Enjoy an Unforgettable Meal at These 5 Star Restaurants in Orlando

It’s been a rough year. When was the last time you treated yourself to a nice meal? If you can’t remember the last time you enjoyed an upscale dinner in the bustling city of Orlando, this is your sign to get out of the house. At the very least, you should consider ordering in for the night. Luckily, you can find a wide variety of incredible 5 star restaurants in Orlando. Consider reserving a spot at one of these top 5 star restaurants in Orlando for your next meal out. 

Treating yourself at a 5 star restaurant is always great. But it’s no secret that they can be pretty pricey. Surprise your loved one with a virtual GiftYa card to some of the best restaurants in Orlando. These virtual cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants around the city, including the ones we featured below. 

1. Kres Chophouse 

Top-rated steakhouse situated inside a historic building

17 W Church St. | Downtown | kresrestaurant.com

Located in Downtown Orlando, Kres Chophouse is a popular destination for sizzling steaks and fresh seafood. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kres has implemented plexiglass partitions at the bar, handheld UV sanitizers, UV air ducts, and ozone machine to help keep customers and staff members safe. Because it is an upscale restaurant, Kres does not allow any hats or tank tops. That said, you can expect a fine dining experience at this popular steakhouse.

On the menu, you’ll find numerous meat, vegetarian, and vegan options. Our favorite dishes include the Brasstown Short Rib and Jumbo Cold Water Lobster Tail. A full wine list and cocktail selection are also available for guests. 

“We started with the carpaccio and were not disappointed.  It had great flavors and prepared perfectly! We also did the wild mushroom and chevre arancini which had great mushroom flavor and cooked perfectly with gooey inside and crunchy outside. For my meal I chose the filet wellington.  It is only prepared medium rare, but that did not bother me. The mushroom wrap around the steak did enhance the flavors and I really enjoyed the steak.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Kres Chophouse. 

2. Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster

High-end restaurant known for its prime steaks and fresh seafood plates

729 Lee Rd. | West Orlando | christnersprimesteakandlobster.com 

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster is another popular destination for tender steaks and fresh seafood. Everything, including the salad dressing, is carefully selected with your dining experience in mind. Only the best U.S.D.A. prime cuts, imported lobsters, and locally-sourced ingredients are offered. Christner’s also offers a vast wine portfolio filled with over 4,500 bottles. For dessert, guests can enjoy a New York style cheesecake or creme brulee. Their signature dessert, Mandarin Orange Cake, is filled with pineapple-orange whipped cream icing, and served a la mode. 

“Absolutely amazing, the guy at the piano was charming, entertaining and friendly; the restaurant was very nice with great ambiance, valet is available and the FOOD, holy moly..... indescribable fantastic in every way. I attended with a party of 9 and our table was flooded with a bit of everything, salmon, steak, onion rings, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, potatoes and the list goes on.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster. 

3. Smoke & Donuts

Unique restaurant in Orlando that specializes in oak-smoked barbecue and hot donuts

2545 Coolidge Ave. | College Park, Horizons West | smokeanddonuts.com 

For some people, dessert is an afterthought that often ends up discarded or forgotten. They don’t really consider it until they finish their entree. But if you go to Smoke & Donuts for your next meal, you need to make sure you come hungry. You don’t want to miss out on their delicious donuts. 

Smoke & Donuts specializes in both savory BBQ and inventive donuts inside a contemporary restaurant space. Everything from the Brisket Sandwich to the S’moreo Donut is sure to leave you filled and satisfied. You can even customize your donut by choosing the type of glazes and toppings you want to add. 

“Amazing! I picked up my order yesterday from the College Park location. It was fast, easy to order online, and COVID safe. The food was incredible. I ordered the chopped brisket & donut slider kit. Brisket was tender and had great flavor. The cake donut with the bourbon glaze was such a great compliment to the brisket.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Smoke & Donuts. 

4. Highball & Harvest

Swanky restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel that serves creative Southern dishes

4012 Central Florida Pkwy | South Orange Blossom Trail | www.ritzcarlton.com/

Located inside the grand Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Highball & Harvest offers a unique dining experience for both hotel guests and local visitors. The restaurant’s rustic interior is inspired by both the sophistication of the Ritz-Carlton and the industrial quality of a classic railroad. 

While you wait for your entree, you can sip on one of the restaurant’s many beers, cocktails, and wine options. As for appetizers and entrees, you can find everything from a plate of pork ribs to 14 oz prime ribeye on the menu. Devil chocolate cake, key lime pie parfait, and more are also available for dessert. 

“Service was completely above and beyond!  I love the ambience, the decor, the people, first class service, and the food was awesome!  Honestly, it was perfect and I'm very thankful to celebrate my birthday at such an amazing place!  I appreciate how everything was Covid safe.  The social distancing was great and I felt because of the Covid limitations, service was more personable!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Highball & Harvest. 

5. Better Than Sex Dessert Restaurant

Perfect date night spot for drinks and dessert

1905 N Orange Ave. | Ivanhoe, Health Village | betterthansexdesserts.com 

If you’re ready to skip straight to dessert, head to Better Than Sex. This popular dessert restaurant offers a number of unique dishes, such as the Double Stuffed Oreo Bread Pudding and the Popcorn Pimp Cheesecake. This speakeasy-inspired restaurant also offers beer, wine, and cocktails to sip on before you move onto dessert. The dining room is pretty small, so it’s best suited for low-key evenings with a date or a small group of friends. 

“The cheesecake was delicious. Tasted like cheesecake but also chocolatey. We also grabbed a pint of their ice cream — they have a few flavors but we wanted to try the whiskey flavor. I couldn't put a finger on what whiskey it was- my date suggested Jim beam or jack Daniels. Either way, it was tasty. The dessert was enough to share. In fact, we didn't finish it.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Better Than Sex Dessert Restaurant. 

6. Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse

Upscale steakhouse located inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel

9801 International Dr. | International Drive | orlando.regency.hyatt.com 

Located inside the Hyatt Regency, Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse is a prime destination for delicious steaks and traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s chic decor and open-concept kitchen will make you feel right at home. While Fiorenzo is currently closed, you can still add it to your restaurant bucket list. Until then, you can mull over their large selection of steaks and specialty pizzas. 

“Amazing food and service! Kevin was the best server I have ever had. He was so attentive, thoughtful and at the same time allowed us time to enjoy our meal. This is my new favorite spot! Definitely requesting Kevin the next time I come, he made the night! Also the best vegan food I've had in Orlando. Any vegans/vegetarians definitely need to check this place out!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse. 

7. Ocean Prime

Upscale seafood restaurant known for its fresh and inventive dishes

7339 W Sand Lake Rd. Suite 400 | West Orlando | ocean-prime.com

Ocean Prime is a popular steakhouse chain perfect for date night, birthday celebrations, and any other special occasion that is coming up soon. While you can enjoy the restaurant’s delicious meals inside its upscale atmosphere, you can also dine at home. For the holidays, Ocean Prime is offering special platters designed for households and groups of varying sizes. You can even order an Ocean Prime Carrot Cake, which feeds up to 12 people! 

“Very chic and modern looking steak house. The staff were all following the guidelines for COVID19 and were very friendly and knowledgeable.  We decided on our entrees and we're impressed by the various sides they offered, most expensive steakhouses don't have many.” - Yelp Review

Orlando is home to a vibrant and lively restaurant scene. Where do you plan on heading for your next big meal out? Let us know!