Date Night at Orlando’s Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Award Winners
By Meghan Roth,
2024-07-18
The dining scene in Orlando is hard to beat. The Wine Spectator ‘s Restaurant Awards proves it! We're sharing the Orlando restaurants featured on the latest Wine Spectator ‘s Restaurant Awards list.
Keep reading to see what makes the Wine Spectator ‘s Restaurant Awards special, and which Orlando restaurants earned which distinctions. And of course, if you're seeking more places to sip and savor, jump over to our picks for the best wine bars in town.
Understanding the Wine Spectator ‘s Restaurant Awards
Wine Spectator ‘s Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine, and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.
To qualify for an award, a wine list must present complete, accurate information, including vintages and appellations for all selections. Complete producer names and correct spellings are mandatory, and the overall presentation of the list is also considered. Lists that meet these requirements are judged for one of the three awards.
Magical Dining Entrees at AVA Mediterraegean – Dani Meyering
About the Award Levels
Award of Excellence These wine lists, which should offer at least 90 selections, feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Whether compact or extensive, focused or diverse, these lists deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.
Best of Award of Excellence These wine lists display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Typically offering 350 or more selections, these restaurants are destinations for serious wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team.
Grand Award Our highest award, given to restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs. These wine lists typically feature 1,000 or more selections, and deliver serious breadth of top producers, outstanding depth in mature vintages, a selection of large-format bottles, excellent harmony with the menu, and superior presentation. These restaurants offer the highest level of wine service.
290 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 Cuisine: Mediterranean
Meaning life, water, island, bird in Greek, AVA is a celebration of splendor, freedom, escapism and joy. Delectable food and a very vibrant atmosphere combine to entertain the senses and transport guests to celebrate the night away.
10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista Cuisine: Spanish influenced steakhouse
Situated on the 17 th floor of the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, this romantic rooftop restaurant plates Spanish-influenced cuisine. Whether you want to nibble on small plates or feast on a hearty dish, just one bite and your taste buds will understand MICHELIN’s decision about this outstanding place. Capa’s features a wood-burning grill to achieve the perfect char-flavor, live Spanish guitar entertainment on select nights, and an outdoor patio to take in magical views of the nearby park’s nightly fireworks display.
8255 International Dr #100, Orlando, FL 32819 2901 Parkway Blvd Suite 1A, Kissimmee, FL 34747 Cuisine: Classic Chophouse
Charley's Steak House focuses on providing guests with the highest quality steaks and seafood available. Each USDA Prime and Choice steak is aged on the premises for four to six weeks, hand-cut daily by management and then flame-grilled over their unique 1200° Florida citrus & oak wood fueled custom pit.
7830 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
Chima Steakhouse in Orlando offers an upscale Brazilian churrascaria dining experience. They are known for their all-you-can-eat rodizio service, where waiters bring skewers of sizzling meats cooked over an open flame tableside.
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd suite 84, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Italian
Christini's Ristorante Italiano is an elegant dining establishment in Orlando that has been specializing in traditional Italian cuisine since 1984. The restaurant's menu features an array of delectable dishes, including freshly made pastas, succulent veal chops, and Chilean sea bass over shrimp risotto. Their extensive wine list, complemented by the expertise of their sommelier, ensures that every dish is paired with the perfect glass of wine.
1061 S Sun Dr. STE 1009, Lake Mary, FL 32746 Cuisine: Wine bar/Italian
cork&olive has been in the community for over 16 years. They have recently expanded theirbusiness to include the best Italian food. All their pasta are fresh made.
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
9150 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: American steakhouse
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse on International Drive has certainly mastered the art of first impressions. Immediately upon walking in the door, you'll be greeted by a large chandelier, classy decor, and temperature controlled two-story glass walls filled with a seemingly endless variety of wine bottles.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
7488 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Seafood
Prepare for a stunning date night. Eddie V's is one of the most gorgeous seafood restaurants in Orlando and it is a great choice for any special occasion. Anniversaries, birthdays, and other special gatherings are a great reason to dine here and the service is usually spot-on. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
7005 Co Rd 46A, Lake Mary, FL 32746 Cuisine: Seafood
FishBones offers the freshest just-caught seafood flown in daily, aged steaks cooked over 1200° citrus and oak wood fire on our custom built pit and a 23-hour slow roasted prime rib. An extensive wine list complements the seafood and steak, making FishBones the ultimate dining experience.
8282 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chão brings serious date night style to the table, with a stunning dining room, attentive service, and South American food, wine, and cocktails that wow. The full rodizio experience is offered during lunch, brunch, and dinner, featuring endless fire-roasted meats like picanha, medalhões con bacon, and cordeiro.
1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Cuisine: Italian
LSavor authentic cuisine from the Abruzzi region, in an inviting setting that unites the Old World with the New. Red-brick arches and exposed beam ceilings lend rustic charm, while dark wood tones, colored-glass windows and a sleek bar area impart modern sophistication.
1482 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830 Cuisine: Spanish
If you don’t have Jaleo on your list of must-try restaurants, this is your sign. This restaurant concept by James Beard Award-Winning Chef, José Andrés, offers a menu full of delicious Spanish tapas . The restaurant design is beautiful and makes a whimsical and colorful statement, with a moody and romantic vibe, perfect for date night.
4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837 Cuisine: Steak and Seafood
The kitchen is helmed by award-winning Chef John Tesar (also a two-time contestant on Top Chef) and Chef de Cuisine Gerald Sombright (also a Top Chef contestant). This is no ordinary steakhouse; the menu is comprised of a selection of mouthwatering seafood dishes and premium cuts of steak, each dry aged in house.
