Went here previously for an anniversary and loved it then. Wanted to try their magical dining menu and was not disappointed. Their PINOY style ceviche and lumpia were mouth watering. Hubby enjoyed their take on the traditional pork sisig and the pinipig crusted snapper over a bed of laing was amazing. Perfectly crispy and flaky at the same time. The calamansi coconut pie probably was my favorite, so flavorful. Perfect mix of sweet and sour. But the ambience and service was also not to be ignored. Renata and Blake were excellent servers and bar tenders, attentive and a delight to talk to. Good job on the Tagalog Renata! Enjoy your trip to the Philippines! We were very impressed and pleased with the night overall. read more

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I was in town for spring break (I'm a teacher) visiting family in Florida and spent some time in Orlando. It also happened to be our anniversary week, so we knew we had to celebrate at Kaya--and I'm so glad we did. From the moment we walked in, the space felt warm, intimate, and welcoming. It's a smaller, homey restaurant that instantly makes you feel comfortable, like you're being invited into someone's home rather than dining out. The vibe was relaxed but still special enough for a celebration, which made it perfect for our anniversary dinner. The food was incredible. My other half is Filipino, and he's always excited to find authentic Filipino food--and this definitely delivered. Everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and made with care. You can really tell there's heart behind the cooking, and that made the experience even more meaningful for us. Overall, such a memorable meal during a special trip. If you're in Orlando and want something cozy, delicious, and full of culture, Kaya is a must. read more

Exceptional food with a creative twist on Filipino cuisine. I knew coming in I wanted a full experience of Kaya. I ordered a mocktail and the kinilaw appetizer to start with. The kinilaw was delicately was a refreshing start of our meal. It was almost like a ceviche with crisped rice. Our main, we ordered the Kare kare, adobo risotto and garlic rice. The Kare kare oxtail was cooked to perfection and pairs well with the garlic rice. It was delicious and comforting. My only regret is not ordering another bowl of garlic rice! The adobo risotto was a creative take on a popular Filipino dish. The lions mane was crispy and a great complement to the risotto. I think I would like to see a version with Chicken or pork one day. We ended our meal with tea and the basically a pandan Alaskan. I still think about the dessert to this day! Probably one of the best desserts I've had in awhile. It was the right amount of sweet and the pandan was the highlight of the dessert. Everything was delicious and carefully plated artfully. I would definitely go back. read more

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This was my third time visiting Kaya and as usual, it did not disappoint! We got there during happy hour and had some delicious natural wines to start off. It was Jazz & Wine night which made it an even better evening for us to celebrate our anniversary. We had our favorites for dinner: Filipino rigatoni, Pork Belly Humba, & Oxtail Kare Kare. We also tried the Adobo Risotto for the first tome and my goodness, was that good!! We closed the evening with the Silvana Alaska which was also delicious (they even added a candle on top to celebrate us). We couldn't have asked for a better anniversary dinner! read more

Kaya - Silvana Alaska - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

One of the best meals I've ever had in my life. The depth of flavor in every dish was unimaginable. You can taste the tradition, love and culture in every bite. Mussels with coconut curry was outstanding and memorable. Wagyu tasted better than any steak I've ever had. Oxtail was inventive and unlike any other oxtail I've ever had. Service and attentiveness from entire staff was impeccable. I felt like I was in a Philippine family home. The ambience was warm and cozy. read more

Service, ambiance, food, presentation, quality...attention to detail always 10/10. I cannot recommend this place enough. Some of my favs were the lumpia, oxtail tostada and crispy fish. Absolutely Delicious!!!! read more

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On a quick trip to Orlando and having dinner on a No Meat Friday. Excited to explore some delicious meatless options while we're here. My wife and I ordered and shared the following: Madai Kinilaw - fresh and vibrant ceviche featuring madai paired with the sweetness of strawberries, complemented by a creamy coconut leche de tigre. Delicious! We could definitely eat more! Brussel Sprouts Binagoongan - features brussel sprouts sautéed in a savory blend of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). Pancit Palabok - Shrimp, corn, onion marmalade, peas, fried mung bean noodles, and shrimp bisque. A bit too rich for my taste. Calamansi would have enhanced the rich flavor. Seafood Binghe - Filipino take on paella, featuring a medley of shrimp, clams, and scallops all cooked to perfection in a savory blend of spices. Great food and excellent service though the portions are on the smaller side for the price. read more

