Kaya is a cute little restaurant in the Mills area. We finally got around to trying Kaya, it's typically only open for dinners. Going at opening they sat us a table in the middle of the dinning area. It was cool to see the chefs cook all the meals. The service was great and very attentive. For food we ordered the rock shrimp fried rice, $18 and the sizzling sigsig with pork belly, $25. Of the two dishes I preferred the sigsig, but I did think it had a little too much oil on it. There were some unique combinations on this dish, some type of hibiscus and blueberry drizzle. The rock shrimp fried rice was not bad but it's super fishy if you don't normally like fish I wouldn't recommend it. We also tried a cookie on the desert menu, for $8. It tasted like a hard rice crispy treat, mixed with baked Alaskan. I don't think I would order that again, it wasn't memorable. Kaya's menu changes on the regular but I like that they post it on social media before opening. Love the space and service but the food seems to be lacking for the items we tried. read more

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Tried Kaya for the first time for my boyfriend's birthday and it was a delightful experience! The food was delicious and our server was so kind and knowledgeable. The lumpias were fresh with a tasty dipping sauce, our entrees were top notch with pork shoulder and crab fat stuffed shrimp. The standout for me was dessert which was a unique meringue dish with a crème anglaise sauce. They made it special with a candle and complimentary glass of sparkling wine. We loved our experience in this cozy restaurant and will definitely be back! read more

Kaya - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

First time eating Philippine food and was not disappointed with the dishes Kaya curated. We tried a few of their seasonal October menu dishes and all were delicious. The seasonal squid ink pasta was amazing. I was also a big fan of their mussels and pork on their regular menu. A great appetizer are their spring rolls. A different but good version of the typical spring rolls you have at a Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant. The ambiance at the restaurant is lovely and the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. They do get booked up so I recommend reserving a table. They also have a bar you can also get food at. read more

I was very excited to go to this restaurant. It was recommended in resy and it had so many good reviews online. The service was good and it had a great ambience. The food was not as good as expected. The lumping Shanghai was just ok. The oxtail Kare kare was a bit too salty and too dry. I guess it was seared too long that the outside was too hard and the sauce didnt make it any better. The sweet potato that was part of the dish was barely there. Mind you this was a portion for 2 people. The rigatoni was just a little too sweet but it was al dente which was the only good part about the whole dish. The galic rice lacked flavor. Tori tori garlic rice taste way better. Overall the prices are too high for the portion of food. Specially the kare kare. read more

This was our first time visiting. The food and drinks were very tasty. The Service was good. The restaurant would be good for date night or with a small group of friends. read more

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This was an experience like none other! I was not very well versed in Filipino food (I'm thankful I took my best friend who's a Filipino with me) so this was like my introduction. Filipino food has a flavor profile that I have not experienced anywhere else! It's so good, and it just makes you want to explore the food and culture more. The team was so attentive to us in making sure we knew what each dish was and what was in it, also being attentive to my allergies and sensitivities. I wish I could remember all the amazing non alcoholic concoctions they made for us - but I would say the butterfly tea with rosemary and lime was a favorite for me! For food - it would have to be the Babingka, a rice cake with coconut caramel! I highly recommend checking out Kaya and letting your tastebuds go on an adventure! read more

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We had an amazing experience at Kaya. The team was friendly and attentive. The ambiance was cool and welcoming. The food was exciting but not pretentious. From our first course, to the dessert, we enjoyed everything we ate. I look forward to returning! read more

This place is pretty exclusive. First time I came here you had to make reservations through Resy and the hostess was NOT nice. It was giving "you can't sit with us" vibe. Totally not welcoming. However we heard so many good things about the food that we came back (with reservations) and finally got to try the food-- ps the hostess this time around wasn't that nice either lol. The food was actually realllly good. The waitress (nica) was extremely sweet. It was disappointing that although our reservations were at 8:30 they sold out of their oxtail, pork belly, and some other items. With that said make the reservations earlier. The desert (Milo champorada) was to die for. Everything else was just very flavorful. Definitely worth trying out. read more

