Blog Nona

A small, single-location Japanese ramen shop with hours-long broths and nine ramen styles, open since 2023

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Wa Ramen is at 10627 Narcoossee Road in the Publix-anchored Cornerstone at Lake Hart center, at Narcoossee and Moss Park Road. It opened in November 2023 and is the only Wa Ramen; it comes from the team behind Wa Sushi in Casselberry. It is a small, roughly 35-seat shop with a minimalist room and broths simmered for about eight hours. The menu has nine ramen styles, including shio, shoyu, miso, black sesame tantanmen, tomato tonkotsu tsukemen and a vegetarian ramen. Small plates include hanetsuki gyoza, chicken karaage and bao, with taiyaki for dessert.

Wa Ramen is a small, independent ramen shop: a small, minimalist shop with origami butterflies on the walls, broth simmered for hours, and nine distinct styles of ramen. Orlando Weekly described it as a glimpse of the Japanese way.

It opened at Cornerstone at Lake Hart in late 2023. Here is what to order and how it compares with Lake Nona's other ramen.

Where is Wa Ramen in Lake Nona?

Wa Ramen is at 10627 Narcoossee Road in Cornerstone at Lake Hart, the Publix-anchored center at Narcoossee and Moss Park Road.

It took over a former Chinese restaurant space in Cornerstone at Lake Hart, which sits next to Nona Commons.

What kinds of ramen does Wa Ramen serve?

Wa Ramen serves nine styles: shio, shoyu, miso, soy-milk tonkotsu, spicy, black sesame tantanmen, yuzu shio, tomato tonkotsu tsukemen and vegetarian.

The broths combine pork, chicken, bonito and saba and simmer for about eight hours. Tsukemen is a dipping ramen: thick noodles served alongside a concentrated broth. If you are new to ramen, shio or shoyu is a good start; for something richer, try the tantanmen.

The kitchen has also run off-menu monthly specials. The menu changes from time to time, so check before you go.

What else is on the menu?

Small plates include hanetsuki gyoza with a crispy lace skirt, chicken karaage and bao, with taiyaki for dessert.

Taiyaki is a fish-shaped Japanese cake with a sweet filling, an easy way to end the meal. The vegetarian ramen makes it a workable choice for meat-free diners.

Who runs Wa Ramen?

Wa Ramen comes from the team behind Wa Sushi in Casselberry; the Lake Nona shop is the only Wa Ramen.

It is a small, independent business with about 35 seats, so it is a small room rather than a big dining hall.

How does Wa Ramen compare with Token Ramen?

Wa Ramen is the independent, multi-style ramen shop; Token Ramen & Sushi is the tonkotsu-focused chain counter with sushi.

Token Ramen & Sushi at Lake Nona Greenwood on the south end leads with Hakata-style tonkotsu and adds sushi and rice bowls. Wa Ramen is the one for a wider range of ramen styles and a quieter, more traditional room.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of Lake Whippoorwill-Hart and North Shore at Lake Hart live closest to Cornerstone at Lake Hart.

The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• Orlando Weekly — Wa Ramen opens in Lake Nona (2023)
• Orlando Weekly — Wa Ramen review

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

A single-location Japanese sushi and grill restaurant with sake on the north end of Lake Nona

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Tsuki Sushi & Grill is at 9430 Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32827, in the Nona Park center at Narcoossee and Dowden Road. It is a single-location Japanese restaurant, not part of a chain. The menu covers maki and specialty rolls, nigiri and sashimi, hibachi entrees, ramen, poke and rice bowls, tempura, katsu and bento. It serves sake, including sake cocktails, and wine, and has a kids menu. Tsuki offers direct online ordering for pickup or curbside, plus delivery.

On the north end of Lake Nona, Tsuki is the neighborhood sushi bar: a single, independent restaurant at Nona Park with a long roll list, hibachi plates and a sake menu.

Here is what to order and how it compares with Lake Nona's other Japanese restaurants.