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Go here and order the clams immediately. The bread and sauce they're drenched in is delicious enough to slurp up. Food and drinks were perfect. Super cute spot in dear downtown Orlando. Always love a good recommendation from the server. 10/10 read more

Kaya - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Such a wonderful place to celebrate my birthday. Had a cool vibe, wonderful service, and super delicious Filipino food. We're no stranger to Filipino food having had it many times and this has been the very best. True attention to balancing tangy, salty, and sweet. Our standout favorites from the dishes we had were the pork sisig, the pancit (complex flavors and varied textures), the lumpia, and the strawberry dessert. We were not disappointed by anything we ordered...all so good. Recommend making a reservations far in advance, but it's worth the wait! The Kaya team is truly talented and special. Recommend bringing them a bottle for the kitchen and front of house staff like we did, they deserve it! read more

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Last night, I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Michelin star restaurant, Kaya. From the moment I walked in, I felt immediately at ease. The hostess was so kind and thoughtful especially in the way she chose my seat at the bar, just so I can have a view of the kitchen. I became quick friends with the bartender, Brennan? (i am so so sorry if that's not your name, I am TERRIBLE with names), he's such a sweet guy and very knowledgeable on the happenings of Orlando :) I started off with the Otso Otso, which is a very refreshing cocktail and you can taste the coconut lightly. The appetizer I chose was the Lumpia, very crispy and the meat inside was seasoned perfectly! The dipping sauce was fragrant and complimented the lumpia nicely. I then proceeded to the Crab Fat Shrimp! & OMG! THE BEST THING IVE PUT INTO MY MOUTH ALL YEAR! The sweetness of the corn danced on my tongue!!!!!! I finished off with the Halo Halo, & typically i'm not a fan, but this one. This one was SO SO GOOD! the lil meringue bites were so light and airy. The coconut sago was delicious and the cornflakes were such a nice touch. Kaya is well worth the money. The food is locally sourced and made with intention. You can taste it in every bite. 10/10, I can't wait to eat here again! read more

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The food and drinks were incredible! Went here for my birthday and the staff treated us really well. I'm usually a skeptic on Filipino food since my family makes it well, so this restaurant really impressed me! Would 100% come visit here again. read more

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Easily becoming one of my favorite places in the world, Kaya is authentic and grounded in their Filipino roots. Their rotating menu and thoughtful layout make the home Kaya used to be still feel like one. What impressed me the most is their emphasis on sourcing local products, and that goes beyond the food. Even the plates come from local ceramic artists. If you're hesitating at all about trying something new Magical Dining is your screaming sign to come try. Best come with friends so you can try everything! read more

