Best New Orlando Restaurants + Experiences for Couples in 2024
We've got lots to enjoy in 2024. Several new creative date night concepts are here and there are even more exciting new things in store. From new Orlando restaurants to exciting new attractions and experiences, these are the new Orlando date night ideas to try in 2024.
Updated regularly throughout the year, let's see what's new!
Orlando restaurateurs got even more creative over the past year. Food halls, breweries, pop up dining, and unique fusion concepts continue to dominate the foodie scene in 2024, so grab your sweetheart and enjoy a date night filled with culinary exploration.
New Date-Worthy Restaurants
Kung Fu Kitchen
8466 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836
Kung Fu Kitchen will take you on a culinary journey to China right here in Orlando with their authentic steamed buns (xiao long bao) and hand pulled noodles. They have a variety of delicious dishes such as dim sum, chilled plates, breakfast, and desserts from different regions of China.
Chef Peter Song, an actor who immigrated from China, was determined to bring authentic Northern Chinese cuisine to the US and five years ago he opened the first restaurant in New York.
VIDA Cocina & Tequila
275 W State Rd 436, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
When stepping into VIDA you’ll immediately recognize something inherently inviting. With the warm and vibrant atmosphere provided by the lights and abundant greenery, you’ll feel as if you’re eating inside a garden while enjoying the rich culinary traditions of Mexico!
VIDA Cocina & Tequila serves Mexican cuisine with a modern twist and a focus on using high-quality ingredients, with alternatives for all dietary needs.
Chuan Fu
1035 N Orlando Ave #105, Winter Park, FL 32789
This Sichuan restaurant by the owners of Chuan Lu Garden and U & Me Revolving Hot Pot, opened in Winter Park in October 2023 – and it's already made it into the MICHELIN Guide for Orlando. The restaurant occupies the space that most recently was Orlando Meats. It is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday.
The Drake Bar and Kitchen
361 N. Rosalind Ave. Suite 1, Orlando, FL 32801
Just opened in downtown Orlando, The Drake Bar and Kitchen is not a newbie in town. Owners Heberto and Rona Segura are the duo behind Duck + Drake Kitchen which has pleased diners in College Park for several years.
Cocktail at The Drake Downtown – image by Dani Meyering
This new dedicated brick and mortar restaurant is polished and inviting, with brass accents and warm tones. As you might expect, there are duck decorations and details throughout this space. Craft cocktails and global cuisine dominate the menu.
Note, The Drake is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and parking is available at nearby parking garages.
Salt Shack
846 W Osceola St Clermont, FL 34711
Direct from our sister city of Tampa Bay, Salt Shack opened on the shore of Lake Minneola in Clermont. Anyone who loves waterfront restaurant vibes is going to feel right at home here. Casual seafood dishes, cold drinks, and unbeatable views are all on the menu here!
Salt Shack Clermont – image by Dani Meyering
The Great Southern Box Food Hall
The Great Southern Box Food Hall, in the new Packing District, brings a variety of vendors focused on immigrant cuisine. The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall will feature eleven vendor stalls, two outdoor patios, a micro-brewery led by Orange County Brewers, and a 5,254 SF event space.
Garden Tiger
This new spot is located in the heart of Ivanhoe Village, from the same team behind Porch Therapy, The Heavy, and Janet's Dry Humor. Be sure to check their site and follow them on Instagram as details are announced.
Tom's Watch Bar
8050 International Drive, Suite 1000 Orlando, FL 32819
Tom’s Watch Bar is perched above International Drive, with 360-degree sports viewing experience and world-class rooftop views. The big draw is the giant stadium screens or the 150+ TVs lining the restaurant and bar. Take in amazing views of the Orlando skyline thanks to the two-story venue’s prime rooftop location, all while enjoying chef-inspired delicious dishes and drinks.
Tom's Watch Bar
Bark Haven Dog Bar (Coming Soon)
724 Brookhaven Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
It’s pretty simple – You love your dog. Like, a lot. You’d bring them everywhere if you could! Believe us when we say “We get it!” That’s why the owners of BarkHaven dreamed of creating an urban oasis for dogs and their people. It’s a safe place to enrich the special bond you share, surrounded by a tail-wagging community of like-minded pack members. Located conveniently on the Urban Trail between the Mills 50 District and Ivanhoe Village, BarkHaven is Orlando’s premiere membership dog park bar! Day passes and memberships are for dogs only, as humans always get in free.
New Food Halls & Markets
Starting to open is Maitland Social. This upscale food hall is near the Maitland City Center, which has become a popular gathering spot in recent years. Maitland Social is said to include Foxtail Coffee, Wave Asian Bistro (of Mount Dora fame), and Urban Body Works.
Brew Theory opened a Brew Theory Marketplace at 2650 Jewett Lane Sanford, FL 32771.
