You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just feels... right? Not because it’s covered in gold leaf or has a Michelin star (though those are fine), but because the people there actually seem to like what they’re doing. That is the vibe at As You Like It Orlando. Honestly, in a city that is increasingly defined by massive theme park expansions and corporate restaurant groups, finding a catering-rooted gem like this feels like a win for the locals.
It’s tucked away.
Most people drive past the North Orange Blossom Trail area without a second thought. But for those who know the history of Orlando’s food scene, this spot is a staple of consistency. It’s not just a cafe. It’s a catering powerhouse that has been feeding the City Beautiful for years.
The Reality of As You Like It Orlando
If you’re looking for a 50-page menu with fusion-everything, you’re in the wrong place. As You Like It Orlando specializes in what I call "honest food." Think about the last time you had a sandwich where the bread didn't tear the roof of your mouth and the deli meats weren't shimmering with preservatives. That’s the baseline here.
They’ve built a massive reputation on their catering business. While the daily lunch crowd is loyal, the real heavy lifting happens behind the scenes for weddings, corporate events, and local parties. Why does this matter to you? Because catering-first businesses operate differently. They have to be experts at timing and temperature. If you can keep 200 people happy with hot salmon and crisp greens at a wedding venue, making a killer club sandwich for a walk-in customer is second nature.
The ownership has kept things focused. You won’t see them chasing every TikTok food trend. No "birria ramen" or "24-karat gold wings" here. Just solid, reliable catering and cafe staples.
What the Reviews Won't Tell You
Most Yelp reviews focus on the chicken salad or the wraps. And yeah, those are great. But the real soul of the place is in the customizability. The name isn't just a Shakespeare reference; it’s a business philosophy.
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I’ve seen them handle dietary restrictions that would make a sous-chef at a chain restaurant break out in hives. Gluten-free? Vegetarian? Just plain picky? They actually listen. In a world where "no substitutions" is becoming a standard rule to protect kitchen margins, their flexibility is a breath of fresh air.
Catering is a Different Beast
Most people don't realize that As You Like It Orlando manages a logistical puzzle every single day.
- They source locally when it makes sense, but they prioritize quality above all.
- Their staff retention is surprisingly high for the hospitality industry.
- The kitchen layout is designed for high-volume precision.
I spoke with a local event planner last year who told me that they are the "safe bet" in Orlando. Not "safe" as in boring. "Safe" as in the food shows up on time, it tastes exactly like it did during the tasting, and nobody gets food poisoning. In the catering world, that is the highest praise you can receive.
The Shakespeare Connection (Or Lack Thereof)
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. The name comes from the William Shakespeare play. But don't expect actors in tights or someone reciting a monologue while you eat your turkey club. The connection is purely thematic: "As you like it" refers to the bespoke nature of their service.
It’s about the experience being tailored to the guest.
In the play, the Forest of Arden is a place of escape and transformation. While the industrial stretch of Orlando it sits on isn't exactly a lush forest, the restaurant serves as a similar escape for the midday office crowd. It’s a quiet, reliable corner in a very loud city.
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Why the Location Matters
Being on North Orange Blossom Trail gives As You Like It Orlando a certain grit and authenticity. It’s away from the "Disney Bubble." You’re not paying a 30% markup because of a nearby castle. You’re paying for the ingredients and the labor.
It’s a functional part of the city.
The surrounding area is a mix of industrial parks, small businesses, and the heartbeat of Orlando's working class. This keeps the prices grounded. You can get a hearty lunch without feeling like you need to take out a small loan.
Breaking Down the Menu Favorites
If it's your first time, don't overthink it.
- The Chicken Salad: People talk about this for a reason. It’s not a mushy paste. It has texture. It has flavor. It’s arguably the most popular thing they do.
- The Daily Specials: This is where the kitchen gets to show off. They often run soups that feel like someone's grandmother is in the back stirring the pot.
- The Platters: If you’re ordering for an office, their platter presentation is miles ahead of the plastic-dome stuff you get at big-box grocery stores.
The Future of Catering in Orlando
The landscape is changing. With the rise of ghost kitchens and delivery apps, many local spots are disappearing. As You Like It Orlando has survived because they own their niche. They aren't trying to be a national franchise. They are trying to be the best caterer in Orange County.
There’s a lesson there for other businesses.
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Specialization beats generalization every time. By focusing on the "As You Like It" aspect—the customization—they’ve built a moat around their business that DoorDash can’t disrupt. People want a human connection when they’re planning a big life event like a wedding or a milestone birthday. You can't get that from an algorithm.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit or Event
If you're thinking about checking them out or hiring them, here is the move.
First, go for lunch on a Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s busy enough to see the kitchen in full swing but not so slammed that you can't appreciate the service. Order a signature sandwich and sit for a minute. Notice the regulars. You'll see people who have clearly been coming here for a decade.
If you’re looking at them for catering, don't just look at the PDF menu. Call them. Tell them your budget and your weirdest dietary requirement. Their strength is in the "custom" part of the job.
- Ask about their seasonal rotations. They often have items not listed on the main site.
- Check their delivery radius. They cover a surprising amount of Central Florida, but it's always good to confirm for the outlying suburbs like Lake Mary or Kissimmee.
- Book early. Especially for the holiday season or graduation month. Their calendar fills up faster than you'd expect for a "hidden" spot.
Forget the flashy downtown bistros for a second. Sometimes you just want food that tastes the way it's supposed to. That is exactly what you get here. It’s consistent, it’s local, and it’s exactly as you like it.