Kaya - - Lumpia - Fresh Catch - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Kaya Magical Dining - $40 This is a CAN'T MISS - we saved $50 by doing magical dining and LOVED everything. It was orgasmic from start to finish. It's the only way I can describe this experience. Kaya is located off Colonial in an unassuming neighborhood by an elementary school and near a post office. There are a few parking spots in their lot but mostly street parking. We have never had an issue finding parking. The vibe is eclectic casual. You can absolutely come as you are - dress down or dress up, your choice. This is a farm to table / garden to plate or glass meal. They even grow their own flowers and herbs to make their cocktails and mocktails too. Best mocktails in Orlando hands down. The cocktails are incredibly unique and the bartenders are crazy talented. Appetizers: both were outstanding and we would order again likely every time we go. Try the spring rolls dipped in the sweet tuna sauce. Life changing! *Tuna Kinilaw - Hawaiian Big Eye tuna ceviche - they give you homemade shrimp chips but only two. You will need 6. *Lumpiang Shanghai spring rolls - dipping sauce has a kick. Main Dishes: These were excellent as well. Adobo Risotto - koshihikari rice, fungi jon mushrooms, vinegar, soy sauce, coconut milk The Risotto had a lovely vinegar and soy sauce taste and they have both crispy fried and grilled mushrooms. This is heavy so it will fill you up. Crab Fat Shrimp + Laing - Cape Canaveral white shrimp, frog song greens, coconut cream, bagoong, pickled jalapeño, garlic rice This one is spicy so remove the jalapeño if you don't like it too spicy. It still has quite a kick but the rice evens it out. It's basically 3 head-on shrimp and some vegetable garnish. More of an appetizer portion. It does come with a scoop of rice which we loved. Great to share these. Dessert: Kalamansi-Misu lady finger cake, kalamansi cremeux, toasted meringue, pinipig crunch, matcha This has a surprise around every corner. Loved it and would order again. Halo Halo Flan ube flan, pandan meringue kisses, horchata granita, ube marshmallow, coconut sago, cornflake crunch, jackfruit, blueberry peach jellies This one was also very good but quite unusual. It's like an ice milk treat with lots of toppings that you mix all together Drinks: For the love of everything holy, get their cocktails and/or mocktails. It's like nothing you have ever tried. They will even make you something very custom. It's super fun. They also have a 'magical' white wine that looked spectacular. They have a superb wine and spirits list, even non-alcoholic spirits! Servers / Service: The staff there is so friendly and you can tell they love working there. They work so well together especially in a small space. They know the history of the cuisine, where it originated from, where they source all of their items and can answer any question. GM Jami was a gem throughout our experience. Tips: It's a VERY small place with 7 tables and a small bar of about 10 seats so you either have to get on a wait list on Resy and hope you are called on a moment's notice or book out ahead of time. We have on many occasions showed up for drinks and had no issue finding a bar spot indoor or outdoors. They have all night happy hour Tuesday-Thursday! I attached the menu. -- at Kaya - Orlando. read more

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As you head into the mills district I would definitely say that Kaya is a spot worth stopping by! Although all of their portions are pretty small with prices a bit on the higher side, the flavors and the complexity of the dishes make it worth it WITHOUT A DOUBT! The decor, the staff, the attention to detail in the experience as a whole was above par and the food was absolutely delicious! I think my favorite bites from the night would be the lumpia and the pork belly bites, both out of this world in their own way. No worries though, if you want something to quench your thirst a bit I would recommend the alleged Negroni (and yes that's what it's called haha) because it taste like paradise! read more

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I recently was able to drag myself out of bed (my partner dragged me out of bed as if I would get up early on a weekend) to go to Kaya for their new regular breakfast bakery offerings on Saturday mornings. Very cutely called Kape Kaya, kape which translates to coffee in Tagalog and kaya which translates to capable. So they're coffee capable, which is great for me because I'm not capable of anything without coffee. Kaya during regular hours is a green star Michelin restaurant, and the only Michelin restaurant I have ever been to. Located on 618 N Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 in the Mills district where lots of new food restaurants have appeared in the last 7 years. vouch so hard for Kaya and was proven that the tire company does actually have some merit and say so in the food community. The line was long when we got there and several items had already sold out. However, we got there and persisted. The staff and owner was extremely nice coming in and out to greet people and make sure everyone was warm. She also took orders in advance as opposed to ensure no one who got to the front was disappointed for waiting and not getting the item they wanted. For food, we got the hojicha egg custard tart, ensaymada cruffin, the Filipino Cuban bear claw. For drinks, we got the Hong Kong milk tea and the ginger kalamansi tea. Both drinks were served warm, which is nice during this crazy cold front that Florida got. The egg custard tart is a 10/10 and had an amazing hojicha flavor and was topped with lychee which complimented how buttery and rich it was. The ensaymada cruffin was also 10/10, I don't think you can ever go wrong with ensaymada anything. I mean is basically cream cheese sugar filling. Delicious. The Filipino Cuban bear claw was filled with housemade longansia, spam, Gouda, cornichons, and Dijon mustard. This was 10/10 and honestly amazing to see such a fusion that just makes sense. The Hong Kong milk tea was nice and a 10/10, no real notes and I don't think Florida really has anything like this currently where it's a black tea roasted and steeped in milk and sweetener that's warm and not cold. I am probably wrong, but I at least haven't seen it phrased like that anywhere. The ginger kalamansi tea was really nice and herbal and a 9/10. The owner did offer to add more kalamansi honey into my tea, which I definitely asked for. Overall, the meal was about $40 in total. I do believe worth the wait, the hype, and standing in the cold line. Also an opportunity to try Kaya in a more casual setting for breakfast. We even got Chef Lam's cookbook and got it signed by her. She is the one behind all of the baked goods and sweets for Kaya. I was absolutely floored. I'll be back another day! read more

