10 Great Restaurants in Orlando

This rundown of the best restaurants in Orlando highlights just why the city is acclaimed as one of the top fine-dining destinations in Florida. Even though the Michelin team hasn’t covered these parts yet, if they did, many of these top picks would surely scoop at least a few stars between them thanks to a stellar mix of celebrity-run hotel restaurants and good old-fashioned BBQ joints.

While most of the restaurants here might eat into your vacation budget, they’re well worth it if you’re looking for an extra-special gastro experience. Our picks range from fine diners located in the city’s iconic theme park resorts to authentic smokehouses in the suburbs where you might have to queue outside on the weekend just to get a seat.

What are the greatest restaurants in Orlando?

1. Bull & Bear Smokehouse

Upscale steaks in the Waldorf Astoria

Good for: Food, Luxury

Bull & Bear Smokehouse is a fine Orlando steakhouse that just happens to be located within one of the city’s grandest hotels, the Waldorf Astoria. Overlooking the hotel’s namesake golf club – which skirts sprawling Walt Disney World – views through the floor-to-ceiling windows are superb.

The meticulous service and refined décor are similarly impressive, keeping things smart and sophisticated without ever feeling too stuffy. The steakhouse’s pièce de résistance has to be the 32-day dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye, which is big enough for two people to share. Read more

Location: Waldorf Astoria, 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln a, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

Open: Daily from 6 pm to 10 pm

Phone: +1 407-597-5500

2. 4 Rivers Steakhouse

For finger-licking barbecue

Good for: Food

BBQ lovers should look no further than 4 Rivers Smokehouse which is located a short drive north from Downtown Orlando in the Winter Park neighborhood. There’s nothing flashy about its non-descript façade, nor the canteen-style seating arrangements inside (you have a choice between high stools or college-style benches if you don’t want to sit next to strangers).

What 4 Rivers lacks in style it more than makes up for in flavor. Items ‘from the smoker’ include wings, racks of beef and pork ribs, and whole smoked chickens. The signature Angus brisket and pulled pork sandwiches also prove hugely popular.

Location: 1600 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm

Phone: +1 321-492-0977

3. La Luce at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Magical Mediterranean fare

Good for: Food, Luxury

The Hilton’s signature La Luce offers a refined Italian menu of thin-crust pizzas, delectable pasta, and an excellent Trattoria-style wine program. Only open for dinner, the candlelit tables and lulling music make for a romantic setting.

Generously-sized potions and lively service make this upscale bistro an excellent choice for the whole family too. If you’re not into wines, the creative Mediterranean-inspired cocktail list is well worth checking out. Try the sangria, Martinis, and summery spritzers.

Location: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

Open: Daily from 6 pm to 10 pm

Phone: +1 407-597-3600

4. Chef’s Table at the Edgewater

New-American eats

Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury

Chef’s Table at the Edgewater is an intimate dining experience, located just a few miles north-west of Downtown Orlando. It has received heaps of praise over the last few years, recognized by several regional and national awards.

This esteemed restaurant welcomes an ever-changing line-up of chefs, and with that comes a regularly altered menu, so you never really know what’s going to be served. Prices without wine or service start from around $55 for the set menus (Chef’s Table and Tasting Room) and feature dishes like 12-hour braised beef short rib and butterscotch creme brûlée.

Location: 99 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787, USA

Open: Monday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Tuesday–Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday from 4 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm

Phone: +1 407-230-4837

5. Seasons 52

Swanky joint with live piano music and valet parking

Good for: Food, Luxury, Nightlife

Seasons 52 creates its exciting menu with fresh, seasonal, produce—hence the name. This highly-rated restaurant also presents a nice mix of indoor and alfresco seating, with handsome views out back that stretch across the adjacent lake.

