Magical Dining Month runs from now until September 30, and since this annual event is a great way to explore Orlando-area restaurants without breaking the bank, here are a few best ways to stuff your face. All participating restaurants offer three-course meals at the fixed price of $35.
1921 by Norman Van Aken
142 East 4th Avenue, Mount Dora, (352) 385-1921
Our picks:
Appetizer: Old Florida Smoked Fish Dip Toast: on grilled house sourdough with southern chow chow
Entree: Russet Potato Gnocchi: with braised Colorado lamb neck ragu & pecorino romano
Dessert: Vanilla Swizz Roll: with orange sabayon & fresh peaches
Photo via Visit OrlandoAntonio’s Ristorante
611 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, (407) 645-5523
Our picks:
Appetizer: Smoked Salmon: house cold smoked salmon, dill, caper, horseradish aioli
Entree: Lobster Ravioli: lobster ravioli tossed in a sherry cream sauce
Dessert: Valentino: brandy-chocolate ganache filled Belgium chocolate cup, whipped cream raspberry
Photo via Visit OrlandoBulla Gastrobar
110 S. Orlando Avenue Suite 110, Winter Park, (321) 214-6120
Our picks:
Appetizer: Ceviche De Jalapeño: shrimp, fish, roasted jalapeño, fresh lime & orange, plantain chips
Entree: Braised Brisket Caldoso: Valencia style rice, red sofrito, piquillo confit, crispy chickpeas
Dessert: Churros Con Chocolate: traditional fried dough, chocolate sauce, dulce de leche
Photo via Visit OrlandoCafe Tu Tu Tango
8625 South International Drive, (407) 248-2222
Our picks:
Appetizer: Ceviche De Mariscos: mixed seafood, tomato-citrus broth, passion fruit purée
Entree: Lamb Racks: Cajun risotto, roasted sunburst squash, charred corn crème
Dessert: Passion Fruit Flan
Photo via Visit OrlandoCala Bella
Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Boulevard, (407) 996-3663
Our picks:
Appetizer: Calamari Fritti: crispy calamari, tomato aioli
Entree: Grilled Swordfish Puttanesca: olives, capers, garlic, tomatoes, anchovies, broccolini gremolata
Dessert: Cappuccino Crème Brûlée
Photo via Visit OrlandoChez Vincent
533 West New England Avenue, Winter Park, (407) 599-2929
Our picks:
Appetizer: French Onion Soup: with gratin of gruyere
Entree: Coq au Vin: traditional French chicken dish marinated in red wine, bacon and lardon
Dessert: Bavarois
Photo via Visit OrlandoCuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Pointe Orlando 9101 International Drive Suite 1004, (407) 226-1600
Our picks:
Appetizer: Guava BBQ Ribs: slow-cooked St. Louis cut pork ribs, guava BBQ sauce glaze. pickled pineapple, sliced pickles
Entree: Arroz con Pollo: saffron long grain rice, boneless chicken, green peas, Manzanilla olives, hard-boiled egg. asparagus, palacios chorizo, roasted piquillo pepper salad
Dessert: Dessert selection changes daily
Photo via Visit Orlandodeep blu seafood grille
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek 14651 Chelonia Parkway, (407) 390-2420
Our picks:
Appetizer: Drunken Mussels: steamed pei mussels, pork belly, American pale ale, baguette, grated Parmesan
Entree: Black & blu Linguine: vita squid ink pasta, jumbo lump crab meat, arugula, cherry tomatoes, marcona almonds, parmigiano
Dessert: Southern Banana Pudding: housemade nilla wafers, baked meringue, Chantilly cream
Photo via deep blu OrlandoDragonfly Robata and Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way, (407) 370-3359
Our picks:
Appetizer: Kaki-Fri (Fried Oysters): Cajun breaded oysters, bonito flakes,
nori, Japanese mayo, citric togarashi
Entree: House Smoked Salmon: Japanese mushroom rice, ikura, shiso
Dessert: Pavlova: yuzu curd, strawberry ume jam, seasonal berries, shiso, green tea powder
Photo via Visit OrlandoEverglades
Rosen Centre Hotel 9840 International Drive, (407) 996-9840
Our picks:
Appetizer: Alligator Bay Chowder: an Everglades house specialty