Kaya - All the items we got, including the cookbook. - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Such a fun little place to visit! We made reservations far in advance since we knew when we would be in town and good thing we did! Our server was so friendly and welcoming and great to chat with. The food was spectacular, I'd make sure I always visit Kaya every time we are in the area. The shrimp with crab butter is to die for! read more

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The food was delicious!! The servers were very friendly and enthusiastic :) the Filipino rigatoni was good! It's sweet because of the banana ketchup, which isn't my preference so I probably wouldn't get it again. The mussels themselves were nothing special to me but the bread was amazing!!! I would order that bread alone! The oxtail kare kare was nice and tender. The peanut sauce is not my favorite but I still enjoyed. The dessert was incredible! I would definitely get it again. It's pretty sweet but all those textures together is so good!!! I loved the pandan milk read more

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This is a difficult review because I liked this restaurant but my husband not so much. I tasted his catch of the day, and the fish was fresh and not overcooked but he did not like something in the sauce. I got the $$68 wagyu, which was seared perfectly, tender and seared perfectly. The sauces were outstanding. We enjoyed the garlic rice and the lumpia. But the Philippine Caesar was served when we had no wine and my husband had no water. Not in a hurry, we delayed eating to allow time for service, but right after my first bite, they served the entrees. We had no time to eat the salad. What little I tasted was good but since it was shredded kale it didn't much resemble Romaine. Empty water and wine glasses plus rushed service contributed to my rating. I will say, when I called them to say we were delayed at the airport they very graciously moved out our reservation by 30 minutes. My husband has had Philippine food previously so I'm not sure what the issue was. Update: he clarified that the kale, present in both the fish and salad, was bitter. We've both had kale on many occasions so I'm not sure why. The peanut sauce with the fish was awesome. For ambiance, I attach a video. read more

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I initially booked for 9pm, but quickly realized that I couldn't make that time and so I cancelled my reservation. The hostess Kat noticed there was 7pm cancellation and contacted me. I thought it was the nicest thing ever. I love the ambiance of this place and the service is incredible. Our server Alan did not miss on any of his recommendations. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite resturants in Orlando read more

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We try to go to Kaya whenever we can. The service here is always really good, and it genuinely feels like a neighborhood gathering spot, but the star is really the food. With their rotating menu, I never really know what I'm going to get until I get there and see the menu. Last Friday, they had an awesome Iberico pork that I just couldn't resist. It was a tender and juicy chop served with a flavorful sauce and some broccolini. We are also big fans of the garlic fried rice. For just $5, you really can't go wrong. I really wanted to try the beets too, but I was so full with the pork that I figured I'd save it for next time. I've loved literally every dish I've ordered at Kaya. Their kinilaw is always incredible, anything oxtail is always amazing, and I love any fish they do crusted in pinipig. I'm becoming a big fan of Filipino food, especially with how Kaya does it. I can't wait to come back for more! read more

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Not a lot of Filipino food in town and this place is a must. We came here during the Filipino freedom festival and they had a special menu. Started with the lumpia which is always a fan favorite and tasted like they just rolled them fresh. The risotto was rich and topped with fried mushrooms which were delicious. From the food to the ambiance and hospitality you can tell this is Michelin recommended. We will definitely return for a full meal. The staff is so welcoming we sat at the bar and it was so nice to be able to see into the small kitchen. It really feels like you're at a friends home and you can tell they take great care. read more

