Tour some of Orlando’s best hotel dining — including several MICHELIN restaurants like BACÁN (pictured) at Lake Nona Wave Hotel — with Instagram influencer Christina Petsos.
If I had a dollar for every time someone has said to me, “I wouldn’t have ever thought about eating at restaurant hotels,” I would be rich. Growing up with parents that travel a lot, I became quite accustomed to fine dining in new cities, including the hotels we stayed at. It might come as quite a shock to some people that Orlando’s hotels have some fantastic options.
- Hotel Restaurants in Lake Nona, Downtown Orlando & Winter Park
- Hotel Restaurants in Orlando’s Tourism Districts
- Map of Orlando Hotel Restaurants
Want proof? Over the last couple months, I visited multiple local hotel restaurants to showcase Orlando’s dining — several of which were honored in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Check the bottom of the blog for a map you can use to find these venues and other top hotel restaurants throughout Orlando.
BACÁN at Lake Nona Wave Hotel
Lake Nona Wave Hotel opened in late 2021 in its forward-thinking namesake community near Orlando International Airport, and it has already made a splash with its unique decor. This hotel is quite the sight to see with a couch turned sideways, a beautiful peacock chair, and a cherry blossom tree in the center of the downstairs bar. A MICHELIN Recommended restaurant, BACÁN calls their menu “elevated but approachable,” which is certainly fitting for this open-air kitchen venue complete with a robot server.
Discover: Lake Nona
I obviously had to order the signature drink with “BACÁN” written on the top. It is a rum drink called Above the Clouds. If they are out of the rum, you can still order it with a different type of alcohol. Another signature item is actually from The Living Room Bar in the lobby, but it can be ordered at BACÁN even though it’s not on their menu. This is the Carnival of the Animals, made with Absolut Elyx and Chandon Brut Rose. It serves four and is in a beautiful flamingo bowl!
For appetizers, I tried the Charred Pulpo (octopus) and the Pork Belly. I loved the addition of feta to the octopus, which is a combination of flavors I didn’t know I needed, but it makes sense as both are Greek delicacies. The pork belly was also enjoyable and cooked just right.
Entrees consisted of the BACÁN Burger and the 8-ounce Hanger Steak Carne Asada. When I saw the description of the burger, I knew I had to have it, as it is the definition of elevated. It is made with wagyu beef and topped with foie gras. The wagyu was cooked perfectly, and I enjoy foie gras. The steak was cooked to my liking. It had a nice char with added flavor from the mustard seeds.
I ended my meal with the Tres Leches Cake and the signature Esfera de Chocolate. The Tres Leches was incredible and so different than any other I’ve ever had. You’ll have to try it for yourself to see what I mean. The chocolate dish’s sphere is very Instagrammable, complete with hot chocolate sauce that is poured on top, melting the sphere and revealing strawberry ice cream inside.
The Boheme at Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Oh what a treasure The Boheme is! I cannot believe this was my first time eating here. This has all the date night vibes and such an intimate atmosphere. I am so impressed by the steak here that I am still thinking about it. The Boehme is in the heart of downtown inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, which is a sister property to the one in Savannah, Georgia, that I am oh-so-familiar with since I used to live there. Maybe it is because I prefer Orlando, but I think we have the superior of the two hotels restaurant-wise.
I ordered the Kessler Cabernet Sauvignon to start the meal, a classic, and paired it with their charcuterie sampler called the Hunter’s Board. I found it had a pleasant ratio of cheese, meat and bread, which can be difficult to find.
The steak, as mentioned, is fantastic. I had the 8-ounce Filet Mignon and the Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin. If I could eat this filet every day, I would. I paired it with some truffle parmesan fries that were absolutely addicting.
I loved dessert here, too. I chose the Nutella Lava Cake and was very happy with that decision. Anytime I see the word “Nutella,” I’m on board.
If you’re looking for parking, a garage is right across the street, or you can valet. It is cheaper to valet if you are at the restaurant for fewer than three hours.
Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn
A staple of downtown Winter Park, Hamilton’s Kitchen is a restaurant inside The Alfond Inn, both of which are owned by Rollins College. The Alfond boasts that it is the most dog-friendly hotel in the Orlando area. Naturally, I had to bring my dog with me to dine. Lilly and I sat outside on their beautiful terrace on a gorgeous day for brunch. With the fountain running and the birds chirping, there is no better start to a Saturday than good food and a relaxing atmosphere.
Discover: Winter Park
Don’t skip the drinks, especially The Tiffany Twist. It is a beautiful blue and tastes amazing. Hamilton’s Kitchen is also famous for their bloody marys.
To eat, I tried the Avocado Toast, Classic Eggs Benedict, the French Brunch Pastry Basket and the French Toast. Eggs Benedict is something I always order if it is on the menu, same with avocado toast. The hollandaise is amazing on this one — I had been craving it ever since I had first gone to the restaurant six years prior for a birthday brunch. The French toast was plated beautifully and had such a simple elegance; what more could you ask for?
It’s clear to see why this restaurant has been around for so long and continues to draw in locals in addition to hotel guests staying at The Alfond to visit their loved ones going to Rollins or just to explore the area. The service, the food and the atmosphere are all what make you feel good and happy.
Capa Steakhouse & Bar at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
So, when driving into the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, it feels like you’ve left Walt Disney World Resort and entered a neighborhood. This place is giant and beautiful! Walk into the Four Seasons and you are met with a giant window and beautiful chandelier, a perfect photo spot.
You make your way to the elevator, where you are transported to the top floor and exit at their rooftop steakhouse and bar, Capa — one of four One-MICHELIN-Star Orlando restaurants — and are greeted by their beautiful bar and insane views of Orlando. On the left, EPCOT®. On the right, Magic Kingdom® Park. Yep. This is it: heaven for the Disney fan. You are then taken to your table, where you are provided immaculate service. (How immaculate? These servers have their watches programmed to when the sun sets and is no longer visible from the rooftop. They’ll let you know when there are only 10 minutes left so you can get that elusive “golden hour” photo we all love.)
Save on discount tickets: WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort
Capa is a Spanish American steakhouse fusion. Appetizers are served tapas style. Entrees are more American steakhouse. My tapas included the Cerdo (pork belly) and the Spanish charcuterie and cheeses. You can’t go wrong with these, and I was impressed.
This restaurant is a true fine dining experience, and they wait for you to tell them you are ready for the next course. After appetizers, we got our steaks. I ordered the 12-ounce Delmonico: perfectly cooked, seasoned well and a big portion. They provide six different types of salt for the steak, and my favorite was the black salt.
After dinner, we watched the fireworks from Magic Kingdom on the balcony. When we returned, dessert was being delivered to the table. We ordered the Churros de Madrid and the Valor Chocolate, and both were fantastic.
Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen is new at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress from the titular Top Chef All-Stars-winning chef — and it’s already a MICHELIN Recommended restaurant. When Blais is in town, he loves to meet his guests. If you come at the right time, you’ll be able to snag a photo! On the days he is not in, Chef Shelby Farrell is in control and does a phenomenal job.
Upon stepping into Four Flamingos, you will notice how open and bright it is, giving it that “Florida” feel. The dishes are inspired by tropical flavors and there are, as you can guess if you’re a Blais fan, multiple items involving his favorite thing: molecular gastronomy.
For drinks, I started with the show-stopping and video-worthy Roseberry Bomb, made with vodka and St-Germain Elderberry Liqueur. A large smoke bubble is created over the drink, and then you pop it with your sprig of rosemary. I also had Key Lime in the Coconut — made with vanilla vodka, this cocktail tastes just like a key lime pie.
I enjoyed the Tuna Tostada with passion fruit yolk and the Stone Crab Claws as an appetizer. Big, big fan of the tostada, and I’m now wishing I had another one to eat. This light, playful dish is 100% worth ordering. The stone crab claws were fresh and flavorful.
Next came our entrees. The 16-ounce Swordfish Prime Rib “Neptune’s Cut” is the staple of the kitchen, so of course I tried it. This swordfish is cooked to perfection and the pepper crust is truly a gift. I also tried the Surf & Turf, which came with some of the most tender lobster I have ever tried. The steak had a unique flavor to it that I enjoyed.
