While Orlando tends to be most well known for its theme parks and attractions, there is actually a flourishing (and delicious) food scene. And since food, date nights, and romance all fit so well hand in hand, we wanted to take you on a journey through the best date night restaurants in Orlando.
What’s our criteria to make the list of best romantic restaurants in Orlando? Here’s our breakdown, and then we’ll get into the list.
- (Required) Must be in Orlando
- Create an intimate environment
- Known for memorable moments
- Delicious food
- Positive reviews focused on the romantic aspect
1. Capa (Four Seasons Orlando)
Located on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons hotel, Capa is a Spanish influenced steakhouse with amazing food, breathtaking rooftop views, and the stylish elegance and ambiance you’d expect in a romantic restaurant. What really makes this Michelin Star restaurant great for romantic date nights is that you can actually watch the Disney fireworks right from the outdoor terraces. The restaurant even has a link on their website to Disney’s firework schedule.
If you’re looking for popular options to enhance your romantic night out, the porterhouse steak is super popular and so is the paella. You can also get a lot of small plates and share, which is quite popular at Spanish-type restaurants and great for a romantic connection.
2. Christini’s Ristorante Italiano
There’s something special about romance and Italy that makes the perfect pair. When it comes to romantic Italian restaurants in Orlando that are perfect for date night, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano tends to top the list.
This classic Italian restaurant brings all of the old-world charm you’d expect with a high-class atmosphere, well dressed staff, and an experience you both will remember.
What’s really great for date nights in Orlando is that you often get live music to really make it memorable.
Popular dishes you can’t miss include the cannoli and literally any of the pastas!
3. Cala Bella at Rosen Shingle Creek
Continuing our journey around the world, our next romantic restaurant in Orlando is Cala Bella at Rosen Shingle Creek, a Mediterranean spot that feels like it was made for date night. Nestled inside the Rosen Shingle Creek resort, this cozy restaurant gets you far enough away from the traditional tourist hustle and bustle to experience something special.
Can’t miss dishes at this AAA Four Diamond restaurant include the Salumi e Formaggi, the Grass Fed Lamb, and the pizzas!
4. Vines Grille & Wine Bar
Vines Grille & Wine Bar is a really unique date night restaurant in Orlando located on Sand Lake Road’s Restaurant Row. Known for its steak and seafood (surf and turf), the food is known for being out of this world.
One of the reasons we really like this option for date night is on the restaurant’s website it literally says, “built on the fierce idea that food, wine, and spirits hold the key to forming enduring connections.” Since romance is all about connection, this feels perfectly aligned.
Can’t miss options include the Citrus Glazed Salmon, the steaks (any of them), and the charcuterie board. The wagyu sliders during happy hour are great too!
And don’t forget they have happy hour daily from 4-7 with a lot of great specials if you want to save a few bucks but still enjoy this great Orlando date night restaurant.
5. The Monroe
While the first few options we shared on our list of the best date night restaurants in Orlando are more classic romance, now we’re shifting to trendy romance with The Monroe. Located in Downtown Orlando (on the ground floor of the Julian Apartments at Creative Village), you two can expect a bit more of a casual feel but still incredible ambiance and out of this world food.
Want to start salivating? Here are a few ideas to think about…Pork Belly S’Mores, Creekstone Farms Short Rib, and Maple Crème Brule. Yum to the max!
And just in case you aren’t salivating yet…
For those of you looking for even more romance in Orlando, make sure you get the free date night app LoveTrack! It is a prefect resource to always be ‘in the know’ about the best date night ideas, restaurants, and spots in Orlando (or anywhere in the country)!
6. Kres Chophouse
If ambiance is number one on your list of criteria for a romantic restaurant in Orlando, look no further than Kres Chophouse. It’s a classic, old-school romance feel, with a lot of red and historic brick-type feel (if that makes sense). Here’s a look at the outside of the building that probably displays that way better.
If you’re looking for that traditional romantic steakhouse experience in Orlando, you can’t go wrong here. What should order? Well, steak! But what if you don’t eat meat? This restaurant has an extensive (actually extensive) vegan menu with 14 different options and a Vegan prix fixe option!
For the meat eaters, besides steak, consider the Filet Wellington, the Golden Tilefish, and the Dark Chocolate Molten Turtle. Yum.
7. Otto’s High Dive
You can’t get far in Orlando (or anywhere in Florida) without needing to try some great Cuban food, especially for a romantic date night. One of the best? Otto’s High Dive. Don’t worry, there’s no swimming involved here. This high-energy spot has a lively but still cozy feel. If you prefer romance in more upbeat atmospheres, Otto’s is your go to.
Great drinks and too many good food options to list a favorite (jk, try the Ropa Vieja or the Pork Belly)!
8. Ocean Prime Orlando
Yes, this is a chain, but we don’t think that should keep you away from an amazing romantic date night restaurant located in Orlando. Ocean Prime Orlando is a classic romantic spot down by the Orange County Convention Center with high-quality service, incredible eats, and a romantic date night spot you can count on.
Like most steakhouses, it’s going to be a bit pricy, but there is a lot of great food to enjoy like the wedge salad, the Willow Bend Lamb, and yes, all the steaks. We have our favorites, but it really just depends on what cut you like. Do make sure to look at all the steak topping options in case you want to dress it up a little for your date night.
Hidden Gem Romantic Restaurants in Orlando
In addition to these amazing options, there are some hidden gems that typically fly under the radar we want to point out. Here are some of our favorites.
- Maxine’s on Shine – Often has great specials, unique entertainment, and always great food. This is a must check out for date night.
- The Osprey – Oysters! Okay, they have a lot more than this, but that’s what gets us excited about this romantic Orlando date night spot.
- The Boheme at Grand Bohemian Hotel – Not only can you eat here, but there is art all throughout the hotel property. The live jazz brunches are also great for an early morning date restaurant experience.
- Victoria & Albert’s (Disney’s Grand Floridian) – Also on our list of the most romantic things to do in Orlando, this Disney restaurant it expensive but is a bucket list item for couples all over the globe.
- Bull & Bear (Waldorf Astoria Orlando) – A really popular restaurant for proposals and anniversaries with some of the best food presentations we’ve seen in a long time. Great for date night.