Kaya - Menu - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Came to Kaya for my son's 27th Birthday and we had a wonderful dining experience. The service and food were amazing!!! We had to wait a while to get seated, but it was worth the wait. Every dish we had was delicious and very well presented. The restaurant is not big, but has a nice cozy feel to it and service was impeccable. We started off with the Lumpiang Shanghai which was fried perfectly (love me some Lumpiangs), the Ninangs Filipino Spaghetti was very tasty, Adobo Risotto was a hidden gem and the Bicol Express Mussels was a favorite at the table. Since it was late at night a few dishes we wanted to try were unavailable, however, this is more of a reason to return . If you're in the area, I highly recommend this great restaurant. read more

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We visited Kaya on a Friday for dinner. Although parking was limited, we managed to find a spot. Upon entering, we were greeted by the outdoor seating area, which already had guests enjoying their meals. Inside, there was a bar and several tables. We had made a reservation for indoor dining and were promptly seated. Since it was Lent, we ordered their seafood options. We started with the Madai Kinilaw, which was by far the highlight of the meal, it was absolutely delicious! Next, we tried the Brussels Sprouts Binagoongan. While I prefer my veggies half cooked, I felt that the Brussels sprouts could have been cooked longer so that the bagoong could blend in better. It was just okay. Our next favorite dish was the Seafood Bringhe. This is a staple in my hometown during fiesta, and Kaya's version was even better, it was full of flavor. Lastly, we had the Palabok. While I enjoyed it, it felt like it was missing something, a calamansi or lemon. I only realized this after we finished. Overall, it was a great experience although the portions were a bit on the smaller side. Kaya offers a fresh take on Filipino cuisine, so don't expect your usual Lola's cooking, but definitely expect a flavorful fusion of traditional dishes. read more

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We went here to celebrate my mother's birthday. We had a large group so we were able to try a lot of dishes that they offered. The place was cozy and intimate. The waiter was nice and friendly. The food was great from the appetizer to the mains and of course the dessert. All the dishes were delicious. But my favorites were the dinuguan, kare kare and the halo halo dessert. I'll definitely come back here soon. read more

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Everything was amazing it's hard to pick a standout dish. I loved the dine in area so much. It felt like going over to your friend's house, but their parents are chefs and they're going to take care of you. Every detail was thoughtful, down to the well crafted plates and cups. The open kitchen was such a nice touch, and the hospitality from the staff and chefs made it all feel so warm and intentional. You could tell everything was made with extreme care, but nothing felt overdone or like it was trying too hard. Just really good flavors, and a deep knowledge of how to prepare fish and meat. read more

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I genuinely don't know what took me so long to get to Kaya, but this was one of the best meals I've had in Orlando. We started with the lumpiang and the Filipino Caesar, which is an elite crunchy/fresh combo. Then came the crusted fresh catch, and wow. Perfectly crunchy, creamy rich sauce that feels like a warm hug, and fragrant rice that deserved just as much attention as the fish. I could've easily ordered another plate and called it a night. We sat outside, and it just so happened to be karaoke night (Wednesday's) which somehow made the whole experience even better. A total vibe. Fun, lively, but still relaxed. Orlando is lucky to have a place like this. read more

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Great Michelin Green Star Restaurant!! Wonderful, unique experience. That's both as a Filipino restaurant and as excellent date night or special occasion! Ambiance is a laid back tapa style sharing experience in full view of the kitchen. They also have bar seating and a small outdoor patio.Area with plenty of shade. Service is a super friendly down to earth, but always professional staff who make specific recommendations and glowing descriptions of the menu We had so many wonderful things.I do not think I can do them justice, but I will try. Of note Is their farm to table approach using local seasonal items, what's the menu specifying which farm certain items were from. Sometimes food was actually picked by the Restaurant staff at local farms. - $15 mulberry cocktail what's super fantastic and unique. We tried two different $8 mocktails that were likewise refreshing and fantastic The braised boneless oxtail was the definite highlight and it is pictured below. Not sure how they got the meat off the oxtail. Insert it as a rectangle, but a definite must try. This entree was specifically called out in the michelin review. The braised carrots and rosoto were succulent in every way. The lumping (lumpia?) was large portioned and came with a super excellent sauce. For dessert, we had a blueberry cornbread babinka with corn ice cream. it sounds weird that the corn ice cream was killing it! The other dessert we tried was this absolutely fantabulous cookie with a cashew cream filling. It was light and crunchy and just a hint of sweetness, that was the quintessential end of the evening. Overall a super enjoyable experience. We were able to book reservations the same night we made them but plan ahead. We booked the bar but they offered us a table they has just become available. read more

