Eat Local Orlando: 2025

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Sparrow Wine Bar

Sparrow is a small, cozy restaurant in the North Quarter District, a short distance from downtown Orlando. Serving thoughtful, creative dishes in a relaxed setting. It is part of the Good Salt restaurant group, known for creating approachable and inventive dining experiences. Chef Wendy Lopez leads the kitchen, bringing fresh and seasonal flavors to each plate.

Sparrow offers a welcoming atmosphere with dark lighting and stylish décor that feels a bit like a library where you can enjoy a drink. There are a few tables outside by the sidewalk and bar seating inside, where you might get lucky and grab a spot without a reservation.

The staff are friendly and attentive, making for good service. Their cocktails are creative, especially the Tomato Gimlet, with bright tomato and lime flavors finished by basil, it was refreshing and unique. I also ordered an off-menu drink which was excellent.

Appetizers like the Pan con Tomate with the option to add Boquerones are tasty and creative. The Deconstructed Endive Salad with pecans, cheese and pickled onions offers a strong flavor, which some may love and others find a bit strong.

For entrees, try the Rigatoni Verde with a delicious meaty ragu or the Lumache Alla Vodka, which has vodka sauce, chorizo, and Sobrasada iberica with a little heat from Calabrian chilis. The pasta holds the sauce perfectly, a sign of careful preparation.

Desserts include Basque Cheesecake with Valencia orange and Burnt Vanilla Ice Cream with hot chocolate fudge. They are good but not especially memorable.

Overall, Sparrow is a solid choice for a relaxed night out with well-made food and drinks in a comfortable setting. It's a place worth visiting again.

For more details or reservations, visit their website sparroworlando.com. You can also find them on social media through their website.

Phone: (407) 614-9521

Address: 807 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

https://www.sparroworlando.com/

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Saturday, August 2, 2025

Baffone Italian Bakery & Restaurant Casselberry

I recently had the chance to visit Baffone, a new Italian bakery and restaurant in Casselberry, twice shortly after their opening, and I'm glad I did. Open for about a month, Baffone already stands out for its inviting, straightforward approach: handmade pasta, pizza, and a creative selection of pastries and gelato—all made in-house.

Baffone operates as a bakery and all-day eatery, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed, bright space. Their menu spotlights Italian classics, but with the added bonus of their own breads, cakes, and gelato. Prices for plates of pasta are notably lower than the average at other Orlando-area Italian spots, especially for this quality; the pasta is made in house.

On my first visit, I started with the bruschetta, topped with pesto and mozzarella—a fresh, herbal mix over crusty bread, with melted cheese. My second visit, I opted for the bruschetta with zucchini and mozzarella. Both versions were simple, satisfying, and generously portioned.

For my entree, I went with the carbonara on my first visit: ribbons of pasta tossed with egg, pecorino, guanciale, and cracked pepper. The sauce was creamy and the pork was crisp, making for a solid, straightforward version of this Roman classic. On my return, I tried the sausage and mushroom pasta, housemade pasta with a hearty, savory combination of sausage and sautéed mushrooms, I enjoyed this one as well.

On both visits, the staff was welcoming. The owner is genuinely invested in the guests' experience, often present and available to chat. The team of young servers is friendly and eager to help.

Baffone is new but already has ambitious plans: the owners hope to expand soon into the space next door with a wine bar and fine dining room, including occasional live music. This expansion should bring even more depth to what’s already a noteworthy addition to the local dining scene.

We enjoyed our food, and for the price, it really can’t be beat. After all, you know a place is good if the silverware is golden.

Baffone – Autentico Italiano

188 Sausalito Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707

Located next to Planet Fitness

Hours:

Monday–Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Closed Sundays

Website: baffone.us

Instagram: @baffone_italian

If you’re looking for housemade pasta, honest prices, and a neighborhood spot with friendly service, Baffone is worth a visit. Keep an eye out for their upcoming wine bar and special events!

Primo at JW Marriott Grande Lakes

I recently dined at Primo at JW Marriott Grande Lakes. Led by Chef Melissa Kelly, Primo has been part of the Orlando dining scene since 2003, when it opened as the resort’s signature dining venue. The space recently underwent a remodel, further elevating its atmosphere while maintaining its dedication to refined, locally inspired cuisine.

Chef Melissa Kelly is a two-time James Beard Award winner who started learning to cook in her Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Chef Kelly’s commitment to farm-to-table principles and sustainable sourcing was groundbreaking when Primo first opened, and it remains a defining characteristic of the restaurant today.

Primo specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern, seasonal approach. The menu highlights the freshest ingredients—many grown in the restaurant’s own organic garden and sourced from nearby purveyors. House-made pastas, seafood, and rustic, comforting flavors inspired by southern Italy.

During my visit, I began with a simple amuse-bouche of watermelon salad.

The next course was a brodo featuring a Parmesan-prosciutto broth with tender winter squash agnolotti. The broth was deeply flavorful and perfectly complemented the soft, pillowy ravioli. The squash was my favorite part, soft, creamy and a little sweet.