Soups, sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas – you name it and they can do it: 100 percent vegan. Ethos appeared on Orlando's dining scene in 2007, building a loyal following that has only grown with the increasing popularity of the plant-based diet. Here, you'll find healthier (but no less gooey) versions of mac n' cheese, sausage gravy, even a Philly "cheesesteak." Weekend brunches are popular, but an airy waiting area with comfortable seats (grab a mimosa why don't you?) makes for a painless experience.

Fantastic Cuban dishes and festive atmosphere give a clue as to why this restaurant is so popular. The lunch crowd is typically large, so either arrive early or check back later for dinner. Tasty vegetables, savory pork and steaming rice are staple ingredients of many of the dishes offered at this Cuban favorite. Their specialty is paella, which takes awhile to make (but it's worth it). Smart casual dress. Reservations recommended.

Festive and fun, Don Pepe's is a master at doing well what it knows best. Although they've broadened their approach to Cuban cuisine by incorporating dishes from other Latin countries, they maintain a sure hand with empanadas, papas rellenos and slow-roasted beef and pork. Foods are tender, savory and have a zest that patrons crave when they're away too long. The restaurant also has a substantial collection of Spanish wines that complement the robust flavors of the cuisine. Priority seating accepted. Smart casual dress.

Simple styling and uncomplicated service are the hallmarks of this small place, which serves up fantastic Cuban food. Especially good for takeout, the Deli offers traditional dishes like empanadas and tamales, supplementing them with sandwiches featuring pork, ham and more. As you might expect, the attention given to everything is first-rate, and it shows in the flavor. The black beans and rice, for which the place was named, are particularly good. If it's busy, don't be put off – just order quickly and be ready to eat. Reservations not accepted.

Have a hankering for monkey-picked oolong? Order up, settle back, and fully enjoy the experience. Your tea – loose-leaf – arrives with a little jar of honey, sugar cubes, and an hourglass timer so you can achieve the perfect steepage. Make it a proper tea party with a freshly baked scone with Devon cream and strawberry jam. On Infusion's website, tea expert John happily answers all your medicinal and pleasurable tea questions.

The dandelion, an edible flower that we're quick to call a weed, is a mascot of sorts for this quirky organic teahouse. You'll first be reminded of the café's namesake when you view the exterior (bright green with yellow shutters) and then again when reading the menu: vegetarian, sustainable, and healthful. Take up residence in the back room, and relax while you nibble on hummus and crackers or tofu chili.

In this peculiar strip mall fixture, the bakery/restaurant shares space with a permanent farmers market, creating a deliciously homegrown Caribbean experience where both patrons and workers converse with a relaxed island cadence. You can fill your plate on the cheap with jerked meats, plantain tarts, ackee-and-codfish patties, and curried goat. Then, before you leave, stock up on mangoes, yams, and callaloo from the market.