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I must be losing my touch. I forgot to take pictures. LOL! The place was nice and quaint. The main restaurant was small. But, they did have outdoor seating with heaters. They also had karaoke, which was fun. They had a raffle for two tickets to Lea Salonga's concert in Orlando. To enter, you just go up and sing a Lea Salonga song. Our group won 6 tickets. The staff was very friendly and went out of their way to help us out. We pre-ordered our food before we came over because we knew the wait was going to be long. Unfortunately, two dishes were missed. But, they did make them, though they came late. The food, in itself, was great. This is not your typical or traditional Filipino food. But, I do believe purists will appreciate the twists they present. They didn't hold back on the flavors. IMHO, they elevated them. I had the pork belly humba, which is like a cross between adobo and pata tim. Very tender and tasty. Their take on kare-kare didn't have the meats and the veggies soaking in the peanut sauce. It was just enough for the whole dish to come together. Also, they didn't use peanut butter. You can actually tell they used real peanuts instead. The adobo mushroom risotto was to die for. It was really an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Do check them out. They are definitely worth the trip. read more

Good food but didn't LOVE the food. I think I may not be a huge fan of the region of food. Great presentation and service. Love how they shared about each dish and how they grow there own herbs. read more

Oh the food - oh man, the dishes I got were so good. I was way way overdressed I heard Michelin rating and thought it was really fancy. But it's it's a chill atmosphere. This place is not cheap at all. But our server MJ was great. I loved the spring rolls, the wagyu steak and the oxtail Kare kare. All of it was amazing , not the best I've never had but really good. Again- this wasn't the best food but I had super high expectations. Next time I want to try the pre set menu with the chefs table :) read more

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Amazing from food to service! I loved everything I ordered, just wow! I never tried Filipino food before and glad I did! read more

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We went here for magical dining for the first time and Kaya lived up to the hype. The food and mocktails were delicious and we loved how cosy the restaurant is. I feel like the service was a little slow but I'm not sure if that is more of a fine dining thing but everyone was super nice. read more

Kaya - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I can't say enough amazing things about this restaurant and their team. Chef Lo and Jami are goated biz owners and there's no debate. As a Filipino, I am so proud of this restaurant and all of the love they're getting from locals and by national media/publications. Filipino cuisine is having a huge moment right now and the love and attention dishes like pork sisig, pancit, and lumpia are getting would make my mom proud. I've been able to experience the chef's tasting (Sama Sama) and a la carte menus and both are stellar. The chef's tasting is great for a special occasion when you're ready to ball out (still affordable compared to other tasting menus) and the a la carte menu is great for everyday enjoyment. Some a la carte favorites are Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) and Lumpia (egg rolls) for starters, pancit, garlic rice (a must), risotto, pork belly and Kare Kare (oxtail) are excellent options for mains. I don't usually do dessert because my wife and I would usually get a cocktail or two . Speaking of cocktails, some of my favorites are the "Alleged Negroni" and "Ube That's Good." The wine program is ran by the amazing Heather from Golden Hour and is designed to complement the Kaya dishes beautifully. Consult your bartender/waiter and you'll be in good hands. The chef's menu rotates regularly but you'll usually get the Kinilaw, garlic rice, some kind of fish/beef/pork and seasonal veggies, then you get to finish with a small trio of sweets that usually incorporates ice cream from another local Filipino favorite Sampaguita. I always leave happy and stuffed after this experience. The chef and his team are all top notch hosts and the hospitality is always 5 stars. I can't get enough of Kaya and hope you enjoy them too. Definitely add them to your weekly dinner rotation, you won't regret it! read more

What a great modern take on Filipino food! Everything was cooked well, seasoned and balanced perfectly, and had a variety of textures to keep every bite interesting. Some highlights included: the risotto - super creamy and cooked perfectly, sisig- crunchy and salty, and the calamansi pie, which was reminiscent of key lime pie but with a bright calamansi twist. Service was swift and kind. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would return. Highly recommend! read more