Where is Tsuki Sushi & Grill in Lake Nona?

Tsuki is at 9430 Narcoossee Road in Nona Park, at the southwest corner of Narcoossee and Dowden Road.

Nona Park also holds Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar, Huey Magoo's and Brooklyn Water Bagel, and sits near LaVina Marketplace.

What does Tsuki serve?

Tsuki serves sushi and Japanese grill dishes: maki, signature and chef's special rolls, nigiri and sashimi, hibachi, ramen, poke, tempura, katsu and bento.

The sushi and sashimi Love Boat for two is the showpiece order, and the Monster Roll is a house signature. Hibachi entrees include a filet mignon option, and tempura cheesecake is the unusual dessert. There are lunch specials as well.

The menu changes from time to time, so check the current version before you go.

Does Tsuki serve sake?

Yes. Tsuki serves sake, including fruit sake and sake cocktails, plus wine.

That makes it a good pick for sake with sushi on the north end of Lake Nona. Vegetarian rolls and dishes are available, and there is a kids menu.

Does Tsuki offer takeout and delivery?

Yes. Tsuki takes online orders for pickup or curbside, and delivers directly and through DoorDash.

Check Tsuki's website for hours and ordering.

How does Tsuki compare with Lake Nona's other sushi spots?

Tsuki is the independent sushi bar on the north end; Nona Sushi is the broad-menu spot in the middle of Narcoossee; Nami is the MICHELIN-recognized special occasion.

Nona Sushi at Nona Commons and Maki Hibachi at Lake Nona Landing cover similar ground. Nami at the Wave Hotel is the omakase-and-cocktails night out.

Choose Tsuki for a casual sushi dinner with sake close to the north-end neighborhoods.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of Northlake Park, Water's Edge, Nona Preserve and La Vina live closest to Nona Park.

The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• Tsuki Sushi & Grill — official website
• Tsuki Sushi & Grill — online ordering

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

A single-location neighborhood pizzeria that puts plantains, guava and Puerto Rican flavors on its pies

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Nona's Urban Pizza is at 9971 Tagore Place, Suite E1, in Lake Nona Landing, in the same Tagore Place building as Tabla and Jeremiah's. It is a single-location, locally run pizzeria. The menu mixes Italian and Caribbean flavors, with specialty pies such as the Domi, topped with plantains, salami, fried cheese and guava sauce. It also offers build-your-own pizzas, calzones, wings, subs and pasta, plus a cauliflower crust and pizza-making kits for kids. Nona's Urban Pizza offers pickup and delivery through its own site and the major apps.

Most Lake Nona pizzerias stick to New York or Neapolitan styles. Nona's Urban Pizza puts plantains, guava and Puerto Rican flavors on its pies, which sets it apart from the community's other pizzerias.

It is a small, single-location shop at Lake Nona Landing. Here is what to try and how it compares with Lake Nona's other pizza spots.

Where is Nona's Urban Pizza?

Nona's Urban Pizza is at 9971 Tagore Place, Suite E1, in Lake Nona Landing, just south of the SR 417 interchange.

It shares its Tagore Place building with Tabla and Jeremiah's Italian Ice, inside Lake Nona Landing.

What makes Nona's Urban Pizza different?

Its specialty pies mix Italian pizza with Caribbean and Puerto Rican flavors.

The signature Domi is topped with plantains, salami, fried cheese and guava sauce. Other specialty pies include the Tripleta, La Jíbara and Chama, and there is a Korean barbecue pizza for something different.

If you would rather keep it simple, build-your-own pizzas, calzones, wings, subs and pasta are all on the menu, with cannoli and tiramisu for dessert.

Does Nona's Urban Pizza have options for kids and special diets?

Yes. It sells pizza-making kits for kids and offers a cauliflower crust.

The pizza kits are a fun weekend activity at home. The cauliflower crust is an alternative to regular dough, though it should not be treated as certified gluten-free.

The menu changes from time to time, so check the current version on Nona's Urban Pizza's website.

