Love is in the Air: Orlando’s Top Date Night Dining Spots
The Orlando restaurant scene has practically every type of food and experience you could imagine, including impressive spots for love birds. If you and your significant other are looking for a romantic place to eat, I’ve got tons of suggestions that I wanted to share in this post.
I have divided up by location with enchanting ideas Downtown, in Winter Park, near the theme parks, and beyond. Though many options here are for intimate fine dining, I have also included some casual places. Read on to find my twenty-five recommendations for an unforgettable date night in Orlando.
Downtown Orlando
I have narrowed down six to choose from for those near Lake Eola, the Mills District, and the surrounding areas. I love visiting this area because you can also check out nearby fun bars before or after your dinner. The following range from casual and fun to a fancy splurge.
1. DoveCote – French Fine Dining
DoveCote is THE French restaurant Downtown that is sure to impress! Whether you go with an oyster raw bar or the tastiest cassoulets and steak frites you can find on this side of the Atlantic, they offer all sorts of elaborate dishes. Be sure to check out the extensive happy hour and weekend brunch for a unique date as well.
2. SOCO – Elevated Southern Cuisine
Another Thorton Park recommendation is SOCO, AKA Southern Contemporary. Though the bougie brunch is impressive, dinner is much more of a sophisticated affair.
You can try elevated southern dishes like grilled meatloaf, lobster mashed potatoes, and cornmeal crisped oysters. No matter when you go, try the skillet mac and cheese cassoulet- it’s to die for!
3. Eola Wine Company – Wine and Charcuterie
Wine lovers will definitely want to visit Eola Wine Company for date night. This cozy bar has dozens of vinos to order by the glass or as part of a wine flight, and charcuterie or flatbreads to go with it.
It’s open late on weekends, so you can go for dinner or a snack. With an unbeatable selection of wine and charcuterie, you are sure to have a lovely experience here.
4. Jinya – Ramen and Japanese Dishes
If you do not mind a little noodle slurping, Jinya is an excellent choice for dinner with your partner in Orlando. They offer imaginative ramen creations like shrimp wonton or vegan harvest.
In addition to the amazing ramen, there are also top-notch cocktails and delectable small plates to share, like spicy tuna and salmon cones. For an adventurous evening, Jinya checks all the boxes!
5. Santiago’s Bodega – Tropical Tapas
For couples looking to get a Key West-style meal without taking a seven-hour drive, Santiago’s Bodega is my first choice Here, you can get a tapas with an island twist for lunch, brunch, and dinner.
Reknowned dishes include goat cheese stuffed dates, orange-miso short ribs, and peach pineapple quesadillas, but you can’t go wrong with any of the tapas or the cocktails.
6. The Boheme – Extravagant Foodie
For a luxurious evening out, The Boheme is worth the splurge. Open for dinner daily, The Boheme’s well-appointed dining room is an excellent locale to try gourmet dishes like escargot and bohemian spice beef tenderloin.
On Sunday you can enjoy a buffet-style jazz brunch for a romantic morning. With choices like oysters, prime rib, burrata, crepes, and unlimited mimosas, this brunch will set you back about $70 per person. However, it’s perfect for special occasions.
Near and In the Theme Parks
Even if you are taking a trip to Disney World or Universal, you can still have a night away from kids! There are tons of nice venues to eat at in and around the theme parks that offer an intimate meal. These next nine recommendations are ideal for a date during a theme park vacation.
7. The Hampton Social – Seafood and Coastal Cuisine
For a taste of summer, no matter the weather, The Hampton Social is a delightful I-Drive eatery, just minutes from Universal. It serves fresh, coastal fare including ceviche, burgers, pasta, and more. Between the bright atmosphere, juicy cocktails, and seasonal menu, it is sure to be an exquisite night out.
8. Bull and Bear – Upscale Steakhouse
Located on Disney World property, the Waldorf Astoria’s Bull and Bear is an elegant gem. This is a high-end steakhouse with specialties like a 32-Day Dry Aged Tomahawk and Iberico Pork Chop.
All the gourmet starters and desserts are delicious and artfully prepared. However, with most entrees costing at least $50, this is best for couples who want to treat themselves to a spectacular steak dinner.
