Arguably the best thing about the fall in Orlando is that you can actually eat outside without sweating into your lunch. As the weather starts to cool (theoretically), here are a few of the best patios in the Orlando area to grab a meal outdoors.
Armando’s
463 W New England Ave, Winter Park, 407-951-8930
Fine dining with a European feel, right here in the Orlando area. Make sure to bring your vespa and a copy of Sartre.
Photo via estillwaggon/Instagram310 Nona
10785 Narcoossee Rd, 407-203-1120
Lakeside and thriving, 310 is in. And you should be in it. Make sure to stop by after December 3rd for $15 bottomless Mimosas.
Photo via nadiacharys/InstagramYellow Dog Eats
1236 Hempel Avenue, Gotha, 407-296-0609
You’ll find a lot more than dog chow at this East Orlando location. For starters, you’ll find its super cool back patio, complete with a pupper’s number 1 number-1 spot, a fire hydrant. That yellow is from the paint, right? Doors open at 11 a.m. Bring your furry friend along for a special treat from the chef.
Photo via Jill G/YelpEmber
42 W. Central Blvd, 407-849-5200
This popular downtown restaurant and bar is sure to impress your company. Just grab a drink and take a seat in its beautiful, terracotta courtyard.
Photo via emberorlando/InstagramPepe’s Cantina
433 W New England Ave, Winter Park, 321-972-4881
Featuring outdoor seating and classic Mexican fare with a twist, Pepe’s Cantina offers good food for the whole family. Doors open at 11:30.
Photo via bellezadeoro/InstagramCocina 214
151 Welbourne Avenue East, Winter Park, 407-790-7997
Cocina 214 is a nice refuge from Park Ave. The diner’s patio is more protected than others, meaning you won’t get rained out if you want to experience nature’s autumn air-conditioning. Also, they host Chihuahua races.
Photo via Cocina 214/FacebookEleven at Reunion Grande Resort
7593 Gathering St., Kissimmee, 407-662-1170
Pool by day, luxury rooftop restaurant by night, the eleventh floor of the Reunion Grande Resort has an alter ego that offers some of the highest and farthest views of any Orlando eatery. Just don’t let your Spinach Artichoke Fondue go over the side.
Photo via lorielownds/InstagramHamilton’s Kitchen
300 E New England Ave, Winter Park, 407-998-8089
Bearing the name of the 8th president of Rollins College, Hamilton Holt, Hamilton’s Kitchen is steeped in the history of Central Florida. Take a seat out on its patio for a night of fine dining in the open air.
Photo via hamiltonskitchen/InstagramThe Hammered Lamb
1235 North Orange Ave, 407-704-3200
This lamb may be hammered, but that hasn’t stopped it from picking a picturesque, sunset-facing spot on Lake Ivanhoe. Not to mention staying open till 2 a.m. so you can satisfy your cravings before the witching hour.
Photo via wanderkammer/InstagramHillstone
215 South Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, 407-740-4005
The upscale of the outdoors. Hillstone is a cornerstone of Orlando’s fancier fare, and with its own private, miniature pier, this restaurant’s seating isn’t so much lake front as lake-on-top-of. No fishing allowed, indoor seating also available.
Photo via rebekahc/InstaWorld of Beer Downtown Orlando
431 E Central Blvd, 407-270-5541
Don’t be fooled – World of Beer is a full service restaurant, and at its downtown location, you’ll get full service views of our very own Lake Eola. Maybe it’s time those geese had something other than breadcrumbs, like World of Beer’s Chimay Burger, with classique Chimay Cheese.
Photo via lakeeola/InstagramNova Scratch Kitchen
1409 N Orange Ave, 407-745-4080
It’s name comes from the stars, but its fame comes from right here in Orlando: Nova’s Scratch Kitchen offers southern classics with a pacific flare, and its front patio has a lakeside view to boot.