Kaya - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

A five-star experience to start off Magical Dining month! Once again, I forgot to check in on Yelp as I was too excited to try this place out based on feedback on Yelp and from my friends. I made a reservation and two of my friends came in from Cape Canaveral on Saturday to dine here. They remember the place previously as the Dandelion Cafe, and once we got there, they could tell a major renovation took place in establishing the Michelin Green Star restaurant called Kaya. It is a small restaurant, but lively and nicely remodeled. As other reviewers pointed out, it has a very family-oriented vibe with an extremely welcoming environment. The hostess greeted us warmly and showed us to our seats. I'm so glad I reserved bar seats because the two bartenders that served us contributed immensely to this five-star rating. Daniel and Renate were fun, engaging and on top of everything from start to finish. (I highly recommend bar seats to get a truly excellent experience if this is your first time coming to Kaya.) Daniel made sure our waters were always filled and brought me a glass of ice cubes after my first request and had it filled a second time without me even asking. Renate explained various drinks she prepared, the use of various bitters to enhance a cocktail and their Old Forester bourbon infusion process (ask about it!) She kept us entertained and laughing throughout our meal. She was a total gem! We selected various items off the Magical Dining menu. If an item was no longer available (our reservation was for 8:45pm), she had substitutions available from the regular menu. We chose the following items. Starters - Lumpiang Shanghai (pork and chicken spring rolls with sweet chili sauce; excellent with the sauce having a nice kick) and Scallop Crudo (a substitution, consisting of kalamansi leche de tigre, pear, cucumber and orange. The presentation was beautiful and was matched by the flavor of this item.) Entree - we all three selected a substitution as our initial selections were not available. We received the Fresh Catch, which was Tilefish, a meaty fish in a heavenly coconut crusted coating. It was extremely tasty and filling! A bowl of delicious rice also accompanied this selection. Dessert - we tried all three desserts on the Magical Dining menu. The Corn Cassava Brulee (with caramel and mango), the Halo Halo Flan (which had various items separately presented in a bowl, which you mixed together to make something like an ice cream treat) and the Kalamansi-Misu (a lady finger cake described as a white tiramisu). All were good, but the Kalamansi-Misu with its delicate white lady finger cake, toasted meringue and matcha was the hit of the selections. Kaya also has a Happy Hour drink menu all night Tuesday-Thursday and 9-10pm Friday and Saturday. We definitely took advantage of that and had several delicious rum daiquiris!! A final shout out to the Manager and part owner, Jamie. She came by to explain the dishes, the spices and sauces, Filipino culture and cuisine and to answer any questions. She can talk (LOL!- but in a good way!) as she makes you welcome as if you are family and entering her home. She is the cherry on top of the five-star rating! Jamie, congratulations on running an outstanding establishment and thank you for inviting us into your world. What also impressed the three of us was the price of the meal. The Magical Dining price was only $40 but could easily have been $60. What a great bargain to try out this place for the first time if you are interested in experiencing a culinary masterpiece of Filipino food. Magical Dining lasts through September 30 so here's your chance to experience the magic! Reservations are HIGHLY recommended, and bar seating is the bomb! Enjoy!! read more

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Interesting Filipino modern cuisine. We decided to try the a la carte today. - Lumpiang Shanghai : this might be the most underwhelming dish among all, tasted like a regular spring roll from a fast food Chinese spot. - Filipino Caesar Salad : very good! Love a variation of Caesar salad that has a south east asian flavor kick and texture. - Sweet Baby Carrots : rec by waitress, flavor was not bad but carrots seemed to be overcooked, very soft. - Pancit Palabok : Fried mungbean noodle over shrimp in shrimp bisque. It was very good, creamy bisque mixed with crunchy noodle. As long as don't think about all the noodles are deep fried ... Oops - Fresh Catch Sinigang : it was Tilefish! deep fried tile fish fillet with creamed sauce over. Delicious with balanced flavor and crunchy texture from the fry. - Filipino Spaghetti : I'm not a fan but it was as described. - Oxtail Kare Kare : interesting dish. Peanut sauce as the main flavor very tasty also perfect with rice. The vege that came with it were the same from Sweet Baby Carrots appetizer we ordered, wish it was something else. Or we would have order other appetizer instead of repeating the same food item. - Garlic Rice : love the rice, it was definitely drizzled in oil to give the delicate texture. - Sundae : with chocolate and peanut, very good. Guilty pleasure. read more

