It’s not hard to find a line to wait in around Orlando. We’re home to some of the most cult-followed and long-loved eateries in Central Florida, and today we have a list of some of the most cutthroat waitlists in town.
Online reservation service Open Table has released its list of the 15 most-booked restaurants in Orlando right now. The ranking ranges from historic dining rooms to brand-new “restaurant lounges” to theme-park favorites.
Here’s where people are making the most reservations in Orlando, in no particular order.
The Tap Room at Dubsdread
549 W. Par St., Orlando
Having served Orlando for decades already, The Tap Room at Dubsdread continues to draw crowds to its cozy and historic dining room. There’s also a laid-back patio overlooking the Dubsdread golf course, where you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks.
Harlow Grove
186 S. Main St., Winter Garden
This two-story restaurant space billed as Winter Garden’s “premier full-service restaurant and lounge” comprises a first-floor lounge, an upstairs dining room and a veranda terrace under the shade of a century-old oak tree.
Morimoto Asia
1600 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
This upscale restaurant brings innovative Pan-Asian cuisine to Disney Springs. With a menu from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the glitzy spot offers dishes ranging from ribs to sushi to Peking duck and plenty more – all available to enjoy on the spot’s covered patio.
AVA MediterrAegean
290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
The trendy Mediterranean hotspot in the heart of Park Avenue is saturated in South Beach swank, but its menu packs real substance. That only makes the people-watching at Ava all the more enjoyable.
Summer House on the Lake
1498 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Cali cuisine and breezy beach vibes rule at Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs. It’s the perfect place to rock that coastal grandma fit while nibbling on salads, veggie-forward apps … and indulgent cookies from the cookie bar.
Bar Italia
480 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
This Winter Park favorite is a long-loved spot for pizza, cocktails, patio dining and more. The restaurant specializes in classic Italian dishes with modern American twists.
The Boathouse
1620 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
This waterside Disney World staple is beloved by those looking for a seafood-forward meal with a great view.
Raglan Road
1640 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando
Raglan Road isn’t what you would call low-key, but when you’re looking to have a real good time, who cares? At any given moment a gang of waiters might jump up on stage for a Celtic dancing session while the room fills with Irish tunes. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a better shepherd’s pie in Orlando than the one at Raglan Road.
Eddie V’s
7488 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
You get what you pay for and, for the most part, this pricey Dr. Phillips fish house delivers. The steak tartare with lobster and the jumbo lump crab make a splash as starters, and their 22-ounce USDA Prime bone-in rib-eye satisfies the hungriest meat-eater.
Cooper’s Hawk
8005 International Drive, Orlando
This “upscale casual” chain offers an exhaustive menu of American-fusion favorites and winery specials like monthly wine clubs, wines of the month and more.
Hard Rock Cafe
6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando
The guitar-shaped beacon of entertainment is plopped right in Universal CityWalk, acting as both a restaurant and an attraction in and of itself. Grab a burger, learn a little rock history and finish off your day at the park.
Seasons 52
7700 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando
Boasting an ever-changing seasonal menu of “healthier” dishes, Seasons 52 is a reliable casual dining chain located in one of Orlando’s busiest corridors.
STK 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.
Corazón by Baires
8126 International Drive, Orlando
Corazón by Baires, billed as “an immersive dining experience blending international culinary techniques with a diverse range of fresh ingredients to create Latin American-inspired dishes” is now open on I-Drive. The 12,000-square-foot restaurant promises “magical focal points from every seat.”
Sixty Vines
110 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
Sixty Vines’ Winter Park location is centrally located and a perfect spot to enjoy a meal and some wine. The bright, modern atmosphere and patio make it an area favorite.
And for many years running, what popular restaurant is NOT on this list? Hillstone in Winter Park. Maybe Saladgate didn’t have the impact that the restaurant manager thought it would. When a restaurant trespasses a customer for asking for a “to-go” salad, you are in big trouble. The story is hilarious.