Photo via nova_orlando/InstagramThe Tap Room at Dubsdread
549 West Par Street, 407-650-0100
With its roots leading all the way back to 1924, The Tap Room at Dubsdread has a long legacy of filling Orlandan bellies. Fill your own on The Taproom’s extensive, outdoor veranda.
Photo via reanne99/InstagramPaddlefish
1670 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-2628
The Paddle Fish Restaurant, built to resemble a docked paddleboat, “floats” on the side of Lake Buena Vista and features high-up roof top seating. We’re glad it won’t be setting sail anytime soon.
Photo via Rob BartlettSantiago’s Bodega Orlando
802 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6979
This charming wine-and-dinery is missing only the catacombs to complete its vintage, elegant Spanish style. With a large wood deck for outdoor seating, it’s a sure spot for getting the most out of Fall weather.
Photo via Santiago’s Bodega OrlandoThe Boathouse
1620 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 407-939-2628
Overlooking the beautiful and bustling Disney Springs, The Boathouse is an boat-inspired upscale restaurant.. And if you’re not hungry, you still might want to check out it’s rideable “amphibicars.”
Photo via The Boathouse/FacebookShake Shack Winter Park
119 N Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, 321-203-5130
The Shake Shack doesn’t slack – not on menus, and not on sweet, sweet lakeside views. Come here for classic American burger fare done right. Plus, ping-pong!
Photo via nick129/InstaCanvas Restaurant & Market
13615 Sachs Avenue, 407-313-7800
Lakefront dining with a sunset view, a full menu of Latin-inspired food fare, and a highly selfie-able colored glass house out front. This one is about 30 minutes south of Orlando, but for the peace and quiet it provides, it might just be worth it.
Photo via canvaslakenona/InstagramGreek Corner
1600 N. Orange Ave, 407-228-0303
Its blue and white color palette is all Stark contrast, but its menu is pure Tyrell – plentiful and exuberant. Come here for Greek inspired cuisine and a seat among its orchids, on the patio.
Photo via orlandoweekly/InstagramThe Waterfront Orlando
4201 South Orange Ave, 407-866-0468
Not that it’s a competition, but you can’t get any closer to the water than being in the water, and at The Waterfront Orlando you can do exactly that. The grassy, beachfront venue serves seafood, classic American fare, and an ample number of beers.
Photo via thewaterfrontorlando/InstagramTR Fire Grill
1035 North Orlando Ave, Suite 101, Winter Park, 407-708-3600
Winner of two Diner’s Choice awards, the TR Fire Grill is a great place to grab some high class cuisine and enjoy the view from outside.
Photo via orlandodatenightguide/InstagramTrattoria del Porto
5601 Universal Blvd, 407-503-1430
Don’t let the name intimidate you – this Universal Resort restaurant offers good looks from its little-Italy-like patio, and won’t chase you out if you wear a shirt without a collar. Most meals are in the $15 – $20 price range, though the Chef’s specials run around $30.
Photo via universalorlando/InstagramUrbain 40
8000 Via Dellagio Way, 407-872-2640
Forget lakeside, how about fountain side? Don’t worry – seating is in the shade and out of the splash zone. At this jazzy and elegant restaurant, expect to find the finest in steak, fish and more – and expect prices to reflect that.
Photo via Urbain 40/FacebookThe Brass Tap
1632 N Mills Avenue, 407-270-9538
The Brass Tap Beer Bar is more than a beer bar – it’s also a place to enjoy wraps, sandwiches, and tasty pretzel-pizzas. Plus, trivia! Step onto its front patio for an evening of joviality and buzzing cicadans.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyVanbarry’s Public House
4120 S Orange Ave, 407-704-8881
Featuring many a colorful drink in many a filled-to-the-brim mason jar, at Vanbarry’s Public House you can enjoy sunny outdoor seating and some very colorful chairs. Also, you can sit on a large duck.
Photo via vanbarrys/Instagram