Related: A Beer Lover's Guide to Breweries in Orlando
A New Take on Local Favorites
Throughout Orlando, beloved food concepts and restaurants continue to evolve in interesting ways.
Coming Soon – Quantum Leap Winery
The Cottage on Lake Fairview, 4410 Edgewater DriveQuantum Leap Facebook
Quantum Leap Winery is “Florida’s only sustainable winery.” Quantum Leap Winery's production model, which blends grapes from around the world on site, reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional wine production by utilizing low-carbon footprint vessels such as kegs, pouches or boxes.
Quantum Leap had to leave its previous Mills 50 location but recently announced that they found a charming property, The Cottage on Lake Fairview, and will manage the property and historic event space built in 1928. They are in the process of moving in and look forward to hosting the public beginning, Friday, July 12th for wine, food, and Quantum Leap hosted events.
The Juice Stand – Packing District
1795 West Princeton Avenue, The Packing District
The Juice Stand is back in The Packing District and includes three local favorites – Foxtail Coffee, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, and The Ravenous Pig Brewing Co. The building is a replica of an iconic shop called the Juice Stand, which was the center of Dr. Phillips Citrus Operations. Repurposed brick from old Dr. Phillips buildings in the 1900s was used for the Juice Stand replica’s countertops and outside benches.
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Lager House
23 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805
Taking over the former Deadwords Brewing space, local favorite Ivanhoe Park Brewing now offers Ivanhoe Park Brewing Lager House. By taking over this building after Deadwords, the team at IBP can utilize a gorgeous brewing space, a sophisticated bar, and offer even more special events. Plus there is a curated wine collection and a kitchen for visiting food vendors to serve up fresh eats.
Ivanhoe Park Lager House – Image by Dani Meyering
The outdoor patio is shaded and great on pleasant days. Plus there are lots of board games, dates, and room for families.
Jack and Honeys
808 E. Washington Street, Orlando, FL
Jack & Honey's is a new upscale diner in the heart of Thornton Park in downtown Orlando and replaces the 808. Jack Lambert of Hammered Lamb is the owner and has partnered with Wendy Connor, who was also an owner of the 808.
Jack and Honeys Chicken and Waffles – Image by Jodi Caballero
Turci Panino
2122 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804
Turci Panino is an authentic Italian sandwich shop, from the same people that brought us Turci Pasta. They offer a selection of Italian panini sandwiches served on your choice of three breads. They even have a vegan option that would please even the pickiest meat eater.
Smokemade Meats + Eats
1400 S Crystal Lake Dr, Orlando, FL 32806
After three years of delighting Orlando residents as a pop-up, Smokemade Meats + Eats finally has its own brick and mortar spot. The brisket and the ribs will absolutely blow you away, but save rooms for delicious sides like potato salad, cucumber and tomato salad (perfect for summer) and decadent mac & cheese. Expect a line – but it is worth it!
Smokemade Meats + Eats in Orlando – image by Dani Meyering
À La Cart SoDo
2207 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32806
À La Cart, the Milk District food truck park by owners April and Dustin Williams, opened the long-awaited À La Cart SoDo on May 1, 2024. The couple's second operation features 8 mobile outfits including Filipino-Hawaiian vendor OverRice, 503 Latin Fusion, Nona Street Pizza, SmashDunk Brgr, Taitō Sushi, Barrio Español, Oldenburg Provisions, and a “coming soon” coffee and dessert truck. They also feature a rotating draft list of craft beer, as well as wines, ciders, seltzers, and more.
The new location has more seating, both indoors and out, along with more covered outdoor seating for those unpredictable Florida summer days (and nights). And don't worry, this location has three times as much parking as their original location.
À La Cart SoDo will host weekly events just like their Milk District sibling, including their Monday night movies and Tuesday Trivia. They will open at 11:30 every day for lunch, and close at 11pm on weeknights, midnight on weekends.
À La Cart SoDo – Image by Meghan Roth
Fine Dining
Nami Lake Nona
6004 Artist Ave, Orlando, FL 32827
Nami’s contemporary Japanese concept sparkles with European elements in its approach to the modern dining experience. Discretely positioned in Lake Nona’s art-forward Wave Hotel, the world-class team of chefs has collaborated to bring a one-of-a-kind menu served in an imaginative dining room. The cocktail bar offers elevated mixology in its precise and beautiful cocktails.
As the night evolves the cocktail bar and dining room become one to create a retreat with in-house DJ led vibes and special late night menu offerings. You can also book their chef's counter for an unforgettable night.