Does Nona's Urban Pizza deliver?

Yes. You can order for pickup or delivery through its own site, DoorDash and Uber Eats.

It is close to the Laureate Park and Alora side of Lake Nona.

How does Nona's Urban Pizza compare with Lake Nona's other pizza spots?

Nona's Urban Pizza is the Caribbean-fusion pizzeria; Tomasino's is New York style; Park Pizza is the wood-fired brewpub; Giovanni's is the Italian kitchen.

Tomasino's at Eagle Creek and Park Pizza & Brewing in Town Center cover the classic styles.

Choose Nona's Urban Pizza when you want something you will not find at the others.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of Laureate Park and Alora live closest to Lake Nona Landing, where pizza, Indian food and Italian ice share one building.

The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• Nona's Urban Pizza — official website

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

A single-location street taqueria from the local group behind Don Julio and Pisco, open at Lake Nona Village since 2022

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Hot Taco Street Taqueria is at 9680 Narcoossee Road, Suite 103, in the Lake Nona Village center on the north end of Lake Nona. It opened in 2022 and is the only Hot Taco location; it is run by the local group behind Don Julio Mexican Kitchen and Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar. The menu centers on street tacos: birria and quesabirria, al pastor, pollo pibil, asada and carnitas, plus ceviche, elote and queso. It serves beer and margaritas, including margaritas to go, and has vegan tacos. Hot Taco offers takeout, delivery, family bundles and catering through its own site and app.

Lake Nona has sit-down Mexican restaurants and fast-casual burrito counters. Hot Taco is the street taqueria: small, quick and focused on tacos, with margaritas you can take home.

It comes from the same local group as Don Julio and the two Pisco restaurants, and it is the north end's taco spot. Here is what to order.

Where is Hot Taco in Lake Nona?

Hot Taco is at 9680 Narcoossee Road, Suite 103, in Lake Nona Village on the north end of Lake Nona.

Lake Nona Village also holds Nona Blue Modern Tavern, Piazza Italia and Panera Bread.

What should you order at Hot Taco?

Start with birria or quesabirria tacos, then try al pastor, pollo pibil, asada or carnitas.

Beyond tacos there are flautas, ceviche, elote and queso dip, and churros, chocoflan and tres leches for dessert. Aguas frescas and mangonadas cover the non-alcoholic side. Vegan tacos are on the menu too.

The menu changes from time to time, so check the current version before you go.

Does Hot Taco serve margaritas?

Yes. Hot Taco serves beer and margaritas, including margaritas to go.

Taking margaritas home with a family bundle of tacos makes it an easy weekend dinner. Check Hot Taco's website for current offers.

Who runs Hot Taco?

Hot Taco is run by a local Central Florida restaurant group that also operates Don Julio Mexican Kitchen, Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar and Pisco Express.

It opened at Lake Nona Village in 2022 and is the only Hot Taco location. It offers takeout and delivery through its own site and app, family bundles, catering and a rewards program.

How does Hot Taco compare with Lake Nona's other Mexican options?

Hot Taco is the street taqueria; Don Julio and Azteca D'Oro are the sit-down restaurants; Lime Fresh is the fast-casual grill.

Don Julio Mexican Kitchen, its sister restaurant at Eagle Creek, is the full-service version with a tequila bar. Azteca D'Oro at Nona Marketplace and Lime Fresh at Shoppes at Nona Place round out the options.

Choose Hot Taco for birria and a quick taco night on the north end.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of Northlake Park, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Nona Crest, Nona Preserve and Water's Edge live closest to Lake Nona Village.

The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• Hot Taco Street Taqueria — official website
• Don Julio Restaurant Group — our restaurants
• Orlando Taco Week — Hot Taco Street Taqueria

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

The original location of a two-restaurant Venezuelan spot, serving arepas from breakfast to dinner since 2019

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Arepa Burger is at 10727 Narcoossee Road, Suite B1, in the Nona Commons center just south of Moss Park Road. The Lake Nona restaurant opened in 2019 and is the original; a second Arepa Burger is at Waterford Lakes. It serves Venezuelan food: arepas, including the pabellón, tequeños, pastelitos, empanadas, pepitos and patacón burgers. It opens early and serves from breakfast through dinner. Arepa Burger offers dine-in and online ordering for pickup and delivery.

