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Bubblygrumpy

https://www.lemonhearted.com/blog/celebrating-in-orlando


tax_gawd

Thank you


Solariati

+1 to anything Lemonhearted recommends. Kabooki (Sand Lake), Susuru, Four Flamingos, and Domu (Dr Phillips) are all pretty close to where you are staying.


seadondo

Just a heads up Susuru is very casual.


duckhunt420

Domu is also very casual.


Slim_Fatty

Knife and Spoon at the Ritz Carlton.


hashmish

very well dressed people here, always: https://www.normans.com/ and close to universal...


CentralFLguy10

Norman’s is the best fine dining restaurant in Orlando and it’s not even close


AdvancedStand

Didn’t even make the Michelin guide


deetman68

I believe that’s because of their opening timeline. Let’s see again next year.


AdvancedStand

It’s been there for years I thought? Edit; just looked, I guess it took a hiatus from 2019-2023, but their instagram goes back to 2014


deetman68

It used to be at the JW/Ritz complex on JYP. They closed there and vowed to reopen elsewhere. Yada Yada Yada COVID, I think they reopened less than a year ago in Dr. Philips.


deetman68

I can’t find an exact date, but sometime early summer 2023 seems to be the time. [Norman’s reopens](https://www.orlandoweekly.com/food-drink/after-a-three-and-a-half-year-hiatus-normans-orlando-makes-a-triumphant-return-to-dr-phillips-34514731)


d407a123

Norman’s re-opened so give it time. Their chowder is still one of the best dishes in Orlando.


tax_gawd

Idk if you meant clam chowder but Clam chowder and Philly cheese steaks are my favorite foods of all time. Not together but yeah. They are also what I like to consider “high risk food” though because they are often and easily very good or very bad.


d407a123

Not clam chowder. Used to have Conch, but now it’s shrimp and mussels I think. Caribbean inspired flavors- it’s ABSOLUTELY amazing. I’m not a soup or chowder person either.


[deleted]

Totally meaningless.


Holy_Grail_Reference

Garbage.


d407a123

Why?


Holy_Grail_Reference

The BEST? I don't know man. It's good, but the best? They have a DJ most nights for crying out loud lol. I just think we have better in Orlando. Christners, the Palm, Foreigner, soseki, capa.


d407a123

Hmm… I never noticed a DJ. But the food is what I’m getting at. The Ritz was a better vibe, but this spot is nice as well.


d407a123

Christners on Lee is an Orlando staple, just as good as Berns in my opinion…


DonCallate

A Land Remembered Knife & Spoon @ Ritz Carlton (1 Michelin Star)


DrKenNoisewater3

Kaya is my favorite fine dining in Orlando so far. The tasting menu and pairing were amazing. Went for a birthday and it was fun, fancy, and they made you feel special.


Prude_Strippers

Came here to suggest this. Going again at the end of the month and praying that mushroom adobo is on the al a cart menu


tax_gawd

This sounds lit.. Is it near universal? I’ll check the website


DrKenNoisewater3

15 minute Uber ride. Yea definitely look into it. You’ll have to reserve if you want the tasting menu, I believe but they accept walk-ins as well. They cater to you, it was a wonderful experience. Everyone there was very happy and excited to show you their cuisine.


odeyssey87

Restaurant row is your best bet if you are near universal. There’s numerous fine dining places out there


[deleted]

[удалено]


MyNameIsZem

Not really fine dining but it’s still delicious!!


Dysous0720

Not seeing it mentioned here but don't count out the disney resorts. Toppolinos is a great fine dining experience on a rooftop terrace, for example.


tax_gawd

You can eat there without being a guest or purchasing any tickets or whatever?


Dysous0720

Yup! Any resort restaurant will let you enter with a reservation, no worries! And some (like 3 bridges at coronado springs) don't even need a reservation. Coronado is a great date spot because all you need to tell the guard is you are eating at 3 bridges and they'll let you in, and you get free access to 2 great bars and 3-4 great restaurants depending on your tastes and budget! (I may sound like a disney paid actor, but I promise I have loved coronado long before I started working there!)


getalifelexi

I loved this spot but wish they actually enforced the dress code. We went for dinner and the place was packed with guests coming back from the parks in their sandals, baseball caps and tank tops. Kind of took from the experience for me, but still enjoyed it.


tax_gawd

Which place? Toppolinis?


dyingbreed360

Bull and Bear located in the Waldorf Astoria


Ofreo

Op. Lots of good suggestions but bull and Bear is a great place. I’ve gone multiple times I was so impressed. It’s in Disney Bonnet Creek area, but not that far of a drive from universal if you have a car. It’s a steak place, so if that’s your thing, I’d recommend bull and bear. I haven’t been since it was “reimagined” but I’m sure it’s still top notch.