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After three days of being assaulted by the "cuisine" at a Universal resort, Kaya showed me that Orlando is not, in fact, an endless suburb dedicated to hoodwinking Midwesterners into thinking they've having a nice vacation. Kaya is that ineffable, perfect mix of taking itself seriously and being playful. Elevated, but not frigid. Comfy but daring. Kaya is nothing if not inventive: I've never seen a tequila beverage with banana liqueur anywhere else, and it was memorable and delicious. Two glasses of wine from the nicely curated list were great, too. My husband loved the rosé and bubbles. Food, too, is a thoughtful and layered conception: Kaya's small plates concept works well: pick a big and a small plate per person and maybe one more small plate for the table. We started with the ceviche. Ordered minus seafood, it was just a bunch of petite diced fresh fruits in a coconut milk foam. An interesting, promising set of flavors; but with perhaps less substance, since the fish was gone. We also tried the baby carrots, which were roasted to soft sweetness, and sitting in two small pools of differing sauces, one peanutty and one beets. And tiny cubes of moist, warm cornbread on the side. Good, things are on the upswing. Our main courses were the vegetable paella and the rock shrimp with crispy noodles. The veggies on top of the paella were moderately interesting; the paella itself was a knockout, a Filipino ode to Mac and cheese with a coconutty, umami undertone. I kept scraping my plate, hoping to discover a little I had left behind. Or maybe the portions are just a little closer to New-York- than Orlando-sized. And for dessert, the churros, warm and toasted with a caramel sauce with a little salt that didn't tip into saccharine. Friendly, approachable and attentive service that helped us decode the menu, a nice view of their small open kitchen, and tasteful decor with a sprinkling of well-spaced Filipino tchotchkes added up to great ambiance. Kaya's restraint and balance, together with a quiet self-confidence in who it is, yields a delightful experience that is more than the sum of its parts. read more

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Very unique place with very unique food. I did magical dining and it was a great way to try something new. Loved the risotto, the lumpia, tuna appetizer was delicious too. Didn't care for the dessert event though it looked beautiful. Appreciate great friendly service, made us feel like part of their family. Thank you! read more

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Amazing! Felt like home. We went during a karaoke night and everyone treated us like family and the food was a wonderful bonus with how good everything was! read more

Let me start by saying that I'm proud to be Filipino and happy that we thrive and succeed to elevating our standards when it comes to our epicurean ideals. "Kaya" definitely is leading the way and I hope that more culture-loving Filipinos would follow suit. I give this restaurant a four and a half, five stars. The fixed menu online was slightly different from what was served and this was articulated to us from the start of our meal experience. This is of course based on seasonal ingredients. I went with my professional chef buddy and love to take him to these places because I get to hear his opinion as we converse food talk along with my street smart taste buds and his learned and highly Le Cordon Blue education. The kinilaw (Pinoy ceviche) was one of my favorites. It was served fresh, blended with fruits that is usually not done on your classic version. That element of surprise is what got to me. The palabok, I might say is what would have been the sole reason for downgrading my score/stars. I'm not sure if overcooking (sticky) noodles was the way they wanted to execute that dish but, to my knowledge, sticky noodles are considered overcooked. That's why you see them constantly tossing the noodles in hot water while cooking to get the right loose consistency hence, not sticking. The Palabok sauce was tasty, the scallops gave that element of surprise which was pleasant. Then came the fish sinigang and love, love, love the presentation. The palayok (clay pot) and the clay cover had miso sauce and edible flowers and used as the bowl to eat from. Great and innovative idea. Fish was well portioned and not salty - so I enjoyed that very much. Without giving out too much of the details, it is best to experience it yourself. I'm going to stop now but just note that you have to pre-pay the fixed/set menu. Reservations via open table works well. Be ready to spend, it's not cheap but worth the experience. Sending some photos of my experience too. Hope you get to try this restaurant and support the wonderful people living to do their dream of making other people happy through food. read more

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Great experience at Kaya! The service was fantastic--our server took the time to explain Filipino cuisine and made us feel welcome. Loved the Tuna Kinilaw (super fresh and bright) and the Pork Belly Sisig (crispy, flavorful, and addictive). Presentation was beautiful, and everything felt thoughtfully done. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Kaya - Tuna Kinilaw Hawaiian Big Eye tuna ceviche, coconut leche de tigre, seasonal fruit - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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We found out about Kaya shortly after they received their green Michelin star. We did the chef's tasting menu and it was truly an experience and everything was SO GOOD! I can't imagine getting anything here that would disappoint. Plus with the open kitchen view the place is a vibe and the service is *chefs kiss* read more

highly recommended!!! we tried several things on the menu and everything was fantastic

