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Dubbed as the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando is also making waves in the culinary scene with its impressive line-up of fine dining options. From global delicacies to innovative fusion dishes, indulge in the city’s culinary gems that will have your palate craving for more.
While Orlando is known for its world-famous theme parks, this bustling city is also home to a thriving food scene that’s worth the visit for that sole reason itself. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you won’t be disappointed with what Orlando has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to unique dining concepts, many options for fine dining in Orlando are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
While most of these restaurants might eat into your vacation budget, they are all well worth it for the chance to indulge in some of the city’s most exceptional culinary creations.
So if you’re ready to tease your taste buds, keep reading and discover these upscale restaurants in Orlando that will inspire you to plan your next gastronomic journey.
1. Capa
Located on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Capa is a Spanish restaurant that boasts a sleek interior design and panoramic views from its spacious al fresco terrace. This Michelin-star restaurant features cured meats, Spanish cheeses, and tapas including foie gras with quince. Their main courses are equally impressive, with options like Wagyu beef, a rack of lamb, and short ribs braised in rich rioja sauce. Their dessert selection is also a standout, featuring unique offerings like crema de coco and hazelnutty guindilla.
But it’s not just the food that makes Capa a popular restaurant. With impeccable service and an extensive wine list, it’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or a treat-yourself night out. And don’t worry about bringing the kids along; Capa offers a children’s menu and the staff is more than happy to accommodate your little ones. Plus, the rooftop location means you can enjoy a stunning view of Walt Disney World fireworks while you dine. So if you’re looking for a high-end dining experience with a Spanish twist and a scenic view to boot, this restaurant is an excellent choice.
2. Knife & Spoon
Nestled inside The Ritz-Carlton Grand Lakes, Knife & Spoon offers an indulgent take on surf and turf in a grand setting. Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll be welcomed by a large open kitchen, windows all around, and an imposing ceiling that looks like a geode cut and open, with dim light coming down from above.
Award-winning Chef John Tesar leads the way in the restaurant’s concept and menu, offering the best in raw, chilled, and lightly-cooked seafood preparations while highlighting the best USDA prime cuts hand-selected from the Lone Star State.
Whether you’re craving steak or seafood, heaping creative sides like caviar potato pave and kimchi creamed spinach shall serve as perfect accompaniments. In addition, the sophisticated, modern décor, relaxed Florida vibe, and superbly curated cocktails and wines make Knife & Spoon a favorite dining destination for locals and tourists alike.
Plus, with its coveted Michelin star, you can be sure that you’ll be treated to an unforgettable culinary experience while on holiday in Orlando.
3. Tiffins Restaurant
Tucked inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Tiffins Restaurant takes you on a culinary adventure around the world. As you step inside, the warm ambiance adorned with African artifacts and colorful lanterns sets the tone for another grand dining experience.
Tiffins takes you on a flavor journey featuring favorites from the countries that inspired the park itself. Mediterranean appetizers, South American entrees, and Indian flavors light up their menu. From their mouth-watering butter chicken to their hearty braised lamb shank, every dish is made with fresh and exotic ingredients. And don’t forget to save room for the guava mousse with lemon curd– a light and refreshing dessert that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the meal.
In addition, the restaurant has an impressive wine list and an array of after-dinner liqueurs, specialty drinks, and dessert wines for perfect must-try pairings.
4. Prato
Found at the heart of Winter Park, Prato is the perfect spot for Italian food enthusiasts looking for a restaurant that doesn’t skimp on quality. The restaurant’s simple yet elegant decor serves as the perfect backdrop for expertly-crafted dishes that are sure to delight any foodie’s palate.
Start your meal with the famous Prato meatballs, which are cooked in a wooden oven and topped with onions that are just sinfully delicious. Their pizzas are served thin and crispy, with pure and fresh ingredients that transport you straight to Italy with each bite.
Chef Brandon McGlamery also puts his spin on classic Italian dishes, using only the freshest ingredients and ensuring that nearly every offering is cooked over a wood fire. Don’t miss the mustard spaghettini cacio e pepe with speck and radicchio, a pasta dish that will absolutely leave you wanting more!
5. Enzo’s On The Lake
Yet another unique fine Italian dining experience, Enzo’s on the Lake is a long-standing restaurant that has been delighting diners for nearly 30 years. With its stunning lake view and authentic cuisine, many guests choose Enzo’s for its charming and homely atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating different special occasions, including weddings and private parties.
Its interior boasts some colorful, Picasso-esque paintings by one of the owners’ mothers, adding a touch of artistic flair to the space. Enzo’s does Italian classics to perfection, with dishes like Bucatini alla Enzo — a simple yet flavorful noodle dish with prosciutto, mushrooms, and parmigiano reggiano — a standout favorite. Other excellent options are Australian lamb, veal, and cozze (mussels in a white wine and garlic broth).
For starters, try the house antipasto and burrata cheese served with grilled ciabatta. Make sure to save room for dessert, as their house carrot cake is to die for!
6. Victoria & Albert’s
When it comes to world-class fine dining in Orlando, few restaurants can compare to the exceptional culinary offerings of Victoria & Albert’s. With just one seating per evening for a maximum of 50 guests, the chance to dine here is highly coveted, with reservations often filling up months in advance. But for those lucky enough to secure a spot, a gastronomic journey of the highest order awaits.
Set on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista, this restaurant exudes elegance and sophistication, evoking the charm of Florida’s Victorian-era seaside retreats. The constantly changing menu, led by Chef Matthew Sowers, is expertly curated with dishes that will tantalize your taste buds from start to finish.