9. Domu – Ramen and Japanese
Always a favorite, Domu has two locations to indulge in their fantastic ramen. The Doctor Phillips location is only fifteen minutes from Disney World and Universal.
You can get the ramen cooked exactly to your liking, with endless customizations on toppings, broth, and flavors. They also offer small plates, like the famous crispy wings, and tropical cocktails to spice up a night out.
10. Kabooki Sushi – Sushi and Pan-Asian Cuisine
Over in Sand Lake, Kabooki Sushi Is a must-visit for a delicious pan-Asian dinner. They are known for their sushi with a curated selection of interesting rolls and hard-to-find sashimi. No worries if you like raw fish, but your partner doesn’t- there are all sorts of cooked dishes to enjoy from sticky ribs to mushroom gyoza.
11. Capa Steakhouse – Elegant Tapas
Located just minutes from the Magic Kingdom, Capa offers an experience out of a fantasy book. This is a Michelin Star winner located in the Four Seasons Orlando that serves tapas, steaks, and more.
Many come for the filet or the Porterhouse, but you can also order Spanish dishes like jamon iberico and arroz sofrito. Whatever you do, try and come during the Magic Kingdom fireworks (Usually around 9 PM, but it varies), so you can get a fabulous view of the show from the rooftop terrace!
12. Strong Water Tavern – Island-Style Bar Food
I find the Universal dining scene to be pretty lacking for adults, but Andrew and I have one find we keep returning to. Located in my favorite Universal hotel, Sapphire Falls Resort, Strong Water Taven is a Caribbean-style spot with top-notch rum drinks, flavorful tapas, and often live music!
We love going on weekends, ordering small plates and drinks, and listening to the live band. The whole atmosphere is transportive and very much a unique hidden gem.
13. Beaches and Cream – 50’s Style Diner
For duos wanting a more classic date, you can go to a burger and shake shop right out of the 1950s! Located in the Beach Club Resort, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is within walking distance from Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Even better, it has the top burgers and ice cream at Disney! Make sure to make a reservation in advance for lunch or dinner at this adorable Disney diner.
14. Jiko – African Fine Dining
Another fine-dining Disney World restaurant I recommend couples try is Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This special find draws from African, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines to create some of the most delicious food I have ever had!
Everything from the South African wine list to the oak-grilled filet mignon and peri-peri prawns melts in your mouth while you are surrounded by colorful yet subtle decor. Though you will have to drive or take a bus from the Disney theme parks to get here, it’s always an incredible dinner.
15. Hollywood Brown Derby – California Cuisine
Lastly, for dining inside a Disney World theme park, I recommend the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This icon has an old California vibe with a vintage feel and a simple, yet satisfying menu.
This is more reasonable price-wise compared to other Disney World signature options. The Famous Cobb Salad is just as filling of an entrée at $22 as the Braised Short Rib at $41. Between excellent food and fun drink choices like a margarita flight, it’s perfect for dinner after a day of rides and shows!
Winter Park
The top area for locals and tourists to spend a romantic evening in is Winter Park, home to dozens of amazing eateries. These next five places are my absolute favorites in the area. Though most are a splurge, you can expect to be impressed!
16. Boca Winter Park – Farm-to-Table
Boca is a versatile option for a terrific lunch, dinner, and brunch with so many farm-to-table dishes to choose from. I love the sweet potato gnocchi and the lobster wontons, along with the modern, plant-filled dining room.
Though Boca can be a splurge because of menu items like the skirt steak and bronzed sea scallops, you can also find affordable delights, especially for brunch and lunch.
17. The Ravenous Pig – Upscale Gastropub
For a delectable meal, the well-known Ravenous Pub gastropub creates distinctive dishes consisting of everything from golden tilefish with confit sunchokes to fried chicken and cornbread waffles. I love both the refined dining room for a cozy booth and the outdoor biergarten for a dog-friendly lunch.
Whether you are visiting for a craft beer and a pub burger or cocktails and shared plates, the Ravenous Pig is always a crowd pleaser.
18. Soseki Modern Omakase – Japanese Omakase
To taste fine dining to the extreme, Soseki Modern Omakase is a Michelin Star recipient to try. Here you can have an eighteen-course Japanese tasting that is thoughtfully prepared to change with the seasons and out-of-this-world flavors. With only ten seats per night and prices starting at $265 per person, it’s unlike any other local experience.