An arepa is a griddled corn cake split and stuffed with fillings, and it is the everyday bread of Venezuela. Arepa Burger built its name on them, and on using them in place of burger buns, starting with this Lake Nona restaurant in 2019.

It is a small, two-location business and one of the few places in Lake Nona to eat Venezuelan food. Here is what to order.

Where is Arepa Burger in Lake Nona?

Arepa Burger is at 10727 Narcoossee Road, Suite B1, in Nona Commons, on the east side of Narcoossee Road just south of Moss Park Road.

Nona Commons also holds Sweet Mama's, Durian Durian and Nona Sushi.

What should you order at Arepa Burger?

Start with an arepa, such as the pabellón with shredded beef, black beans and plantain, and a plate of tequeños.

Tequeños are fried sticks of dough wrapped around white cheese, a classic Venezuelan party snack. Pastelitos and empanadas are the other starters. The menu also has patacón burgers, which use fried green plantain in place of a bun, and the pepito, a loaded Venezuelan steak sandwich.

Fresh juices and imported sodas round it out. The menu changes from time to time, so check the current version before you go.

Does Arepa Burger serve breakfast?

Yes. Arepa Burger opens early and serves from breakfast through dinner.

Arepas are a breakfast food in Venezuela, so an early arepa and coffee is the traditional way to try one. Order online for pickup or delivery through Arepa Burger's website.

Is Arepa Burger a chain?

No. Arepa Burger has two restaurants: the original in Lake Nona, opened in 2019, and a second at Waterford Lakes.

It is a small, locally run business, and the Lake Nona restaurant is where it started.

How does Arepa Burger compare with Lake Nona's other Latin spots?

Arepa Burger is the Venezuelan option; Mecatos is the Colombian bakery; Pisco Express is the Peruvian counter.

Mecatos at nearby Nona Marketplace serves Colombian-style arepas alongside its pastries. Pisco Express at Eagle Creek covers Peruvian classics.

For a stuffed arepa and tequeños, Arepa Burger is the one.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of North Shore at Lake Hart, Nona Terrace, Nona Crest, East Park and Water's Edge live closest to Nona Commons, where Venezuelan, Thai, sushi and Southern breakfast share one parking lot.

The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• Arepa Burger — official website
• Arepa Burger — locations
• WhatNow Orlando — Arepa Burger (2021)

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

A single-location, family-run Neapolitan restaurant with a brick wood-fired oven, serving Lake Nona since 2016

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Piazza Italia is at 9685 Lake Nona Village Place, Suite 105, in the Lake Nona Village center on the north end of Lake Nona. It is a single, family-run restaurant that opened in Lake Nona in 2016; the family has roots in Naples. Pizzas are baked in a brick wood-fired oven, alongside fresh pasta, lasagna and seafood. It serves beer and wine, has outdoor seating, and offers vegetarian and vegan options. Piazza Italia offers takeout, curbside pickup, delivery, reservations and catering.

Piazza Italia is a family-run Neapolitan kitchen tucked into Lake Nona Village, with a brick wood-fired oven and, reviewers note, Italian spoken in the kitchen.

It has been part of the north end of Lake Nona since 2016. Here is what to order and how it compares with the community's other Italian restaurants.

Where is Piazza Italia in Lake Nona?

Piazza Italia is at 9685 Lake Nona Village Place, Suite 105, in Lake Nona Village on the west side of Narcoossee Road.

Lake Nona Village sits at the entrance to Northlake Park and also holds Nona Blue Modern Tavern, Panera Bread and Menchie's.

What does Piazza Italia serve?