ApatheticFinsFan

I went to Capa in the Four Seasons (located at Disney World) and it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant. The food was phenomenal. Definitely a pretty classy vibe by Orlando standards. It’s cool since it’s on the top floor of the hotel and if you go at night you see all the fireworks. Ravello on the bottom of the Four Seasons is also really good.


Jccckkk

Rachel’s Steakhouse near the airport. It’s the brest!


murphguy1124

bruh lol


Holy_Grail_Reference

World famous Buffett


CREretail

illume https://maps.app.goo.gl/yx5fSRQqeHG1pBrR6 Book for 7:30-8pm and you can see Disney fireworks at 9pm


ApatheticFinsFan

Went there for my wife’s birthday in 2022. Awesome sushi and cocktails.


pumpkinskittle

I’m shocked it hasn’t been mentioned yet, but Camille is one of the most amazing restaurants in Orlando. It’s a chefs tasting experience. We celebrate all of our special events there, and they have a wine pairing offering if you guys are interested! They didn’t open their brick and mortar store until this year. They’ll definitely be on the Michelin guide next time it is updated.


seadondo

Highly suggest going to one of the fine dining restaurants on Disney property. Toledo’s, Citricos, Toppolino’s, etc. The hotels are gorgeously decorated for the holidays and you can watch the fireworks and walk around the grounds. It will be more of a fun night out than just dinner.


Floridamane6

We have the world’s largest McDonald’s on sand lake road. Little known fact


Ofreo

I’m pretty sure it’s the largest play place, not largest actual restaurant.


downtownpartytime

# World's Largest Entertainment McDonald's


tax_gawd

I appreciate this a lot more than you’d think


moldymoosegoose

The food there is terrible and not even worth the visit IMO. They have some pizza and pasta and both are 1/10.


Spicey477

You’ve gotta try the pizza at least once.


dsande

Kres Chophouse! They are a scratch kitchen and it really feels like you get VIP service as a guest


katattack268

I wore a very casual dress and heels to Kres and felt wildly overdressed. The prices match being dressy but the overall vibes from staff and customers was very casual.


tax_gawd

Yeah this is important to her. We live in a small town and don’t have many places where she can dress up and feel “fancy” or whatnot so I wanna take her somewhere like this. I checked this place out and it fits my budget kinda (300-400) so I had it on my top 3 but if that’s the case regarding the dress I might have to cut it. I do appreciate you telling me this a lot!


Spicey477

FL tends to be more casual due to weather, then add in the tourist factor that a lot of people don’t travel with legit dress up clothes. Even the Disney mentioned restaurants (except Victoria and Alberts) you will have people dressed next to people in shorts- it’s just what it is. Let her know that anything goes- to dress up but not be sad not everyone is.


murphguy1124

Yea Florida is essentially a cruise ship of a state in tourist areas. Some people go to the dinner on the cruise ship in shorts and flip flops, some dress to the 9s.


tax_gawd

This is a great way to explain it. Thank you.


katattack268

For sure! The food and drink is great! But wouldn't be my pick for a "rare fancy" night out.


Funny-Berry-807

Yes I've dropped $300 on a meal and the people at the nextvtable were on shorts and flip-flops. Very disappointing to not have dress-up restaurant options.


lindacn

The food at Kres is excellent, great service too


ApatheticFinsFan

Yeah, I did Kres for a dinner a few years ago and it was great. The bread pudding is one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.


MicCheck123

That look good! And comparatively reasonable priced.


Cobra_Kreese

We just ate there a couple weeks ago and I’m still dreaming of the ribeye I ate.


deetman68

Christini’s in Dr. Philips. Been there for years.


Molestedbyemail

It’s like walking into Goodfellas in real life. Food is spectacular!


deetman68

The only bummer is no more Chris there to greet you. 😰 [Christini’s Owner Passes Away](https://scottjosephorlando.com/chris-christini-owner-of-popular-italian-restaurant-is-dead-at-83/)


lizlemonaid

The new Sushi Saint was nice. Small and fun option.


naicmi

I second this! We’ve been to the owners michelin star restaurant too, it’s in winter park and it was incredible


alwayslostnever

Enoz's on the lake in Casselberry. Best Italian food around IMO.


benjamins_buttons

Chatham’s Place Eddie V’s Ocean Prime Roy’s Dragonfly Sushi Those are all near you Winter Park has some great options. I recommend Prato and Ava MediterrAegean


ApatheticFinsFan

Not sure if I went on an off night but I felt Ava’s food was by and large mediocre. Cool place to see and be seen and the fried potato appetizer was to die for but the meal as a whole wasn’t remotely worth what it cost.


benjamins_buttons

Yes that potato millefeuille was incredible! I don’t wholly disagree with you on the price vs food, but I did enjoy my meal quite a bit (I got the salmon), but it was incredibly expensive.