Moso Nori
1100 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL
Moso Nori, a concept by James Beard Award finalist Henry Moso, is coming to City Place in Winter Park in the summer of 2024. The restaurant will feature an island bar with 30+ seats, where Moso and his chefs will serve cylindrical rolls fashioned from premium roasted Japanese nori and filled with everything from dry-aged fish to foie gras to vegetables.
Ômo by Jônt
115 E Lyman Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
ÔMO by Jônt is an immersive chef's counter concept by Chef Ryan Ratino and the team behind TWO-MICHELIN STARRED Jônt in Washington, D.C. The restaurant will showcase Ratino's skills with Japanese seafood and play up meats and produce procured from local purveyors like Pasture Prime and Frog Song Organics.
They will be able to host an intimate gathering of up to 16 guests, Thursday to Sunday, at 5:30pm and 7:45pm. Opening February 1, 2024.
Ômo by Jônt – Image by Hive Hospitality
Cocktails + Sweet Treats
Bar Kada
957 Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Chef and owner Michael Collantes’ modern take on a traditional sushi omakase earned him a Michelin star at Soseki, and he’s now back with a new effort: Bar Kada. Slated to open adjacent to Soseki in Winter Park, Collantes is working with Soseki vets, 2023 Michelin “Sommelier of the Year” Benjamin Coutts, and chef de cuisine Mike Vang, on this 30-seat sake and wine-led concept. Vang will oversee seasonal small plates that pay tribute to not only Central Florida produce, but also local seafood. Drinks will highlight low-touch wine and ancestral sakes, plus sake-based cocktails.
Lamp and Shade
1336 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL
Lamp & Shade is Mills area’s newest dining and nightlife concept. Playfully yet eloquently named, Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails got its inspiration from the idea to ‘hangout and throw some shade in conversation’ while paying homage to the history of its building, previously The Lamp Shade Fair, well-known by locals for over 50 years.
Lamp and Shade Craft Kitchen – image by Jodi Caballero
Death in the Afternoon
930 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
This recently opened “friendly neighborhood absinthe house” comes from the owners of the Sanford tiki bar Suffering Bastard and former dive bar Bitters & Brass. Like Suffering Bastard, Death in the Afternoon's name comes from the Ernest Hemingway-created drink made with champagne and absinthe. Fans of the Green Fairy will find a tightly curated roster of both Swiss- and French-style offerings from around the world
And there are other new cocktail spots in town to visit.
The newest tiki bar in Orlando is Roka Hula in the Dr. Phillips area. This hidden bar is not the most authentic tiki vibes, but it is an impressive date night spot that is sure to be memorable.
Roka Hula – image by Jodi Caballero
Winter Park Village just finished a massive renovation and reimagining. One of the new places to grab dessert in Orlando is Jeni's Ice Cream. The ice cream you'll find here is decadent and chef-driven. The rich, gourmet flavors are definitely date-worthy.
Also at Winter Park Village, we love the Flutes Champagne Bar concept, it's perfect for date night! The doors opened on December 1, 2023.
The menu focuses on champagne, sparkling wine, as well as distinctive wine, and a few craft beer selections. The atmosphere is very nouveau Winter Park, a modern lounge with multiple homages to the glamourous days of Hollywood past.
Flutes Champagne Bar Winter Park – image by Dani Meyering
Bringing some tropical vibes to Winter Park Village is Tommy Bahama's Marlin Bar. This sophisticated yet casual Florida-inspired spot opened on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. We love the casual eats, great drink menu – including mocktails, and the retail space is lovely to visit too.
It joins the lineup of many Happy Hour in Winter Park Village spots (and best of all the happy hour is daily!).
New Additions to Pointe Orlando
Pointe Orlando has new venues in its current playful lineup. And there is a LOT of cool places on the way too, ive! at the Pointe Orlando – Coming Fall 2024. The Pointe continues to be a must-try on International Drive.
JoJo’s ShakeBar
Kavas Tacos + Tequila
Will to Escape
Earth Illuminated
Full of nostalgia and fun, JoJo's Shake BAR is a fun date night spot or Girls' Night Out with decadent shakes, cocktails, mocktails, and sharable food. And there are really cool events offered throughout the year.
JoJo's Shake Bar – Jodi Caballero
Kavas Tacos + Tequila officially opened on May 5, 2023 (Cinco de Mayo) at Pointe Orlando as a third offering from the founders of Taverna Opa and Tapa Toro. The menu features savory comfort food, fresh tableside experiences, and hand-crafted recipes that pay tribute to Mexico's rich culinary history.
READ MORE: 18 Unique Bars in Orlando
New Arts & Culture Experiences
Orlando is now home to its own legendary listening rooms. Judson’s Live is an intimate artistic oasis. The atmosphere is low-key with a stylish slant, anchored by a grand piano once belonging to Judson Green, the late jazz musician, beloved Dr. Phillips Center board member.
