Orlando, Florida, often associated with its theme parks and family entertainment, also boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to diverse palates. For those who appreciate not only fine dining but also breathtaking views, Orlando has an array of restaurants that offer both delicious food and stunning vistas.

1. California Grill: Sunset Spectacular Over Disney Magic Kingdom

Location: 4600 North World Drive, Orlando, FL 32830, USA

How to Get There: Located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, it’s easily accessible from the Magic Kingdom via the monorail or a short walk.

Highlight: Panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and nightly fireworks.

Cuisine: Contemporary American with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Reservation Platform: Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made via the Disney Dining website or app.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: Dining at California Grill is a quintessential Orlando experience, particularly if you time your reservation around sunset. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom and the surrounding area, making it a prime spot for watching Disney’s nightly fireworks. The menu features innovative dishes such as the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli and Oak-Fired Filet of Beef. The wine list is extensive, showcasing an impressive selection of Californian wines. The combination of the culinary excellence, impeccable service, and mesmerizing views makes California Grill a must-visit.

2. The BOATHOUSE: Nautical Elegance at Disney Springs

Location: 1620 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, USA

How to Get There: Located in Disney Springs, accessible by car, bus, or boat from various Disney resorts.

Highlight: Waterfront dining with views of the lake and vintage amphibious cars.

Cuisine: Seafood and steakhouse favorites.

Reservation Platform: Reservations can be made through the Disney Dining website or OpenTable.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: The BOATHOUSE combines a nautical theme with fine dining, offering an impressive array of seafood and steaks. Sitting at a table by the water, watching the vintage Amphicars glide across the lake, creates a unique and relaxing atmosphere. The menu is extensive, with standout dishes such as the Lobster Bisque and the Filet Mignon Sliders. The raw bar is also a highlight, featuring fresh oysters and shellfish. Whether you’re inside the elegant dining room or outside on the dockside seating, the views are spectacular.

3. Capa: Spanish Flair with a Skyline View

Location: Four Seasons Resort Orlando, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836, USA

How to Get There: Located at the Four Seasons Resort, accessible by car or resort transportation.

Highlight: Rooftop dining with panoramic views of Disney World and the nightly fireworks.

Cuisine: Spanish-inspired steakhouse with a focus on tapas and grilled meats.

Reservation Platform: Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Four Seasons website or OpenTable.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: Capa offers a sophisticated dining experience with an incredible rooftop view. The Spanish-inspired menu is perfect for sharing, with a variety of tapas and grilled meats. The ambiance is upscale yet inviting, with a modern design and open kitchen. The views of the Disney World fireworks from the terrace are stunning, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion. The service is impeccable, adding to the overall experience.

4. Hemingway’s: A Taste of the Keys at Grande Lakes

Location: JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837, USA

How to Get There: Located within the JW Marriott Orlando, accessible by car or resort transportation.

Highlight: Overlooking the resort’s beautiful lakes and golf course.

Cuisine: Inspired by the flavors of the Florida Keys, with a focus on seafood.

Reservation Platform: Reservations can be made through the JW Marriott website or OpenTable.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: Hemingway’s at the JW Marriott offers a serene dining experience with a view of the resort’s picturesque lakes and golf course. The menu is inspired by the flavors of the Florida Keys, featuring fresh seafood and tropical ingredients. The ambiance is relaxed yet refined, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely dinner. Highlights include the Lobster Mac and Cheese and the Key Lime Pie. The tranquil setting and attentive service make Hemingway’s a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

5. Eleven: Rooftop Dining at Reunion Resort

Location: Reunion Resort, 7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747, USA

How to Get There: Located within Reunion Resort, accessible by car or resort transportation.

Highlight: Rooftop dining with views of the resort and distant Disney fireworks.

Cuisine: Contemporary American with an emphasis on steak and seafood.

Reservation Platform: Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Reunion Resort website or OpenTable.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: Eleven offers an upscale dining experience on the rooftop of Reunion Resort. The restaurant’s contemporary American menu features a variety of steaks and seafood, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The views from the rooftop are stunning, especially during the Disney fireworks. The ambiance is chic and sophisticated, making it a great spot for a special occasion. Highlights include the Lobster Bisque and the Filet Mignon. The service is excellent, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

6. The Palm: Classic Steakhouse Elegance at Hard Rock Hotel

Location: Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

How to Get There: Located within the Hard Rock Hotel, accessible by car or resort transportation.

