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Orlando is a certified foodie’s paradise. From plenty of fine dining establishments to its vibrant food trucks, this Florida city has something for every picky palate. Join us on this culinary journey through Orlando’s fine dining havens that will make you ask for seconds!
Orlando: Land of Food Trucks and Fine Dining
Aside from being home to the largest Disney theme park in the world, Orlando is more than just a destination for thrill-seekers and theme park enthusiasts– it’s also a haven for foodies looking to indulge in a diverse range of cuisines. With fine dining Orlando restaurants to vibrant food trucks within reach, the city can surely satisfy any craving palate.
For those looking for a luxurious dining experience, fine dining in Orlando doesn’t run short of options, including Victoria & Albert’s, or Bull & Bear Steakhouse– both sure to impress even the most discerning foodie. But the food scene in Orlando, Florida isn’t just about high-end restaurants. The city’s food trucks, like The Daily City Food Truck Bazaar, and The Crepe Company, offer delicious and budget-friendly ways to explore the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
So, do join us on a culinary journey through Orlando’s top dining destinations, and discover why this city is a certified foodie’s paradise!
Feast on the Finest for Less at Magical Dining Orlando
Would you believe you can feast in Orlando’s fine dining restaurants for less? Magical Dining Orlando is an annual event that takes place in the city from August to September. Throughout the event, over 100 of the city’s top restaurants offer three-course, prix-fixe menus for discounted rates.
First launched in 2005 as a way to boost business during the traditionally slow tourism season, Magical Dining Orlando has been the city’s tastiest time of the year ever since.
Participating restaurants in Magical Dining Orlando offer a wide range of cuisines, from classic steakhouse fare to Mediterranean and Asian-inspired dishes. Each restaurant offers a set menu with three courses, including an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
One of the benefits of Magical Dining Orlando is the opportunity to try out some of the city’s finest restaurants without breaking the bank. It’s also a great way to explore new dishes and discover new favorites.
In addition to the discounted menus, a portion of the proceeds from Magical Dining Orlando is donated to local charities. So not only can diners enjoy a delicious meal at a great price, but they can also contribute to a good cause.
Overall, Magical Dining Orlando is a great way to experience Orlando’s vibrant culinary scene and support the local community in the process. But if you can’t make it to the city during the Magical Dining run, here are our Top 10 picks for fine dining Orlando restaurants you can visit any other day of the year:
Victoria & Albert’s
Named after the iconic couple from Alice in Wonderland, Victoria & Albert’s has been a top-rated Disney restaurant in Orlando for over 30 years. Its exquisite and sumptuous ambiance calls for guests to dress appropriately in semi-formal or formal attires.
Must-try dish: Glacier 51 toothfish
Bull & Bear Steakhouse
Located in the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Bull & Bear Steakhouse offers a luxurious atmosphere and an extensive menu of classic steakhouse fare. If you can, try to request a table with a view of the open kitchen for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Must-try dish: Bull and “Bear Fried Chicken”
Norman’s
Chef Norman Van Aken’s eponymous restaurant offers a fusion of Latin, Caribbean, and Asian flavors in an upscale setting. The restaurant features a glass-enclosed wine cellar, plush private dining rooms, and an exterior covered patio with lounge seating that’s perfect for its signature cocktails.
Must-try dish: the ceviche of Key West yellowtail snapper
Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster
A family-owned steakhouse, Christner’s has been serving top-quality beef and seafood plates for over 25 years. Their wine selection boasts 4,500 bottles, so you will surely find the perfect pair for your steak or lobster.
Must-try dish: Dry Aged USDA Prime Ribeye
The Ravenous Pig
A gastropub-style restaurant, The Ravenous Pig offers upscale pub fare and craft beer in a rustic, yet chic setting. Their menu even features a kid bento board, perfect for families who are dining with kids.
