Meals

If you love contemporary Japanese cuisine with a global twist, head to Kabooki Sushi. Chef Henry Moso brings an international flair to his restaurant, infusing his sushi, sashimi, rolls and ramen with techniques and flavors from France and Mexico.

*Lisa Beach is an Orlando freelance writer whose work has been published in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Parade, USA Today, and Conde Nast Traveler.*

In the downtown hub of Orlando, explore these neighborhood favorites — perfect for date nights, casual get-togethers or special celebrations.

Downtown dining districts

Whether you’re on vacation with the family, meeting up with friends or on a much-needed date night, you can plan the ultimate day of drinks, meals and dessert at some of the best restaurants in Orlando. If you’re not sure where to eat, here’s a fresh look at old standbys and local favorites.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park

View Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park hotel Website

Our Orlando Theme Park Partner hotel is next to the ICON Park entertainment complex, steps from International Drive. Orlando International Airport is 20 minutes away, and we’re a shuttle ride (fee applies) from Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando Resort. Enjoy our outdoor pool and complimentary evening reception.

Drinks

The brick exterior of Wine Bar George  — A Restaurant & Bar instantly transports you to another time and place. Head upstairs and grab a table near the window (or out on the veranda) for some fun people-watching. With master sommelier George Miliotes at the helm, this estate-style wine bar offers an impressive 140 wines available by the glass, bottle or (if you want a wine flight experience) by the ounce.

Couple Having Seafood and Sushi on a Table

After a long day spent visiting nearby Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, located in Orlando’s ICON Park and I-Drive neighborhoods, head to Restaurant Row. You’ll find a cluster of gastronomic delights lining Sand Lake Road in Orlando’s Doctor Phillips neighborhood.

Restaurant Row

Make your Orlando dining memory

A Couple Enjoying a Drink and Food at Hudson and Nash Restaurant

With so many amazing restaurants in Orlando, you might want to try more than one while you’re in town. You’ll return home with a bellyful of memories that’ll keep you satiated until your next trip back.

Get a taste of O-Town at Maxine's on Shine. This quirky eatery (set in the Thornton Park neighborhood) boasts an eclectic atmosphere inside, plus plenty of outdoor seating. Many nights you can spot the owner in her signature hat and glasses chatting with guests.

Property spotlights

Hilton Grand Vacations Club SeaWorld® Orlando

View Hilton Grand Vacations Club SeaWorld® Orlando Hotel Website

As a SeaWorld hotel, we offer free shuttle service, dining and merchandise discounts, complimentary rescue tour, and priority entry. Check at the Guest Services desk for details. I-Drive and the Orange County Convention Center are 10 minutes away. Enjoy our waterfalls, pools, and kids’ wading pools and activity center.

Delicious iced pastries in a variety of flavours

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center, WA - Spencer's Whiskey Cocktail on Bar

Kick off the night with drinks at The Whiskey, a rustic restaurant with a rock ‘n’ roll attitude. The Whiskey boasts an impressive drink menu, featuring handcrafted cocktails (try the refreshing Motley Cue-Cumber), classics (think Old Fashioned and Kentucky mule) and what seems like an endless selection of liquor, including moonshine.

Plan your gastronomic getaway.

The stylish-yet-cozy ambiance at the family-owned Bites and Bubbles beckons couples to kick off their date night at this eclectic spot in the Mills 50 district. Grab a table on the rooftop patio for spectacular views with an on-point craft cocktail or glass of vino from the extensive wine list.

Hilton Orlando

Set over 26 lush acres, Hilton Orlando is near the major parks, minutes from International Drive. Our resort offers 7 options, from fine dining at Spencer's to leisurely lunch at Tropics Pool Bar & Grill. We also feature two pools, a lazy river with cabanas, a waterslide, sports courts, and an expansive spa. We’re connected to the Orlando Orange County Convention Center and offer a 249,000 sq. ft. meeting space.

Dessert

Selection of Chocolate Candies and Pastries

Indulge your sweet tooth at Gideon’s Bakehouse. These small-batch baked goods regularly draw lines out the door, thanks to their decadent flavors, rich ingredients and mammoth portions (they clock in at almost half a pound). Try popular favorites like coffee cake or pistachio toffee chocolate chip.

Located in the Milk District, Se7en Bites specializes in unique, scratch-made sweets — like the vanilla bean bourbon bacon Nightime SkyPie. As one of the many budget-friendly options in Orlando, this woman-owned eatery regularly sells out of menu-favorites, so arrive early for the best selection.

Top off your meal with a trip to Gelato La Carraia, the go-to destination for authentic gelato. This Florence-based gelaterie opened an Orlando outpost in 2017, dishing up artisan treats featuring either a milk or fruit base. The result? Decadent flavors like hazelnut, lemon, pistachio and tiramisu mousse.

Disney Springs

Beacon of Hospitality

The most recognized name in the industry, Hilton remains synonymous with the word “hotel”. From inaugural balls and Hollywood galas to business events and stays to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions, and gets away from it all.

Hilton Portfolio

What to eat in Orlando

A traveling insider's guide on where to eat in Orlando. | By Lisa A. Beach | April 20, 2022  (Updated March 9, 2023)

Jaleo by José Andrés dishes up traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine — tapas-style — in this sophisticated-yet-casual Orlando dining hot spot. From lighter sandwiches and salads for lunch to an extensive variety of shared plates and authentic paellas (cooked over a wood-fired pit), Jaleo’s quality ingredients — including 48-month cured Ibérico ham and regional Spanish cheeses — stand out in every bite.