Halal over in Longwood you can grab a regular platter for $9.99.

Address: 1150 W State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750

Shiraz Market

Shiraz Market is a specialty Middle Eastern grocery store, but the main attraction is the food counter. Greek salad with skewers or a Kabab combo with rice are usually my staple orders here and should run you under $15. There is some bar seating up against the front windows, or you can take it to-go. Always call your order in or you may be waiting awhile.

Address: 188 S US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750

Hunger Street Tacos

Always bursting with flavor, Hunger Street is never a bad idea for lunch. Some of my favorites are the Suadero (brisket) taco ($4.89), the Costra de Asada ($4.99), and the Fried Avo-Taco ($4.75). They also have a vegan menu. They have two locations if you weren’t aware, one in Winter Park and the other in Downtown Winter Garden.

Address: 2103 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Neighborhood Eatery

Mills/50 Bowl Warm rice with grilled chicken, lettuce, cabbage, pickled daikon & carrots, cucumber, tomato, green onions, cilantro, and a fried egg. Topped with garlic aioli & hot sauce. Price tag is $13.62.

Address: 231 N Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

THE PASS KITCHEN

The Pass is a takeout restaurant in Altamonte, but it is well worth grabbing and having a quiet lunch in your car. Corporate workers have all had the quiet car park lunch before. They have a lunch special ($14-$15.99) and a vegan menu. But once you’ve had their Krunchwrap ($16-$17.50) it’s hard to say no to it on each visit. 

Address: 970 Sunshine Ln Suite c, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

CUBANS ON THE RUN

You can’t beat a good Cuban sandwich, and it’s even better when the prices for one are still affordable. At Cubans on the Run, you can grab a Cuban ($7.25) or a “Midnight,” also known as a media noche ($7.50), and still add on some plantains and a horchata for an affordable lunch date. They get swamped for lunch so I would order ahead.

Address: 2956 S US Hwy 17 92, Casselberry, FL 32707

Viet Nomz

If you aren’t near downtown/Mills 50 and want fast casual Vietnamese food you can give Viet Nomz a try. I normally go for the entree bowl where you can pick your base (rice, noodle or salad) and pick a protein. The bowl is filling for lunch and starts at $12.95.

Address: 7581 University Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792

Address: 11798 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817

Address: 4044 W Lake Mary Blvd Ste 108, Lake Mary, FL 32746

Winter Park Biscuit Company

Located inside the East End Market, this spot is all vegan. One of my personal favorites is the Kale Caesar salad with added tossed buffalo crispy “chicken” ($14.50) or the vegan Chopped Cheese ($12.25). This is a busy lunch spot so take advantage of their online ordering.

Address: 3201 CORRINE DR. ORLANDO, FL 32803

Meng’s Kitchen

Inside the iFresh grocery store on E. Colonial is a food stall from the heavens. I love Meng’s I eat it multiple times each month, and it’s the perfect spot for lunch. You can try the Chicken Katsu Curry seen below ($14), Five Spice Roasted Chicken and Rice ($15) or the Tom Kha Gai with rice ($6) just to name a few. There is seating inside or you can take it to go. While I usually stick to my trusty water bottle, here I would splurge for the thai tea.

Address: 2415 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

Rincón Latino Restaurant & Café

This little spot tucked away in Winter Park is home to a massive Cuban sandwich that I love. The price tag is $9.99 which is a steal as I usually save half for dinner. Their media noche is also top notch at $10.99.

Address: 3327 Forsyth Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792

Deli Desires

Every sandwich on the Deli Desires menu is a lunch option to me. However I have to give it up to one of their unsung heros that is usually overshadowed by the Latke (which I also love). Their egg salad sandwich is heavenly. Gribiche-style with red onion it’s a soft and salty pillow of love from the crew at DD. The price tag is $12.50. Their housemade apple and honey soda isn’t a bad add-on either.

Address: 715 N Fern Creek Ave Suite B, Orlando, FL 32803

The Fat Lamb

Little known Fat Lamb, tucked away in a Publix shopping center has some solid Mediterranean eats. A lamb gyro will run you $8.55, or you can try a platter for $13.25.

Address: 851 S State Rd 434 #1120, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Kook’n with Kim

Lunches at Kim’s start at $12.99 and come with rice and one side and includes cornbread. The amount of food you get feels like 2lbs when you grab your bag, so great value for your price here!

Address: 307 W Kennedy Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810

An Vi Vietnamese

This is a newer spot that has opened in Casselberry and has a steller banh mi. Both the house special pork ($9.95) and the grilled pork ($9.95) are worth every penny.

Address: 1052 FL-436, Casselberry, FL 32707

All food was paid for personally, and all opinions are my own. Support Local!