The Orlando theme parks have many great restaurants to enjoy. Many offer great theming and delicious food, from Disney’s Polynesian Village’s Ohana to Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant and over to Universal City Walk’s Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium. Sometimes, you may want to explore restaurants near Disney World or Universal Orlando to step outside the “bubble” for a bit. Here are our top picks for the best restaurants near the theme parks but still within the tourist area. We have provided a brief overview of each restaurant and our favorite dishes. You can use the links to view menus and gather more details about each restaurant for additional information.
7 – Lazy Dog
8019 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Phone: 689-228-4418
Lazy Dog is an American restaurant with locations in 8 states. It prides itself on fresh ingredients and innovative recipes. The restaurant decor is craftsman-style, hinting at a mountain retreat.
They are known for their craft beer selections and expansive menus. They serve an amazing brunch, lunch, and dinner on most days. Their Cuban sandwiches and Teriyaki Bowls have been among our favorites. They offer many great take-out options for enjoying at your resort!
6 – Miller’s Ale House
12371 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836
Phone: 407-239-1800
Millers Ale House has been a staple in the Lake Buena Vista area for years and, in recent years, has expanded to several places around Orlando. Miller’s offers a laid-back, easy meal. The service is great, and the food is hearty and fun. Their crowning achievement in appetizers is their Zingers. Have them plain, sauced, or even built as a mountain. They take chicken to new heights! Some must-haves are their Ruben, Chicken Parmesan Alfredo, or their steaks. Miller’s is it if you are looking for a great lunch place. Miller’s Ale House is a great choice with affordable lunch specials and drinks.
5 – Flipper’s Pizzeria
7339 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-352-2213
If you are looking for pizza, you cannot go wrong with Fipper’s. Their pizza is top-notch and truly delicious. With lots of Signature Pizzas, such as the Quattro Formagio, you will be in pizza heaven in no time! They also offer dinners, sandwiches, and salads to please everyone in your party. They do deliver, so if pizza in your room is one of your vacation traditions, Flipper’s will be able to bring you what you are looking for.
4 – Chuy’s Tex-Mex
7913 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Phone: 407-352-2213
If you’re in the mood for Mexican or Tex-Mex Food, Chuy’s is fantastic. With over a hundred locations, you may be familiar with them, or it might be a new experience! With an eclectic decor, this restaurant is a feast for your eyes and your stomach. They start you off with chips, their homemade salsa, and their Creamy Jalapeno sauce. It is amazing, and you can truly taste the effort that goes into their food! Rev up those chips with freshly made Queso to amp up your appetizer.
Main dishes include Tacos, their unique Mexi-Cobb Salad, and Chicken Flautas. We have had all three and have never been disappointed. While the food best enjoyed in their restaurant, they do offer take-out so you can enjoy your meal in your room or at your resort.
3 – Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
11701 International Drive, STE 100, Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 305-404-2396
Sickies Garage is a fun and unique experience. With garage theming through, this is the place for an amazing burger. With only fourteen locations nationwide, this is an up-and-coming restaurant sure to impact the casual dining scene in the coming years. Burgers are their specialty, and they have lots to choose from. From The Hot Rod to the Smoke Shack, you will indeed find a burger that you are craving. They also offer a full bar if you enjoy a beer with your burger. Other offerings include sandwiches, salads, and baskets.
2 – Seasons 52
7700 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 354-5212
If you are looking for a nice upscale meal, Seasons 52 is an elegant experience. Their menu changes with the season, so everything served is not only freshly made but freshly designed with hints of the current season. Sophisticated and laid back, this restaurant is a home run at each and every meal. Their steaks are exquisite. They also have several amazing seafood selections that are flavorful and light. We have tried the Lobster Bisque, which is some of our best. With less than 50 locations all over the country, Seasons 52 is one of Darden Restaurants’ lesser-known concepts, and we are lucky to have several here in Central Florida.
1 – The Melting Pot
7549 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 903-1100
This is not only a fantastic restaurant but an experience. Fondue restaurants are fun and not as common as a standard restaurant. Thoughts of “Is this going to be enough?” are not warranted at The Melting Pot because you always leave satisfied and happy! We love this restaurant for special occasions or just a special night out. I read how the one in Gatlinburg, TN, is always atop the list of the best restaurants in the city, and we feel like ours should be at the top of Orlando’s as well. Not only is the food amazing, but the service is friendly, attentive, and focused on your experience. From the first course of cheese fondue to your main dish to the final chocolate fondue, you will be feasting on course after course of fantastic food! If you are in town and need a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the park and resorts, The Melting Pot is the perfect dining oasis to consider!
From burgers to seafood to wagyu beef, Orlando and the surrounding tourist area have many amazing establishments where you can try something new and experience something amazing.
Let us help you save money, purchase the food you like, and save money to enjoy these fantastic restaurants!
Why not order some groceries for your stay? Quick breakfast items before rope drop at the park, or snacks and water to take with you to the parks. Here at Magical Vacation Services, we can help you save a bit of money and make your vacation more magical!
