My Top Special Occasion Restaurants in Orlando
I get asked for Orlando celebratory restaurant recommendations a lot, and truthfully I often feel ill-prepared to answer that question for several reasons. First, celebratory restaurants are different for different people. If you regularly blow 100+ dollars on dinner, can I give you a recommendation that will even feel special to you?
Second, Most people will list expensive, high-priced, luxury resort restaurants, and I rarely, if ever, dine at those. I did once for a celebration at a spot that will remain nameless, (ok it was HighBall and Harvest) and it was awful and cost me $200! After that splurge, I vowed not to be lured by the sirens of Ritzs and Seasons again.
However, that’s what people expect, right? Well, I’m not that person, and while I’m sure there is a fantastic meal I’m missing out on, I try to save my big splurges for travel dining, so therefore, I feel like maybe I’m not the best person to ask. I certainly don’t want to mimic what Google or other listicles say; I want to give real experience and context.
But then I thought, maybe there are people like me who feel that celebratory can mean a host of different experiences. Growing up without money has taught me many things, including that a restaurant doesn’t have to come with a $500 bill to be considered worthy of a celebration. It’s a treat just to get to dine out anywhere!
I’ve compiled a list of restaurants I personally feel have a lot to offer for anything you might want to celebrate. I wouldn’t dare say any of them are cheap, but they range from moderate to splurge.
Doshi
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies that want something that isn’t too large, crowded, or chaotic. Whether you decide to order off the a la carte menu or reserve a spot for the Chef’s Counter, this elevated experience will satisfy you in a calm atmosphere.
Who it’s not for: Someone who wants an extensive cocktail or beer list for their celebration.
KAYA
Who it’s a great spot for: Avid foodies who love or want to explore Filipino food and seafood. You have the option to enjoy the full-tasting menu or sit at the bar and order a la carte. As a new Michelin Green Star restaurant, you’ll want to get reservations!
Who it’s not for: Because it is seafood-focused, that might not be for everyone depending on allergies or preferences.
EDOBOY
Who it’s a great spot for: Sushi lovers who don’t mind standing and want an intimate, out-of-the-ordinary dining experience.
Who it’s not for: People that want to linger, have cocktails, and don’t love sushi.
The Monroe
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies that like a mix of nostalgic southern fare in a gorgeous and trendy setting.
Who it’s not for: People who don’t want to venture downtown.
PRATO
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies who love Italian food and love good people watching.
Who it’s not for: Honestly, I’d say Prato is an excellent option for everyone.
PAPA LLAMA
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies that love Peruvian food, an intimate space, and are big into natural wines.
Who it’s not for: Picky eaters who don’t drink wine.
SUSURU
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies who want a casual but fun, eccentric atmosphere and love Izakaya.
Who it’s not for: People that want something more elevated or intimate.
AVA MediterrAegean
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies wanting to dress up, go somewhere trendy, be seen, and are ready and willing to drop money to have a full experience.
Who it’s not for: Someone who is on a tight budget.
Reyes Mezcaleria
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies who love mezcal and elevated Mexican cuisine in a beautiful eye-catching setting.
Who it’s not for: People who aren’t fans of Mexican food, but honestly the menu has a nice mix of options.
TURCI PASTA
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies that want a quiet, intimate experience with homemade Italian fare.
Who it’s not for: A couple that wants a night out in a bustling, vibrant setting.
CAMILLE
Who it’s a great spot for: People who want an elevated, more intimate experience but without is being overly stuffy. The food here is incredible, it’s been one of Orlando foodie highlights in terms of a pricier meal that I would splurge for again.
Who it’s not for: Picky eaters who want full culinary control.
KADENCE
Who it’s a great spot for: Avid foodies collecting Michelin Star dining experiences with no budget.
Who it’s not for: People who are on a budget and aren’t up for not controlling their menu choices.
FYI: Kadence is currently on hiatus until March 8th.
THE STRAND
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies whose budget might not be at Michelin Star level but can afford Michelin Bib Gourmand—looking for a very chill atmosphere with locally sourced, high-quality food.
Who it’s not for: Anyone looking for Instagram fodder or wanting something flashy.
Ravenous Pig
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies who like the Gastropub experience and local brews in a atmosphere that isn’t so casual that you can’t have a celebration.
Who it’s not for: Ravenous Pig is for everyone except maybe vegans, whose options would be limited.
WA Sushi
Who it’s a great spot for Foodies that are very into fresh seafood and sushi, and who want something intimate.
Who it’s not for: People who don't love sushi or want glitz and glam.
Kabooki Sushi SAND LAKE or Downtown
Who it’s a great spot for Foodies that are into an elevated experience by a local award-winning, James Beard nominated Chef and who also want something hip, trendy, and worthy of debuting a new outfit.
Who it’s not for: People who don’t love sushi or want something more low-key.
FOUR FLAMINGOS
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodie fans of Richard Blais, who want upscale but still Florida casual, and don’t mind trekking to the attractions area.
Who it’s not for: Four Flamingos is more seafood-forward, and while there are other options, if you have a shellfish allergy, this might not be the best option.
DOMU
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies who still haven’t tried the famous Domu wings and don’t want to spend big on their dinner but still want a nice atmosphere. For a more elevated aesthetic, go to the Dr. Phillips location.
Who it’s not for: People who eat at Domu regularly, so it’s not celebration-worthy.
MORIMOTO
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies who are fans of Chef Morimoto, who also love Disney and want to make a whole night out of celebrating in Disney Springs.
Who it’s not for: Anyone that doesn’t want to trek to the Disney area.
SUSHI POP
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies who live on the East or North side of Orlando, and don’t want to venture too far, but still want a good meal that feels special. They also have an Omakase option for something more celebratory.
Who it’s not for: Anyone that doesn’t live in the Oviedo area, and wants an option closer to them.
NILE ETHIOPIAN
Who it’s a great spot for: Foodies who want to experience something different and aren’t looking for a hot trendy night out on the town.
Who it’s not for: Anyone that hates I-Drive or picky eaters.
Golden Hour Wine
Who it’s a great spot for: While Golden Hour is not a restaurant, it is still worth a shout out. Serious wine lovers will want to visit this shop for a celebratory purchase, or to sit and sip. Heather, the owner, is a wealth of knowledge and will expertly help you pick out the best bottle for your budget.
Who it’s not for: Non-drinkers.
I hope you find this list helpful, and as I have more celebratory dinners of my own, I will add to this list.
Also I know I have many more places I need to try, don’t yell at me. Eating out is pricey when you don’t attend free dinners!