Entree: Chilean Sea Bass: olive-crusted sea bass with artichoke and roasted tomato risotto complemented with béarnaise
Dessert: Double Chocolate Fudge Overload
Photo via Visit OrlandoMaihana Asian Cuisine
8148 International Drive, (407) 203-2803
Our picks:
Appetizer: Tuna Tataki: delicately seared peppered tuna served with tangy house ponzu sauce
Entree: Curry Lamb Chop: seared in Japanese curry sauce, accompanied by house soup, salad, vegetables, and steamed rice
Dessert: Fried Cheesecake
Photo via Visit OrlandoMarket to Table
146 West Plant Street, Winter Garden, (407) 395-9871
Our picks:
Appetizer: Mozzarella Burrata: melon, balsamic, prosciutto, basil
Entree: Portobello & Tomato Napoleon: mozzarella, Bakemeyer Farms whole wheat pasta
Dessert: Raspberry Macaron: giant house made macaron, chatilly cream, vanilla gelato
Photo via Visit OrlandoMaria & Enzo’s
1560 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 560-8466
Our picks:
Appetizer: Fontina en Carozza: pan fried lightly breaded and marinated fontina cheese, spicy pomodoro sauce
Entree: Grilled Hanger Steak: roasted garlic mashed potatoes, broccolini, bagna cauda sauce
Dessert: Pistachio Olive Oil Cake: roasted strawberry jam
Photo via Visit OrlandoMorimoto Asia
Disney Springs 1600 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 939-6686
Our picks:
Appetizer: Soft Shell Crab Tempura, Namool, and Gochujang Sauce: soft shell crab tempura, served with bean sprout salad and a gochujang sauce
Entree: Hunan Lamb Shank, Zucchini, Singapore Style Curry Fried Rice: Hunan style lamb shank seasoned with cumin, chili, scallions, sous vide for 36 hours, and then flash fried; served with a Singapore style curry fried rice, and curry lamb jus
Dessert: Lychee and Mango Cheesecake
Photo via Visit OrlandoPharmacy Orlando
8060 Via Dellagio Way Suite 106, (407) 985-2972
Our picks:
Appetizer: Florida Fresh Tang Fried Chicken: lime, scallions & sesame
Entree: Braised Pork Shoulder Ropa Viejo: with jicima salad & boniato mashed
Dessert: Sous Vide Sticky Chocolate Toffee Bread Pudding Créme Brûlée Style
Photo via Visit OrlandoNagoya Sushi
7600 Dr. Phillips Boulevard Suite 66, (407) 248-8558
Our picks:
Appetizer: Gangnam Style Short Ribs: grilled marinated Angus beef short ribs in garlic, ginger, rice wine, served with sweet onion
Entree: Sushi Deluxe: chef’s choice of 10 pieces of sushi and 1 California Roll
Dessert: Rocher Chocolate Tempura
Photo via Visit OrlandoSeito Sushi
8031 Turkey Lake Road Suite 700, (407) 248-8888
Our picks:
Appetizer: Pork Belly Bao Buns: braised pork belly, steamed bun, honey maple hoisin, housemade pickles
Entree: Wagyu New York Strip Steak: 8 oz. wagyu NY strip, sweet potato mash, shimeji mushrooms, shiso herb butter
Dessert: Thai Tea Bread Pudding: brioche bread pudding, Thai tea anglaise, Iwai Japanese whisky caramel and drunken cherries
Photo via Visit OrlandoTapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit
ICON Orlando 360 8441 International Drive Suite 260, (407) 226-2929
Our picks:
Appetizer: Rioja Braised Pears & Cabrales: lola rosa lettuce, arugula, shallots, queso de cabrales “blue cheese”, rioja wine dressing
Entree: The Fryda Kawlo: pan fried cauliflower steak, herbed yogurt, marble potatoes, baby carrots, tomato sauce
Dessert: Crema Catalana “Catalan Cream”: orange, fresh mint, brûléed sugar
Photo via Visit OrlandoTerramia Ristorante E Trattoria
1150 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, (407) 774-8466
Our picks:
Appetizer: Calamari E Gamberoni: sauteed fresh calamari and shrimp with collina tomato
Entree: Stinco Di Agnello Abbruzzese: lamb shank braised in barolo wine reduction
Dessert: Selva Nera: Italian version of black forest cake layers of cioccolato, chantilly, amarena cherries
Photo via Orlando WeeklyThe Oceanaire Seafood Room
Pointe Orlando 9101 International Drive, (407) 363-4801
