Best Romantic Orlando Restaurants for Valentine’s Day

February 14 is a banner day for couples. It’s a worldwide celebration of the person we love and our chance to show our appreciation of them, a chance to renew our feelings of devotion and affection. And chocolate, of course.

For those on holiday in Orlando for this annual highlight, it’s also worth knowing that there are plenty of ways you can celebrate with your loved one, from booking a ride on The Orlando Eye observation wheel at ICON Park or paddling a Swan Boat on Lake Eola in downtown Orlando to a couple’s day at delightful Discovery Cove.

There are even a few special events designed specifically for the occasion:

Valentine’s Movie Night at Leu Gardens – Bring a chair and enjoy a classic film under the stars (this year’s movie – Sleepless In Seattle).

Cupid Cocktail Crawl – Start at the Palm Tree Club at Pointe Orlando and pick up a wrist band for this fun celebration along International Drive.

But by far the biggest scene-setter for Valentine’s Day is a special meal for two, a chance to chill out over dinner and just enjoy each other’s company. And it’s good to know that Orlando is ideally positioned to ensure that romantic occasion has the ideal setting, at any one of several dozen restaurants.

So, with that firmly in mind (and the essential date being little more than a week away), we thought we’d highlight a selection of dining hot-spots that practically guarantee the right date-night setting for this year’s occasion. Just remember to book in advance, as this is one night that’s guaranteed to be a sell-out!

International Drive Area

Corazon by Baires: This new (in 2024) hideaway within the confines of Mango’s Tropical Cafe is an absolute cinch for the right romantic mood, as it comes with full Latin style and flavours and a truly beautiful interior décor that is high on candlelight and low on background noise. The food also matches the magnificent ambience.

Café Tu Tu Tango: Kick up the mood with some lively music, dancing and speciality cocktails at this I-Drive icon, where art and entertainment are also on the menu, along with an all-appetiser style menu that is ideal for sharing.

The H Orlando: Set in the heart of Restaurant Row (that part of Sand Lake Road just west of its junction with I-Drive), this lovely little restaurant on Dr Phillips Boulevard is offering a Runaway Lovers Valentine’s Dinner this year, with live entertainment in their intimate setting, which perfectly complements some fine food.

Ocean Prime: One of our long-standing favourites in Restaurant Row, Ocean Prime is a super-chic seafood specialist that harks back to the days when dining out was always a special occasion, and they kick it up a notch for Valentine’s Day with the ideal mood for dinner a deux.

Chatham’s Place: For a traditional style that doesn’t stint on the fine dining quality, here’s another elegant Restaurant Row specialist that guarantees the idyllic atmosphere for a couple’s night out at any time of year. Live piano music and one of the best wine lists in Orlando enhance the Feb 14 vibe.

Hampton Social: Head to Pointe Orlando for this bright and stylish location that offers a carefully curated atmosphere for date night as well as the sophisticated coastal-inspired food to go with it. The choice of indoor or outdoor dining adds to the feeling of occasion here.

Valentines Day at Disney & Co

The Boathouse: We simply LOVE this Disney Springs setting for a memorable occasion at any time of the year, but it is suitably revved up for a Valentine boost in February. Lively, attentive staff are always on hand, and you simply can’t go wrong with a menu that features fine steaks, lobster and the freshest fish dishes.

Capa: Tucked away at the top of the Orlando Four Seasons hotel inside Walt Disney World, this Michelin-starred rooftop dining hot-spot is both chic and cheerful, with a sumptuous menu – some of the best steaks in town – and a personal touch that makes special-occasion dining a real treat.

Toledo: With a beautiful setting atop the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood is another little-known Disney gem that is ideal for special couples dining. A genuine Spanish haven inspired by surrealist art and the 1930s avant-garde movement, its eye-catching decor is unlike any other restaurant in the House of Mouse.

Four Flamingos: Head just outside Disney’s Lake Buena Vista back door to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress resort and you’ll discover this superb stand-alone Michelin-recommended restaurant created by celebrity chef Richard Blais. Designed like a tropical oasis, it is suitably chic for a Valentine’s Day splurge with its seafood-centric menu.

Elsewhere in town

Kres Chophouse: In the heart of downtown Orlando, this long-standing supper-club style diner is ideally situated for intimate dining, with its moody, low-level lighting, smooth service and sumptuous style. The steakhouse menu is also one of the best and couples particularly enjoy the personal attention.

Enzo’s On The Lake: The residential suburb of Longwood has its share of dining delights, but foremost among them is this lakeside location that specialises in authentic Italian cuisine. A real locals’ choice since it opened in 1980, Enzo’s individual style is another winner with Valentine’s Day delectation.

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