Orlando is a city powered by cultures, flavors, and global traditions, but among its most vibrant culinary influences, few capture the heart quite like Colombia’s soul-warming cuisine. From the very first bite, Colombian food wraps you in comfort: the crispness of a freshly fried empanada, the warmth of a cheesy pan de bono, the fullness of a stuffed arepa, and the heavenly aroma of rich, freshly brewed Colombian coffee drifting through the air. These cafés aren’t just places to eat, they are places where memories, culture, and community come alive.
And when lunchtime arrives, Colombian cafés turn an ordinary midday break into something magical. They give you more than a meal; they give you a moment. A moment to breathe, reconnect, and enjoy flavors that feel like home. Whether you’re stepping away from a busy workday, meeting a friend, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, Colombian cafés offer the perfect blend of speed, authenticity, and heart.
Below is your guide to five must-visit Colombian cafés that turn lunch into a moment worth savoring, places where culture meets comfort, flavor meets tradition, and every dish feels like a small celebration.
1. Mecatos Bakery & Café – Hoffner (Edgewood)
Where Every Lunch Becomes a Celebration of Colombian Flavor
Mecatos Bakery & Café has become a cultural landmark in Orlando; a place where Colombian tradition, warmth, and flavor come together beautifully. Founded in 2015 by a family with a dream of sharing the tastes of Colombia with Central Florida, Mecatos began as a simple café concept and quickly blossomed into one of the region’s most beloved brands.
Why Mecatos Hoffner Is the Best Colombian Lunch Spot in Orlando
Located at 5645 Hansel Ave, Edgewood, FL 32809, this Mecatos Bakery & Café location is a beloved community hub where Orlando locals gather for warmth, comfort, and truly exceptional Colombian flavor. As one of the top Lunch Places in the city, Mecatos Hoffner stands out for its consistency, hospitality, and vibrant menu that blends tradition with freshness.
Mecatos doesn’t just serve lunch; it elevates it. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by the smell of fresh pastries, the sight of golden empanadas lined behind the glass, and the buzz of a team that loves what they do. Every meal feels handcrafted, heartfelt, and filled with the spirit of Colombian cooking. Their menu blends savory staples, comforting baked goods, and daily-fresh pastries with the kind of hospitality that makes you slow down, breathe in, and enjoy the moment.
Signature Lunch Favorites Include:
Mecatos Hoffner offers an extensive, diverse lunch menu built around classic Colombian comfort:
- Empanadas – Crispy, freshly fried pockets of beef, chicken, or cheese
- Stuffed Arepas (Arepas Rellenas) – Overflowing with chicken, beef, pork, or cheese
- Pastel de Pollo – Buttery, flaky pastry stuffed with savory shredded chicken
- Pan de Bono & Buñuelos — warm, cheesy, and addictive
- Mallorca Sandwich – Sweet Mallorca bread pressed with ham, cheese, lettuce & mayo
- Colombian Hot Dog – Topped with pineapple sauce, garlic mayo, and potato sticks
- Chorizo & Morcilla – Served hot with a mini arepa
For those who love lighter options, there’s also avocado toast, freshly baked breads, and delicious grab-and-go pastries. Every item is made with intention; baked, grilled, or fried with the same techniques used in Colombian homes and panaderías.
Sweets That Turn Lunch Into a Treat
No lunch at Mecatos is complete without something sweet:
- Quesitos
- Roscones (guava/dulce de leche)
- Tres Leches
- Milhojas
- Buñuelos
- Tiramisu & cheesecake
Every dessert is baked fresh throughout the day and pairs perfectly with their signature coffee.
Coffee That Completes the Experience
Mecatos is known for some of the best Colombian coffee in Orlando, offering:
- Hot Colombian coffee
- Iced lattes
- Espresso drinks
- Frappes
- Specialty coffees
Whether you want something bold or refreshing, their coffee is the heartbeat of the café.
Mecatos Locations Across Orlando
One of Mecatos’ greatest strengths, and one reason it consistently ranks among Orlando’s top Lunch Places, is its widespread presence, ensuring the taste of Colombia is always within reach. Their cafés include:
- Hoffner / Edgewood: 5645 Hansel Ave, Edgewood, FL 32809
- Apopka: 1725 Ocoee Apopka Rd, Apopka, FL 32703
- Waterford Lakes: 12400 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 103, Orlando, FL 32828
- Lake Underhill: 7790 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 101, Orlando, FL 32822
- MetroWest: 2900 S. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
- Curry Ford West: 2904 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
With this many locations, Mecatos makes lunch accessible, consistent, and always memorable.
Mecatos’ Services: More Than Just “Grab & Go”
Mecatos is designed to serve a variety of needs:
- Quick counter service for people on the go, ideal for lunch breaks or coffee runs.
