Orlando, Florida, is known worldwide for its theme parks, but just beyond the roller coasters and movie magic lies another kind of adventure: the city’s rich and diverse food culture. Among the many culinary treasures, Colombian cuisine has carved out a special place, offering comforting dishes like arepas, empanadas, Pandebono, and freshly brewed Colombian coffee.
For those spending the day at Universal Studios, these nearby Colombian restaurants provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and experience the warmth of Colombian hospitality. Whether it’s a quick bite between attractions or a hearty dinner to end the day, these restaurants deliver both authenticity and flavor in every dish.
Here’s a closer look at the Top 5 Colombian Restaurants near Universal Studios and what makes each one worth visiting.
1. Mecatos Bakery & Cafe – Metrowest
2900 S Kirkman Rd, Suite 101, Orlando, FL 32811
When it comes to authentic Colombian cafés in Orlando, Mecatos Bakery & Cafe has become a household name. With multiple branches across the city, it has built a strong reputation for bringing traditional Colombian flavors to both locals and tourists alike. Among its many locations, the Metrowest café stands out for its prime location near Universal Studios, making it a convenient stop for families, parkgoers, and visitors seeking a more authentic refueling option than the usual theme park fare.
A Taste of Colombia: Menu Favorites
At the Mecatos Bakery & Cafe – Metrowest, and at all Mecatos locations, guests are treated to a menu that balances quick bites with hearty meals. Popular choices include:
- Pandebono – Warm cheese bread, sometimes filled with guava, Nutella, or dulce de leche.
- Buñuelos – Crispy fried cheese balls that pair perfectly with coffee.
- Empanadas – Classic Colombian turnovers stuffed with beef, chicken, or cheese.
- Arepas Rellenas – Corn patties filled with savory options like steak, chicken, eggs, or chorizo.
- Tequeños & Quesitos – Crispy, cheesy, and sweet baked goods that are staples in Colombian cafés.
- Colombian Hot Dogs & Burgers – Featuring unique toppings like pineapple sauce, mozzarella, and garlic sauce.
- Desserts – Tres leches cake, flan, milhojas, and alfajores are all crowd favorites.
And, of course, their signature Colombian coffee, smooth, bold, and brewed fresh, is at the heart of the Mecatos experience.
The Metrowest Experience
The Metrowest branch combines a cozy café atmosphere with a convenient location. Guests can stop by for a quick snack after visiting Universal Studios or settle in for a more relaxed afternoon of coffee and conversation. The warm décor and inviting staff make it a versatile space, equally suited for casual meals, study sessions, or simply unwinding after a busy day in Orlando.
Mecatos Across Orlando
Despite Metrowest being the most popular and convenient location for theme park visitors, Mecatos has expanded far beyond a single café. What makes Mecatos truly special is its accessibility. With multiple branches across Orlando, including:
- Waterford Lakes – 12400 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 103, Orlando, FL
- Lake Underhill – 7790 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 101, Orlando, FL
- Lake Nona – 10783 Narcoossee Rd, Suite 125–129, Orlando, FL
- Downtown Orlando – 20 N Orange Ave, Ste 102A, Orlando, FL
- West Colonial / Ocoee – 10151 W. Colonial Dr, Ocoee, FL
- Hoffner (Edgewood) – 5645 Hansel Ave, Edgewood, FL
- Curry Ford – 2904 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL
- Apopka – 1725 Ocoee Apopka Rd, Apopka, FL
Residents and visitors are never far from a taste of Colombia. Each location offers the same high standards of quality, authenticity, and service while reflecting the local neighborhood vibe.
This expansion has made Mecatos not just a bakery chain but a cultural staple in Orlando, offering comfort food, coffee, and a sense of community to anyone seeking a genuine Colombian experience.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, enjoying a sit-down meal, or catering a special event, Mecatos and its fellow Colombian restaurants near Universal Studios ensure that your trip to Orlando is filled with both adventure and authentic flavor.