Such a unique and beautiful experience. Truly a hidden gem in the Mills 50 area. Kaya is a Filipino Tapas Style restaurant with a very unique location and vibe off of Mills 50 but hidden away on a side street. The outside has a hidden garden vibe with beautiful foliage, and outdoor bartender and comfortable seating. The inside is absolutely gorgeous with immaculate decor and I loved the candle they had burning in the bathroom. All the materials were wicker, beautiful tile and you could just tell the painstaking detail work that went into designing the space. The food was AMAZING. I really enjoyed the pork belly the most, but also enjoyed the chicken as well as the fried rice (although the rice was on the spicy side which I was not expecting). The cocktails were fantastic as well. On Thursday they have all day Happy hour with $10 cocktails and also 20% off all bottles of wine. I have a marvelous time and I will absolutely be back. read more

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Very cute ambiance. We tried all of the vegetarian dishes for Sunday brunch except for the mushroom dish. Everything was beautiful and appealing to the eye, although the eggplant omelette had a kind of burnt flavor. I could be wrong but most of the dishes seemed like it was prepped and not made-to-order (I understand the rice and porridge but even the pancakes & omelette seemed pre-made) The hostess was lovely and so was the server who brought our food. Overall I would rate the pandesal with its amazing side of garlic butter, the ube pancakes, and the let that mango mocktail the highest , with an honorable mention for the garlic rice. I didn't love the eggplant omelette or the porridge, and wish we tried the mushroom dish instead. Overall, the cute ambiance & floweriness/presentation of everything really are what made the meal. Although my husband wasn't a fan of most of the dishes being served on paper plates, I didn't mind. Our total for roughly 6 side dishes and 1 mocktail came to around $80 with the 20% included service charge. read more

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After hearing about how great Kaya was for many months, we finally got our butts in gear when the James Beard nominations came out. While the food was okay overall, we were very underwhelmed by our experience. We made reservations well in advance and ordered the tasting menu with wine pairing. We arrived to find one of the smallest parking lots in existence, with one of the spots "saved" for the ice cream shop. :| Then we circled a bit, playing my least favorite game: Hunger Games Parking. I know this isn't the business' fault, per se, but for a place offering a chef's tasting menu and all, I would expect some more guidance on parking prior to arrival, such as in the reservation communications. I don't like being told to just ignore 24-hour towing signs. We were seated at a football-shaped table, so my partner and I weren't so much sitting together, as turned towards an invisible show to watch together. The nice two-top table in the window next to us we were told was reserved for someone with a service dog. OK, fair enough. More on this later. Our first drops were from the bartender and chef. Both explained well what they were dropping, and the bartender said if we had questions or needed more of anything, to let her know. Based on these first interactions, our already palpable excitement about the meal was increased even more. Unfortunately, everything got very iffy after that. The pacing of the courses was all over the place. We waited nearly 30 minutes between some courses, while others were practically dropped on top of each other. Then there was the matter of WHAT we were eating. When eating at a restaurant serving dishes with names most local people would be unfamiliar with, the expectation is that you will have some kind of printed menu in hand to refer to. After three hours of listening to dish descriptions we could understand 30% of optimistically, we were *finally* handed something like this--after we paid the check. Then there was the wine pairing. Our wines were handed off to us already poured. To us, this is a huge no-no. You cannot drop off your high-priced wine pairings already poured and just cart the bottle over to the table for the ride. You could've poured anything in there! It just felt very tacky. On top of that, the already-poured wines were room temperature. Then add to all of this the wait for the dish the wine was meant to accompany? It was such a waste. Finally, there was the food itself. One course was served to us so hot, it burned us terribly. I'm not talking about oops-I-should-have-let-this-Hot-Pocket-cool-down-more hot. I'm talking about you-may-need-to-see-an-oral-surgeon-tomorrow hot. While there were some courses that really sang, we found most of the courses underseasoned and unremarkable. And we have pleeeeeenty of experience with Filipino cuisine, so this is not a situation where the food wasn't what we expected or "not our thing." At one point, we were getting full, so we had one course boxed up to take home. Normally we fight over who gets to eat the leftovers. We wound up throwing those leftovers away, untouched, a week later. We just weren't interested in eating them, which was super telling for us. The couple seated next to us at our "football table" were irate over their experience. I only know this because we were seated on top of them for our "nice dinner." And I should mention that the aforementioned service dog people never showed up, but we did get to stare at that table for two-thirds of our three hours there before some random couple was seated there. All in all, I would say this was a 3.5 star experience. Some items were delicious, and maybe that's the way to go? Just order a la carte? For us, the tasting menu was a waste, and the wine pairing was a super waste. The service was wobbly and immature. We did not feel like valued guests. We felt like annoying distant cousins who dropped in unannounced and inexplicably expected to be served. Sadly, the amount we paid commanded a nicer experience than we had. I wouldn't write this place off completely, but they need to find their footing at this price level. read more