Piazza Italia serves Neapolitan pizza from a brick wood-fired oven, fresh pasta, lasagna and seafood.

Diners single out the gnocchi alla Sorrentina, penne alla vodka, and pizzas such as the Napoletana and the truffle-topped Tartufata. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available.

The menu changes from time to time, so check the current version before you go.

Is Piazza Italia family-run?

Yes. Piazza Italia is a single, family-owned restaurant whose family has roots in Naples.

It opened in Lake Nona in early 2016, making it one of the longer-running independent restaurants in the community. It serves beer and wine and has outdoor seating.

Does Piazza Italia offer takeout and catering?

Yes. Piazza Italia offers takeout, curbside pickup, delivery through the major apps, reservations and catering.

Pizza and baked pasta trays work well for parties and office lunches. Check Piazza Italia's website for hours.

How does Piazza Italia compare with Armando's?

Both are Neapolitan-style independents; Piazza Italia is the smaller family-run room, Armando's the larger restaurant with a full bar and piazza.

Armando's at Nona Marketplace adds cocktails, brunch and a wrap-around outdoor piazza. Giovanni's at Lake Nona Creekside is the casual pizzeria on the west side.

Choose Piazza Italia for an intimate, family-run Italian meal close to the north-end neighborhoods.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of Northlake Park, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Nona Crest, Nona Preserve and Water's Edge live closest to Lake Nona Village.

Long-running independents like this one are part of what gives the north end of Lake Nona its settled feel. The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• Piazza Italia — official website
• Lake Nona — Piazza Italia community listing

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

A Neapolitan Italian restaurant with a wood-fired oven, handmade pasta and a wrap-around outdoor piazza, open since 2020

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Armando's is at 10775 Narcoossee Road in the Nona Marketplace center, on the east side of Narcoossee Road. It opened on September 3, 2020, and is one of two Armando's restaurants; the other is in Winter Park's Hannibal Square. The kitchen focuses on Neapolitan cooking: wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and Italian classics, with ingredients imported from Italy. It has a full bar, a wrap-around outdoor piazza, and serves lunch, dinner and brunch. Reservations are taken by phone, including for groups and private events.

Armando's arrived in Lake Nona in the fall of 2020 with a wood-fired oven, imported Caputo flour and a wrap-around outdoor piazza, and it has stayed a popular Italian dinner in Lake Nona since.

It is a small, locally owned group rather than a chain. Here is what to order, what the setting is like, and how it compares with Lake Nona's other Italian restaurants.

Where is Armando's in Lake Nona?

Armando's is at 10775 Narcoossee Road in Nona Marketplace, on the east side of Narcoossee Road.

Nona Marketplace also holds Mecatos Bakery & Cafe and Azteca D'Oro, and sits beside Nona Commons.

The restaurant's outdoor piazza wraps around the building, and diners mention views over a lake and fountain from the terrace.

What does Armando's serve?

Armando's serves Neapolitan Italian food: wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and classic entrees such as chicken parmigiana, marsala, veal piccata and zuppa di pesce.

The pizza dough uses imported Caputo flour and the sauce uses tomatoes from Naples, baked in a wood-fired oven. Diners often single out the lasagna. There are separate lunch, dinner and brunch menus, plus wine and cocktail lists.

The menu changes from time to time, so check the current version before you go.

Does Armando's have a bar and outdoor seating?

Yes. Armando's has a full bar with wine and cocktails, and a wrap-around outdoor dining piazza.

The piazza is the seat to ask for on a pleasant evening. Inside, the room has an Art Deco-inspired look. Weekend brunch is also served.

Who runs Armando's?

Armando's is a small, locally owned Central Florida group with two restaurants: Lake Nona and Hannibal Square in Winter Park.

The group also operates Vesuvio, a sister restaurant in College Park. Reservations, including groups and private events, are taken by phone.

Check Armando's Lake Nona website for hours and menus.

How does Armando's compare with Lake Nona's other Italian restaurants?

