Orlando is often seen through the lens of theme parks and family fun — but hidden beneath the buzz, I discovered places that whispered romance. Restaurants where the lights dimmed just right, the wine flowed gently, and conversation deepened over perfectly timed courses. Whether perched high above the city or tucked away in a quiet corner, each spot offered a little escape, a little intimacy — and reminded me how powerful a well-set table can be.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Orlando:
Dine on Legacy and Local Flavor at A Land Remembered
Located in the Rosen Shingle Creek resort, this classic steakhouse was elegance without pretense. Wood-paneled warmth, white linens, and impeccable service created a space that let the evening unfold slowly. I felt the day fall away as soon as I sat down — the kind of place where you forget the time.
What I Loved Most: The Old Florida ambiance and the depth of the wine list.
My meal? The bone-in ribeye, perfectly seared, with creamed spinach and a glass of full-bodied red that lingered as long as our conversation. Dessert was a bourbon bread pudding I wasn’t planning to finish — but couldn’t resist.
Address: 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 (Inside Rosen Shingle Creek)
Escape to Italy at Adriatico Trattoria Italiana
This little spot near College Park felt like a secret shared by locals. The dining room was cozy and filled with the aroma of garlic, wine, and warm bread. I felt like I had been transported to a family-run trattoria in the hills of Italy — and the owner stopping by to chat only added to the charm.
What I Loved Most: The intimacy — small tables, candlelight, and that unmistakable home-cooked richness.
My meal? Gnocchi Sorrentina with fresh basil and mozzarella, followed by a silky panna cotta drizzled with raspberry coulis. Each bite warmed me in that rare, soulful way.
Address: 2417 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
Experience Chic Italian Dining at BiCE Orlando
Inside the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, BiCE balanced refinement with romance. The view of the water and the soft Italian music set the tone, and the architecture gave everything an old-world elegance. It felt like a date in Venice — without the airfare.
What I Loved Most: The graceful service and the way the flavors felt both classic and daring.
My meal? Lobster ravioli in a brandy cream sauce, paired with an Italian Pinot Grigio. The tiramisu was light as air and the espresso served with it was the perfect finale.
Address: 5601 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 (Inside Loews Portofino Bay Hotel)
Go All-In on Indulgence at Bull & Bear Steakhouse
This was romance at its boldest — plush interiors, gold-toned lighting, and a menu that knew exactly what it was doing. Located inside the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Bull & Bear made every dish feel like a statement. I felt like I had entered another world, one of velvet booths and quiet luxury.
What I Loved Most: The showstopping tableside presentations and the confident energy of the room.
My meal? The signature tomahawk ribeye carved at the table, with truffle fries and a rich béarnaise. We toasted with Champagne, because the moment asked for it — and ended with the decadent Bull & Bear Baked Alaska.
Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821 (Inside Waldorf Astoria)
Watch the Magic Unfold at California Grill Lounge
Perched atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this restaurant offered a different kind of romance — the kind lit by fireworks. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the Magic Kingdom skyline, and the view alone made the night unforgettable. It was modern, vibrant, and surprisingly intimate despite the buzz.
What I Loved Most: Watching the fireworks with a cocktail in hand, suspended above it all.
My meal? Oak-fired filet with heirloom tomato risotto, followed by a yuzu-scented cheesecake. The wine flight gave us something new to try with every course — each one a little story of its own.
Address: 4600 World Dr, Orlando, FL 32830 (Top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
Elevate the Evening at Capa Steakhouse and Bar
Located at the Four Seasons Orlando, Capa was sleek, sultry, and full of Spanish flavor. The rooftop views stretched endlessly, and the atmosphere buzzed with elegance. As night fell, the skyline sparkled — and I felt completely swept away.
What I Loved Most: The bold flavors, the open kitchen, and that heady sense of being above it all.
My meal? Tapas to start — jamón ibérico, chorizo-stuffed dates — followed by the porterhouse for two, and a red sangria that sang with citrus. We ended with the Basque-style cheesecake that practically dissolved on the tongue.
Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Golden Oak, FL 32836 (Inside Four Seasons Resort Orlando)
Closing Thoughts
Romantic dining in Orlando isn’t about glitter or gimmicks — it’s about connection. The kind that happens over shared plates and long glances across candlelit tables. Each of these restaurants gave me that space — to unwind, reconnect, and feel something real. In a city known for fantasy, these moments felt deeply grounded and beautifully intimate.