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Service was amazing. We sat at the patio and enjoyed the atmosphere. The food was great too. The adobo risotto stood out in flavor. read more

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We finally got a chance to try this highly awarded restaurant in Mills 50 area. It did not disappoint. You'll want to make reservations or be there promptly at open as we were. The inside dining room has about 7 tables and the bar so it filled up almost immediately on a Tuesday evening. There is a patio outside which should be a nice option in the Fall and Winter days that are moderate. The Ube cocktail was excellent in taste, although it came half filled. That was literally the only snafu, and we didn't know it was a snafu until we saw two full glasses of the same elixir served to the next table. They handled that very well, I'll explain how in a moment. Turns out I only had room for one beer but it was a pleasantly strong lager, Red Horse, brewed by San Miguel. Had I not overeaten, I would have as my second beer, Redlight Redlight's Krude Kolsch, an excellent local craft beer. Our first course was the Kale Filipino Cesar salad. It was something you should order every visit. It was tossed in a light citrus with a hint of egg, drizzled with a tangy aioli and tossed with crispy Filipino bread crumbs. Small, diced sweet and sour kalamansi fruit gave it the perfect balance. The kale, like a lot of the ingredients, was locally sourced, this from Frog Song Organics in Hawthorne, FL. (Yes, it was so good I looked them up). The Adobo Risotto with mushrooms from Fungi Jon - another local hero - was phenomenal. Our Crab Fat Shrimp Liang was the third all-star; three whole prawns on a bed of creamy coconut sauce with corn, kale, and jalapeño rings. We also learned what bagoong is, the fermented krill paste used in small amounts to give a richer seafood flavor to the prawns and sauce. The garlic rice side we ordered extended the great flavors of this dish. The Bolognese Spaghetti with cubed Spam was tasty, savory and sweet. It was the only dish I might not repeat because there are so many Filipino must-try dishes like the Oxtail and the Pork Belly and the Lumpiang Crispy taquito-like appetizer. Last, the hospitality was top notch; none of the surly high end server attitude you sometimes find. Our server took off that half-full, half-empty cocktail and even spent several minutes with us helping find a digital gift certificate we had purchased, but couldn't find on our phones. Definitely second mile service culture here. We have tried most of the restaurants in the Mills 50 area and this one is, by far, the best. read more

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This place is one-of-a-kind. The food is incredible on all fronts (locally-sourced and beautiful!), the people are amazing, and the space is so inviting and unpretentious. But on top of all that, they manage to host community events, support other small biz owners, AND are sustainability-focused (peep that Michelin Green Star). Happy we tried Kaya during our Orlando trip ^_^ The dishes are intended to be shared family-style. Everything we tried was delicious. Some favorites: - SCALLOP CRUDO (delicate yet flavorful) - MADAI KINILAW (like eating the sweetest ceviche on a cloud) - SEAFOOD BRINGHE (generous amounts of seafood, lightly spiced) - SILVANA COOKIE (my favorite ever cookie I've tried in my life??? Light wafer enveloping an ice cream-like filling) Must-try in Orlando!!! The menu changes seasonally-- I'll definitely be back to see what the kitchen comes up with next. read more

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Everything about our dinner here was extraordinary! We requested to sit at the bar and will probably always do so each time we eat at Kaya! The bartenders Daniel and Renata were a wealth of knowledge about the menu and offerings that fit my dietary restrictions and all that they recommended we tried. We were so happy with each item I can't pick my favorite because everything truly was so unique and tasty! Even thought it got crowded toward the end of our dinner, it still wasn't loud. The place is cozy and eclectic. Do yourself a favor and give Kaya a try, but be sure to make a reservation! People line up early to get in and with good reason. It's worth the wait, though. Either way, just get there! read more

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