- Dine-in spaces with comfortable seating, friendly ambiance, and calming background noise; great for friends, families, or solo moments.
- Full-service bakery and café menu, from savory hot bites and arepas to sweet pastries, desserts, and strong Colombian coffee.
- Event catering, pastry trays, and take-home options make it easy to bring Colombian flavor into gatherings, parties, or office lunches.
What makes Mecatos Bakery & Cafe truly special is that it doesn’t just serve food; it shares culture. In a city as diverse as Orlando, Mecatos acts as a cultural bridge: a space where people from different backgrounds can experience Colombian culinary traditions in a familiar, welcoming setting; where Colombian expatriates can find comfort and nostalgia; and where newcomers can discover deeply rooted flavors with every bite.
With every arepa grilled, empanada fried, pan de bono baked, and cup of rich Colombian coffee brewed, Mecatos continues to build a community, one meal at a time.
2. Simón Parrilla Orlando – Bar & Grill
When you’re craving something more substantial, Simón Parrilla Orlando delivers authentic Colombian grilled dishes and generous portions. Their menu is full of soul, from bandeja paisa and churrasco to grilled meats and Colombian-style sides.
Lunch here feels like a feast: the smell of sizzling meats, the warmth of fire-grilled flavor, and generous portions that make it perfect for sharing or satisfying a big appetite. If you want a lunch that goes beyond snacks, something filling, flavorful, and unmistakably Colombian, Simón Parrilla is a top pick on Orlando’s dining map.
3. Aguardiente Colombian Steak House
For a sit-down lunch where comfort food meets Latin flair, Aguardiente Colombian Steak House is a solid choice. Located along International Drive, this spot is known for grilled meats, hearty plates, and a welcoming, relaxed vibe.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch before heading out for the day or unwinding mid-week, Aguardiente offers familiar Colombian dishes and a laid-back atmosphere that’s both inviting and satisfying. It’s a great option if you want a full meal, not just bakery bites, with flavors and portions that celebrate Colombian culinary tradition.
4. Bandeja Paisa Latin Restaurant
If you’re looking for classic Colombian lunch fare served with generous portions and warm hospitality, Bandeja Paisa Latin Restaurant is a reliable spot. Their menu features staples like bandeja paisa, arepas, chicharrón, beans, rice, and other beloved dishes that bring a taste of home to Orlando.
It’s a flavorful, no-frills environment, perfect for a hearty lunch with friends or family, or for anyone craving homestyle Colombian cooking in a friendly and unpretentious setting.
5. Las Palmas Restaurant & Bar
For a relaxed, family-friendly Colombian lunch spot with a lively vibe, Las Palmas Restaurant & Bar hits the mark. With a menu rooted in Colombian flavors and a welcoming environment, this restaurant offers comfort food, familiar tastes, and a casual atmosphere ideal for catching up over a midday meal.
Whether you’re sharing dishes with friends or grabbing a quick bite solo, Las Palmas brings warmth, flavor, and a sense of community that makes lunch feel like more than just a meal, but a small celebration of Colombian tradition.
Final Thoughts: Let Lunch in Orlando Become a Colombian Celebration
Lunch isn’t just a pause in the day; it’s a chance to recharge, reconnect, and savor something that lifts your mood and fuels your afternoon. Orlando’s Colombian cafés transform this simple moment into an experience, infusing every lunch hour with bold flavors, inviting spaces, and the warmth of a culture built on community, comfort, and food that speaks straight to the heart.
When that familiar midday hunger hits, Orlando doesn’t settle for average. From warm, bakery-soft pastries to sizzling grilled platters and full-bodied Colombian coffee, the city’s best Colombian cafés and restaurants offer a world of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re craving something quick, something comforting, or something deeply traditional, these standout spots show how soulful and satisfying Colombian cuisine can be.
At the center of this vibrant lunchtime scene stands Mecatos Bakery & Café – Hoffner, the heartbeat of Orlando’s Colombian café culture. Mecatos delivers the kind of warmth, consistency, and homemade comfort that turns a simple lunch break into a moment of joy, whether you’re grabbing something quick on the go or settling in for a peaceful midday escape.
And beyond Mecatos, other beloved Colombian restaurants such as Simón Parrilla, Aguardiente, Bandeja Paisa, and Las Palmas bring their own passion to Orlando’s lunch table. From grilled meats and stews to hearty bandejas and authentic flavors from every region of Colombia, each one brings its own story and soul, ensuring that there’s a perfect lunch for every craving, every appetite, and every mood.
So the next time your stomach calls and you’re searching for flavor, comfort, or a cultural escape right here in Central Florida, you know exactly where to look. Orlando’s Colombian cafés invite you to slow down, taste deeply, and celebrate lunchtime the Colombian way, one unforgettable meal at a time.