Royal Belgian Caviar atop a cauliflower panna cotta, Glacier 52 Toothfish with charred mushroom and sambal, and Danish Hiramasa with carrot and Okinawan potatoes are among the current offerings. Try the Wagyu A-5 Miyazaki with potato rösti and romesco for the ultimate indulgence.
For dessert, the Spectrum of Chocolate, a blend of specially sourced chocolates with hints of vanilla, Champagne, and Grand Marnier, are perfect finales to a perfect evening of grand dining.
7. Chatham’s Place
For nearly 35 years, Chatham’s Place on Dr. Phillips Boulevard has been a go-to spot for locals and visitors looking for a genuine fine dining experience in Orlando. Their menu is short but packed with creative takes on classic dishes, including lump Cajun crab cakes, and rack of lamb. With a quiet and intimate setting, diners can enjoy live piano accompaniment while savoring their meals.
Start your dining experience at Chatham’s Place with a delectable soup, like the cream of portobello mushroom or the lobster bisque. Their smoked salmon carpaccio and caprese salad are also popular appetizers. As for main entrees, you can choose from delicious seafood and steak options like Florida black grouper and filet mignon, as well as a rack of lamb and duck breast. Side dishes such as steamed broccoli or cauliflower gratin are also served. Don’t miss the dark chocolate mousse for a decadent finish that will surely satisfy any sweet tooth.
8. Kres Chophouse
Located in the heart of O-Town’s historic district, Kres Chophouse is another fine dining spot in Orlando that beautifully blends classic and modern styles. With chic and elegant decor, including luxurious banquettes and private dining options, the restaurant offers an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a sumptuous dinner.
The menu at Kres Chophouse focuses on house-aged, hand-cut prime steaks and the freshest seafood, showcasing the high quality of their ingredients rather than relying on pretentious gimmicks. Their full bar offers a diverse and well-curated wine selection, as original as the art on the walls. In addition, they also offer a weeknight happy hour featuring half-priced appetizers at the bar, making it an ideal spot for after-work drinks and bites.
Not only does Kres Chophouse boast an impressive menu of house-aged prime steaks and fresh seafood, but they also offer an outdoor seating area where pets are welcome to join in on the indulgence. So, whether you’re savoring every bite of your juicy steak or you’re bringing your furry friend to let them enjoy their own slice of heaven, Kres Chophouse is the perfect destination for a memorable dining experience.
9. Chef’s Table At The Edgewater
Tucked away in the corner of The Edgewater Hotel is the Chef’s Table, an intimate establishment where guests can enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner with optional wine pairings or small plates in the Tasting Room. The dining room boasts around only 10 tables, all with a full or partial view of the kitchen where Executive Chef Kevin Tarter and Sous-chef Crystal Womelsdorf, both alumni of Disney’s California Grill, work their magic.
The prix fixe menu highlights the kitchen’s mastery of flavors and textures, with dishes such as luscious foie gras crème brûlée and perfectly seared sesame-crusted sushi-grade tuna. Make no mistake about it, the Chef’s Table provides a complete and unforgettable experience when fine dining in Orlando, with thoughtfully listed wine pairings for each dish.
10. Bull & Bear Steakhouse
Located in Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Bull & Bear Steakhouse prides itself on its top-quality beef, traditional atmosphere, and attentive service. The restaurant takes inspiration from its New York counterpart and offers a menu of classic steakhouse dishes with a modern twist.
In addition to traditional favorites like the Bull & Bear Shellfish Platter for two and a hearty Fred Flintstone-sized Tomahawk steak, the menu also features unique offerings such as Escargot & Gnocchi and B&B Fried Chicken.
But it’s not just the food that distinguishes Bull & Bear. Having been named one of the Top 100 restaurants in the United States by OpenTable, the restaurant is also well-known for its avant-garde cuisine, inventive handcrafted cocktails, and personalized team service.
Diners can also witness table-side preparation of their dishes, adding to the overall dining experience. Lastly, no visit to Bull & Bear is complete without trying their famous Lemon dessert, a one-of-a-kind creation that’s sure to leave any food fan a lasting impression.
Experience The Best of Fine Dining in Orlando with Hotala
Orlando’s vibrant and diverse food scene makes it a top destination for food enthusiasts seeking exceptional fine dining experiences in Florida. From classic Italian to modern American, the city boasts an impressive array of restaurants that showcase exceptional culinary expertise and creativity.
So when you visit, don’t limit your trip to Orlando by simply exploring its many theme parks and attractions. Be sure to make time to discover the city’s culinary gems and its vibrant neighborhoods, too! What’s even more convenient is that many vacation rentals are located within walking distance of these fantastic restaurants, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the food scene without worrying about driving back to your accommodations after a night of dining and drinking.
You can start planning your gastronomic journey to this bustling city by exploring these hotels and resort rentals in Downtown Orlando. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly properties, you can find one that matches your travel itinerary and provides the amenities you need to make your stay both convenient and memorable.
So come hungry and ready to create unforgettable culinary journeys that will last a lifetime in the ‘City Beautiful!’
TLDR
Get ready to indulge in Orlando’s world-class fine dining scene with our guide to the top restaurants in the area.
From Michelin-starred establishments to unique dining concepts, Orlando’s food scene has something to offer everyone. Take a culinary journey through the city and discover exquisite cuisine, stunning views, and unforgettable dining experiences.
And the best part? Many vacation rentals are located within walking distance of these fantastic restaurants, making it easy to immerse yourself in Orlando’s food scene without worrying about driving back to your accommodations.
So, come hungry and savor the moment with Hotala’s guide to the best fine dining in Orlando.