Armando's and Piazza Italia are the two Neapolitan-style independents; Giovanni's is the family-run pizzeria and Italian kitchen at Lake Nona Creekside.

Piazza Italia at Lake Nona Village is a smaller family-run Neapolitan restaurant. Giovanni's Pizzeria & Kitchen is the casual pizza-and-pasta option on the west side.

Armando's is the one for a full Italian dinner with a cocktail on the piazza.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of North Shore at Lake Hart, Nona Terrace, Nona Crest and East Park live closest to Nona Marketplace, which puts a sit-down Italian dinner a few minutes from home.

If having that kind of restaurant nearby matters to you, factor it into how you compare neighborhoods. The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• Armando's Lake Nona — official website
• Orlando Weekly — Armando's College Park becomes Vesuvio (2025)

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

The third location of an Orlando-area Vietnamese restaurant, serving pho, clay pots and rice platters near East Park

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

City Pho & Grill is at 10799 Moss Park Road, Suite 104, in the Shoppes at East Park Village center on the Moss Park Road side of Lake Nona. It is the third location of an Orlando-area Vietnamese restaurant, after Maitland and the UCF area. The menu covers pho, vermicelli bowls, rice platters, fried rice and clay pot dishes, plus shakes and a kids menu. A dedicated vegetarian section includes tofu, eggplant and a vegetarian noodle soup. City Pho offers dine-in, online ordering for takeout, and delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Lake Nona's other pho shop is on the south end of Narcoossee Road. City Pho & Grill gave the Moss Park Road side of the community its own, in the new Shoppes at East Park Village center.

It also brings clay pot dishes and a broader sit-down Vietnamese menu. Here is what to order and how it compares with Pho Haven.

Where is City Pho & Grill in Lake Nona?

City Pho is at 10799 Moss Park Road, Suite 104, in Shoppes at East Park Village, part of the East Park Village development near SR 417.

The center was completed in 2024 and shares the East Park Village development with apartments and medical offices. Its neighbors include a second CFS Coffee shop and BaBbi BaBbi Korean Kitchen.

For residents of East Park and the Moss Park neighborhoods, it is closer than the restaurants along Narcoossee Road.

What does City Pho & Grill serve?

City Pho serves pho, vermicelli bowls, rice platters, fried rice and clay pot dishes, plus Vietnamese and fusion specialties.

Clay pots are the dish to try if you have only had pho before: rice cooked and served in a clay pot with toppings such as curry or shaking beef. Vermicelli with grilled pork and spring roll, and grilled pork chop rice platters, are other Vietnamese staples on the menu.

Shakes, a kids menu and desserts round it out. The menu changes from time to time, so check the current version before you go.

Does City Pho have vegetarian options?

Yes. A dedicated vegetarian section includes lemongrass tofu, braised eggplant, Buddha's delight and a vegetarian noodle soup.

Vietnamese sauces and broths often contain fish sauce, so if you are vegan or strict about it, ask staff before ordering.

Is City Pho a local restaurant?

Yes. City Pho & Grill is a small Orlando-area group: the original is in Maitland, the second near UCF, and Lake Nona is the third.

The Lake Nona restaurant was announced in 2025 and is now open. Order online for takeout through City Pho's website, or use DoorDash or Uber Eats for delivery.

How does City Pho compare with Pho Haven?

City Pho is the broader sit-down Vietnamese menu near Moss Park Road; Pho Haven is the pho and banh mi spot on the south end at Eagle Creek.

Pho Haven on Narcoossee Road at Eagle Creek focuses on pho, banh mi and rice bowls. City Pho adds clay pots, more rice platters and a dedicated vegetarian section.

Pick the one closer to home for a bowl of pho; pick City Pho if you want to try clay pot dishes.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of East Park and the Moss Park neighborhoods live closest to Shoppes at East Park Village, which has added coffee, Vietnamese and Korean food within a short drive of home.