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So had wanted to have dinner at Kaya for awhile and finally did it today for my birthday. Let's start with the positive the food was great . Mussels were phenomenal, Lumpiang on point , shrimp's perfectly cooked, the Hamachi was definitely the star of the appetizer I was a bit disappointed with the oxtail I guess I am traditional this way I like my oxtail on the bone ! But what really got to me was I had brought a nice burgundy and was ready to pay a reasonable cork fee for it as we were going to have some cocktails to start with but a $ 45 cork fee really got to me I have to admit that's rather steep . Then service was mediocre we were just starting on the apps when they brought the entree which made the whole experience feel rushed I am sorry but to me it's the basis of hospitality knowing when to send dishes up !!! And had to ask to get a refill on sparkling water as not once were we asked if we needed more . So food great overall experience not so great very disappointing read more

My family and I did the a la carte option and were able to snag a table on the patio by putting ourselves on the waitlist on tock. They will text you through there to see what time you want to come in and will be able to accommodate you for your preferred time! My parents loved this place, and I feel like my parents are very traditional when it comes to Filipino food but they really enjoyed this modern take. We ordered the lumpia, bringhe, crispy pancit palabok, and garlic rice. For drinks we got the game na and ube thats good (both were perfectly balanced). The lumpia was so crispy and flavorful. My parents noted that the wrapper to filling ratio was perfect and it didn't fall apart easily. The crispy palabok was yummy and creative and had a good amount of shrimp! And the bringhe was good too especially when mixed with the garlic rice. Our servers were very nice and attentive even if it was busy. Gratuity is already included and they make note that any extra is not required but appreciated. My only ding is the price to portion ratio. Like I honestly felt satisfied and we were able to split everything pretty evenly but my mother still was wishing for a little more. However I suppose that's expected with the Michelin rated places. But if I lived in the area or came back to Orlando I would definitely dine again! read more

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5 Star update for a fantastic Sunday brunch, community activities, and a natural wine list that will make you smile from ear to ear! I decided it was finally time for me to check out Kaya's bongga (aka amazing) brunch on Sunday. This a la carte brunch is a bit different where you can get on the waitlist early (starting at 9am) and they start seating at 10. This way you don't have to arrive right when they open or be forced to wait like most coveted brunch spots in town. We arrived and were greeted like family. Truly, everyone who works here is lovely and so open to going through ingredients and any questions you may have. Also, expect your water to stay filled the whole time (I opted for sparkling, which was on tap and didn't have an additional cost). We decided to get an order of the pandesal for the table (Filipino sweet bread buns with butter on the side) and an ube salukara (pancake-style dish), as well as each ordering a different main dish so we could eat it all family-style. Everything we ordered was full of flavor, with each protein being completely unique, but with common ingredients of white rice, a fried egg and a well-dressed little side salad. Don't miss out on the mushroom or chicken dishes! To drink, I got to try a cocktail that had foraged mulberries (foraged by the staff!), which was well balanced and refreshing! I also noticed their wine list was all natural (low-intervention) wines and featured some of my favorites from Golden Hour (wine shop in Baldwin Park)! I've been able to stop by the bar to grab some drinks and food and have never been disappointed with the unique creations of their talented bar team. ***One big thing to note is that you can still book their chef's dinner any night they're open, but they have a la carte options at the bar, outside on the patio, or on Sundays for brunch. Finally, they do Karaoke Wednesdays on the patio, host pop-ups on Tuesdays (sometimes Little Giant, El Tinto, Dosa Dosa, to name a few local favorites!), and more generally the Bayani Bar (their outdoor patio) which has a tropical vibe, weekly specials, and serves the full Kaya F&B menus. Overall, I'm still obsessed. Maybe even more than before (and I didn't think that was possible). Previous review: 5 Stars for a chef's dinner that will make you feel like part of the owners' Filipino family (if the family had amazing chefs for parents!). Orlando is experiencing a beautiful Filipino cuisine moment and Kaya is a big part of that. I finally was able to go in with a friend for their coursed out menu and we left as BIG fans of what Lo, Jayme, and the team have created. The food was impeccably presented and felt very approachable (versus many of the chef's dinners in town, which can be a bit stark and overly complicated). These dishes felt like elegantly elevated Filipino comfort food. As for drinks, I was surprised how reasonably the cocktails are priced. In fact, they are cheaper than any glass of wine I saw available on the menu. The bar team has put together impeccably balanced and unique cocktails that truly haven't left my mind since. These are not to be missed- in fact, stopping by for the a la carte menu at the bar is my next step. Overall, expect to feel the warmth emanating, not only from this perfectly renovated and decorated space, but also from every single person that works at Kaya. (Legit, I made IG friends with the hostess last time I was there!) read more