Highlight: Views of the hotel’s pool and garden area.

Cuisine: Classic steakhouse fare with Italian influences.

Reservation Platform: Reservations can be made through the Hard Rock Hotel website or OpenTable.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel offers a timeless steakhouse experience with a rock-and-roll twist. The restaurant’s menu features classic steakhouse dishes, with an emphasis on prime cuts of beef and fresh seafood. The views of the hotel’s lush pool area add to the upscale ambiance. Highlights include the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and the New York Strip. The Palm’s reputation for excellent service and high-quality cuisine is well-deserved, making it a top choice for a special night out.

7. Norman’s: Innovative Cuisine at The Ritz-Carlton

Location: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837, USA

How to Get There: Located within The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, accessible by car or resort transportation.

Highlight: Views of the resort’s lush gardens and lake.

Cuisine: New World cuisine blending Latin, Caribbean, and Asian flavors.

Reservation Platform: Reservations can be made through The Ritz-Carlton website or OpenTable.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton offers a unique dining experience, blending diverse culinary traditions to create innovative dishes. The restaurant’s elegant setting, with views of the resort’s gardens and lake, adds to the refined atmosphere. Highlights include the Pork Belly “Bahn Mi” and the Miso-Glazed Black Cod. The combination of exceptional cuisine, stunning views, and impeccable service makes Norman’s a standout choice for fine dining in Orlando.

8. Paddlefish: Riverboat Dining at Disney Springs

Location: Disney Springs, 1670 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

How to Get There: Located in Disney Springs, accessible by car, bus, or boat from various Disney resorts.

Highlight: Dining on a riverboat with views of the lake and Disney Springs.

Cuisine: Seafood-centric menu with a variety of fresh catches and shellfish.

Reservation Platform: Reservations can be made through the Disney Dining website or OpenTable.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: Paddlefish offers a unique dining experience aboard a riverboat at Disney Springs. The seafood-centric menu features a variety of fresh catches and shellfish, with highlights including the Lobster Corn Dogs and the King Crab Legs. The views from the upper deck, especially at sunset, are stunning, providing a picturesque backdrop for a delicious meal. The ambiance is both casual and elegant, making Paddlefish a great choice for families and couples alike.

9. Bull & Bear: Steakhouse Luxury at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Location: Waldorf Astoria Orlando, 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

How to Get There: Located within the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, accessible by car or resort transportation.

Highlight: Views of the resort’s golf course and nightly Disney fireworks.

Cuisine: Classic steakhouse fare with a focus on prime cuts and luxurious ingredients.

Reservation Platform: Reservations can be made through the Waldorf Astoria website or OpenTable.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers a luxurious steakhouse experience with a focus on prime cuts and high-end ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant setting, with views of the resort’s golf course and the nightly Disney fireworks, adds to the opulent atmosphere. Highlights include the Tomahawk Ribeye and the Bull & Bear Fried Chicken. The combination of impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and stunning views makes Bull & Bear a top choice for fine dining in Orlando.

10. Narcoossee’s: Waterfront Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

How to Get There: Located within Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, accessible by car, monorail, or resort transportation.

Highlight: Waterfront dining with views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Cuisine: Seafood-centric menu with a variety of fresh catches and shellfish.

Reservation Platform: Reservations can be made through the Disney Dining website or app.

Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal Experience: Narcoossee’s offers a charming waterfront dining experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The seafood-centric menu features a variety of fresh catches and shellfish, with highlights including the Lobster Bisque and the Surf and Turf. The views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks add to the restaurant’s appeal. The ambiance is both elegant and relaxed, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a leisurely dinner.

Savoring Orlando’s Culinary Delights with a View

Orlando’s dining scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, offering a plethora of restaurants that combine exceptional cuisine with stunning views. From the rooftop elegance of Capa and Eleven to the waterfront charm of Narcoossee’s and Paddlefish, each restaurant provides a unique and memorable dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a leisurely meal, these restaurants offer the perfect blend of great food and breathtaking scenery.

Embark on your own culinary journey through Orlando and discover the many flavors and vistas that this vibrant city has to offer. Each restaurant featured in this guide promises an unforgettable experience, where you can indulge in delicious dishes while taking in some of the best views Orlando has to offer.