From lakeside bistros to fish camps to rooftop dive bars to truly elevated dining, Orlando has dozens of restaurants and bars offering can’t-miss views of the city. Here are 29 of the best restaurants and bars with a view in the City Beautiful.
Osphere
407 E. Central Boulevard, Orlando
This downtown Orlando dining spot offers classic American dishes and elevated seafood, plus cocktails brunch, served in breezy spaces all overlooking Lake Eola. Credit: Photo via Osphere/Facebook
Best Longwood Restaurant
Winner: Enzo’s on the Lake Finalists: Mykonos Authentic Greek Cuisine, Pickles Authentic New York Delicatessen Credit: Photo via Enzo's on the Lake/FacebookCapa
10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista
This Spanish steakhouse’s location on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Resort makes it a prime spot for watching the firework shows at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, or just taking in some high-rise views. Staff will take you out onto the terrace a few minutes before the shows so you can view them from the best seats in the house. Reservations are required, so make sure you call ahead. Credit: Photo via Capa
1650 E. Buena Vista Drive, Orlando Be transported to Little Italy at this Disney Springs hotspot. Run by Top Chef master Tony Mantuano, you can find comfort specialties like eggplant Parmesan stack and ravioli gigante here. Come with an empty stomach so you can get your fill of tantalizing flavors and savory views from the veranda. Credit: Photo via Yelp
4979 New Broad St., Orlando Japanese restaurant Sorekara, from chef William Shen and restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung, was built around the philosophy of sorekara (Japanese for “and then”) and appreciating each unique moment of life. Credit: photo courtesy of William ShenSTK Steakhouse Orlando
1580 E. Buena Vista Drive, Orlando
This modern two-story steakhouse, specializing in prime grilled meats, provides a breathtaking view from its sprawling rooftop patio. It’s on the pricier side, but if elegant carnivorous dining is what you’re looking for, then STK’s got you covered. Credit: Photo via STK/FacebookCeiba
1500 Eastbeach Way, Orlando
A love letter to Mexican cuisine, Ceiba is now serving modern takes on authentic Mexican flavors in — or rather, atop — Orlando. Now open on the Conrad Orlando’s seventh-floor rooftop, Ceiba is led by chef Stephen Ullrich and aims to reflect a “contemporary expression of Mexican cooking and pays homage to curated ingredients that tell the story of the country’s treasured dishes and artisan purveyors.” Credit: Image via Ceiba at Conrad Orlando/FacebookHillstone
215 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
Guests can access Hillstone’s scenic lakeside patio by car, boat or seaplane. Choose from a lunch, dinner or wine menu, and bask in the beautiful view of Lake Killarney with friends and strangers. Credit: Photo via Hillstone/Facebook
211 Eola Parkway, Orlando A Lake Eola Park staple, Relax Grill is an ideal spot for those looking to do just that: relax. No frills, no hustle and bustle, just casual patio seating and some classic American dishes and drinks. Credit: Photo via Relax Grill/FacebookTopolino’s Terrace
1080 Esplanade Ave., Lake Buena Vista
Located in the Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace offers French and Italian-style eats, for both breakfast and dinner. The restaurant also has an outdoor patio offering sprawling views and a high-end lounging atmosphere. Credit: Photo via Topolino’s Terrace/FacebookCredit: Photo via Canvas Restaurant/FacebookBiCE Ristorante Orlando
5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando
BiCE Ristorante brings a little taste of Italy to Florida. Located at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, this Italian restaurant was designed to give guests the feel of a classic European eatery. Credit: Photo via BiCE Ristorante Orlando/Google MapsThe Waterfront
4201 S. Orange Ave., Orlando
The Waterfront offers homestyle classics like burgers, pulled pork sandwiches and fries, along with featured fresh seafood appetizers and entrees like blackened catfish. Enjoy your meal while looking out across Lake Jennie Jewel, and wash it all down with a microbrew or cocktail. Credit: Photo via The Waterfront/FacebookHigh Tide
33 W. Church St., Orlando
This tropical-themed outdoor dive bar in Orlando offers rooftop views of the downtown core, weekly drink deals and special events like Orlando City SC pregame parties, pre-show events and live music. Credit: Photo via High TideOld Man Frank’s
1005 Lake Howard Drive, Winter Haven
Opened in 1954, Old Man Frank’s has been around to serve decades of Winter Haven locals and visitors from abroad. The lakeside hangout spot has a sprawling deck, live music and dancing, and a classic seafood menu highlighting a raw bar. Credit: Image via Google Maps
