With a host of themed dining options to tempt you, these unique restaurants in Orlando promise to make your mealtimes extra special.
For foodie fans looking to stay, our Orlando vacation homes deliver welcome flexibility. Each equipped with a fully functional kitchen, our exclusive villas serve up carefree freedom whilst you’re away. Fancy ordering in a takeaway or hiring in a private chef? Be our guest. Craving a date night out in your resort or Orlando city? Walk this way! For those looking to dine out, read on and savor some of the most unique restaurants in Orlando.
Best seafood restaurants in Orlando
Thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Orlando offers a superb destination for seafood lovers. The best seafood restaurants in Orlando serve up juicy jumbo shrimp, flakey mahi-mahi, and blackened redfish. Take a breath and dive into two of the most iconic seafood restaurants below.
Shark’s Underwater Grill $$$
This casual American bar and grill at Sea World promises to get your mealtime off to a swimming start. For one, you’ll be dining with sharks! That’s right. With huge aquarium-style windows, Sharks Underwater Grill promises a memorable dining experience in Orlando. Tuck into this restaurant’s mouth-watering menu, which ranges from lobster roll and seared scallops to tempura shrimp and filet mignon. Plus, you’ll find a kid-pleaser menu too, for hassle-free meal moments.
High Tide Harry’s $$
Those craving somewhere more casual (though no less delicious) should head to High Tide Harry’s. A popular local establishment, this laid-back, family seafood restaurant has been running for 25 years. This eatery is definitely worth casting your net out to — having recently been named No.1 Reader’s Choice for Best Overall Restaurant in Orlando (Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards, 2021). Lap up fresh seasonal Blue Crab and tempting happy hour appetizers. Or why not try their tasty staple fish, shrimp, shellfish and land-based options. Paired with entree add-ons, salads, seafood soups and sides, the menu offers plenty of choice. Plus the kids’ menu is equally appealing — with first-timer seafood options and ‘play it safe’ options, such as hamburger and fries.
Best international restaurants in Orlando
Fancy some international cuisine whilst in Orlando? The City Beautiful boasts everything from Italian and Mexican to French and Japanese. These two unique restaurants in Orlando serve up divine, international cuisine in authentically-themed surroundings. Cue some culinary escapism!
Café Tu Tu Tango $$
Those craving some fun Latin flavor should head to this popular Orlando tapas restaurant. It won’t disappoint! Savor delicious tapas out on their patio or by the bar, whilst you soak up the great vibes of Café Tu Tu Tango. The unique Tapas restaurant also plays host to live entertainment and artists — who paint away before your eyes. Tuck into brunch, happy hour or their all day menu. Pick from Jalapeño Mac & Cheese and Cajun Chicken egg rolls to Dynamite Shrimp lettuce wraps, Tacos and Sliders. And that’s not all, because their tapas selection nods to Moroccan, Mediterranean and Thai flavors too. Plus you’ll find some super tempting veggie options.
Kadence Sushi $$$
Sushi fans looking to spoil themselves should make a beeline for Kadence Sushi. This minimalist-style sushi and sake bar offers a first-class dining experience. This compact, award-winning establishment was named ‘Critic’s Choice for Best Japanese’ (Orlando Magazine, 2019). Dive into their vibrant multi-course tasting menu, which serves up Omakase-style sushi. The communal bar seating overlooks the chef’s prep area, for an authentic Japanese dining experience. You can either dine in or takeout. Just make sure you sample the sake from their excellent list, for a meal to remember!
Orlando’s top whimsical restaurants
Quirky diners out there and those looking to be entertained will find some great whimsical restaurants in Orlando. Sample some classic nostalgia at two of the city’s best-loved dining establishments. Vintage lipstick optional!
Maxine’s on Shine $$
With regular live music and whimsical 40’s decor, Maxine’s on Shine in Downtown Orlando promises pure fun the minute you arrive. Their eclectic menu offers everything from an award-winning brunch to a varied theatre-style dinner menu. Tuck into an appealing assortment of ‘opening acts’ — from Key West-style crab cakes to the Wine Lover’s cheese board. For the ‘mainstage’, enjoy everything from their signature ‘Maxine’s’ pasta dish to the Thee Burger, Stuffed Trout and Lobster Ravioli. Keep an eye out for their frequent Specials and savor the whimsical, feel-good vibes!
Teatro Martini Orlando $$
Into your dinner shows? Named the #1 Dinner Show in LA, one of the best (and newest) dinner shows in Orlando is the Teatro Martini Orlando. With a nod to the whimsical, this variety show will have you reeling with laughter and thoroughly entertained — thanks to a medley of live music, dance and magic performances. Adults and 17 years+ are welcome, making it a great options for older families, couples and friends. Enjoy their classic American-style 3-course dinner, with options to suit. With cocktails served by Burlesque dancers and immersive award-winning performances to dazzle you, step right up for a unique meal out.
Best dessert places in Orlando
Do you prefer heavenly desserts to hearty mains? For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll find some truly unique restaurants in Orlando. Perfect for a date or fun meal out, these dessert-inspired dining experiences promise the perfect, decadent treat!
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium $$
One of the go-to places in Orlando for chocolate fans is The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Located along Universal Citywalk, discover an eatery, drinkery and confectionary all in one. Offering cool Steam Punk vibes, enjoy a full dining experience and the promise of incredible themed desserts. You and your fellow diners will be able to graze through delicious American and international dishes, as well as a great brunch menu. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options too. And the best part of all? Diving into their incredible milkshake and dessert menu! Prepare to be blown away. You may just want to take an extra treat home with you…
The Better than Sex Dessert Parlor $$
Dreaming of an adult-only date night? Check out the Better than Sex Dessert Parlor in Orlando. This parlor prides itself on offering a truly unique dining experience in Orlando. In fact, this parlor was named ‘Best Desserts’ and ‘Best Place To Take A Date’ by readers of the Orlando Weekly — so it’s made to impress! Its dark and intimate decor sets the scene for tantalizing the tastebuds, with divine desserts and thirst-quenching cocktails. The parlor puts desserts centre stage — with award-winning, freshly-made concoctions. Accommodating tables of 2 or 4, with privacy curtains included, this dessert parlor promises to put the mojo back into your next Orlando dining experience!
Stay in Orlando with Top Villas
Looking to stay? Our Orlando resort homes and first-class service are hard to beat. Choose from modern condos and family-friendly villas with themed rooms, to luxurious mega mansions — packed with VIP amenities. What’s more, our Guest Experience team is also on hand to help enhance your stay, with their amazing travel extras.
Plus, we make payments a breeze. Our new Affirm credit payment option* means you can spread the cost of your vacation rental over a 3, 6 or 12 month period. Simply look out for properties with the Affirm banner.
*Subject to meeting Affirm’s credit criteria. T’s & C’s apply.
Choosing our flex homes
Many of our Orlando rentals also benefit from our new flex cancellation policy. You’ll be free to cancel within the specificed time for any reason, for a full refund. Alternatively, amend your travel dates for free.
To benefit from this extra peace-of-mind, reserve a vacation home with one of the following badges:
- Flex 14 – Cancel for a full refund or amend your dates free of charge, up to 14 days before check in.*
- Flex 30 – Cancel for a full refund or amend dates free of charge, up to 30 days before check in.*
*T’s & C’s apply.