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd Suite 132, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Steakhouse
One of the first restaurants to open on famed “Restaurant Row” on Dr. Phillips Blvd., Morton's The Steakhouse in Orlando is a time-tested tradition in local culinary fare. Morton's The Steakhouse is a high-end chain known for its aged prime beef, seafood, and classic steakhouse fare. They offer a sophisticated dining experience in a clubby atmosphere.
7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Seafood
Norman’s is helmed by Van Aken, a James Beard semi-finalist and the only Florida chef to be inducted into James Beard’s list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage.” Inside the 80-seat main dining room, guests are treated to opulent decor, a fine dining menu, and an impressive selection of wines. On The Terrace, Norman’s outdoor venue, tapas and cocktails are served, along with dancing, a live DJ, and a beautiful outdoor space.
Norman's – image by Terri Peters
Ômo by Jônt
115 E Lyman Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 Cuisine: Japanese Tasting Counter
ÔMO by Jônt is an immersive chef's counter concept by Chef Ryan Ratino and the team behind TWO-MICHELIN STARRED Jônt in Washington, D.C. The restaurant showcases Ratino's skills with Japanese seafood and play up meats and produce procured from local purveyors like Pasture Prime and Frog Song Organics.
1681 Amazing Way, Ocoee, FL 34761 Cuisine: American Gastropub
RusTeak Restaurant & Wine Bar is a lively gastropub serving a diverse menu of updated American cuisine in a chic, lofty space. They also boast a large wine selection, craft cocktails, and local beers.
You'll feel like a champion at this steakhouse on Walt Disney World property. Shula's Steakhouse is located within the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel, and it is absolutely legendary. Dine among rich, dark wood and crisp white table clothes. The wine list is one of the most impressive at any Orlando steakhouse. Go ahead and order a whole bottle so you can take advantage of the unique offerings.
1580 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830 Cuisine: Steakhouse
STK Orlando is a high-energy steakhouse that combines delicious food with a nightclub vibe. They offer upscale cuts of steak and seafood alongside creative cocktails, all served in a stylish setting with an in-house DJ.
7700 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 463 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 Cuisine: American
Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar chain known for its seasonally inspired menus. They use oak-fire grilling and brick-oven roasting to create flavorful, lighter dishes. They offer a wide variety of options including steaks, seafood, vegetarian and vegan meals. They also have an extensive wine list by the glass and bottle.
1498 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Cuisine: California-style
Enjoy California-style dishes with bright refreshing flavors alongside comforting favorites. Rosé is poured all day off the signature Rosé Cart, featuring the signature Summer House Rosé, alongside an extensive wine and handcrafted cocktail list.
5259 International Dr f1, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
Texas de Brazil serves an extravagant rodizio-style feast with a generous splash of Texas hospitality. Cozy up to your date in a lush, moody dining room complete with scarlet walls, iron chandeliers, and dark wood beams, and sip on a caipirinha or two to start. Savor flame-grilled picanha, sausage, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, braised ribs, and twelve other sumptuous cuts of meat – you can even watch the meat being cooked in the open kitchen!
9101 International Dr, Suite 1000, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Steakhouse
From the moment you step into The Capital Grille, the experience is one of comfortable elegance. African mahogany paneling and Art Deco chandeliers provide a warm, stately setting for our nationally renowned dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and acclaimed world-class wines.
The Capital Grille Pointe Orlando – image by Dani Meyering
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
9101 International Dr, Suite 1002, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Seafood
Oceanaire is the epitome of a fancy seafood restaurant . Don't let that deter you though, as the food is as good as it is fancy. One of the more impressive and delicious items to order is the Alaska Red King Crab. The leg will probably be as long as your dining partner's arm.
270 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 Cuisine: Wine bar
An area favorite, The Wine Room features more than 156 hand-selected wines available to sample via DIY wine dispensing machines. With a wine debit card that you add whatever denomination you choose to, you'll sip your way around The Wine Room via one, two-and-a-half or five-ounce pour sizes, priced accordingly.
Todd English's bluezoo Orlando seafood restaurant located in Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is truly a work of art. The glass, lighting, and decor really give you a chic under-the-ocean feel . One of the coolest items on their menu is “this evening's dancing fish.” Several fish are skewered on a very unusual rotisserie system that can be seen as you walk through the bar area and past the grill. It looks as if they are standing on their tails, dancing over the coals. The fish is roasted and then filleted tableside.
Ever-changing views of the water and golf course complement a modern menu of fresh Florida flavors. Dinner hours feature crafted cocktails, raw bar selections, and chef-inspired meals for everyone at the table; and younger guests won’t want to miss the kid-friendly mealtime activities. The outdoor firepit and social scene come alive at dusk, and the kitchen and bar stay open late for snacks and drinks.
8633 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 Cuisine: Italian Steakhouse
A classic steakhouse with Italian flair, Vito’s is one of Orlando’s premier restaurants. With exquisite cuisine, exceptional service and an intimate atmosphere, Vito’s caters to the sophisticated diner. A specialty martini list, 850 wine selections and a variety of cigars display Vito’s passion for the finer things in life.
1610 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Cuisine: Wine bar
There are so many reasons to love this spot — the incredible wine selection, the service, and the atmosphere top the list. Wine Bar George offers more than 200 wines by the glass, bottle and ounce. Enjoy wines from acclaimed and well-known wineries, as well as growing regions that are up-and-coming.
We hope you enjoy date night at one of these marvelous restaurants in Orlando. Cheers!
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