It’s no secret that Orlando’s fine dining scene has garnered much attention in recent years thanks  to the many celebrated chefs who continue to push the boundaries of culinary excellence. Whether it’s a new spot generating plenty of buzz or a longtime favorite that continues to impress year after year, the great diversity in cuisine and concepts has helped solidify the area as a true dining destination. Our annual Golden Forks spotlight recognizes the restaurants that consistently rise to the occasion, lauded for serving up dynamic dishes that will leave you hungry for more.

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano

For more than four decades, Christini’s has been a foodie’s paradise, providing guests with a refined culinary experience and superb service to match. Everything on the menu is worthy of your attention, especially standouts like the velvety filet mignon with Barolo wine and wild mushrooms, or the rigatoni with homemade sausage, fennel and cream. 

Knife & Spoon

Ever since chef John Tesar opened the doors to this polished dining room, gourmands have flocked for the chance to sample the latest creations coming out of the kitchen. With a focus on dry-aged steaks and ultra-fresh seafood, the menu is littered with tempting options sure to satisfy any discerning diner. What’s more, the creative signature cocktail list will leave you buzzing, even if you opt for one of the zero-proof mocktails. 

Ômo by Jônt

No matter which chef’s tasting menu you choose (playfully named The Journey and The Jaunt), you are in good hands at this Michelin-starred hotspot in Winter Park. From the snacks to the savory courses to the sweet ending, each course blends seamlessly to build a cohesive meal you won’t soon forget. Sitting at the chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen, you’ll witness firsthand how lavish ingredients and skillful technique combine to create edible works of art.

Capa

Housed on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons, the food at this Spanish-inspired steakhouse is as elevated as the rooftop perch it sits on. Start with something from the raw bar (we are partial to the yellowfin tuna tartar with preserved lemon, straw potatoes and quail eggs) and then pick a few small plates for the table before settling with an exceptional entrée like the sea scallops with sweet potato, confit fennel, pomegranate and cracklings of puffed tendon.

Four Flamingos

Richard Blais’ Orlando outpost showcases expertly prepared dishes that blend the finest ingredients with the celebrity chef’s whimsical flair. The “snacks” portion of the menu is filled with delights like the oxtail and foie gras empanadas, and the pork belly with kumquat, sour orange and fresno chiles. The main courses are equally enticing, especially the swordfish prime rib beautifully seasoned with black lime, pan seared and served with a brown butter sauce. 

Christner’s

Christner’s is the perfect place to celebrate that special occasion—or any occasion, really. Appetizers like shrimp remoulade and the seared sesame ahi tuna are both familiar and spectacular, setting the stage for your choice of quality seafood, steaks and chops. While the lobster and salmon are certainly popular choices, the main attraction continues to be the prime cuts of beef that are corn-fed, dry-aged on the premises and hand-cut to order.

Norman’s 

Chef Norman Van Aken’s name is synonymous with fine dining in Orlando, having long been one of the driving forces in helping the area establish itself as a culinary hotbed. He continues that tradition of epitomizing excellence with a menu overflowing with scintillating selections. Think stellar supporting stars like the blue crab beignets with yuzu aioli or Gulf shrimp ceviche setting the scene for main attractions like the wagyu New York strip or the slow-cooked Pork Havana with Haitian grits, plantain crema and a mole layered with depths of flavor. 

Bacán

Latin influences with a modern twist are the name of the game at this beloved restaurant housed inside the Lake Nona Wave Hotel. The vibrant and inviting décor makes guests feel right at home as they prepare to dig into delicate gnudi filled with sheep milk ricotta and outfitted with chili-squash butter, or the snapper with a fragrant curry, mofongo, mojo and a fennel salsa criolla.

Ava MediterrAegean

The culinary philosophy behind this restaurant centers around slowing down and enjoying the finer things in life, and that approach is evident up and down its modern Mediterranean menu. The homemade meatballs with tzatziki and the tender, meaty grilled octopus are great opening acts, while main courses like the Chilean sea bass with braised fennel, dill oil and bouillabaisse jus, or the hangar steak with charred eggplant mousseline, further showcase the talent in the kitchen. 

Kaya

With a rotating menu that always seems to fire on all cylinders, you’d be well served to make a reservation at this Mills 50 hotspot. Combining fresh Florida seafood and other local ingredients with Filipino flavors, the dishes here are vibrant, enticing and bring a refreshing change of pace to Orlando’s ever-evolving dining scene. The cozy, family atmosphere only adds to the overall experience, making this a place a you’ll want to visit time and time again.

Primo

Led by Melissa Kelly, a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, it’s easy to see why Primo is so adored. Combining Italian and Mediterranean flavors, every plate cranked out by her wonderful team sings, hitting all the right notes. We’re talking octopus with romesco and pickled fennel, cacio e pepe pasta with lobster, and braised lamb shanks with polenta and carrot top gremolata, to name a few of the highlights. 

Il Mulino

Any time you plan on dining at Il Mulino, it’s best to bring your appetite. Kick things off by ordering the rice balls, beef carpaccio and jumbo shrimp with spicy cocktail sauce for the table while you consider what mouthwatering main course you’ll delve into next. We love the spaghetti carbonara and the sublime branzino with pancetta, cherry tomatoes and sautéed spinach, but the pork chop with spicy cherry vinegar peppers and mushroom sauce is always a worthy contender as well.

Kres Chophouse

Diners routinely are attracted to this sophisticated steakhouse with a reputation for quality. The stars of the show are certainly the cuts of prime beef that are aged on the premises and hand-cut to order, but signature dishes like the beef wellington and blackened grouper with creamy orzo should not be overlooked. Save room for one of the homemade desserts, especially the Sambuca-and espresso-infused cheesecake with an Oreo crust.

Enzo’s on the Lake

This mainstay has built a loyal following thanks to its well-executed menu of Italian classics and picturesque waterfront views. Certainly, no visit is complete without an order of the homemade meatballs, but there are plenty of other standouts to grab your attention, like the wide ribbons pappardelle with shiitake mushrooms and arugula, the aged filet topped with a cheese crisp and finished with 12-year-old balsamic or the grilled lamb chops with creamy polenta. 

Market to Table

With a welcoming dining room, attentive servers, a respectable list of wines and craft cocktails, and a menu full of delectable dishes, Market to Table remains an outstanding dining option. Fan favorites like the crab beignets with saffron aioli and braised short rib with a red wine demi-glace always hit the spot, but because the menu changes frequently there’s always something new to tantalize your taste buds.

Chef’s Table

Before you can sit down at this eatery, you must first choose which dining experience you prefer: the more formal three-course menu handpicked by the chef with an optional wine pairing or the more casual à la carte offerings in the neighboring Tasting Room. Either way, you’ll be treated to expert preparations of New American cuisine where each bite is seeming better than the last.