Must-try dish: Steak Frites and the Charcuterie & Cheese Platter
Kres Chophouse
Located in downtown Orlando, Kres Chophouse offers classic steak and seafood dishes, paired with extensive reds and whites. Their menu and wine list include vegan options as well.
Must-try dish: Porterhouse Lamb Loins
Chatham’s Place
Established in 1988, this intimate restaurant offers a refined menu of classic American dishes, served in a cozy, romantic vibe. Of course, group and private dining options are also available.
Must-try dish: Rack of Lamb
Venetian Chop House
Located in the Caribe Royale hotel, the Venetian Chop House offers a range of classic steak and seafood dishes, served in an elegant setting. You can opt for an exceptional Orlando fine dining experience either indoors or fireside al fresco.
Must-try dish: 14 oz On-The-Bone Veal Parmigiana
Capa
Located in the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Capa offers a Spanish-inspired menu. You can be near all the culinary action thanks to the venue’s open kitchen and wood-burning grill, while taking in the nightly fireworks from the patio outside.
Must-try dish: Paella de Azafran or their porterhouse steak
The Osprey
Founded by Orlando restaurateurs Jason and Sue Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group, The Osprey opened in Baldwin Park in 2015. The restaurant offers modern seafood cuisine with a focus on sustainable Florida seafood. The bar also features a sophisticated beverage program and extensive wine list, while the Oyster Bar offers local shellfish at an intimate Chef’s Counter.
Must-try dish: Creekstone Farms Pork Tenderloin
Orlando‘s fine dining scene is a testament to the city’s culinary creativity and commitment to excellence. Be it a classic steakhouse fare, fusion cuisine, or contemporary American dishes, there’s surely something for you here!
But Orlando’s food scene isn’t just limited to fine dining restaurants. Up next, we’ll explore some of the city’s best food trucks and casual dining options, offering a different taste of Orlando’s rich culinary diversity.
Foodie Adventures on Wheels: The Best Food Trucks in Orlando
While Orlando’s fine dining scene is impressive, the city’s food scene also includes a vibrant food truck community. Food trucks offer a unique dining experience for locals and tourists, with a focus on delicious street food creations, with most offered at more affordable prices.
Here are some of the best food trucks in Orlando, each with its unique story and signature dishes:
SwedeDish
This food truck offers a fusion of Swedish and American cuisines, with dishes like meatballs, Swedish hot dogs, and burgers. The owners, a husband-wife team, left Sweden to conquer new challenges and share their love of food through the streets of Orlando.
Must-try dish: Loaded Ragnarök Viking Burger
Over Rice
Another husband and wife-owned biz in this list is Over Rice, a fusion of traditional Filipino and Hawaiian cuisine. Founded in Orlando in 2011, their mission is to deliver fresh and healthy scratch cooking with classic flavors and cultural roots to parks, street fairs, and special events.
Must-try dish: Filipino Style Plate Lunch and Hawaiian Style Plate Lunch
The Treehouse Truck
The Treehouse Truck is a popular food truck in Orlando that serves delicious burgers and cheesesteaks made with fresh ingredients and house-made sauces. The husband and wife team behind it have over 50 years of combined experience and a passion for cooking that shows in every meal they prepare. Head to one of their locations to taste the love and passion they put into their food!
Must-try dish: Southern Chicken Sandwich and Deep Fried Snickers
Tamale Co.
Tamale Co. food truck in Orlando offers gourmet Mexican tamales with a balance of creativity and convenience. They provide freshly prepared tamales that combine complete meal flavors with on-the-go service. Choose among a range of delicious tamales, with options like chicken and mole, beef and green chili, and vegetarian black bean.
Must-try dish: Tamale Sunrise
The Crepe Company
The Crepe Company provides delicious specialty crepes inspired by the street foods of Paris. They offer catering options for indoor and outdoor events, and have served many satisfied clients in the Orlando area including Darden Restaurants, Walt Disney World, and more.
