Taste
Finding The Top Best Restaurants in Orlando
Orlando may be best known for its epic theme parks and entertainment, but make no mistake! It is now a foodie's paradise. The destination has undergone somewhat of a dining renaissance in recent years and now offers one of the most diverse and exciting food scenes in the world. Orlando has it all when it comes to a happening food scene, from the theme park restaurants to local classics in vibrant neighborhoods to chic and eclectic cutting-edge eateries, a pizza lover’s delight, and fun food trucks.
Choose from celebrity chef restaurants to local legends and many other options in between, from food trucks to the most elegant experiences. Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Orlando to find that perfect hidden gem or the tried and true legacy restaurants that will meet your current craving. Discover an Omakase restaurant with only nine seats secreted away in the Audubon Park Garden District, or hit one of the luxury hotels for some fine dining.
The Hidden Hotspots and Newcomers
- Tiffins - Tiffins Restaurant has a five-star safari ambiance. Even the bread service rocks with naan and lavash with chutney, but don't fill up too soon. The Mediterranean-leaning appetizers include artisanal cheeses, falafel, and charred octopus. Some of the more popular entrees are the hearty braised lamb shank, sustainable caught whole fish, or butter chicken. Wrap it up with the guava mousse with lemon curd, just enough to finish a fabulous meal.
- Black Rooster Taqueria - If you can't get enough tacos, this is your kind of place. All sorts of tacos are served up in a vibrant Southern Cal setting. The work of local artists fills the walls, and the tacos, bowls, and salads are colorful with bright pink pickled cabbage and freshly made guacamole. The cocktails, like the Jarritos fruit-flavored soda, are equally colorful and appealing. The guac is, of course, made to order, and the shrimp ceviche is fantastic. Try one of the combos like slow-roasted achiote pork, roasted chicken with tomato-chipotle sauce, and carne asada with pickled red onions and Oaxaca cheese. Save room for the yummy desserts- our favorite is the chocolate chipotle flan.
- The Stubborn Mule - This downtown restaurant is always packed, and for a good reason. They are known for creative versions of American fare and their signature mule cocktails. There are nine variations of the mule! The weekend brunch is a great scene, with crowds waiting to get in and order their unlimited mimosas and entrees like Who Woke Up First, a hangover beater sandwich with funnel cake fried chicken topped with bacon, egg, and cheese between two cinnamon pastries.
- Baldwin Park - The Osprey and Seito Sushi - Baldwin Park is alive with food and a Gen Z vibe. They have an innovative food hall, East End Market, a ramen spot, and lots more. Baldwin Park is anchored by two excellent restaurants, The Osprey and Seito Sushi. The Osprey Tavern on New Broad Street now focuses on seafood, and you'll love the stuffed Maine lobster roll, the Cioppino, and trout. Finish it off with Baked Alaska. At Seito Sushi, you'll enjoy reinvented teriyaki chicken, Korean bi bim bap, bao bun, and some of the best sushi you'll ever have.
- Kadence - Omakase is the Japanese phrase used when ordering sushi in a restaurant meaning "I'll leave it up to you," and you may be tempted to do just that. This Audubon Park gem with just nine seats is as entertaining as it is delicious. Watch the masters slice, dice, and plate with precision and expertise. The flair is one attraction, but the food is the real thing. The ingredients are flown in from Japan several times weekly, and they hold to traditional methods and rituals. This is a one-of-a-kind experience for sushi lovers. By the way, they book a month in advance and require pre-pay for a reservation!
The Legacy Restaurants
- Victoria & Albert's - Located in the elegant Grand Floridian Resort, this spot is at the top of the list for fine dining in Orlando. This has long been known as one of the best restaurants in Orlando. It is a high-end New American restaurant serving up a seven-course prix fixe menu and a 10-course Chef's Tasting Menu. The Victorian decor and impeccable service make this a luxurious dining experience in a romantic ambiance. Try the pork ribeye, or visit the Tasting Room for small tapas-style plates for a more casual experience. This is the perfect special occasion spot.
- The Edison at Disney Springs - The Edison is an elegant, 1920's themed restaurant, bar, and entertainment destination located in Disney Springs. This is a fantastic restaurant with lots of namesake bulbs. It's clear that the Imagineers were involved with the design, which features steam engines, boilers, and an old-fashioned clock tower. The menu is mainly reimagined favorites like fried calamari, deviled eggs, meatloaf, pulled pork sandwiches, and fish tacos and burgers. The Gatsby-inspired nightly entertainment will transport you back in time. Sip on signature cocktails or hit the dance floor. You may see flapper-style dresses, burlesque-style dancers, or even stilt walkers for entertainment.
- Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando - When you are ready to treat yourself to an elegant and elevated dining experience, head over to Capa. Capa will be on any list of best Orlando restaurants. They offer attentive and sophisticated service, outstanding food and libations, and a view to die for. On the top floor of Four Seasons, they offer endless views from their two large terraces of the resort's beautiful grounds and Walt Disney World. Dine on caviar, A5 Wagyu beef, or their specialty, Spanish paella reinvented. The rice is cooked in a red wine stock and topped with crispy chorizo and sweet and sour relish. Yum!
- Eddie V's Prime Seafood - For a sophisticated and romantic experience, head to Eddie V's, another one of the best Orlando restaurants. The rooms are romantically lit, and smooth jazz fills the air. The seafood is excellent, as are the aged steaks, and the entertainment brings it all together for an exceptional experience. Some favorites are the jumbo lump crab cake and Chilean Sea Bass. The menu features seasonal fish like Norwegian Salmon, South African lobster, and Georges Banks scallops.
- Capital Grill on International Drive - Still one of the best restaurants in Orlando is Capitol Grill. Their seafood is fresh and tasty, and the dry-aged steaks are unmatched. Order the Filet with Wild Mushrooms and Fig Essence or the 22-ounce Bone-in ribeye. Try at least one of the yummy sides like Lobster Mac'n' Cheese, Parmesan Truffle Fries, or Grilled Asparagus. The vibe is a top-notch steakhouse, and the service impeccable.
- Wine Bar George - This wine-focused restaurant is located in a gorgeous brick building near The Landing section of Disney Springs. The rustic wood tables and bottles stacked high over the bar create a friendly and fun feel. The menu is somewhat limited since the focus is on the wine, but the food is good, and you can enjoy classics like a BLT, steak frites, or chicken salad sandwich with house-made chips for a Napa picnic-inspired lunch. You can create your own small plate dinner with hummus, burrata, grilled Romaine, cheeses, and charcuterie platters. Finish it off with family-sized skirt steak, sea bass, or chicken.
- Bull & Bear at The Waldorf Astoria - For our beef-lovers, Bull & Bear is the place to head. Generous portions of top-quality beef like Certified Angus Beef and Black Angus served in a luxury steakhouse with a private country-club-like atmosphere make for an elegant and tasty experience. The vibe is crystal chandeliers and contemporary decor, and the service is attentive. Try the table side preparation.
Winter Park and other neighborhoods
Great casual dining is abundant in Winter Park. You'll find some hidden gems and some old favorites, and lots of the best Orlando restaurants. On the prestigious Park Avenue promenade sits The Ravenous Pig, and you'll want to sample the crispy pizza at Prato.
- Prato - Where is the best pizza in Orlando? Check out this Winter Park gem, named after Tuscany's second-largest city. The kids are welcome (if they are well-behaved!) The pizza, fresh from the wood-burning oven, is amazingly crispy, and you won’t want to pass up on the heirloom eggplant panini. The pasta is, of course, freshly made, and the menu changes frequently. Located on Park Avenue, Prato's has a sophisticated but casual vibe, with exposed brick and twinkling lights. They have plenty of Italian classics served up with a contemporary spin. Half-portions of the pasta dishes are available and recommended as a precursor to an entree. Their signature cocktail, the Cetriolo, is a must-try.
- The Ravenous Pig - This hip Euro-American gastropub in quaint Winer Park serves imaginative New American fare, beers that are brewed on-site, and great hand-crafted cocktails. They are reputed to serve up the best burger in Orlando. The lamb ribs are amazing, and pork burnt ends are a specialty. They have received a James Beard nomination and have made this a local and visitor's favorite. For a starter, choose the charcuterie board or Gatherer salad. The blue cheese and caramelized onion-topped burger is fantastic. Leave room for the Pig Tails, which are cinnamon sugar fritters with a chocolate dipping sauce.
The food scene in Orlando is hip, thriving, and diverse. If thoughts of the best restaurants in Orlando conjure up visions of chain restaurants, you are in for a wonderful surprise. Foodies will find a very vibrant food scene with lots of innovative and tasty options. If you are spending Thanksgiving in Orlando check out this article for more info. The challenge will be in choosing just one or two per day! Click here for some Adult Things to Do In Orlando after your dinner.
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