Top Restaurants in Downtown Orlando Fl

There is a common misconception that Orlando is about fast food and family-style chains, but this city is considered to be a connoisseur’s delight when it comes to food because there are endless options to check out from casual to fine dining in Orlando and everything in between. Orlando’s dining experience is definitely rich and interesting, and, if you know where to look, restaurants in downtown Orlando Fl are among the best. 

If you’re looking for Orlando fine dining, you will not be disappointed.  There are dozens of restaurants that offer a fine and  luxurious dining experience. From ethnic to classic to trendy, you will have tons of choices when you’re visiting this city. 

When it comes to lunch and dinner, Orlando will not let you down with its choice of restaurants, even if it is a fine dining experience that you’re after. That said, here are a few favorites that you can find around the city.

Itta Bena is a casual fine dining restaurant located in downtown Orlando where the ambiance is perfect for a meal and  intimate conversation. A piano is playing discreetly in the background, adding to the romantic atmosphere. The food varies from steaks to seafood, and everything in between. 

Morimoto Asia has something  that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The menu here offers more than their famous  Peking duck that will rival the best Chinese restaurants in the area. 

If you have booked a stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Victoria & Albert’s is a lovely spot to check out  for fine dining in Downtown Orlando. Notable for its perfect pairing of wine and fine cuisine, this restaurant offers a prix-fixe menu with ingredients sourced from the freshest  in the market daily.

Charley’s Steak House is one restaurant you should be sure to check out if you’re looking for beautifully prepared steaks that seem to melt in your mouth paired with one of the finest wines in their collection for a true gastronomic feast. This is a one of a kind restaurant in downtown Orlando Fl.

While you’re in Winter Park, Luma is a good option to consider for fine dining Orlando Fl. Whether you choose their three-course meal, or one of their several eclectic dishes, you’ll be sure to find something that pleases here.  

As you can see, there are tons of options to consider if you are looking for Orlando fine dining. But which one should you choose? Here’s a list of ten restaurants that are often considered the best fine dining Orlando. 

This French restaurant may look unassuming outside with its cream-colored building, but once you step inside, you will be greeted with mouth watering aromas. Found 11 miles south of downtown Orlando, this restaurant offers onion soup with cream and apple cider as one of its hors d’oeuvres, and entrees like Aubergine du Bayou Teche and Poulet “Coq au Vin”. A great option for a romantic restaurant in Orlando Fl.

Norman Van Aiken’s restaurant is found within Ritz Carlton Orlando where the menu showcases a fusion of Latin, African, Caribbean American, and Asian flavors. Aside from their mouthwatering menu, the view is stunning too. Think Key West Shrimp Ceviche for starters and main plates of Adobo Marinated Grilled Rack of Lamb, Ribeye Steak or Pan-cooked Filet of Florida Snapper. 

Located inside The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, this is another great example of fine dining downtown Orlando. Jazz musicians serenade the guests all night long, as you’ll enjoy with your choice of three to four course prix-fixe menus. One of their amazing desserts like warm caramel lava cake is a great way to end your spectacular meal of  Wagyu beef carpaccio and Australian lamb chops, don’t you think?.

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience while you are in Orlando with your significant other, Chatham’s Place should be on the top of  your list. They take pride in paying attention to every detail from the décor to the ambiance to the service. Couples who celebrate a special event here are treated by a complimentary dish from the chef and the food here is going to make your time here memorable. 

Fine dining restaurants in Orlando are not limited to couples, but they also cater to families like La Boucherie. A fine dining server will attend to your table and ensure that you will try their specialty dishes. Whether you are looking for sandwiches or steaks, the menu here is great. And the whole family will enjoy it here.

Found near Walt Disney World, The Venetian Room offers contemporary cuisine set in a romantic upscale environment where you’ll be treated to gnocchi stroganoff for starters, Dover Sole as an entree, and ,maybe some Tahitian vanilla bean creme brulee for dessert. The wine list here has received plenty of positive feedback from guests and connoisseurs. 

Soft melodies mixed with an opulent interior create a stunning environment for guests of Victoria & Albert’s that specializes in American cuisine. Their menu includes Maine Lobster “Jar” with Siberian Osetra Caviar or you can try their Jumbo Lump Crab with Cucumber Gelee. You can opt for their seven course prix-fixe courses at the Chef’s Table which will surely be one for the books.

Aside from their classic steakhouse cuisine like the 32 day Dry Aged Tomahawk Ribeye, you can also sample their Escargot & Gnocchi pasta, Flaming Lobster, or their pan-roasted Dover Sole. Their well trained sommeliers will happily suggest the best wine to pair with your meal. The exquisite views here are the perfect backdrop to the fine dining experience.

Another example of fine dining restaurants in downtown Orlando Fl, is LakeHouse in the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. This is a fresh concept of hotel-restaurant where sushi, fresh seafood, and flatbreads add to the casual but elegant vibe that you will feel right from the start. Don’t forget to try their sea bass with citrus butter sauce. Yum!  

The celebrity chef chooses Polynesian cuisine here where a menu of kalua pork, sushi, as well as crunchy shrimp are sure to make your choices difficult.  The banana cream pie here is a must-try as it is Emeril’s signature dessert.

It is always a good idea to make reservations, especially during peak hours to ensure that you will have a table when you arrive. This is particularly important when you have a large party to ensure that you will be accommodated on the time and date of your choosing. 

This depends on the restaurant that you want to try out. Be sure to check in advance.

Here are some tips that you might want to  take into consideration to get the best experience in these popular restaurants.

If you will be traveling to Orlando and want to try the best fine dining Orlando restaurant, do your research first in terms of what types of food are served, and make a reservation even before you travel to the city. 

As soon as you arrive in Orlando, don’t forget to confirm your reservation. 

If you have time, do read reviews on Yelp and other online sources to get an idea off what to expect in these restaurants. 

Depending on the type of restaurant that you’re booking, check if they have a dress code that you’ll need to adhere to. Some are quite strict when it comes to their dress code, so it is important that you dress appropriately. There will be restaurants that will require  men to be in jackets for fine dining. 

Checking the published  menu online is one way to plan your meals, but some restaurants will not post the prices there. You can always call the restaurant to give you details on your food choices so that you will not be surprised. 

Fine dining restaurants in Orlando are many, and it one experience that you will not soon forget. Whether you are into casual fine dining, romantic restaurants, or one that upholds a dress code, Orlando will not disappoint. 

[1] Orlando Vacation. com; 10 Best Orlando Fine Dining Restaurant for Vacation, Trey Dulling, 2019.
[2] Yelp; Best Dining in Orlando, Fl; 2019.
[3] Elitetraveler; The 6 Best Restaurants In Orlando.
[4] Where Traveler Orlando; Orlando's Best Hotel Restaurants for Foodies, Laura Lee.