Experience Kissimmee, in partnership with Atlas Obscura, has launched the Latin Culinary Trail, a “food journey” celebrating the Hispanic and Latino heritage foods of Osceola County. The trail features a variety of local establishments—including restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and bars—offering visitors an authentic and immersive culinary experience.
“With more than 55% of Osceola County identifying as Hispanic or Latino, our community’s culture and cuisine are central to the Kissimmee experience,” said DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, in a press release.
The Latin Culinary Trail launches with 20 restaurants and food spots, giving travelers and residents alike a deeper understanding of the people, traditions, and flavors that have shaped Kissimmee’s food landscape. Kissimmee is known as a bedroom community for the theme parks of next door; the food tour hopes to reposition an area with an identity as mostly a place where you stay if you aren’t in a theme-park adjacent lodging.
Some featured locations include:
- Food Trucks Heaven – A vibrant food truck park on US-192 with 50 trucks offering a variety of international and Latin-inspired cuisines.
- Susana’s Cafe – Housed in a charming historic Downtown Kissimmee home, this café serves dishes from across Latin America in a cozy indoor and outdoor setting.
- El Cilantrillo – A family-owned restaurant known for its authentic Puerto Rican dishes and generous portions – perfect for sharing.
- La Mexicana Restaurant – A women-owned Mexican restaurant and grocery store serving classic Mexican cuisine in a welcoming environment for food enthusiasts.
- Perico Ripiao Latin Food – A locally-owned and operated Caribbean restaurant offering a wide variety of delicious dishes of classic Dominican food.
The stories highlighted on the Latin Culinary Trail celebrate the individuals who bring Kissimmee’s rich culinary and cultural heritage to life, creating memorable experiences through food and tradition. One such destination is Susana’s Café; a charming downtown spot located in a beautifully preserved 100-year-old Craftsman home. Celebrated for bringing Costa Rican coffee culture to the city, the café serves artisanal coffee brewed with traditional methods alongside Latin dishes.
“Opening Susana’s Café was about more than serving food and coffee,” said owner Susana Martinez, Owner of Susana’s Café. “It was about preserving a piece of Kissimmee history and sharing the richness of Latin flavors with our community. We do everything with love—every cup, every dish is made to slow down, savor, and celebrate the culture we cherish.”
Atlas Obscura selected these 20 locations based on their ability to tell a bigger story through food—whether highlighting underrepresented communities, using local resources in unique ways, or revealing hidden culinary gems with fascinating histories.
“Food has the power to tell stories that go beyond the plate,” said Louise Story, Chief Executive Officer of the website Atlas Obscura. “Through this partnership with Experience Kissimmee, we enjoyed uncovering these hidden gems and are excited to highlight these restaurants and culinary experiences that reveal the rich history, culture, and creativity of the local Hispanic and Latino communities.”
