Orlando’s culinary map is as dynamic and rich as its population, and tucked among its many dining spots are Colombian cafés that offer a welcome midday escape. Colombian food is more than bold flavors and comforting textures; it’s a tradition built on family, community, and the art of slow, thoughtful cooking. For lunch, these cafés provide the perfect balance: savory bites that satisfy without overwhelming, warm pastries to round out your meal, and a cup of freshly brewed Colombian coffee to keep you energized.
When you’re looking for a lunch spot that brings authenticity, warmth, and flavor to the table, these five Colombian cafés in Orlando check all the boxes. And at the top? Mecatos Bakery & Café delivers the full spectrum of Colombian charm and culinary excellence.
1. Mecatos Bakery & Café – Apopka
A Local Favorite Bringing Colombian Tradition to Apopka
Located at 1725 Ocoee Apopka Rd, Mecatos Bakery & Café in Apopka has earned a reputation as one of the best Lunch Places in the area. This location blends Colombian hospitality with a warm, modern café atmosphere, making it a perfect stop for both quick lunches and relaxed midday breaks.
When you walk in, you’re welcomed by the aroma of freshly baked pastries, hot Colombian coffee, and the sound of a bustling community café. Mecatos Apopka is known for delivering that authentic “taste of home” feeling, whether you grew up with Colombian flavors or are discovering them for the first time.
Mecatos: A Brief Overview of the Brand
Mecatos Bakery & Café has become one of Orlando’s most recognized Colombian café brands, celebrated for its consistency, freshness, and dedication to traditional flavors. Their mission is simple: to bring the comforting, handcrafted food of Colombian bakeries to neighborhoods across Central Florida.
Each location stays true to this vision by offering the same high-quality pastries, hot bites, sandwiches, stuffed arepas, and specialty coffee drinks that have made Mecatos a local favorite.
Mecatos also offers catering services, event-friendly pastry trays, and freshly brewed Colombian coffee, making it a go-to for both personal and business gatherings.
Why Mecatos Apopka Is a Top Lunch Destination
Mecatos Apopka stands out as one of the city’s top Lunch Places, where the menu goes far beyond simple café fare. Centered around authentic Colombian comfort foods, each dish is satisfying, flavorful, and freshly prepared throughout the day. Warm lighting, cozy seating, and the inviting hum of conversation create the perfect atmosphere to catch up with friends or enjoy a solo treat, while the aroma of freshly baked breads and brewing Colombian coffee completes an immersive and authentic dining experience.
Some of the lunch favorites include:
- Empanadas (beef, chicken, cheese): Crispy, golden, and generously filled.
- Stuffed Arepas (Arepas Rellenas): A beloved Colombian classic filled with chicken, beef, or cheese.
- Pastel de Pollo: Flaky, buttery pastry stuffed with seasoned shredded chicken.
- Hot Bites & Sandwiches: Including the popular Just Mayorca Sandwich with sweet Mallorca bread, ham, cheese, lettuce, and mayo.
- Colombian Hot Dogs: Topped with pineapple sauce, garlic sauce, and cheese.
- Combo Meals: Perfect for lunch, especially the Arepa + Drink combo.
- Fresh Pastries & Sweets: Pan de Bono, Buñuelos, Galletas, Roscones, Quesitos, cakes, and more.
Fresh Colombian Coffee to Complete Your Lunch
A lunch at Mecatos wouldn’t be complete without their specialty Colombian coffee. From hot espresso drinks to iced coffee creations and traditional beverages, every cup is brewed with quality beans and crafted with care.
Locations Throughout Orlando
Mecatos ensures that great Colombian food is always within reach. Apart from Apopka, their other locations include:
- Waterford Lakes
- Lake Underhill
- MetroWest
- Hoffner / Edgewood
- Curry Ford West
Each location delivers the same consistency, warmth, and Colombian flavor that define the Mecatos Bakery & Café experience. Whether you’re visiting for a quick lunch or a leisurely meal, Mecatos Apopka offers an authentic Colombian experience that leaves every guest satisfied and eager to return.
2. Pío Pío Restaurant
Pío Pío Restaurant is one of Orlando’s most beloved Colombian eateries, offering lunch dishes that feel warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying. Known for its generous portions and homestyle flavors, this restaurant delivers an experience that’s both comforting and authentic. Their menu features classics like arroz con pollo, grilled meats, empanadas, chicharrón, and hearty soups, all prepared with the kind of traditional seasoning that keeps guests coming back. Their sauces, sides, and seasonings elevate each meal, while their modern décor and lively atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy a flavorful, energizing lunch.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed midday meal, Pío Pío brings that unmistakable Colombian comfort to every plate, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
3. Mi Gordito Loca
Mi Gordito Loca is a beloved spot for anyone craving hearty, authentic Colombian flavors. Known for its generous portions and homestyle cooking, this café brings the comforting essence of Colombian cuisine straight to your lunch table. From savory bandeja-style platters and grilled meats to perfectly seasoned rice, beans, arepas, and chicharrón, every dish bursts with rich, satisfying flavor.
This is the place to go when you want a lunch that’s both comforting and energizing, the kind that feels like it was prepared in a Colombian home kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of robust stews, crispy sides, or classic Colombian snacks, Mi Gordito Loca delivers a flavorful midday meal that truly hits the spot.
4. La Antioqueña Bakery & Restaurant
La Antioqueña Bakery & Restaurant is a warm, inviting café where traditional Colombian comfort food meets a relaxed, homelike atmosphere. Known for its freshly baked pastries, hearty lunch plates, and friendly service, this spot offers a truly comforting dining experience perfect for a mid-day break.
Their lunch menu features classics like bandeja paisa, grilled meats, rice bowls, arepas, empanadas, and generous side dishes that make every meal feel complete. Whether you’re meeting friends, grabbing lunch between errands, or simply exploring local Colombian flavors, La Antioqueña Bakery & Restaurant delivers a cozy, authentic café experience that keeps guests coming back for its freshness, flavor, and welcoming vibe.
5. Oh! Que Bueno
Oh! Que Bueno brings a vibrant, modern approach to traditional Colombian cuisine, making it a standout lunch destination for those who love bold flavors with a fresh twist. This popular eatery blends classic Colombian recipes with contemporary presentation, offering a menu that feels both familiar and exciting.
From hearty lunch plates like bandeja paisa, grilled churrasco, and arroz con pollo, to lighter favorites such as arepas, empanadas, and fresh salads, every dish is crafted with attention to flavor and quality. With generous portions, vibrant plating, and a menu that celebrates both tradition and innovation, Oh! Que Bueno is an ideal spot for anyone craving Colombian food with a fun, modern edge. Whether dining solo or with friends, you’ll find a memorable lunch experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Conclusion: Your Next Flavor-Packed Lunch Awaits
Colombian cuisine brings together bold flavors, comforting textures, and a sense of home that makes every meal feel special. Whether you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, crispy, or freshly brewed, Orlando offers an impressive selection of Colombian cafés ready to deliver an unforgettable lunch experience.
From the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Apopka to the hearty plates at Pío Pío, the authenticity of Mi Gordito Loca, the cozy charm of La Antioqueña, and the modern flair of Oh! Que Bueno, each spot brings its own unique touch to Colombia’s rich culinary heritage.
No matter where you are in the city, you’re never far from a flavor-packed Colombian lunch that satisfies your cravings and introduces you to the warmth of this beloved cuisine. So the next time hunger strikes, dive into Orlando’s thriving Colombian food scene; your next delicious, soul-warming lunch is waiting.