Finally, desserts. I ordered the Chocolate Banana Caviar and the Key Lime Blossom. Both were fantastic, and the chocolate banana dish is served as a sphere that must be broken to get to get banana mousse inside. Four Flamingos and Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress are close to Walt Disney World.
A Land Remembered at Rosen Shingle Creek
Rosen Shingle Creek is Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ signature property and it is gorgeous — so naturally, their steakhouse is going to be, as well. Located right on the golf course, the AAA Four Diamond A Land Remembered provides stunning views.
No stranger to great hospitality, Rosen provides excellent service every time. On top of exceptional service is expertly cooked food. A Land Remembered recently updated their entire menu with some great offerings. I tried the new Wagyu Beef Carpaccio. It should be noted how fantastic and unique this carpaccio is. The black garlic shoyu is what made it irresistible for me. The Seared Big Eye Tuna and Colorado Lamb Ribs were also amazing starters that I would recommend.
I ordered the 8-ounce Filet Mignon, which I do every time here, as it is always amazing. This time was no exception. So tender, so well-seasoned. I also ordered the black garlic butter with it, which is a perfect pairing. I also tried the 20-ounce Bone-In Ribeye, and it was great, as well.
Dessert here is always fantastic, too, and it is so hard to choose as I love them all. This time, I went with the Warm Pioneer Bread Pudding and the Key Lime Brûlée Bar. I love how unique the latter is, as instead of being just a slice of pie, it’s rectangular in shape and brûléed.
Make sure when you come here to ask about parking validation, so you do not have to pay. Rosen Shingle Creek and A Land Remembered are minutes from SeaWorld® Orlando.
Mama Della’s Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
If you have not been to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, an official Universal Orlando Resort property, consider this your sign to visit. It’s a massive resort and transports you to Venice. There are so many hallways to explore, and you can find yourself lost if you aren’t careful. Portofino Bay is home to Mama Della’s Ristorante, just one of the Italian restaurants located on property. What a fun experience this was! If there is one thing you can count on, it is that Universal Orlando will always pull out all the stops.
Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort
When I walked in, we were greeted with a trio of Italian singers who go around to each table, and even take requests. The decor in here is that of an Italian grandmother, and it feels so homey. But don’t let the casual look fool you, because the food is anything but that.
I ended up dining outside because I’m an outdoors type of gal, but the inside experience is definitely the way to go. Though if you dine outside, you get a beautiful view of the water and once 7 p.m. strikes, the singers move to the balcony of the lobby and you get a whole show as part of the nightly Musica della Notte music series!
For food, I had the Pan-Steamed Mussels, Gnocchi and Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli. The mussels are served in a pesto sauce, which I found to be a unique take. The gnocchi were so soft and pillowy, I loved it. The cannoli is giant and has great flavor.
If you dine here, you can get the self-parking validated. Just ask at the restaurant.
The Venetian Chop House at Caribe Royale Orlando
Caribe Royale Orlando is a resort that has been around for many years, located near Walt Disney World. I remember passing it all the time as a kid, but I am not sure I had ever been inside. Their signature restaurant, The Venetian Chop House, is a AAA Four Diamond restaurant located on the bottom floor with a view of the pool from the patio.
The dining room is eloquent and romantic, but I opted to sit on their patio. The patio has a beautiful fire wall outside and if it’s not too hot, it makes the best dinner.
Our server was great, and it was a busy night for them. He had a lot of suggestions that I listened to, and I’m glad I did. We ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare, Seared Shrimp and Scallop, and my favorite, the Lobster Bisque. This soup comes with a flaky dough topping that makes the flavor of the bisque unlike anything I’ve had before.
For dinner, I tried the 16-ounce Ribeye and the Colorado Lamb Chops. They cooked my steak exactly how I asked, and I quite enjoyed the lamb. I ordered my steak with their beurre blanc sauce, which was a nice addition.
For dessert, I had the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Bar and Key Lime Mango Tart. They were both presented beautifully and sinfully delicious.
Map of Top Orlando Hotel Restaurants
Use this interactive map to track down all of the hotel restaurants featured in this blog, plus more hotel restaurants you will want to try — including several MICHELIN honorees. (Click here if you found us via Google and don’t see a map or images.)
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