Our picks:
Appetizer: Summer Watermelon & Feta Cheese Salad: mixed greens, late harvest vinaigrette, toasted almonds
Entree: Chicken Fried Grouper Cheeks: truffle honey, cheese grits, house hot sauce
Dessert: Summer Sorbet Duo
Photo via Visit OrlandoThe Rusty Spoon
55 West Church Street Suite 101, (407) 401-8811
Our picks:
Appetizer: Charred Squid and Octopus: watermelon two ways, crispy chorizo, local arugula, mushrooms, pepper vinaigrette
Entree: Lake Meadow “Hot Chicken” Thigh: pickled summer vegetables, local arugula, house buttermilk ranch dressing
Dessert: Krusty Donut Holes: stuffed with something yummy, chocolate sauce
Photo via Visit OrlandoThe Smiling Bison
107 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, (407) 915-6086
Our picks:
Appetizer: Poutine: hand cut fries, mushroom gravy, cheddar cheese curds
Entree: Mustard Fried NC Catfish: corn, okra & jalapeno salad
Dessert: Vanilla Pot De Creme: dark chocolate ganache, smoked salt
Photo via Orlando WeeklyThe Strand
807 North Mills Avenue, (407) 920-7744
Our picks:
Appetizer: Charcuterie Board: fried headcheese, duck prosciutto, fig mostarda, house pickles
Entree: Alabama Hen: dry rubbed Lake Meadow Farm hen, Alabama white sauce, fried macaroni and cheese, braised greens
Dessert: Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta: apricot, cocoa nibs, Malden sea salt
Photo via Visit OrlandoThe Stubborn Mule
100 South Eola Drive, (407) 730-3400
Our picks:
Appetizer: Zucchini Fritters: (three) shredded zucchini, roasted sweet corn & scallions topped with grated parmesan, served with a sriracha aioli
Entree: Marker 84: vegetable potato hash, fresh catch, jumbo lump crab topped with an old bay hollandaise finished with grilled asparagus
Dessert: Cronie: croissant-donut dusted with cinnamon & sugar topped with vanilla-bean ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce
Photo via Visit OrlandoUrbain 40
8000 Via Dellagio Way, (407) 872-2640
Our picks:
Appetizer: Crepe Urbain: mushroom-laced eggplant caponata, gruyere, yellow tomato & sweet pepper sauce, balsamico drizzle
Entree: Butchers Block Reserve Veal Milanese: pesto pasta dumplings, broccolini & lemon
Dessert: Panache of Urbain 40 Macarons, Cookies & Seasonal torta
Photo via Visit OrlandoZeta Asia
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, (407) 597-3665
Our picks:
Appetizer: Miso Soup: dashi broth, miso, tofu, wakame, scallion
Dumpling or Signature Rolls: Mount Fuji Roll: crab salad, avocado, cucumber, tuna, yellow-tail, salmon, wasabi mayo, tobiko, micro cilantro
Entree: Spicy Tuna Poke: avocado, pickled cucumber, spinach, shimeji mushroom, bean sprouts, Japanese rice, furikake, matsu dressing
Dessert: Key Lime Creme Brulee: key lime custard, graham cracker crust, caramelized sugar crust
Photo via Visit OrlandoArtisan’s Table
22 East Pine Street,, (407) 730-7499
Our picks:
Appetizer: Crab & Havarti Jalapeno Poppers: crab & havarti stuffed jalapenos topped with breadcrumbs and avocado ranch
Entree: Bison Pot Roast: braised bison with butter poached fingerling potatoes and carrots
Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake
Photo via Visit OrlandoKabooki Sushi
3122 East Colonial Drive Suite D, (407) 228-3839
Our picks:
Appetizer: Yuca Fritters: spicy tuna, serrano, cilantro
Entree: Chirashi: chef’s choice poke style fish, cured ikura, nori, oba, pickled cucumber
Dessert: Homemade Ice Cream
Photo via Visit OrlandoLe Coq Au Vin
4800 South Orange Avenue, (407) 851-6980
Our picks:
Appetizer: Soupe à L’Oignon: apple cider and cream gratinée with Gruyère and émenthal cheeses
Entree: Pork Schnitzel: pan fried pork loin, red cabbage, Spaetzle, hunter sauce
Dessert: Crêpes Suzette: delicate egg pancakes, Grand Marnier sauce
Photo via Visit OrlandoLuma on Park
290 South Park Avenue, Winter Park, (407) 599-4111
Our picks:
