Strand

The story

Strand Orlando | Bib Gourmand New American Restaurant in Mills 50

A Neighborhood Restaurant with Purpose

The Strand was conceived as a small neighborhood restaurant with the ambition of becoming an everyday tradition in Orlando. Located in the historic Mills 50 District, the restaurant occupies a space that highlights mid-century sensibilities, creating an atmosphere that feels both special and familiar. Chef-owners Alda and Joe Rees, transplants from New Haven who have lived in the neighborhood for 27 years, describe Mills 50 as "as authentic as Orlando gets." Their vision was recently recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2026, a testament to the good quality, good value cooking they deliver nightly.

New American, Made from Scratch

The kitchen focuses on what the Reeses call the "New Old"—contemporary interpretations of classic culinary fare. Their New American cuisine emphasizes seasonal dishes made from scratch, inspired by fresh ingredients. The menu is constantly evolving, reflecting what is available and what the chefs believe will taste best. Their cooking is deeply personal: they prepare the foods they remember eating as kids, then "grow them up" with the flavors they love as adults. The result is a menu that feels rooted in memory yet thoroughly modern, with dishes that change regularly to showcase the best of each season.

A Carefully Curated Drink Program

To complement the food, The Strand features a rotating inventory of hand-selected natural wines, craft beers, and specialty cocktails. The beverage list is designed to evolve alongside the menu, ensuring that flavors complement one another and help elevate the meal. The restaurant prides itself on bringing the neighborhood together with good food and memorable experiences, all served by a knowledgeable and friendly staff.