Where to Eat Near UCF and Waterford Lakes
East Orlando Dining, Grouped by Area
Looking for a new restaurant, a quick lunch or a comfortable spot for coffee? Living at Advenir at Polos East puts you near the dining options of Waterford Lakes, the University of Central Florida and the surrounding east Orlando neighborhoods.
The short answer: Start with Waterford Lakes Town Center for a variety of restaurants in one shopping destination. Options include Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, CAVA, Fat Rosie's and Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza. For coffee and brunch, explore the nearby Alafaya Trail corridor and UCF area. Restaurant offerings and hours can change, so confirm details before heading out.
Where Is the Best Place to Eat Near Polos East?
Waterford Lakes Town Center is a convenient starting point when you want multiple dining options in one place. Just a 6-minute drive from Advenir at Polos East, this open-air shopping center features a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, dessert spots, shopping, and entertainment. Get directions here.
If you are looking for more choices near campus, the UCF area has casual restaurants, international cuisine, cafes and places suited to a quick meal between errands or classes. Check your preferred route before leaving, since travel time depends on traffic and your destination.
What Is at Waterford Lakes Town Center?
Waterford Lakes offers a mix of full-service restaurants, fast-casual dining and convenient options for lunch or dinner. Here are a few places to consider:
- Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant: A full-service restaurant offering contemporary American dishes and a separate wine-tasting experience. Check the dining directory.
- CAVA: A fast-casual Mediterranean option featuring customizable bowls, salads and pitas. View location details.
- Fat Rosie's: A lively Mexican restaurant serving tacos, fajitas and other Mexican-inspired dishes. View location and hours.
- Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza: A pizza option known for its thin-crust Italian-style pies, salads and antipasti.
- Bento: A fast-casual choice for sushi, poke bowls and Asian-inspired meals.
- Panera Bread: A bakery-cafe option for sandwiches, soups, salads and casual meals.
Explore the official Waterford Lakes dining directory for current tenants, individual business websites and updates. Restaurant hours are set by each business and may differ from the shopping center's hours.
What About Restaurants Near Alafaya Trail and UCF?
The surrounding UCF and Alafaya Trail area offers more than campus dining. Consider these options when you want to try something different:
- Aurora at The Celeste: A full-service restaurant near UCF offering a more elevated dining experience. Find it at 4105 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826.
- Lazy Moon Pizza: A casual pizza spot near UCF at University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817.
- Azteca D'Oro Mexican Restaurant: A sit-down Mexican dining option at University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817.
- City Pho - UCF: A Vietnamese restaurant offering pho and other Vietnamese-inspired dishes at 3402 Technological Ave, Suite 124, Orlando, FL 32817.
These destinations are in the broader UCF area rather than necessarily within walking distance of the apartment community. Check a map and the restaurant's current listing for directions and operating hours.
Where Can I Find Coffee, Breakfast or Brunch?
Whether you're looking for your morning coffee, a relaxed weekend brunch or a place to meet friends, the east Orlando area has several options to explore.
Coffee shops
- Vespr Coffee Bar: A neighborhood coffee shop for espresso drinks and a casual cafe experience. Check its current location and hours before visiting.
- Foxtail Coffee: A Florida coffee brand offering espresso drinks, cold brew and other cafe favorites.Check directions for a convenient UCF-area location.
- Mecatos Bakery & Cafe: A Colombian bakery and cafe offering coffee, pastries and savory baked goods. Confirm the nearest location before heading out.
Breakfast and brunch
- Keke's Breakfast Cafe: A casual breakfast and lunch destination known for pancakes, omelets, French toast and other breakfast favorites. Check directions here.
- First Watch: A daytime restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, including omelets, avocado toast and fresh juices.Check directions here.
Business locations and operating hours can change, so check each restaurant's official website before visiting. For more lunch and dinner choices, see our Waterford Lakes dining guide .
Tips for Dining Out in East Orlando
- Check hours before you go. Individual restaurant hours can differ from shopping center hours and may change on holidays.
- Plan ahead for busy times. Popular restaurants can have longer waits during weekend brunch, dinner and UCF events.
- Look at menus online. Review current menus, prices and dietary options before visiting.
- Check the route. Traffic on Alafaya Trail and nearby roads can affect your trip, especially around peak commuting hours.
- Confirm new openings. Shopping center tenants and restaurant listings can change, so check the official directory for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Your Next Home in East Orlando
Explore available one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at Advenir at Polos East. Review floor plans, check current availability and schedule a tour to see whether the community fits your moving plans.
Schedule a TourWritten by the Advenir at Polos East team. 1700 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828. Last updated: October 23, 2026. Restaurant details, menus and hours may change. Confirm current information directly with each business. Contact the leasing office. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM-6 PM; Saturday, 9 AM-5 PM; Sunday, closed.