Steak lovers take note: Orlando is teeming with steakhouses. From nationally renowned restaurants—including Morton’s, Flemings, The Palm, Eddie V’s and Ruth’s Chris—to hotel haunts and downtown gems, Orlando boasts more than 50 steakhouses. Ready to get your beef on? Here are a few standout selections for a fancy night out that may not be on your radar.
1. Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Set atop the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Capa has quickly garnered buzz for its marvelous union of Basque and steakhouse cuisine set against a dramatic décor of black and crimson. A slew of tapas dishes serves as a light beginning but Capa is chiefly a steakhouse as evidenced by its ample offering of big, juicy cuts, which are wood-fired over oak and doused in a simple olive oil, salt-and-pepper marinade. Of particular note is the 12-ounce bone-in filet, an unusual but extraordinary selection. After dinner, be sure to step out onto the terrace where guests can enjoy the nightly fireworks blasting from nearby Epcot and Magic Kingdom.
2. Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Set amidst the Everglades wing of Gaylord Palm’s stunning 4.5-acre glass-enclosed atrium, this steakhouse might look like a series of swampy shacks, but don’t let the intentionally weathered veneer fool you. Chefs inside are filling plates with gloriously grilled cuts of veal chop, bone-in rib steak, filets and Certified Angus NY strips. Guests can opt for the simple butter rub or select a sauce, including Béarnaise, Au Poivre and Bordelaise. Besides a wine list that reads like a Dickens novel and a Grand-Marnier Soufflé that simply can’t be passed up, Old Hickory features a terrific cheese course, which arrives at the table via a glassed cart filled with more than a dozen cheeses from all over the world.
3. Le Cellier at the Canada Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase
With a nod to the wine cellars of two of Canada’s most-celebrated hotels—Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and Fairmont Château Laurier—Le Cellier has an aesthetic that’s dark and stately but an ambiance that’s far from it. “Our front-facing cast members are all from Canada and they are extremely welcoming,” says Chef de Cuisine Dee Foundoukis. “We could build something that looks like Canada on the outside but it’s the cast that make it real.” Open daily for lunch and dinner, restaurant service officially begins once the servers gather in the lobby to sing the Canadian national anthem. Then they’re off serving up Le Cellier’s famous dishes, including the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and three different iterations of Poutine. Not to be upstaged, Le Cellier’s steaks are nothing short of spectacular. “We serve a AAA Canadian beef tenderloin and a 14-day dry-aged boneless rib-eye. This has become a destination restaurant because of the quality of the steak,” Foundoukis says.
4. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Located on Orlando’s renowned International Drive, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse offers a truly grand and sophisticated dining experience for both locals and visitors. This two-story establishment embodies the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse while presenting a sleek, modern interior. Guests can expect impeccable chef-driven cuisine, featuring aged USDA Prime Beef, hand-cut steaks, and fresh seafood. The restaurant boasts an impressive wine list with over 1200 labels, guided by knowledgeable sommeliers, ensuring a perfect pairing for every dish. With multiple private dining rooms, two state-of-the-art bars, and a picturesque patio, Del Frisco’s provides a versatile and elegant setting for any occasion, from intimate celebrations to large corporate events, solidifying its reputation as a premier fine dining destination in Orlando.
5. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood: A Sophisticated Blend of Land and Sea
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood offers a sophisticated dining experience that masterfully combines the freshest seafood with prime steaks, all within an elegant and vibrant atmosphere. Renowned for its lively jazz music and upscale ambiance, this restaurant provides a diverse menu that caters to both seafood aficionados and steak lovers. Guests can indulge in a wide array of exquisite seafood preparations, from raw bar selections to perfectly seared fish, alongside tender, aged cuts of beef. Complementing the culinary delights is an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails, ensuring a luxurious and memorable evening whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a refined meal.
