DIXIE BELLES CAFE

DIXIE BELLES CAFE is one of Central Florida's sharpest contradictions: 4.6 stars from 2,814 diners, and an F health grade from the state. People plainly love the food. The inspection report tells a rougher story.

That F comes from 3 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 16 basic violations cited on February 9, 2026. It currently ranks safer than 2% of Orange County restaurants we grade — close to the bottom of the county. And the direction isn't reassuring: its recent inspections have been sliding, not recovering. If you want the flavor with fewer question marks, the safer-options list below maps higher-graded kitchens within a short drive.

Loved (4.6★) but failing (F, 54/100) · safer than 2% of Orange County

Get directions Call (407) 812-7012

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to DIXIE BELLES CAFE, by Florida DBPR grade:

Restaurant details

Health grade
F (54/100)
Violations
21 total — 3 high-priority, 2 intermediate, 16 basic
Address
7125 S ORANGE AVE, Orlando, FL
Cuisine
Other
Categories
Breakfast restaurant, Caterer, Diner, Family restaurant, Pancake restaurant, Restaurant
Price
$
Rating
4.6 stars (2814 reviews)
Seats
110
Phone
(407) 812-7012
Website
Official website
Photo of DIXIE BELLES CAFE
Photo: Dixie Belle's Cafe

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.6 Community-sourced rating 2,814 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

The crowd and the kitchen disagree here, and the gap is wide. Where service comes up, the rating that follows averages 4.9, so it reads as a strength. Pacing is the next most common subject, in 28% of reviews (averaging 4.8).

If you had to pick one number to represent this corpus it would be 5, the most frequently given rating (15 reviews). Of the 18 rated reviews, 18 sit at four stars or better and 0 at two or below. Freshness shows up in 17% of reviews as well, averaging 5.0.

Set against that, the state's own inspection graded the kitchen an F (54/100), with 3 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 16 basic violations recorded. Reviews describe the meal; the grade describes the conditions it was made in. DBPR last walked in on February 9, 2026. Across its inspection history the kitchen is declining, which argues for reading the older reviews with caution. Ranked against Orange County, it is safer than 2% of the restaurants we score. The citations behind that grade include food & equipment thermometers provided and accurate.

What to do with that is a judgement call — the reviews describe the experience, the grade describes the conditions behind it. Everything above is computed from the 18 reviews reproduced below.

Our own analysis of 18 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 27, 2026

    I so love coming here. It's just so wonderful all around. No words to describe it.

  • June 27, 2026

    Been going here for years. The food is always great and the service is out of this world. It’s our go to for a great breakfast and wonderful people. Nancy and her staff are a well oiled machine.

  • June 26, 2026

    The food was great. They were very slow, but they were doing a new roll out on tablets for ordering and paying. Got lost in the shuffle, but once they get that in order, will only take a day, love this place!

  • June 21, 2026

    Best Breakfast Spot in Orlando If you’re looking for a place that feels like home the second you walk through the door, Dixie Belle’s Cafe is it. From the friendly staff to the incredible food, everything about this place screams Southern hospitality. The portions are huge, the prices are fair, and every bite tastes like it was made from scratch. The biscuits are some of the best I’ve ever had, the grits are perfectly cooked, and the breakfast plates come out hot, fresh, and loaded with flavor. You can tell they genuinely care about the quality of their food and their customers. What really sets Dixie Belle’s apart is the atmosphere. It feels like a local favorite for a reason—everyone is treated like family. Even when they’re busy, the staff keeps a smile on their face and makes sure you’re taken care of. I’ve eaten breakfast all over the country, and Dixie Belle’s is the kind of place that makes you wish you had one back home. If you’re visiting Orlando or live nearby, do yourself a favor and stop in. You’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit. 10/10. Worth every minute of the wait. 🍳🥓☕️❤️

  • June 20, 2026

    First time eating here, nice atmosphere very friendly service, home cooked meals great prices. All around very nice business, definitely recommend eating here.

  • June 17, 2026

    Really good food

  • June 15, 2026

    A great, country place. Just like your grandma made. A hard to find in Orlando. Don't forget your sweet potato biscuit too!

  • June 14, 2026

    Friendly service, great family atmosphere and absolutely delicious, fresh food. I love this place. Packed in a Sunday morning, but we were able to get a table really quick.

  • June 8, 2026

    Very good food very professional

  • May 28, 2026

    Friendly, folksy atmosphere.

  • May 25, 2026

    It's nice it's relaxing uncomfortable in the people are nice

  • May 24, 2026

    Love this restaurant. The staff elevates the family oriented atmosphere.

  • May 16, 2026

    Excellent home cooked food. Not a chain restaurant. Great service. Felt like family❤️

  • May 8, 2026

    Country fried steak was perfect, absolutely smothered in gravy. $5 Bloody Mary had just the right amount of spice to it, very tasty and stronger than I anticipated. Friendly staff and quick service. Will definitely visit again.

  • May 1, 2026

    The food was very good. Large portions, great prices, friendly service. I highly recommend Dixie Belle's if you're in the area.

  • May 1, 2026

    Okay, I'm a sucker for Southern Comfort Food and places that make you feel like you are a regular even if you've never been there before. Places that, if you were a regular, you'd surely know everyone there by name. The food is extremely good. The service is absolutely some of the most friendly and accommodating I've ever experienced. The atmosphere is a cafe/dinner; clean, hospitable, and with just enough southern charm to be authentic without falling into the trap of becoming a theme restaurant. I had the Rueben and fries, the Rueben was cheesy with that slap-on-the-tongue sour kraut tang, the corned beef was spot on with just enough dressing to keep the flavors flowing without taking over the whole sandwich. The fries were homestyle with a crispy outside and a tender interior; just like a cloud... a fluffy deep fried cloud. I finished off my lunch with peach cobbler, it was creamy, peachy, and completely authentic... I absolutely love Dixie Belle's and make a point of going there every time I am in Orlando. Thanks "Y'all" for a great dining experience... (see you for breakfast!)!!!

  • April 16, 2026

    Great local gem!!! I was visiting a friend in Orlando and she mentioned Dixie Belle for breakfast. It was delicious! We arrived ~830am and had no wait, but the place was packed when we left!

  • April 12, 2026

    Food was pretty good. Small diner feel but pretty busy. Outside seating, counter seating, booths and tables. Lots of breakfast variety. They had gluten free bread when I asked and it was pretty good as toast.

Overall Score

20 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 0/40
    Grade F
  • Dietary transparency 0/20
    None listed
  • Community rating 18/20
    4.6★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 2/10
    Declining, 0% clean

Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.

Opening hours

Monday
6 AM to 1:30 PM
Tuesday
6 AM to 1:30 PM
Wednesday
6 AM to 1:30 PM
Thursday
6 AM to 1:30 PM
Friday
6 AM to 1:30 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Inspection history

The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.

  1. February 9, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    3 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 16 basic

    • 02 — Consumer advisory, date-marking & labeling of ready-to-eat foods
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating) (×2)
    • 05 — Food & equipment thermometers provided and accurate
    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage (×3)
    • 10 — In-use food dispensing utensils properly stored
    • 12 — Handwashing; employee eating/drinking/smoking practices (×2)
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×4)
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 25 — Single-service and single-use items (×2)
    • 33 — Garbage and refuse; premises maintained
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
  2. September 23, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    1 high-priority · 4 intermediate · 9 basic

    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 10 — In-use food dispensing utensils properly stored
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized (×3)
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided (×2)
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 40 — Employee personal belongings

This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →

Data last updated: February 9, 2026