A busy vacation to Orlando doesn't usually include time for romance in an intimate restaurant or a shared night over wine and cheese. But these ten restaurants, all located in Orlando's bustling metropolitan area, will prove that thought wrong. They are the epitome of romance and intimacy. They offer scenic atmospheres and mouth-watering menu choices. If you're looking for something different to do, visit the Orlando area, and spoil your special someone with a night of pampering and sheer elegance at one of these highly acclaimed restaurants.
Quality Thai food is known for its savory condiments, bold dishes and distinctive combinations of ingredients. And Sea (which stands for "South East Asia") Thai doesn't disappoint. But don’t let the utilitarian exterior fool you--the restaurant features muted colors on the walls and cozy tables with mood lighting. Dishes such as Tiger Tear Steak, Sizzling Lava and Curry Fish are sure to spice up your evening. The Mango with Sticky Rice dessert is a terrific meal-ender.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 – $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Open, Valentines – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving –Open, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Years Eve – Open
A hidden treasure located on a brick-lined street in an area of downtown Orlando that screams character, Bravissimo is a quaint and a welcome retreat from those chain restaurants. With a genial staff, they serve enough tasty dishes to please any palate. Try one of the individual pizzas, including an inventive salmon choice. Other entrees range from the familiar to the more adventurous. Ravioli di Aragosta (stuffed with lobster), Pollo Meditterraneo (chicken breast sautéed in white wine), and Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina (homemade potato dumpling) are among the top choices. Order from over 90 different wines and dine al fresco on the patio.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 – $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Closed, Valentines – Open, Easter – Closed, Thanksgiving –Open, Christmas Eve – Closed, Christmas Day – Closed, New Years Eve – Open
VICTORIA & ALBERT'S 4401 Grand Floridian Way, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (407) 824-1089 Hours: (7 days from July 1 to Sept. 9) seating for dinner is between 7 pm and 7:45 pm; (closed Wed and Fri between Sept. 10 and June 30).
Featuring American regional cuisine with classical influences, this is the crown jewel of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa's dining destinations. Tables feature fine china and imported crystal and silver as you dine with soft harp music filling the air. Dinner is prix fixe and the menu offers seven courses, closing with soufflés and other exquisite desserts. A wine-pairing menu, chockfull of choices from an exemplary wine cellar, is also available. For that extra special touch, you each receive a personalized menu and ladies receive a long-stemmed rose. This is an elegant, intimate retreat for world-class dining. A dinner jacket is required for gentlemen and dress or pants ensemble for ladies. Reservations required.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $90 – $100
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Open, Valentines – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving –Open, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Open, New Years Eve – Open
OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL 34746 (407) 586-1600 Hours: (Sun–Sat) 5:30 pm–10 pm
Take the enchanting atmosphere of the Everglades backcountry--complete with weather-beaten wooden walkway, swampy mist and croaking frogs--combine it with dimmed lighting and a distinguished repertoire of cuisine, and you’ve got yourself one romantic evening out. Personalized, efficient service only adds to the reputation of this superior steakhouse. Known for their high-quality certified Black Angus beef, rack of lamb, lobster tails and treats such as venison or alligator are also offered. And don’t miss the unique cheese board, a European tradition that features a selection of handcrafted cheeses.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 – $65
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Open, Valentines – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving –Open, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Open, New Years Eve – Open
Norman’s is home to Chef Norman Van Aken's New World Cuisine, a merging of culinary methods and recipes from the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and the southern U.S. The result is an unparalleled menu that has earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. Take your experience to the next level in a private dining room featuring customized menus, wine pairings and magnificent views of the golf course, lake and gardens. An outdoor terrace is also available to dine under the stars. Residing within the elegant Ritz Carlton Hotel only enhances the restaurant’s pedigree. Reservations are highly recommended.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $55 – $90
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Open, Valentines – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving –Open, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Open, New Years Eve – Open
GINA'S LAKESIDE GRILL 309 Cranes Roost Boulevard, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 (407) 834-5880 Hours: (Mon–Thur) 11 am–10 pm; (Sat) 11 am–1 am; (Sun) 4 pm–9 pm What makes this restaurant, formerly Gina's on the Water, so romantic? It's right on the water and the lakeside view is perfect for catching a Florida sunset outside on the balcony. The menu features such highlights as Top Sirloin Cheese Steak, Herb Crusted Filet Mignon, and Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Filet. For the health-conscious, choices such as Flame Grilled Chicken are sure to please. Gina's also hosts live entertainment.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 – $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
K RESTAURANT WINE BAR 2401 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 872-2332 Hours: (Mon–Sat) 11:30 am–2 pm; (Mon & Tues) 6 pm–9 pm; (Wed–Sat) 6 pm–10 pm Located in trendy College Park, this upscale eatery specializes in eclectic American cuisine reflecting the season, combined with exceptional service and a cozy atmosphere. Take advantage of the outdoor seating to snuggle together to just enjoy the fresh air. And as the restaurant’s name would suggest, they offer a fine selection of wines--from California, Australia, Italy, France, Oregon, New York and more--to make for a perfect evening out.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 – $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
DEXTER'S OF THORNTON PARK 808 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 648-0620 Hours: (Mon–Thur) 11 am–10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 11 am–11 pm; (Sun) 10 am–10 pm Enjoy an art-covered wall and chic atmosphere when dining in this authentic restaurant, located in one of Orlando's most cosmopolitan areas. Wine and cheese are the forte here and be sure to order either black and white sesame grouper or andouille sausage quesadillas. Don't be surprised if people stand by your table admiring the painting set above you; the prints are for sale, making this restaurant also take on the role of an art gallery.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 – $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THE ENZIAN THEATER 1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751 (407) 629-0054 Showtimes vary according to film being shown. A typical romantic date is usually wrapped up in a simple night of dinner and a movie. But why not combine the two? That's what the Enzian Theater has done and now they are what hopeless romantics dream about. Weeping oaks surround the theater and a bubbling fountain welcomes every guest. This unique movie-going experience, offered at The Enzian, provides sneak peeks at first-run independent films, along with a variety of special events. A serious wait staff is available, and the menu ranges from burgers and pizza to luxurious pastas and salads. The theater offers four tiered levels to ensure that every seat in the house has excellent viewing pleasure. Tables for two and four are provided for up to 250 people at each show. If you're hungry for new and different films, not to mention great food, visit The Enzian.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 – $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
THE GOBLIN MARKET 331 North Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757 (352) 735-0059 Hours: (Tues–Sat) 11 am–3 pm; (Sun) noon-4 pm; (Tues–Thur) 5 pm–9 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5 pm–10 pm Located in historic Mount Dora, this quaint restaurant offers a romantic setting that most people only dream about. The Goblin Market's fancy atmosphere resembles an old library, making for a pleasant personal and intimate experience. Try the stuffed pork loin or the wild mushroom chicken ragout and don't forget to leave room for a slice of humble pie (apple pie) for dessert.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 – $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Orlando, FL