Catering & Community Connection
Mecatos also extends beyond its cafés through Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Catering, bringing Colombian favorites to office meetings, family gatherings, and special events. It’s a way for the brand to be part of Orlando’s everyday life, from morning coffee runs to milestone celebrations.
With its cozy ambiance, diverse menu, and multiple locations across Orlando, Mecatos Bakery & Cafe is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a place where Colombian tradition meets modern café culture. Whether you’re at the Metrowest location near Universal Studios or another branch across the city, Mecatos ensures every visit is a flavorful and welcoming experience.
2. Mi Colombia Restaurant
Just a short drive from Universal Studios, Mi Colombia Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that takes pride in offering homestyle Colombian cooking. The warm and inviting atmosphere immediately makes visitors feel at ease and at home. The star of the menu is the bandeja paisa, a generous platter featuring rice, beans, plantains, ground beef, pork cracklings, avocado, and a fried egg. Their sancocho (Colombian stew) is another must-try dish, especially if you’re looking for comfort food that tastes like it came straight from a Colombian kitchen.
The restaurant also emphasizes value, with generous portion sizes that can satisfy even the hungriest theme park-goers. Pairing your meal with fresh juices like maracuyá (passion fruit) or lulo enhances the authenticity of the experience.
3. Arepas El Chamo
While technically a Venezuelan-Colombian fusion spot, Arepas El Chamo has gained popularity among Colombians in Orlando for its wide variety of arepas that mirror the flavors and traditions of both countries. This eatery offers fillings such as shredded beef, black beans, cheese, and avocado, all stuffed into freshly made corn cakes. The vibrant flavors and casual setting make it a fun stop for a quick meal after a day at Universal Studios.
Although their specialty is arepas, the menu also includes empanadas and tequeños, which perfectly complement the Colombian culinary vibe. Their affordability and fast service make it a great place for groups who want to sample authentic Latin flavors without a long wait.
4. La Antioqueña Colombian Restaurant
La Antioqueña is another well-loved Colombian restaurant in Orlando, known for staying true to traditional recipes from Colombia’s Antioquia region. The restaurant’s specialty is its parrilladas (grilled platters), featuring cuts of steak, chicken, pork, and chorizo served with sides like yuca and plantains. It’s the kind of place where you can come with family or friends and share a massive, flavor-packed meal.
The casual and lively environment reflects Colombia’s friendly culture, and its bakery section also offers a variety of Colombian breads and pastries to enjoy with coffee. It’s an authentic taste of Antioquia right in Orlando.
5. Pio Pio Latin Cuisine
Located along International Drive, just a few minutes from Universal Studios, Pio Pio Latin Cuisine offers a diverse menu that highlights Colombian staples alongside other Latin American favorites. The restaurant is especially popular for its rotisserie chicken, seasoned with Latin spices and served with hearty sides. Their bandeja paisa is also a crowd favorite, featuring all the classic Colombian ingredients that make it such an iconic dish.
With its location on I-Drive, Pio Pio is a convenient stop for tourists who want to enjoy a sit-down meal before or after visiting the nearby attractions. The atmosphere is vibrant, the portions are generous, and the flavors are consistently on point.
Final Thoughts: Exploring Colombian Cuisine Near Universal Studios
Orlando may be best known for Universal Studios and Disney World, but its thriving food scene proves that it’s also a city of cultural richness and culinary variety. Colombian restaurants, in particular, bring the warmth, flavors, and traditions of Colombia straight to Central Florida.
For visitors looking to extend their adventure beyond the theme parks, these top 5 Colombian restaurants near Universal Studios provide the perfect blend of authentic cuisine and welcoming hospitality. From hearty bandeja paisa to freshly baked pastries and rich Colombian coffee, each stop offers a unique dining experience that feels both comforting and memorable.
Among them, Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Metrowest stands out as a must-visit, not only for its convenient location but also for its wide menu, catering services, and multiple branches across Orlando. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, enjoying a sit-down meal, or exploring Colombian flavors for the first time, Mecatos and its fellow Colombian eateries ensure your Orlando visit is filled with both adventure and authentic taste.