New centers like this one are changing how convenient each part of Lake Nona is. If that matters to you, factor it into how you compare neighborhoods. The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• City Pho & Grill — official website
• WhatNow Orlando — City Pho planning third spot (2025)
• SRS — Shoppes at East Park Village

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

The quick-service sibling of Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar, serving ceviche, lomo saltado and chaufa on the south end of Lake Nona

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

Pisco Express is at 9717 Eagle Creek Center Boulevard, Suite 100, in Eagle Creek Center on the south end of Lake Nona. It is a fast-casual Peruvian restaurant, the counter-service spin-off of Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar. Both are run by the local group behind Don Julio Mexican Kitchen, whose Eagle Creek restaurant is a few doors away. The menu covers ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, causa, chaufa fried rice, empanadas and soups, with pisco cocktails. Pisco Express offers dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering.

Lake Nona has a sit-down Peruvian restaurant on the north end and a quick one on the south end, and both come from the same local restaurant group. Pisco Express is the quick one: the counter-service sibling of Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar, at Eagle Creek Center.

Here is what Pisco Express serves and how it compares with its full-service sibling.

Where is Pisco Express in Lake Nona?

Pisco Express is at 9717 Eagle Creek Center Boulevard, Suite 100, in Eagle Creek Center on the south end of Lake Nona.

Eagle Creek Center also holds Don Julio Mexican Kitchen, Keke's Breakfast Cafe, Pho Haven and Tomasino's Pizza.

What does Pisco Express serve?

Pisco Express serves Peruvian classics: ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, causa, chaufa fried rice, seafood rice, empanadas and soups.

Ceviche comes in classic and carretillero styles, lomo saltado is the stir-fried beef with fries and rice, and chaufa is Peru's Chinese-influenced fried rice. Passion fruit mousse is a popular dessert, and the drinks list includes pisco cocktails.

The menu changes from time to time, so check the current version before you go.

How is Pisco Express different from Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar?

Pisco Express is the quick counter-service version; Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar is the full-service restaurant and cocktail bar.

Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar at Nona Park, on the north end of Lake Nona, is the place for a sit-down dinner, Nikkei maki rolls, a big pisco bar and weekend brunch. Pisco Express brings the core Peruvian dishes to a faster, simpler format on the south end.

Choose the Express for a quick lunch or takeout, and the Gastrobar for a night out.

Who runs Pisco Express?

Pisco Express is run by a local Central Florida restaurant group that also operates Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar, Don Julio Mexican Kitchen and Hot Taco.

It was announced in late 2022 as a spin-off of the Gastrobar, taking over a former restaurant space at Eagle Creek Center. It is unrelated to other restaurants named Pisco Express elsewhere in Florida.

Does Pisco Express offer takeout and catering?

Yes. Pisco Express offers takeout, delivery and catering, plus online ordering and a rewards program.

Peruvian rice dishes and lomo saltado travel well, which makes it a good takeout option for the south end of Lake Nona.

Hours change, so check Pisco Express's website before you go.

What the Neighbors Know

Residents of Eagle Creek, Laureate Park and Isles of Lake Nona live closest to Eagle Creek Center, where Peruvian, Mexican, Vietnamese and breakfast spots sit side by side.

If that kind of variety close to home matters to you, factor it into how you compare neighborhoods. The full list is in our Lake Nona restaurant guide.

Official Sources

• Pisco Express — official website
• Lake Nona Social — Pisco Express announced (2022)

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Two parks built for young children, side by side in Winter Haven: LEGOLAND for ages 2 to 12 and Peppa Pig Theme Park for toddlers and preschoolers.

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated October 2026

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a 150-acre theme park resort at One LEGOLAND Way in Winter Haven, about [VERIFY: road miles from Lake Nona Town Center, est. 55] miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It opened in 2011 on the site of the former Cypress Gardens and is designed for children ages 2 to 12, with more than 50 rides and attractions. The resort also includes a water park, the SEA LIFE Florida aquarium, the preserved Cypress Gardens botanical gardens and three themed hotels. Peppa Pig Theme Park, which opened next door in 2022, is a separate, separately ticketed park aimed at children about 2 to 5. Tickets for both parks can be bundled, and LEGOLAND sells annual passes.