Food: 10/10 Price: 10/10 Service: 20/10 Ambience: 20/10 A literal 5-STAR EXPERIENCE. The people working there are extremely sweet and courteous from the second we walked in. This was my first trip to Key West, FL, and the KAYA staff has made it a WONDERFUL experience for both my husband and me. Big, beautiful restaurant, with lots of seating areas to choose from(each area comes with a different vibe). The dine-in area felt like we were in the backyard of my grandfather's house, and they were going to take great care of us, haha. I love that our waiters didn't rush us, unlike other restaurants on the same block. They were very attentive to us and made sure our glasses were full and our stomachs happy. I ordered a blackened Mahi Sandwich, which came with loaded fries on the side. The presentation of the food was above my expectations. The sandwich itself was very juicy and full of flavor. Next time I am in Key West, I will most definitely come back for lunch at KAYA. read more

I love to support local restaurants whenever I travel. And I especially love to experience the cuisine and culture of far away lands right in our backyard. My dining experience at Kaya Natin last night was amazing. The restaurant describes itself as serving inspired Filipino cuisine. Another reason to visit Kaya Natin is it is a finalist for the 2024 James Beard Best New Restaurant award. Something no Florida restaurant has previously won. I'll be at the Beard Awards in June hoping to see Chef Lordfer Lialicon receive his due recognition. The restaurant opened in December 2022. Something else noteworthy is the restaurant also received a Michelin Green Star for outstanding sustainable and eco-friendly culinary practices. The service team is friendly, helpful and oh so knowledgeable about the ingredients, preparation, and sourcing of each dish. I ordered the Sama Sama Set Menu for $120 (before tax and gratuity) to enjoy a feast of flavors. It took about two hours to complete. I was served 13 courses in that time. The restaurant has an intimate dining room that can get very noisy. A table of six were celebrating something and literally filled the restaurant with their conversation and laughter. My favs are followed by ** First wave Kinilaw - King Mackerel ceviche, peach, cucumber ** Second wave Pancit Palabok - Mung bean noodles ** Lumpiang Sariwa - Pork, shrimp and chicken spring rolls Third wave Sinigang Na Isda - Yellow Edge Grouper cooked in sour broth with vegetables Fourth wave Dinuguan Slider - Pork belly and dugo gravy ** King Crab Garlic Rice ** Kare Kare - Simmered oxtail, vegetables and peanut-based sauce ** Sugpo & Squash - Skull island tiger prawns, seasonal squash Fifth wave Taho - Berries, made with silken tofu ** Bibingka - Thin unfrosted cake made with sweet rice flour and cream of coconut ** Ice Cream from Sampaguita (local Filipino ice cream purveyor) ** Chamorado Latte - Chocolate-flavored rice porridge made with sticky rice and tablea I had a great time and hope more diners support this amazing local Filipino restaurant. It's so worth it. read more