Seasons 52 also has an oak-fired grill and brick oven, helping to bring out the food’s natural flavors. Recommended dishes include the wood-grilled pork tenderloin, oak-grilled rack of lamb, Asian-glazed Chilean Sea Bass, and duck wing ‘lollipops’. There’s also a sturdy line-up of local craft ales and international wines.

Location: Plaza Venezia, 7700 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Open: Friday–Saturday from 11.30 am to 11 pm, Sunday–Thursday from 11.30 am to 10 pm

Phone: +1 407-354-5212

6. Yellow Dog Eats

Craft brews and comfort food

Good for: Food, Nightlife

The short drive out of town to Yellow Dog Eats is well worth it. A laidback café by day, this funky haunt turns into a live music bar at night. A menu of comfort food classics like club sandwiches, pulled pork burgers, tacos, and wraps draw in hungry punters.

Situated in a quaint house near Lake Toho, Yellow Dog Eats features a number of different areas, meaning you can slide up to the lively bar for a craft ale, seat yourself in an intimate corner if you’re on a date, or secure a spot in the charming courtyard to soak up the summery vibes. As you might have guessed from the name, it’s also pet-friendly.

Location: 1236 Hempel Ave, Windermere, FL 34786, USA

Open: Daily from 11 am to 9 pm

Phone: +1 407-296-0609

7. Seito Sushi Orlando

Creative cocktails paired with Japanese sushi

Good for: Food

Seito has been at the forefront of Orlando’s slowly evolving sushi scene for years, rolling out an inventive menu that uses traditional Japanese techniques to create new and bold takes on the classics.

Emphasis is placed on using the freshest ingredients possible – as Japanese cuisine dictates – with fish imported daily. But Seito is no one-trick pony, which is good news if you’re a not a fan of raw fish. Much of the menu is also made up of other Japanese staples, such as ramen, tempura, and fragrant curries. Read more

Location: 4898 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814, USA

Open: Tuesday–Wednesday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Thursday from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm, Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 11 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm (closed on Monday)

Phone: +1 407-898-8801

8. Reyes Mezcaleria

New takes on Mexican favorites

Good for: Families, Food

Reyes Mezcaleria is a stylish and lively eatery in Orlando’s North Quarter District. You can find it on the first floor of the One Orlando Center. While this location makes the restaurant convenient for business travelers, it’s also a nice pick for tourists exploring Downtown Orlando.

Reyes Mezcaleria is known for its impressive brunch and happy hour, as well as extensive tequila and mezcal offerings. The menu focuses on elevated takes on Mexican classics. Expect enchiladas filled with seared duck breast and tres leches cake topped with pecan cookie crumble.

Location: 821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +1 407-868-9007

9. Mythos at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Dine on the edge of Universal Studios’ Inland Sea

Good for: Families, Food

Mythos Restaurant is an award-winning eatery built into what appears to be a cave. Located in the Jurassic Park: The Lost Continent® section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the interior evokes the prehistoric setting well, though the menu takes a sharp detour from the caveman theme.

Greek and pan-Mediterranean dishes are Mythos Restaurant’s specialties, including risotto, mezze platters, and lamb skewers. What we love about this restaurant is that you can enjoy high-level contemporary cuisine with excellent service (and all the trimmings) without having to leave the fun of the theme park.

Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Open: Daily from 11 am to 9 pm

Phone: +1 407-224-3663

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10. Victoria & Albert’s

High-end Disney destination with a fixed-price menu

Good for: Food, Luxury

Victoria & Albert’s is the sort of place where reservations need to be made weeks in advance. You won’t get in without a dinner jacket and the restaurant’s six or more courses from their modern American/French menu (with wine pairing) will probably set you back the price of a couple of theme park tickets.

Orlando is not yet on the Michelin team’s radar, but Victoria & Albert’s has long been recognized as one of Florida’s best restaurants, having been awarded the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award consistently since the year 2000. Read more

Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830, USA

Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 5.30 pm to 8.05 pm (closed on Sunday and Monday)

Phone: +1 407-939-5277

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.