Orlando's big theme parks are built for everyone, which in practice means a lot of rides a four-year-old cannot go on. LEGOLAND Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park are the opposite: almost everything in them is built for young children, and they sit side by side in Winter Haven, southwest of Lake Nona.

It is the farthest outing in our Explore Orlando guides that we still recommend to Lake Nona families with small kids. The drive is longer than to Disney, but the parks are smaller, calmer and easier to do in a day.

Where is LEGOLAND Florida, and how far is it from Lake Nona?

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is at One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, about [VERIFY: road miles, est. 55] miles southwest of Lake Nona Town Center.

From Lake Nona the route heads west and south past the Disney area into Polk County. It is a longer drive than any Orlando theme park, so most local families treat it as a full-day trip or stay overnight at one of the resort's hotels.

What is there to do at LEGOLAND Florida?

LEGOLAND has more than 50 rides, shows and attractions across themed areas such as LEGO City, LEGO Kingdoms and LEGO NINJAGO World, plus a water park, an aquarium and Miniland USA.

Most rides are scaled for children, with height limits low enough that preschoolers can ride much of the park. Miniland USA, built from millions of LEGO bricks, recreates American landmarks and is as popular with parents as with kids. The LEGOLAND Water Park adds slides, a wave pool and a lazy river, and the SEA LIFE Florida aquarium is part of the resort.

The park also kept the botanical gardens of Cypress Gardens, the attraction that occupied the site for decades before LEGOLAND, including its famous banyan tree. It is a quiet corner for a break from the rides.

What is Peppa Pig Theme Park?

Peppa Pig Theme Park is a small, separately ticketed park next to LEGOLAND, designed for toddlers and preschoolers, with six gentle rides, a splash pad and play areas.

It opened in 2022 as the first standalone Peppa Pig theme park in the world. Rides include Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster, a first coaster for small children, and Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure. Muddy Puddles Splash Pad and free fair games fill out the day.

It is short and simple by design. Most families spend a few hours there, and it works best for children who are still too small for much of LEGOLAND, or as the second half of a two-park day.

Which park is right for your kids?

Choose Peppa Pig Theme Park for toddlers and preschoolers, LEGOLAND for children roughly 4 to 10, and a combination ticket if you have both.

Children older than about 10 often outgrow LEGOLAND quickly, and families with teenagers are usually better served by Universal or Fun Spot America. For a family with a toddler and an older sibling, buying both parks for the same day lets each child have their park. Check the parks' calendars before you go: hours vary by season and day.

Is a LEGOLAND annual pass worth it for Lake Nona families?

Usually not, unless your children are in the 3-to-8 range and you plan at least two trips a year; the drive limits how often most Lake Nona families go.

Compare the pass price with single-day tickets on LEGOLAND's website. Families who plan an overnight stay each year may find the pass pays off sooner. For closer outings with young children, Crayola Experience and Lake Nona's own Terra Play Center are much shorter drives.

How does LEGOLAND compare with Orlando's big theme parks?

LEGOLAND is farther from Lake Nona than Disney or Universal, but it is smaller, less crowded and almost entirely built for young children.

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld are all closer to Lake Nona and serve every age. LEGOLAND's advantage is focus: shorter lines for small children, rides they can actually go on, and a park a family can see in a day. More regional outings are on the Explore Orlando hub.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona's young families tend to save LEGOLAND for birthdays and school breaks, and pair it with a night at one of the resort's hotels. The drive starts on SR 417, so residents of neighborhoods near the highway, such as Laureate Park, Northlake Park and Randal Park, have the easiest start.

For outings closer to home, see the Nona Fun attractions and entertainment hub, and compare communities on the Lake Nona neighborhoods page.

Official Sources

• LEGOLAND Florida Resort
• Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.