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We love Kaya! I finally took my parents (we're all Filipino). My parents are old school. My mom cooks and I know I'm biased, but she's amazing at Filipino cooking. She cooks most of the filipino dishes and desserts: bilo bilo, chicken adobo, dinuguan, pancit, ube from scratch, beef steak and the list goes on and on. It's hard to please her because of her flavor profile, but I make her try new things. I also brought my fiancé, Kuya (older brother) and his wife. My Kuya is super picky, but his wife, Dee, is from Cebu and moved to America a few years back. I hold her opinion rather high in terms of what she thinks of authentic filipino food because she's lived there more recently. She LOVED the Kinilaw na isda because they make that more frequently where she's from (Cebu, Philippines). That dish might've been more modern for my mom, but my dad ate all of his and ate my Mom's too. Everyone liked the lumpiang sariwa. They ate all of it. The ube crepe was tasty and subtle. The carrots gave it great texture too. My Mom rated the sisig na gulay a 9 out of 10! They liked the 3rd wave too. My parents liked the sinigang probably more than the bellychon. They're probably more used to lichon with sweet vinegar. lol. By the 3rd wave, my parents were getting full. They are in their 70's so they can't eat a lot, but they LOVED the halo-halo and ate all of it. The ube marshmallows and ube flan were so unique and tasty! I'm happy I got to bring my family (and Sophie, of course). My mom said she knows it's a lot of work to have a restaurant and she's very happy with the experience. She's funny with some of her observations. She kept watching a sous chef in the kitchen working. She said he is a good worker. She must've seen him moving a lot! She also loved our waitress. So much that she had to sneak her a cash tip before we were done. If I didn't pre-pay ahead of time, I know my mom would have tried to swipe the bill! lol. Thank you all so much. It was a very special night for us! read more

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First and foremost I would like to say thank you to Bar tender/server Daniel he was absolutely AMAZING and his drinks were fantastic! I wanted to try something "new" for dinner and I wanted my mom to have the experience with me. So, to Kaya we went. The atmosphere is a mix of fancy and relaxed. You can see the chefs cooking in the kitchen (it's organized madness) there is music playing but you can still have a conversation with your party. Very beautiful relaxed vibe 5/5. We ordered the lumpia, naked wangs, Laing, rock shrimp fried rice and Humba. The lumpia PERFECT. Filling was seasoned well you can taste the meat blend, they were not greasy just literally perfect. Laing paired with the garlic rice was excellent you have all of the different flavors and that roast flavor on the pork is amazing. My mother said the wings just tasted like wings she opted to get them spicy and said it was just like a buffalo sauce they also come with a pikliz but it's not like Haitian pikliz it was pretty good. So pretty good but nothing too special. Now the pork belly. It was tender, it was cooked well HOWEVER it was a 5/10 for me because the roasted soy started to taste like a BBQ pork belly to me and that I personally do not enjoy. However, the roasted lemongrass in the dish was spectacular! The roasted pork belly in my mom's meal taste better flavor wise for me. We also got the dessert cookies. I cannot remember the name but they were DELICIOUS. All in all we had a good time I would return to try other things on the menu. read more

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After having lunch in Crocante and their yummy pork belly (see my review for that experience), I was feeling uncertain about dining here. But my desire for Filipino got the better of me. First, the place has a very welcoming atmosphere . Kat, our server, was very helpful explaining the ingredients in each item we asked about. Solicitous but not intrusive. Smart conversationalist. A real keeper. Presentation was artistic - from appetizer scallop crudo and Sisig to entrees oxtail, paella and wagyu beef. Everything was flavorful and cooked perfectly. Oxtail was tender and did not need a knife. Shrimps were not overcooked. Desserts were just as delicious - halo halo and cassava. We recommend this 100%. read more

Everything we had was a unique flavor delight for your mouth! Cute converted house ambiance with outstanding service! Every dish delivered to our table was described and we were given a short history of its origins. We had 4 people and had about 7 dishes to share. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, we asked for recommendations from our server. Pretty pricey, but absolutely a delicious delight! Will be back! read more

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First time here and loved it! The Filipino Spaghetti is an absolute must but pretty much everything we ordered was delicious! Happy Hour is a great way to try a variety of dishes for $11. read more

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Strong, solid 4 stars for me. As many have said, the space is warm, cozy, and inviting. What I love about the space is that it feels like "home." We opted for the tasting menu with the beverage pairing. The only thing I wish the beverage pairing incorporated more was more cocktails and less wine. The last beverage pairing was a very strong ginger tea with a shot of rum. The tea was extremely gingery. However, the attention to detail was great! Service was great. The food was also excellent. Each "wave" (as shown on our personalized menu) was thoughtful. You would think and expect that each dish would pack a punch with flavor but it wasn't (which was good!) read more

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My Wife and I attended Kaya during Magical Dining and absolutely loved it!!! Here's a brief rating of each dish: Appetizers: - Tuna Kinilaw: 10/10 - Must have Mains: - Adobo Risotto: 8/10 - Sizzling Sisig : 9/10 - Flavorful and Savory Desserts: - Halo Halo Flan: 7.8/10 - Very light and Refreshing - Kalamansi-Misu: 6/10 - Honestly tasted like any other cake, nothing special personally. read more