Must-try dish: Classic Nutella Crepe
Voodoo Kitchen
Voodoo Kitchen Food Truck, inspired by neighborhood street parties in New Orleans, brings authentic Cajun & Creole cuisine to Central Florida’s outdoor dining scene since 2013. They offer a range of Cajun-inspired dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys that are all sure to satisfy.
Must-try dish: Boudin Balls
Monsta Lobsta
Monsta Lobsta has healthy alternatives to traditional food on the go. They serve flavorful high-quality lobster rolls made from fresh ingredients, with options like the classic Maine-style and the spicy Florida-style. Focusing on providing great value and making people smile, their mission also includes giving back to the community.
Must-try dish: Lobster Roll Smothered in Bisque
Not Your Mama’s Pancakes
Not Your Mama’s Pancakes, LLC is a food truck in Orlando, FL, that specializes in unique and creative pancake creations. Their menu features a wide variety of sweet and savory pancakes, from Nutella and banana to bacon and cheddar. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options.
Must-try dish: Roasted Corn Pancake with BBQ Chicken
The Pastrami Project
Bringing the authentic taste of hand-brined, smoked and cured pastrami, corned beef, nova salmon and turkey to Central Florida is The Pastrami Project. They serve their flavorful meats on old-world quality breads like rye, pumpernickel and bagels, paired with simple sides like health salad and pickles.
Must-try dish: Pastrami on Rye with mustard
Da Kine Poke
Da Kine Poke was founded in 2016 as a food truck to introduce the Hawaiian dish poke to central FL. It has since expanded to two brick-and-mortar shops, with more on the way. It is the first Orlando poke shop with a food truck and permanent locations in Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, and DeBary, emphasizing their commitment to fresh food.
Must-try dish: Hawaiian Poke Bowl
Orlando’s food truck scene is a testament to the city’s culinary diversity and creativity. If you’re in the mood for desserts, tacos, or grilled cheese sandwiches, you’re bound to find them all over the city.
And after a day of exploring the city’s culinary delights, there’s nothing better than returning to a comfortable vacation rental. Rent By Owner lists a range of vacation rentals in Orlando, from cozy apartments to spacious villas, ensuring that you’ll have a comfortable home base during your foodie adventures.
Discover Orlando Fine Dining, Food Trucks & More with Rent By Owner
Orlando is a city that offers a culinary adventure for discriminating foodies, and the perfect way to experience it all is by staying in a vacation rental.
At Rent By Owner, we are committed to connecting travelers with vacation rentals in hot destinations around the world. And for those traveling to Orlando to explore its local food scene, we offer a range of cozy and convenient vacation rental properties that are perfect for foodie travelers. Just take a look at this two-bedroom condo or one-bedroom home with a pool!
With Rent By Owner, you can find a variety of vacation rentals in Orlando that cater to different budgets and preferences. Staying in a vacation rental also provides the convenience of feeling at home while on vacation. These vacation homes are located near popular dining destinations and attractions and come equipped with amenities that will make your stay cozier, with spacious bedrooms for a good night’s rest and homely living areas to unwind after a long day of exploring the city.
As a trusted UpNext travel brand, you can rest easy knowing that your vacation rental is professionally managed and maintained, ensuring a hassle-free stay.
Plan your trip with Rent By Owner to have a comfortable home base during your foodie adventures in Orlando!
TLDR
As a foodie’s paradise, there is surely a range of fine dining Orlando restaurants and vibrant food trucks to choose from. If you’re visiting during August to September, be sure to check out Magical Dining Orlando for discounted three-course meals at over 100 participating restaurants. The city’s food trucks also offer unique dining experiences with delicious street food creations.
And if you’re looking for luxury and comfort after a day of food-hopping, Rent By Owner has the perfect vacation rentals that will suit your preferences while visiting Orlando. More visitors find that staying in a vacation rental is more convenient than traditional hotel stays, providing a homey feeling while you explore Orlando’s culinary scene.
Featured Image Credit: Gary Barnes on Pexels