Order from a curated scratch-kitchen menu of small shareable plates, developed by executive chef Jason Klingensmith.
Enjoy a craft cocktail or beverage from our extensive brown spirits menu, or delve into exceptional wine offerings hand-selected by the in-house sommelier.
Judson's Live at Dr Phillips Center. Photo by Dani Meyering.
Judson's Live at Dr Phillips Center. Photo by Dani Meyering.
Related: Tips for a Broadway in Orlando Date Night
Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life premiered at Disney Springs in November 2021, replacing La Nouba. And new segments were added and a new finale moment. This imaginative new adventure transforms the stage into a giant animation table where the art is literally brought to life via dazzling choreography, daring feats, and a timeless soundtrack worthy of the Disney name.
New at Dezerland Orlando is a beautiful and unique experience. Verse Orlando is a new augmented reality theater. You select which experience you want, our favorite so far is Unreal Garden. Then you'll be fitted with an AR headset – which is more lightweight and open than a VR headset.
You can see what and who is around you, but you'll see exciting worlds and interactions through the AR headset, including cool music and audio interaction. We love it for date night!
AR Headset at Verse Orlando – image by Dani Meyering
Art² (Art Squared), a new interactive art park, is slated to open in downtown Orlando (E Robinson St. & N. Orange Ave.). Plans for the urban park include a two-story shipping container structure, food trucks, picnic tables and hammocks, a stage, an art gallery, a café and a 19×10 foot LED video wall used for art, events, streaming festivals, and movies.
The installation will host both free and ticketed events throughout the year and welcome everyone to share in Orlando's community vibe.
AREA15, a “Wanderland of Art, Music & Entertainment” based out of Las Vegas, is projected to open an Orlando location in 2024. This multifaceted, immersive art venue is intended to house a variety of creative experiences that are both hands-on and approachable for visitors from all backgrounds.
Consider it a playground for all ages. The Vegas location even includes a Liftoff Lounge and an open-air balloon ride! Stay tuned for more details on what we can expect from the Orlando location.
What's New at Orlando's Theme Parks
New Experiences at Walt Disney World
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now open at EPCOT as one of the longest-enclosed coasters in the world. And TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom debuted last summer, as well as Moana: Journey of Water at EPCOT.
Plus, Tiana's Bayou Adventure takes over Splash Mountain in a new joyful celebration of New Orleans. We love it!
New restaurants at Walt Disney World have opened, and more are still on the way!
One of our sibling sites, Tampa Bay Parenting has a full rundown of all the New Rides and Shows Coming to Walt Disney World.
Cover Menu of New Restaurant at EPCOT Shiki-Sai – image by Terri Peters
New Hotel Near Walt Disney World
Evermore Orlando Resort, a new billion-dollar, 10,000-room resort located next to Walt Disney World opened at the start of 2024. Evermore offers a new approach to vacationing, featuring a large-scale community of homes solely built for the purpose of vacation renting, operating with hotel-quality standards.
Evermore amenities include a 20-acre tropical beach complex, an 8-acre crystalline water amenity by Crystal Lagoons, 15 restaurants, bars and food markets, two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses and more.
Conrad Orlando, which opened in January 2024, marks the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand’s debut in Orlando and second property in the Sunshine State.
Conrad Orlando – Image provided by Conrad Orlando
Nestled within Evermore Orlando Resort’s sprawling 1,100-acre property less than three miles from one of Orlando’s most famed theme park resorts, the 433-room Conrad Orlando features five distinct dining venues; the serene Conrad Spa Orlando and Water Garden; Evermore Bay, an 8-acre crystalline lagoon and expansive pool complex; and more than 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
What's New at Universal Orlando
2024's Universal Halloween Horror Nights is set to start at the end of August, with one of the longest dates in its history!
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast arrived to Universal Studios in the summer of 2023. And a new DreamWorks Land just debuted!
And we are in love with the new CineSational nighttime spectacular that just debuted at Universal Studios. Finally, wrk continues on the resort's upcoming Epic Universe park, which is planned to open by 2025.
CineSational – A Symphonic Spectacular – Image by Terri Peters
New Coaster(s) at SeaWorld Orlando
The World's First “Surf Coaster” called Pipeline debuted in May 2023 and it is awesome!! This roller coaster is unlike anything in Orlando. You're actually standing up as you twist and turn!
Penguin Trek, a new family friendly coaster, is headed to Sea World in 2024. This will be the coolest research mission you’ve ever joined! This unforgettable family launch coaster will take you on an adventure through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica. Board your snowmobile and race along with your expedition team at up to 43 miles per hour, navigating twists and turns and narrowly escaping the crumbling hazards of an icy cavern. Reach the end and you’ll make the ultimate discovery: a real penguin habitat!
Here's to an exciting year in Orlando!
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