Where to Eat in Orlando for the Holidays
Orlando, Florida, comes alive during the holiday season, offering a delightful mix of cheer, decorations, and an array of dining options. With its warm weather and holiday spirit, Orlando is the perfect destination for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Here’s a curated list of 10 best restaurants for holiday dining in Orlando this December, along with highlights of the city’s events.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
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Mia’s Italian Kitchen in Orlando, located at 8717 International Drive, offers a dining experience inspired by homestyle Italian cooking. The restaurant is known for its "Bottomless Dining" option, where guests can enjoy unlimited selections from their all-day menu or brunch menu for a fixed price. Highlights include house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and hearty Italian classics like Bolognese Baked Eggs and Sicilian-style square pizzas.
The brunch menu features unique dishes like a brunch pizza topped with scrambled eggs, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and cheeses. Sweet treats such as apple-ricotta donuts and cinnamon-raisin Italian toast are also popular choices. Drinks include a Mimosa Bar with customizable options for an added festive touch.
The spacious venue accommodates up to 500 guests, making it ideal for large gatherings.
Taverna Opa
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Taverna Opa offers a lively and festive New Year’s Eve celebration this holiday season. Known for its authentic Greek cuisine, the event includes family-style appetizers, a surf-and-turf main course, a dessert station, and a champagne toast at midnight. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment featuring belly dancing and a house DJ. Tickets for the evening are priced at $115 per person.
Greek • 
Italian • Amazing setting, music, and food. Everything is very presentable, and fresh.
The Venetian Chop House
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The Venetian Chop House is offering a special New Year’s Eve dinner on December 31st. This exclusive celebration features a prix-fixe menu with chef-driven dishes designed to usher in the new year. Guests can enjoy a variety of delectable courses, with optional wine pairings available to complement the meal. The dinner is available from 5 PM to 10 PM, and reservations are required. Whether you're looking for an elegant dining experience or a celebratory evening, this event promises to be a perfect way to ring in 2025.
Knife & Spoon
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Knife & Spoon is a Michelin-starred steak and seafood restaurant located in the Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Known for its luxurious atmosphere, the restaurant specializes in premium steaks and fresh seafood from a renowned chef John Tesar. The menu features dry-aged steaks and seafood dishes, with a focus on precision and creativity.
Steak House • Went for a group dinner. Had a fantastic time, between the food and our server Diesel, things could not have been better.
Seafood • Our experience was above and beyond our expectations. The service is impeccable, the food is delicious, and the vibes are on point. Highly recommend! We had a group of waiters who really made our experience special - Nelson, Tony, and Yose were phenomenal!
Highball & Harvest
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Highball & Harvest, located at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, specializes in Southern-inspired cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The menu features dishes like buttermilk fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and a variety of seasonal vegetables. The restaurant is known for its wood-fired cooking techniques and an extensive selection of craft cocktails made with house-made syrups and fresh herbs.
For the holiday season, Highball & Harvest offers a festive menu with seasonal touches. Expect holiday-themed cocktails, such as spiced bourbon drinks, and dishes featuring seasonal ingredients like roasted root vegetables and slow-braised meats. For New Year’s Eve, the restaurant typically offers a special multi-course dinner, making it an ideal spot for ringing in the new year with delicious, Southern-inspired cuisine.
Citron
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Citron, An American Brasserie, is located within the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. The restaurant specializes in American classics, emphasizing seasonal and local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring house-made breads and pastries, as well as an à la carte menu.
During the holiday season, Citron offers special dining experiences:
Savory Christmas Eve Dinner: On December 24, 2024, Citron will host a dinner featuring a selection of sweet and savory dishes, providing a festive atmosphere for guests.
Citron Christmas Day Buffet: On December 25, 2024, the restaurant will present a buffet filled with holiday favorites, catering to guests of all ages.
New Year's Eve Celebration: On December 31, 2024, Citron invites guests to their magnificent buffet selection, followed by a firework display at midnight to welcome the new year.
American • Highball & Harvest - Orlando - 4.5 Stars "If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst forth at once in the sky, that would be like the splendor." -- Gita Highball & Harvest is a restaurant inside the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The Ritz works very hard to deliver an amazing overall experience whether in lodging or in dining. While I did not stay at the hotel itself, the opulence that surrounds you upon entering the restaurant is sumptuous. You have to take a circuitous route to get to this eatery but once seated you have great views of lush flora and fauna that are carefully manicured. The attention to detail is astounding. The only downside to this spot is that the open air nature of this area caused sound to reverberate. Normally, this is not a big deal, but there was a gaggle of men hard-pitching what sounded like a Ponzi-like scheme to some young adults nearby. I tried to ignore them, but the leader of the pitch had a bellowing voice that carried throughout the place. He looked and sounded just like Marty Funkhouser from "Curb Your Enthusiasm." It was hard to avert my eyes because he apparently had obtained hair transplants years ago and did not have the foresight to consider future baldness. So he had perfect rows of wispy red hair on his head, a complete ring of baldness, and then more hair. Anyway, while this is a major digression from the point it was hilarious to watch and listen. I didn't need to stick my head in my phone for entertainment. Now, back to my culinary experience. Highball & Harvest has, like all modern American restaurants, a craft drink menu. A highball is another name for cocktail, which was big in usage at the turn of the last century. I chose to imbibe and picked the Industrialist from the menu. This consisted of Woodford Reserve double bourbon, Creme de' Menthe, and Fernet Branca. How they came up with this combination is beyond me but WOW! - it works. I ordered three sides instead of a full meal this time, choosing brussel sprouts with sherry-maple gastrique, Jimmy Red's goat cheese grits, and red cabbage deviled eggs. At first I was worried about the maple gastrique but my worry was for naught. The maple was barely noticeable but the sugars gave a potent punch on the finish. Now, as far as cheese grits go, I will eat them whenever they're on the menu. These Jimmy Red's had so much wonderful cheese I almost want to call it cheese with grits - truly amazing. Finally the deviled eggs: The chef who designed these eggs should get national recognition. The filling was smooth and creamy. The red cabbage finish topped with the pumpernickel crouton is the kind of crisp, clean, simple dish I so enjoy. I can't say enough good things about Highball & Harvest. Their dishes are simple, yet complex, and contain the right balance of flavors with recipes that are outside of the proverbial box. Please, I implore you to go experience Highball & Harvest, so sayeth the Big Bo
American • Café Tu Tu Tango
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Café Tu Tu Tango, located at 8625 International Drive in Orlando, is known for its tapas-style small plates and live entertainment.