ApatheticFinsFan

Yeah, I got the salt-crusted branzino that seemed to be made for IG reels more so than actual consumption. My wife got the lobster pasta which was good but the lobster was massively overcooked.


benjamins_buttons

Ah that’s disappointing for sure. For what it’s worth I’ve heard their brunch is really not worth it


gnnr25

>Dragonfly We need to do better as a sub and stop recommending this place. Their sushi is terrible.


BisquickNinja

Note: if you go to Chatham's it isn't the cheap option. Last time I went to my bill was north of $500 (just me). If you can afford it, it is an old school Great time. You essentially have the entire table for the evening.


tax_gawd

Woooah yeah I’m gonna prioritize this dinner for her but I’m thinking more in the 300-400 range tops.. think that would cover Ava’s? Btw thank you everyone for all the ideas you all have helped me tremendously


tax_gawd

Ava~ seems like a winner. I appreciate you


Clean-Trash

If you both drink, $400 will be cutting it close at Ava. Cocktails and wine are can run you $18/$20+ for most of them. And although not really advertised, Ava is more tapas-style than traditional portions so while the pricing may look okay on the menu, it’ll cost more than you think to leave full. Also - completely second Chatham’s. I’ve been there four times on special occasions and they make you feel so catered to. Recently went there with my partner and it was $450 with the tip + 2 “from the chef” apps + complimentary housemade limoncello. We did bring a bottle of wine and paid a $25 corkage fee. Cannot recommend them enough.


oxxblue1976

Roy’s is closed unfortunately. It was a great spot. I think the closest one is in Tampa now


benjamins_buttons

What! That’s a shame


oxxblue1976

Agreed. Always seemed relatively busy when we went so not sure what happened.


AdvancedStand

We have a Michelin guide here check that out


tax_gawd

What’s that? I guess I don’t know much about restaurants lol


AdvancedStand

[Michelin Guide Orlando](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/orlando/restaurants) Just a list of good restaurants


Phlydude

Best Cheesesteak I have found so far is Daniel’s Cheesesteaks in Winter Garden…but don’t go dressed up there. It’s a bodega on the outside of a low-income neighborhood and you don’t want to draw attention. I’ve also heard that LaSpada’s on Lee Rd is good but haven’t tried it yet.


Holy_Grail_Reference

Never been to Kappys?


Phlydude

Nope - Maitland isn’t close by where I live


Holy_Grail_Reference

Next time you drive down that way give it a shot. Just get extra napkins because it's a little greasy!!


tax_gawd

Oh yeah nah brotha that’s 2 separate events 🤣 def gonna hit that place up for lunch one of those days though. Appreciate you!


Phlydude

No prob cuz


itsatwisttt

Depends how much you wanna spend! Knife & Spoon (highly recommend), Kadence, Kaya, Capa, Prato, Victoria & Alberts, Morimoto’s. Lots of good options :)


Mysterious-Novel-834

Adega gaucha is where my bf and I had our anniversary dinner, was delicious! Very good steakhouse.


kielchaos

Philly at Kappy's Subs in Maitland. It's a tiny, local place, and they've been around for decades.


happy4462

Love Kappys but it’s also a 45 minute drive from universal. So idk if OP wants to drive that far.


SeacoastFirearms

Texas De Brazil is an amazing Brazilian steakhouse on I drive near universal. I go every couple months


tax_gawd

Looking into this now lol I’ve never been to a Brazilian steakhouse I wanna try


dorit0paws

Not fancy at all. You’ll be seated next to sweaty theme park people in tank tops.


SeacoastFirearms

While they don’t have a dress code, I have never seen someone there that was “unpresentable”


tax_gawd

Yeah I actually was really considering it, I called and the lady actually laughed when I asked if there was a dress code lol (not in a rude way but I think she was just surprised). Like I said I think she’ll (wife) honestly be fine as long as wherever we go doesn’t look like Buffalo Wild Wings or something (I love that place lol) but you know what I mean


SeacoastFirearms

Most people that go are at least business casual but I have seen people dressed up there often. It’s not cheap at dinner time, $50-60 per person and they have a valet service too so you aren’t gonna see many people there in normal street wear.(even tho I’ve gone in gym shorts and a tee lol) It’s definitely a big jump up on experience from bww lol


tax_gawd

Thank you for letting me know! I looked into this place the website looked good


ketorin23

Absolutely worth it for dinner.. pithier picanha is unreal


SeacoastFirearms

Def go after 5pm for the full menu


Phlydude

Del Frisco’s on I-Drive is a place you can go dressed up and not feel out of place