Appetizer: Smoked Cheddarwurst: warm field pea and summer squash salad, roasted grape jus, pickled mustard seed
Entree: Crystal Valley Chicken: purple rice grits, broccolini, medjool date, pickled onion
Dessert: Chocolate Custard: ganache, popcorn brittle, crème fraiche
Photo via Visit OrlandoOutpost
2603 Edgewater Drive, (407) 930-6282
Our picks:
Appetizer: Buffalo Cauliflower: cauliflower florets fried in gluten-free tempura batter, tossed in Outpost sauce and topped with Stella blue cheese crumbles
Entree: Cajun Lobster Mac & Cheese: creamy Cajun Mornay with penne, chorizo, roasted grape tomatoes, pickled jalapenos, crispy leek straws
Dessert: Whoopie Pie Ice Cream Sandwich: homemade whoopie pie stuffed with Left Hand Milk Stout Ice Cream
Photo via Visit OrlandoPrato
124 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, (407) 262-0050
Our picks:
Appetizer: Roasted Apple Salad: walnut vinaigrette, cranberry granola, fig, gorgonzola
Entree: Artichoke Ravioli: cannellini bean, arrabbiata, garlic chip, mint-basil
Dessert: Chocolate Torte: sweet cream, pistachio
Photo via Visit OrlandoSoco Thornton Park
629 East Central Boulevard, (407) 849-1800
Our picks:
Appetizer: Fried Green Tomatoes: horseradish remoulade, crispy Benton’s country ham
Entree: Grilled Meatloaf on Lobster Mashed Potatoes: three-meat blend, onion rings, smoked vidalia onion and andouille sausage gravy
Dessert: Key Lime Pie
Photo via Visit OrlandoUmi Japanese Fusion
525 South Park Avenue, Winter Park, (407) 960-3993
Our picks:
Appetizer: Mango Tango: coconut shrimp, crab/krab salad, cucumber, cream cheese, fresh mango, coconut shavings, sweet yuzu mango sauce, eel sauce
Entree: Grilled Pork Chop: roasted Asian pear, shiso mashed potato, lemon butter poached confit carrots
Dessert: Matcha Tiramisu
Photo via Visit OrlandoYuki Hana
3635 Aloma Avenue #1033, Oviedo, (407) 695-8808
Our picks:
Appetizer: House Gyoza: handmade dumplings filled with wagyu beef, napa, negi, pan seared, served with mushroom ketchup, oxtail jus, crispy shallot chips
Entree: Duck Ramen: duck confit with crispy skin, 24 hours duck jus, house made fresh noodle, aged black garlic oil, 6 mini roasted corn, baby bok choy, menma, scallion, and nori
Dessert: Japanese Cotton Cheesecake: house made sponge cheesecake infused with passion fruit flavor, served with mango jam, and vanilla gelato, fresh fruit
Photo via Visit OrlandoRusTeak
2625 Edgewater Drive, (407) 540-1100
Our picks:
Appetizer: Arancini Arrabiata: crispy saffron risotto spheres served in spicy arrabbiata sauce finished with shaved pecorino cheese
Entree: Ultron: grilled flat iron steak, spinach-maple bacon yukon gold mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, topped with two jumbo shrimp & creamy gruyere mornay
Dessert: Lemon Coconut Cheesecake: coconut cheesecake in a toasted macadamia graham cracker crust, topped with lemon custard, fluffy whipped cream, toasted macadamia nuts and coconut
Photo via Visit OrlandoThe Ravenous Pig
565 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, (407) 628-2333
Our picks:
Appetizer: Shrimp & Grits: Cape Canaveral shrimp, Anson Mills grits, green tomato chutney, chorizo oil
Entree: Mushroom Risotto: summer mushrooms, parmesan broth, chili oil
Dessert: Coffee Panna Cotta: persimmon sorbet, chocolate cardamom shortbread, compressed persimmons
Photo via Visit OrlandoReyes Mezcaleria
821 North Orange Avenue, (407) 868-9007
Our picks:
Appetizer: Fresh Yellowfin Tuna Tostada: crispy corn tortilla topped with fresh yellowfin tuna, avocado, pickled tomatillo, lime aioli, fried shallots
Entree: Carne Asada: grilled chile marinated skirt steak, sweet corn tamale, cotija cheese, chile rajas, red chile adobo
Dessert: Tres Leches: classic three milk cake topped with whipped cream and passion fruit caramel sauce
Photo via Visit Orlando