Menu Highlights:
Dips & Spreads: Black Bean Hummus, Tzatziki, and Chilled Mediterranean Spinach Dip.
Snacks & Veggies: Street Corn, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, and Jamón Serrano Croquetas.
Meat & Seafood: Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls and Sesame Steak Skewers.
Tacos & Sliders: A variety of options to suit different tastes.
Brick Oven Flat Bread: Freshly prepared flatbreads with diverse toppings.
Desserts: Decadent sweets to conclude your meal.
Christmas Bottomless Brunch: Enjoy a brunch featuring a holiday carving station, indulgent sides, and decadent desserts.
La Luce
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La Luce, located within the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, offers contemporary Italian cuisine inspired by Napa Valley chef Donna Scala. The menu features handmade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, and entrees crafted from local and sustainable ingredients.
Holiday Dining Events:
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner: On December 24 and 25, from 6 PM to 10 PM, La Luce will serve special dishes featuring the chef's holiday favorites. The regular à la carte menu will also be available. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-597-3676. Cancellations after December 18, 2024, or no-shows, will incur a $50 per person fee.
New Year's Eve Dinner: On December 31, from 6 PM to 10 PM, La Luce will host a five-course dinner featuring special holiday selections. This event is exclusively for guests aged 18 and older. The cost is $170 per guest, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 407-597-3676. Cancellations after December 23, 2024, or no-shows, will incur an $85 per person fee.
Tapas/Small Plates • Absolutely loved my first visit here. Love all the artwork and artists that were present. Food and drinks were delicious! Dolce took care of us very well. Loud, great music. Thank you!
Italian • STK Steakhouse
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STK Steakhouse in Disney Springs is a modern steakhouse with a lively atmosphere and upscale dining options. Known for its premium cuts and creative dishes, STK offers a mix of classic steakhouse fare and innovative bites.
Holiday Features:
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day: The special holiday menu includes prime rib, tender Wagyu steaks, and seasonal sides like truffle mac & cheese and roasted Brussels sprouts. Guests can also enjoy festive cocktails and desserts.
New Year's Eve: A curated multi-course menu is paired with live entertainment, champagne toasts, and a vibrant setting to celebrate the New Year.
Key Menu Highlights:
Steaks & Cuts: USDA Prime Ribeye, Filet Mignon, New York Strip, and Wagyu selections.
Signature Dishes: Lobster mac & cheese, Lil’ BRGs (Wagyu sliders), and miso-glazed Chilean sea bass.
Brunch: Available weekends, featuring items like steak & eggs, cinnamon French toast, and lobster Benedict.
Cocktails: Known for their handcrafted drinks like the “Strawberry Cobbler” martini and specialty champagne cocktails.
Ravello
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Ravello at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers authentic Italian cuisine crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is known for its housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and expertly prepared seafood and meats. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of Italian wines and handcrafted cocktails. Ravello serves breakfast, dinner, and a popular Sunday brunch, making it a versatile option for both casual and special occasions. With its focus on traditional flavors and elegant presentation, Ravello is an elevated Italian dining option in Orlando.
Steak House • 
Italian • Sam (our server) and Angeline (our Sommelier), along with a very nice young man (been there about 8 months) who brought us in (sorry I didn’t catch his name) made sure we wanted for nothing. We asked for suggestions and they delivered all the way through dessert!! Professional, engaging, and genuinely nice people! Oh, and the food!!!!
Holiday Celebrations in Orlando
Orlando is bustling with events throughout December:
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival: This annual event transforms Lake Nona Town Center into Peppermint Square with nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, and festive photo opportunities (select weekends from December 6-22).
Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island: Enjoy daily “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree forest, Santa’s workshop, and interactions with holiday characters from December 2-25.
With its diverse dining options and exciting holiday events, Orlando is the perfect destination to celebrate the season with family and friends. Be sure to make reservations early at these popular restaurants to secure your spot for a memorable holiday dining experience!
Went here for happy hour appetizers and drinks. Food was delicious and authentic Greek. The servers were attentive and nice. The restaurant was clean and well decorated