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This was one of the all time best dining experiences I have ever had. Genuinely such a special experience. It felt like I was in a tv show with how amazing every part of the experience was. The service, the preparation, the execution, the flavors. Everything was incredible. It was truly a five star experience and worth every penny. This restaurant is special and is something everyone should try. You will need a reservation and I recommend sitting it the bar. Seeing the bartender make drinks was like we had a table side show. They made it seem like art form, which it very much is when you see how incredible the drinks look. I can't express how incredible this place is. The food was unbelievable we tried the Lumpiang Shanghai, which were spring rolls with the most amazing texture and flavor. We also had their ceviche appetizer which was incredibly fresh and aromatic. The flavors were again... incredible. The Filipino spaghetti is an absolutely must try, I literally licked the bowl clean. We also got the garlic rice and wagyu steak, which was amazing. It's just disappointing i can't eat here everyday because i think i would. When you go to this place, try as many dishes as you can. You'll be amazed by every one of them. Please do yourself a favor and try them out. Amazing place, amazing people, and amazing food. Thanks! read more

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Food was fine, though it felt slightly overpriced. I liked that the food was locally sourced and seasonal. Service was friendly and helpful (they're really good about accommodating for allergies) but it was sometimes hard to hear the server explain the dishes. Ambiance and decor were good, with a mix of booth and chair seating inside and seating outdoors under a tent. Also there's good street parking and a small parking lot. read more

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My wife and I had the pleasure of being taken care of by Tim and Daniel at the bar. We walked in without reservations and they had an opening for us to dine with them right when we walked in. We have a severe fish and nut allergy and that was the first thing they asked us when we sat down. Tim immediately provided us with what are food options were based off of allergies. Tim and Daniel were very attentive and gave us a very caring atmosphere. My wife and I said that this was by far the best dining experience we had ever had. The food was top notch and the drinks were spot on. We celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary this evening and the staff definitely made it memorable for us. We can't wait to come back! read more

I was saving dining here for a special day and decided it would be our anniversary dinner. We had a beautiful experience. The dishes were all so flavorful and wonderfully plated. I really appreciated all of the details and have to say that the service was outstanding! Our server explained everything so well including where all the ingredients were sourced from. It really wasn't just a meal, it was a whole culinary experience. She also brought out champagne for us to toast to, it was so thoughtful and the gesture definitely made a positive impact on us. Amazing work Kaya! read more

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Kaya now has brunch. This past Sunday, 9.24.23 was their second one in fact. Daniel, our server/ drink making master made our first time at Kaya all the best. We sat down at the counter right in front of him and he had the biggest smile welcoming us into this new Filipino Michelin Restaurant. I really felt as if I was at my parent's and family friend's house at this charming bungalow spot. Daniel let us know right away what was out from the Brunch Menu and what was almost gone. I for sure wanted the lobster bicol express benedict, so he got that for me and my hubby, I ordered the Tocilog which is Tocino marinated chicken thigh w/ garlic rice and tomatoes and cucumbers. Both were so good and flavorful. This lobster Benedict rendition, you won't find just anywhere and the garlic rice that is with the chicken and veggies is dreamy and wakes you up with the flavor of it all together!! Now sitting in front of Daniel is also a show of him making all of these fun drinks on their menu. It's one thing to read about them, but watching them being made was the best part. They have alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks here. I kept watching the non alcoholic drink called Duhat Spritz being made. This was a beautiful Fuchsia Pink Color. He made a bunch of them while I was there. It has June Plum, soda, & kalamansi juice in it! I just had to try it. It was so good and nothing I could compare it to! Everyone here was super nice for the most part, and I'd definitely come back and try their dinner next time which is either ala carte or a tasting menu! Can't wait to be back!! They also have outdoor seating and parking on the street and some lot parking. Make sure you call for a reservation or go online. Tables are usually got bigger groups or for tasting menu. And smaller groups may be seated at the counter but it's a low one not a high bar counter. read more

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The place reminded me of a child hood experience when I would go to my neighbors house in Philippines. Music playing and people outside just hanging out relaxing. The service was also really good, friendly and warm staff. I had the best seat in the house, I got to watch them make my food!!! I ordered the adobo risotto and Bicol express mussels. Chefs kiss!!! I wished I lived here so that I could come back n try the whole menu but I wanted to see what they were able to do with food I've known n ate growing up. It did not disappoint! They elevated the taste. Same same but different. Their Ube mochi donut with caramel to end the meal was so good. read more

