Orlando Spotlight: I Love Orlando Cafe

The I Love Orlando Cafe is a charming and inviting cafe located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, particularly well-known for its prime location near Lake Eola Park.¹

What Makes It Unique and History

• Love for Orlando: The cafe was designed and dreamed up by two Venezuelan immigrants who have a deep affection for the city, which they consider their home.² The name “I Love Orlando” stems from this sentiment, celebrating “The City Beautiful.”³

   

• Location and Ambiance: It boasts a delightful dining experience with an outdoor seating area that offers beautiful views of Lake Eola.⁴ The ambiance is often described as cozy, with a beautiful aesthetic featuring golden stools and floral, elegant decor, making it an “Instagram-worthy” spot.⁵

   

• Pet-Friendly: It’s a pet-friendly establishment, welcoming customers to enjoy their meals and coffee with their dogs (“pups”) in the outdoor seating area.⁶

   

• Community Hub: The cafe aims to be more than just a place to eat and drink, but rather a community hub where locals and visitors can connect.⁷

   

• Founders: It was co-founded by Chef Joseph Aintabi (bringing culinary mastery) and Dr. Carlos Croes (guiding the aesthetic finesse).⁸ It opened around late 2023 or early 2024, moving into the former location of the B.⁹ Nice Patio Bar.

   

Highlight Menu Items

The menu offers a blend of breakfast, lunch, coffee, and dessert options, with a focus on quality and hospitality.¹⁰ Some highly-rated and popular items include:

• Breakfast & Brunch:
  • Chicken & Waffles: Often highlighted, this features crispy chicken served on fluffy, heart-shaped waffles, drizzled with maple syrup and garnished with fresh fruit and cream.¹¹

     

  • Salmon Toast: Smoked salmon, avocado & cream cheese spread, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and capers on rustic toast.¹²

     

  • The Everything Bagel: Crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese on a toasted bagel.¹³

     

  • Build Your Own Arepas: A golden, crispy corn cake with various fillings (Arepas are a nod to the Venezuelan heritage of the owners).¹⁴

     

• Coffee & Drinks:
  • Lavazza Coffee: They feature premium fresh-brewed Lavazza coffee.¹⁵

     

  • Orange County Coffee: A unique drink blending coffee with orange juice.¹⁶

     

  • Iced Mocha and Iced Caramel Macchiato are popular choices.¹⁷

     

  • They also serve beer, wine, and mimosas.¹⁸

     

• Other Bites:
  • Mozzarella & Prosciutto Croissant (Shaved prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and balsamic reduction).¹⁹

     

  • Caprese Flatbread.²⁰

     

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews are generally positive, often highlighting:

• Atmosphere: Praised for its beautiful, cozy, and relaxing ambiance, often with views of Lake Eola.²¹

   

• Food Quality: Many customers find the food and drinks to be delicious and well-prepared, often noting the beautiful presentation.²²

   

• Service: The staff, including owners Joseph and Carlos, are frequently mentioned as being friendly, attentive, and providing warm service.²³

   

• Convenience: The cafe uses kiosks for ordering, which customers often find user-friendly and seamless.²⁴

   

Significant Events

Specific, large-scale historical events that took place at the cafe are not prominently documented, as it is a relatively new establishment. However, its history is tied to the Downtown Orlando area and Lake Eola Park, making it a recurring spot for daily life, casual meetings, and perhaps smaller community gatherings and local events typical of a vibrant cafe in a prime location.

Contact Information and Links