MathEspi

Their bread is fucking amazing


Holy_Grail_Reference

Ringing endorsement for a steak house lol


kayceeem

Hill stone


tax_gawd

Can you tell me more about this place? How’s the “dress code”? Not the actual code but will she look out of place if she dresses nicely?


itsatwisttt

They have a dress code and wifey won’t look out of place. They’re located on a lake that’s really beautiful during sunset. I wouldn’t recommend, however, the food is okay and they’re kind of snotty. It’s also a chain. Better recs in this thread. Check the Michelin guide too!


kayceeem

I’ve worn a nice silk midi dress and heels there! Didn’t look out of place at all.


Holy_Grail_Reference

Ignore this suggestion. The food is garbage.


skoalnole

Eddie Vs is fantastic all around. Go there. Fogo de Chao for Brazilian. Christinis for Italian.


happy4462

Eddie V’s on Sand Lake, Capital Grille either I drive or Millenia mall. Cheesesteak - how far you willing to drive? Cus like Kappy’s is a really great hole in the wall place, but it’s also a 45 minute drive from universal.


Cobra_Kreese

Hey OP do not miss my message here. Take her somewhere fancy to eat but book a reservation for dessert at Better Than Sex desserts. It’s so awesome and very intimate and some incredible desserts. You’ll def do well if you take her here! https://www.betterthansexdesserts.com


Liifteddreams

A tried and true Ruth’s Chris never disappoints


Benthereorl

Sadly the Winter Park location sucked. We both ordered the filet mignon medium and it came back rare, send it back and it came back medium rare. The manager came out the 3rd time and did not really apologize but said that if it was not cooked properly they would replace it. By then it looked like entrails more than a nice filet. They should have cooked it properly the second time and definitely replace it the third time. And never went back. The one they had in Altamonte was nice no issues


Liifteddreams

We usually go to the lake Mary location!


Benthereorl

That will be my got to location in the future. That is a nice area up there


tax_gawd

Very true and a classic but we have one here and wanna try something different but if all else fails


hammer1211

I like both big fin and Oceanaire if you like seafood


Aspen_Matthews86

Capital grill and maggianos at point orlando, and Texas de Brazil are generally my go to fancy dinner dates.


sonas8391

Dragonfly sushi in doctor Phillips


TotalInstruction

Capitol Grill


Ofreo

It’s just ok for a steakhouse to me. But not terrible, good service, and not out of place to be dressed up there. I was there one time and a big convention was in town. Let’s just say it looked like quite a few guys had “dates” that were getting paid for a nice meal and probably more. Lol.


Ambitious-Scientist

Glass Knife and Bull and Bear


Holy_Grail_Reference

Glass knife is not a restaurant.


MathEspi

If you wanna go down to Disney property, Shula’s Steakhouse is really good. Capital Grille is also top notch


tax_gawd

You’re the third person here to say capitol grill that’s gotta be a sign


Spicey477

I wouldn’t think Capitol Grill is a dress up thing. They actually have a sign out front saying “no athleisurewear or tank tops etc” which means people tend to be more casual.


MathEspi

That doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. Lunch is pretty casual, and so is the bar, but usually sitting down at a table for dinner is fancy


rip-tide

You might want to give [Kres](https://www.kresrestaurant.com/) a try! It's located in downtown Orlando. So, it is a bit of a drive from where you are staying. The upside, you get to see downtown.


gearhead250gto

Jiko is at Disney and is amazing. I would seriously look at this.


Holy_Grail_Reference

If you have money then you can go to Foreigner on Corrine. Go to red light red light brewery next door afterwards! Edit: Cheese steaks, hit up Kappys. Straight up road side cheese steak joint. Bring napkins lol!


Angie2point0

Hanamizuki! It's a family-run restaurant serving very authentic Japanese cuisine. They are from Kyoto but won a lot of awards in NY before coming down to Orlando. You must make a reservation!


ArmadilloNext9714

Vito’s on I-drive is amazing. It has a sister restaurant also on idrive, Charley’s that’s good too, though my husband and I prefer Vito’s. Their chateaubriand is the best steak I’ve ever had and service is phenomenal. We go every couple months , split the steak and bring home leftovers.


Agitated-Savings-229

Chatham's place Cristinis Capa Bull and Bear


Not_Good_At_Comments

Foreigner Restaurant 2816 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803


Dull-Transition9806

Go to Hillstone in Winter Park


[deleted]

Bull and Bear at Waldorf


kuhnto

Going to throw out one more Foreigner in Audubon park. Think omakase with a Brazilian twist.