1000 W. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista “That’s really it about this place — it’s a beautiful restaurant with lovely views situated at the top of the new tower at Coronado Springs. The caliber of food here is absolutely far superior than any of the other offerings at this sprawling resort complex. This place was absolutely packed in each of the 3 times I’ve dined here so that says a lot about what a lovely venue it is.” — Kevin W. Credit: Photo via Toledo/Yelp
4255 Peninsula Point, Sanford Gator’s Riverside Grill, located in Sanford, is nestled along the St. Johns River and offers cheap drinks and tons of good old-fashioned Southern fried seafood. Credit: Photo via Gators Riverside/GrillBlack Hammock Restaurant
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo
This Oviedo favorite acts as the adjoining restaurant to a marina and airboat spot. Grab a seafood-centric meal before you soak up some Central Florida sun. Credit: Photo via The Black Hammock/YelpNorman’s
7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando
After a 16-year run at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes and then a three-year hiatus, Norman Van Aken’s legendary eatery Norman’s made a triumphant return in the Dr. Phillips area earlier this year. The menu’s Latin-Caribbean DNA is still intact, but flavors from Japan and Southeast Asia expand on Van Aken’s “New World” culinary vision. Credit: Photo via Norman's/FacebookPaddlefish
1670 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Paddlefish is a three-story floating fortress of food permanently moored at Disney Springs. The riverboat features fresh seafood dishes, a rooftop deck and multiple contemporary dining rooms and outdoor spaces. When you’re floating on the Springs, pretty much any seat can be considered the best seat in the house, especially with a lobster on the plate in front of you. Credit: Photo via Paddlefish/Yelp
846 W. Osceola St., Clermont After years of success, Tampa’s waterfront restaurant Salt Shack on the Bay opened a second location in a vacated lakefront space in downtown Clermont. The “rustic-refined” eatery serves fresh seafood, seasonal cuisine and tropical cocktails. Credit: Photo via Salt Shack on the Lake Clermont/FacebookVilla de Flora
6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee
Encased by the recognizable glass roof of the Gaylord Palms south of downtown Orlando, Villa de Flora offers Mediterranean and assorted dishes alongside a unique scenic view perfect for the ideal romantic date or evening out. Credit: Photo via Villa de Florida/Gaylord HotelsHaven Kitchen & Lounge
6100 Lake Nona Wave Hotel Drive, Orlando
Opened in 2022, Haven Kitchen & Lounge aims to give off an “exclusive nightlife experience,” with dining packages and a swanky cocktail bar. The menu features tastes of Mediterranean cuisine to pair with the botanical-inspired drink menu. Haven serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Credit: Photo via Haven Kitchen/Facebook
211 N. Lucerne Circle W., Orlando This quaint neighborhood hangout spot and bar aims to offer a “taste of vacation.” Guests can enjoy the scenic atmosphere, small plates, desserts and Sunday brunch on top of a plentiful wine and cocktail list. Credit: Photo via The Wellborn/FacebookJolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill
4650 FL-46, Geneva
This riverfront spot has seafood classics (as well as some not-so-classic gator burgers), plus karaoke and live music, making for a lively, very Florida vibe. Credit: Photo via Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill/FacebookHarborside
2435 Seventh St. SW, Winter Haven
This casual eatery serves seafood, steak and other classic American fare on its waterside patio and lower-level lakeside bar. Credit: Photo via Harborside/Facebook
1620 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista “You will hands down never have a bad meal at Boathouse. Staff is always friendly as well which is shocking considering how crazy busy they always are. They are on top of it! It also helps that there are so many decor oriented things to look at it inside the restaurant with the many different rooms or if you sit on the water!” — Marielle M. Credit: Photo via The Boathouse/FacebookFish Camp on Lake Eustis
901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares
This old-fashioned restaurant on Lake Eustis offers waterside dining and a bounty of seafood (plus some turf to go with your surf) and craft beers. Credit: Photo via Fish Camp on Lake Eustis/FacebookShake Shack
119 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
Shake Shack might not be your first thought when it comes to scenic patio dining. But this location, located right on the edge of Lake Killarney, is a prime spot to down a burger and pretend you’re on a lakeside vacation. FWIW, this is also the very first outpost of the New York City-based chain to open in Central Florida. And the prices aren’t half bad, either. Credit: Photo via Shake Shack Winter Park/Yelp