Fresh Kitchen — Restaurant in Alafaya

Always good eats at Fresh Kitchen. Staff was helpful but there was a bit of confusion upon ordering. I knew I wanted the Four bowl and chose brown rice as a base. At first I didn't realize I could choose two separate bases as it had been a while since my last visit and when the staff member was trying to clarify this for me she kept looking up at the sign when speaking, so each time I couldn't hear her words. I have a moderate hearing loss so in loud environments it happens that I need to see a person's lips and face to understand their words. I kept needing to ask her to repeat herself though she continued to look up at the menu when speaking her words over for me again. I finally realized I could also have those yummy Sweet Potato Noodles as a second base by awkwardly taking a moment to read the sign, above, more clearly. Good thing no one was in line behind us at the time!😌

When my bowl was passed to the second staff member I asked for sweet potatoes as a veggie first, and I really thought I heard her respond they were out of them. However, I could see a good volume of them ready to be served. I must have heard her wrong, but added to the previous confusion it just made for an uncomfortable moment. It wasn't the staff's fault at all, though they seemed a little desensitized to their guests' experience in the moment.

I contribute my perspective of the ordering experience to the cumulative decibel level of the interior atmosphere, in general. I was happy to finally make it to the staff member who served my protein choice of roasted salmon with much more ease. I thoroughly...

Today I tried Fresh Kitchen in Waterford Lakes for the first time. I want to thank the entire staff that was on the serving line at 1:30pm, 13Sept2025. When I walked it it was very very busy. I almost decided to leave because I realized that I would need to carry my food and a drink to my seat and I use forearm crutches to walk due to a handicap. Given the crowd, I wasnt sure it would be worth the challenge, but, in the end, I got into the queue, which I was glad to see moved quickly. Every person on the line offered a smile and a friendly word. They answered questions, offered suggestions, and showed genuin concerned about a possible food allergy when I asked if one of the selections contained nuts. The young lady at the register asked if she could help me carry my bowl to a seat. She quickly made sure someone took over the register when I accepted her offer to help. After helping me get seated, she took my glass and got me a cup of ice water and made sure I was all set. She nicely gave me her name, which I promptly forgot (sorry), and told me to let her know if I needed anything else. I've come to expect apathetic counter service at most places lately. The FK Team's positive attitude and smiles gave me reason to rethink that assumption. Kudos to a well trained group of really nice people. Oh...and the food...Amazing! This is my new "go to" for a good meal...

The Chipotle Beater; The Gut Pleaser

If you’re one of those millennials, like myself who just may be infatuated with Chipotle (or maybe you aren’t) but want an alternative, this is your place.

Atmosphere You’re invited to the Alafaya location of Fresh Kitchen with seductive scents evaporating from the grill in the air outside. Once inside, you’ll notice a setup akin to Chipotle: get in line, place your order, enjoy your meal inside or outside. With either choice, you’ll be accompanied by up to 50 other voices and good music.

Service As can be expected for a food-fast restaurant. Tips are optional though since they do bring your food outside.

Quality The food. I ate a 6 Bowl for $.10 more than the 4 Bowl. I got two kinds of rice, BBQ chicken, steak, asparagus with sesame, a not-spicy Southwest salsa. The combination was only magnified to another atmosphere with the ginger sauce! Needless to say, my tastebuds each had a joyous occasion all to themselves- something Chipotle cannot match.

The only reason this can’t get 5 stars is the price. You’ll easily spend more than Chipotle but I can’t say I’m not mad. I’m actually more satisfied.

Don’t forget a Moo Free with the Paleo Chocolate Chip cookies(highly recommend)!

Perfect for yourself, dates,...