19. The Osprey Tavern – Sophisticated Surf and Turf
If you are craving seafood, check out The Osprey, located in nearby Baldwin Park. They serve sensational dishes like oysters, branzino, and the catch of the day.
There are also options for land lovers, including the pork belly appetizer, which gets rave reviews. Though this can be excellent for a night-out, there are also superb happy hour deals if you are looking for a quick bite and drinks.
20. Kadence – Unforgettable Sushi
One of the most splurge-worthy places to eat in Winter Park is Kadence, a $250 per person multi-course sushi feast. It’s a meal unlike any other, serving the finest sashimi to only nine people per seating!
I have yet to indulge in this bucket list item, but I hear the sushi melts in your mouth! Expect to indulge in cuts of fish such as striped jackfish or grouper with a side of Siberian caviar.
Lake Nona, Winter Garden, and Beyond
Lastly, I want to touch on some date night ideas throughout the Greater Orlando area. This section includes establishments in two overlooked locales: Lake Nona and Winter Garden.
If you want a change of scenery, take a drive to one of these five for an exciting adventure.
21. Chroma Modern Bar & Kitchen – Trendy Comfort Food
Lake Nona’s trendiest eatery is Chroma, known for its shareable menu. Every time we go, it’s so tough to choose from all the amazing dishes, so we usually end up getting a variety!
With options like Corned Beef Brisket Empanadas, Flash Fried Honey Goat Cheese, and numerous seasonal cocktails, Chroma is a foodie’s paradise.
22. Chef’s Table at Edgewater – Cozy Gourmet
If you want a fancy outing in Winter Garden, Chef’s Table is great for couples. Not only do they have handcrafted cocktails and a vast wine selection, but also have the tastiest foodie creations to go with it.
The small menu is curated seasonally with specialties like a house-cured duck duo and a char-grilled filet. You can add on a wine pairing or cheese plate to complete this rendezvous. .
23. Rosallie Le French Cafe – Casual French Cooking
For a cozy, yet whimsical meal in Winter Garden, Rosallie Le French Café is an iconic pick. This café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, but locals are obsessed with the brunch. Regardless of when you visit, you will want to try the flatbreads and salads straight out of a Parisian café.
24. Bosphorous – Chic Mediterranean
Since starting our flexitarian journey, Bosphorous has become a Winter Park and Lake Nona go-to for us! That might seem surprising for a Turkish eatery that specializes in kebaps. While the lamb and chicken are delicious, I always get the meze platter.
This includes hummus, tabouleh, and the best lavish bread I have tasted! Between this and the falafel, I find Bosphorus to be perfect for trying lots of shareables.
25. Bacan – Latin American Fusion
One new spot in Lake Nona is BACAN, which promises to be one of the most innovative restaurants in Lake Nona. Dinner is served in a sleek dining room with an elaborate open kitchen.
Expect to spend at least $50 per person here, as BACAN prides itself on luxurious dishes like whole truffle chicken and olive oil poached halibut. However, the stylish atmosphere and intricate cuisine are sure to impress!
Know Before You Go
I hope this guide was able to help you choose which places to eat on date night. Regardless if you are in the mood for a fancy steakhouse or a cozy cafe, you can find what you need in any part of the city! Here are some quick tips to keep in mind before planning:
- It is customary to tip 20% and most restaurants do not include this in the final bill unless you have a large party.
- Many options on this list take reservations, often on Open Table. Check out the webpage before going to avoid a wait, especially on weekends.
- My recommendation for saving money is to drive further from the theme parks and tourist destinations for dining. You can often find lunch deals during the day as well.
- The dress code is casual for most on this list. However, if you are dining at any of the fine dining establishments mentioned, I recommend wearing smart casual at a minimum.
- If you are dining downtown or in the theme park area, its likely there will be a parking fee. If you are dining at a hotel, you can often get the parking validated. Taking an Uber or Lyft is a convenient way to save on parking.
Let me know what your favorite spot is! For more local restaurant recommendations, check out my Orlando neighborhood dining guide.
And if you are looking for other things to do with your partner, I have a guide full of romantic Orlando activities for any type of date!
