Many people don’t realize that some of the
best restaurants in Orlando are also some of the best in the world. It makes sense when you consider that not only are we the theme park capital of the world, but we also have one of the more visited convention centers in the country. Let’s check out ten of the best restaurants in Orlando Florida.
1. Domu
Best known for their incredible curry ramen, Domu also has a number of delicious pan-Asian offerings included fried chicken thighs, braised pork belly, and crispy wings. They also have some dishes you might not expect from an Asian restaurant, such as what they call “Cheezus”: A bowl made with melted mozzarella, roasted corn, mayo, and their secret blend of spices.
2. Jiko / Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Though they’re actually two separate restaurants, we can’t separate the two. Jiko is a mid-upscale restaurant with some of the best African food you’ll have this side of the ocean. Boma is a similarly delicious restaurant with unique African foods, but the main difference is that at Jiko you’ll be served by some of the best servers in the state, while Boma is served buffet style.
3. Prato
Prato is the perfect middleman between upscale and causal. Try their pizza straight from a wood-burning oven, or their heirloom eggplant sandwiches. You’ll be treated to lovely ambiance too, including exposed brick, patio seating on Park Avenue, and twinkly lights. Though the menu is based on Italian dishes, there’s enough at play here to bring some flavors from the new world too.
4. Santiago’s Bodega
If brunch is more your scene then Santiago’s Bodega is a great choice. This all-you-can-eat buffet has everything a refined palate could want: Crab legs, meat-carving stations, sangria, mimosas, and – our favorite – the French toast made from homemade croissants. You’ll also find some interesting options from the ala carte menu, such as Korean-style fried chicken and bagels made out of biscuits.
5. Mamak Asian Street Food
If it weren’t for the cozy air-conditioning, Mamak Asian Street Food would make you feel like you were walking the streets in Southeast Asia. This Malaysian restaurant has an enormous menu, with dishes range from small plates to plates large enough to share with the entire party. You can try some familiar fares like tacos and spring rolls, or branch out and sample fish balls and curry gravy.
6. Bull & Bear Steakhouse
When nothing but a delicious steak will do, you can’t beat Bull & Bear Steakhouse. Located in the Waldorf Astoria, this restaurant has floor to ceiling windows that provide unique views of
Walt Disney World. The best steak on the menu comes in at more than $140 but it’s enough to feed two – and it’s an incredible 32-day dry-aged tomahawk rib-eye.
7. Victoria and Alberts
Disney World hasn’t always had the best food around, but when it comes to incredible food you can’t beat Victoria and Albert’s. This is a spot you’ll need to make reservations months in advance – and even then you may not get in. A dinner jacket is required, but well worth the incredible flavors of the 6+ courses you’ll be treated to. Orlando doesn’t have a Michelin program, but Victoria & Albert’s has been given the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award every year for the last 17 years.
8. The Ravenous Pig
If enjoying some local craft beers and local ingredients is a top priority for you, then The Ravenous Pig should certainly be on your radar. You’ll find a constantly changing menu that takes the seasons into consideration. Just make sure you bring your thirst too – there are also rotating taps of some of the best craft beers brewed at its sister restaurant.
9. Chef’s Table
If food is more an experience than a destination for you, then Chef’s Table may be just the ticket. It’s won innumerable awards – both national and regional – and they’re all well deserved. The chef line-up is constantly changes, which means you’ll be getting some of the top, new dishes from top chefs across the country. Their unique three-course set menu includes two options for each course.
10. Mythos
Located within
Universal Orlando theme park (
Islands of Adventure), Mythos is a pre-historic setting restaurant that offers Greek and Mediterranean dishes like risotto lamb, and mezze platter. This is truly one of the best restaurants you can find within any of the theme parks themselves (
Universal Studios Orlando).