This restaurant was on my bucket list as I always wanted to try Philippine cuisine. With the awesome reviews of the high quality food and vibe, I had to try this place. I paid my 25 dollar security deposit on Tock to reserve for a Saturday evening at 8pm. A friendly hostess welcomed me, introduced me to the restaurant, and seated me at the bar. The bartender gave some drink selections (all priced at 14 dollars each), and I tried the Alleged Negroni. When it came, it looked like an old fashioned. However, it tasted like a Pina colada as it had pineapple rum, bonal, and mahina coconut. The drink lingered and provided a nice buzz, but was pricey for 14 bucks. The prawns were also pretty steep at 25 dollars for two decent size prawns. Not to mention the prawns were head on, which meant I had to get my hands dirty to take them off the shell and enjoy the succulent meat. They were plump and enjoyable though. The corn was a nice touch and the blueberry datil sauce did have a bit of spice, but was more sweet than spicy. For dessert, the leche flan (11 dollars) was rich and relatively filling, but too small for the price. After paying over 63 dollars for these, I still felt a bit hungry for more. And hopefully I will also see my 25 dollar security deposit refunded since I arrived at my reservation on time. The service was good and helpful. My hostess who seated me was welcoming. My bartender was helpful, but also pretty casual. A knife should have been offered to cut the prawns, but a wet wipe was given after asking for one. The dining area is pretty small with a few tables and the bar also has some seats. There is a small patio outside too. The open kitchen was behind the bar and a bit difficult to see the action. The vibe was lively with the crowd talking over the hip music. I got lucky in parking as I found a space behind another complex. While the restaurant had good food and drinks, I would say this is a bit over-hyped and pretty expensive for the portions. I am happy that it does have a Michelin green star and is unique for having Philippine food, but wished there were more portions to enjoy. There are some good deals and specials occasionally, and I will visit again to try those. For the a la carte menu, this is a nice place to go with a friend or group when others are paying. read more

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Don't sleep on this place. I wish I had come here sooner. I went here twice and it's all thanks to their Tikim Tikim special. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ginataang Kalabasa - the flavors meshed so well together. The follow ups were the Kinilaw and Suam Na Mai It's a cozy environment - it feels like you're eating at someone's home and it's welcoming. read more

Beautiful. Is the one word that comes to mind. This place is special and I am so glad Kaya is in Orlando. My wife and I celebrated our anniversary here and loved it. We didn't take pictures of the food (does that make me a bad YelpElite???) and just enjoyed our time. The team makes you feel welcomed from the minute you arrive. We were "walk-ins" for the a la carte menu. You can enjoy small plates and drinks on the patio (plenty of fans to help stave off this FL heat) while you wait while you wait for a seat at the bar. The inside is well designed and comfortable. Our severs at the bar were helpful and thoughtfully checked in on us. The menu changes a bit based on what us available and was so fresh. Everything from the lumpia, bistec to the drinks and the grouper were presented like a Michelin level restaurant and burst with flavor. Sometimes your first bite hits you with the most flavor and then it dissipates, but with each of these dishes every bite was a flavor bomb. I can't wait to go back to try more and their tasting menu or just got back and get the flan and a drink. read more

Kaya - Filipino Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Kaya in downtown Orlando is a Filipino fine dining restaurant, which was nominated for a 2024 James Beard Best New Restaurant nominee, combining nostalgic flavors and elegant preparation. We came for Alex's bday dinner this proved to be one of the best meals we had in 2024. We started off with ube coquito cocktails and Filipino Caesar salads which were quickly followed by the larger plates. For noodles we had the pancit palabok with rock shrimp and shrimp bisque and my personal favorite, the Filipino spaghetti with banana ketchup and spam. For meats we had the chicken relleno, oxtail kalderata, pinipig crusted swordfish, and a side of creamy adobo risotto featuring the classic vinegary taste of chicken adobo but subbing mushroom instead of chicken. This was overall a fantastic meal and our new favorite Filipino restaurant. It pays homage to the flavors we love in Filipino cuisine but with some surprising and innovative twists. Dessert continued with that theme with the halo halo flan which combines two of the most classic Filipino desserts into one dish, the bibingka cake with salted egg mousse and nutty Silvana cookie. Kaya deserves all of the praise and recognition it has garnered and we can't wait to dine here again and partake in their outdoor karaoke read more

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