Meetings work up an appetite, especially in and around the country’s No. 1 travel destination. However, the options for eateries can be overwhelming in Orlando and its surrounding areas.
We rounded up four of the best options for groups right now.
1. Ocean Prime
On a recent trip to Orlando, I dined at Ocean Prime, one of the most private dining-friendly restaurants in the area. The restaurant has five private dining rooms, which can be requested individually or together, depending on your group's size.
The rooms were in use during my dinner, serving attendees from one of the many simultaneous conventions happening in Orlando.
Surf 'n' Turf at Ocean Prime
Seafood and steak are the specialties at Ocean Prime, reflected in its name. The restaurant frequently lands on “best steakhouses” lists from local and national publications, but the menu includes other highlights beyond surf-and-turf, such as black truffle mac ‘n cheese, jalapeno au gratin, goat cheese ravioli and signature drinks like the Berries and Bubbly.
2. Wine Bar George, Disney Springs
Wine Bar George is the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida, and it's led by George Miliotes—one of just 256 master sommeliers in the world.
Miliotes himself curated wines for my table during a recent trip to Orlando, and his expertise and passion for wine education is evident.
Master Sommelier George Miliotes at Wine Bar George, Disney Springs
We dined in the intimate Library Room on the second floor, which seats up to 10 guests. Additional private event spaces include the 30-guest patio and the 50-guest Barrel Room. The entire restaurant can be reserved for up to 200 attendees.
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Food pairings are carefully curated as well. Some of the menu highlights include the Big Board, featuring the chef’s selection of six artisanal cheeses and five crafted meats and condiments; skirt steak with vegetable and chimichurri sauce; and house-made meatballs.
3. Bigfire at Universal CityWalk
This summer, Bigfire joined the list of dining venues that can be rented for events or even part of a larger Universal CityWalk block party buyout. Spanning two levels, the new restaurant is also plenty large for casual offsite dinners after meetings.
Bigfire at Universal CityWalk
The atmosphere at Bigfire is inspired by lakeside summer homes, complete with twinkle lights and camp lanterns. The menu pairs the atmosphere with foods cooked over open fires—guests can even cook s’mores right at their table. The restaurant’s custom wood fire grill is where chefs prepare signature dishes inspired by the style of open-fire cooking.
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Each dish is matched with wood species that have been chosen based on the flavor they exude. The result? Entrees, sides and cocktails infused with smoky goodness.
Cherrywood, Pecanwood and more elevate Bigfire’s signature bison burger, New York sirloin strip, freshwater trout and other delectable fare.
4. Mission Inn Resort & Club
All four restaurants onsite at Central Florida’s popular golf getaway, Mission Inn Resort & Club, can be reserved for receptions and group dining.
La Hacienda is among the more popular restaurants on the property. When it’s not being used for private evening functions or parties (it can hold up to 300 guests) it’s serving up one of the most popular breakfasts around—the Sunday Champagne Brunch.
La Hacienda Champagne Brunch at Mission Inn Resort
Diners are treated to live entertainment and complimentary champagne and mimosas during the Sunday brunch event and can choose from a varied food spread of made-to-order fluffy pancakes, Belgian waffles, breakfast meats, potatoes and more.
The space overlooks El Campeòn’s signature 17th hole and lake.
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