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 $150+ on dinner, can I give you a recommendation that feels 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 cost $500 to be worthy of a celebration. It’s a treat to get to dine out anywhere!
I’ve compiled a list of restaurants I feel offer a lot for whatever you might want to celebrate. I wouldn’t dare say any of them are cheap, but they range from moderate to splurge.
Sparrow
What this is a good spot for: Sparrow is an incredibly chic, vibey, and romantic-feeling wine bar, but the food plays second fiddle to no glass. The menu is large enough that if you want to splurge and get a sole or pasta, or small plates, you can fill up and be quite satisfied. Or if you want to drink and nibble, but have an excuse to get dressed up to toast something special, you can do either here.
Who it’s not for: I’m not honestly sure who Sparrow wouldn’t please, unless you looked ahead at the menu and didn’t see anything you were into. I think they have something for most palates, including mocktails if you don’t drink. Vegans may have more limited options.
CORO
What this is a good spot for: Coro is for foodies who appreciate a true, fresh, seasonal menu, where you can watch the kitchen from most seats and feel like you're part of a more intimate culinary experience.
Who it’s not for: People who are looking for a loud, party atmosphere where food is secondary or even third.
KAYA
Who it’s a great spot for: Avid foodies who love or want to explore Filipino food and seafood. You can enjoy the full tasting menu or sit at the bar and order à 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.
Mosonori
Who it’s a great spot for: Sushi lovers who don’t mind sitting on stools at a bar first and foremost. The menu of hand rolls may not scream celebration, but I’m a big fan of this place. The rolls are delicious, using high-quality, fresh ingredients, and there is a certain vibe to it that feels fun and elevated. There are options for set menus, or you can choose each roll on its own, and while it’s not cheap, you can control your cost pretty well.
Who it’s not for: People who don’t love sushi, or have back problems, because the barstools have no backs.
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's foodie highlights, and it's a pricier meal I would splurge on again. Please beware of the add-ons; things can get really pricey without you realizing it.
Who it’s not for: Picky eaters who want complete culinary control.
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.
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.
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.
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 Downtown
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.
Norigami
It’s a great spot for: Sushi lovers who live on the West side of Orlando, and don’t want to trek into Orlando’s core for a good meal. Norigami is exceptional sushi, and is also listed as a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
Who it’s not for: People who want a whole restaurant atmosphere, not a stall in a food hall, and who don’t want to sit at a bar in high chairs.
SELAM ETHIOPIAN
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: Couples that are not adventurous 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!