Lyndsay Fogarty
It’s the most wonderful time of year for foodies in Orlando. Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month is back with more than 100 restaurants from Lake Buena Vista to Winter Park and beyond.
Now in its 12th year, Magical Dining Month participants present a three-course, prix fixe dinner menu for $35 through Oct. 1. One dollar from each meal will benefit two local nonprofits: Freedom Ride, Inc. and BASE Camp Children’s Foundation.
With such an extensive restaurant list, it will be hard to choose where to go. But here are our picks for top Magical Dining spots.
1. Mango’s Tropical Café
A newbie to Magical Dining Month, Mango’s Tropical Café is the only dinner and show on the list. The restaurant invites you to “Come Fall in Love” over Latin and Caribbean comfort foods.
Why we love it: Not only do the menu options span many tastes, but you also get an extra bang for your buck with a full lineup of entertainment, including a Michael Jackson impersonator and a Cuban Conga show.
2. SeaWorld Orlando’s Sharks Underwater Grill
Go under the sea for a taste of surf and turf classics and a glimpse into the world of sharks at SeaWorld Orlando’s Sharks Underwater Grill. The dining room is dimly lit to showcase a giant aquarium filled with exotic fish and ocean predators.
Why we love it: You don’t need a theme park ticket to try this Magical Dining Month menu. Just make a reservation between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. then you are welcome to explore the park after dinner.
3. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
This modern steakhouse features an all-scratch kitchen and a wine list of more than 1,200 labels. From your meal’s preparation to its presentation at the table, you can expect genuine hospitality.
Why we love it: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House is known for its selection of steaks, but the Magical Dining Month menu also showcases its other specialty: seafood. Try Crab Cakes or North Atlantic Salmon for a lighter dinner option or enhance your steak with an Oscar-style sauce.
4. Luke’s Kitchen and Bar
Earlier this year, Chef Brandon McGlamery introduced Luke’s Kitchen and Bar in Maitland. With a menu inspired by culinary traditions from coast to coast and a bar that serves handcrafted cocktails, it’s sure to please during its first Magical Dining Month.
Why we love it: Since quality, seasonal ingredients are highlighted, the menu could change from day to day. That means you’re getting specially crafted dishes and an experience that is anything but boring.
5. Paddlefish
Housed in an iconic paddleboat in The Landings area of Disney Springs, Paddlefish serves a seafood-centric menu that pushes the limits of flavor and creativity. Since it re-opened in February, this is its first year participating in Magical Dining Month.
Why we love it: At Paddlefish, you get dinner with a waterfront view. Inside or outside, first-level deck or rooftop lounge – the sunset will be the backdrop for your Magical Dining feast. The menu includes seafood favorites as well as options for the meat-eaters.
Rosen Hotels & Resorts is a long-time Magical Dining Month participant. “Our chefs are always incredibly excited for the opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity to our local residents, whether they’re our valued regulars or first-time diners,” says Harris Rosen. “Our service staff is just as eager to exceed expectations. It’s a program we all look forward to each year!”
6. Rosen Shingle Creek heads the list with two AAA Four Diamond restaurants. A Land Remembered presents a special menu of some of the restaurant’s best dishes, including Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Ahi Tuna appetizers, entrees for every taste and three decadent dessert choices.
7. Step into the Tuscany hillside and savor Italian specialties like Chicken Parmesan and Mediterranean-inspired dishes like Sicilian Shrimp Scampi at Cala Bella. No matter the region you choose, finishing the meal with Cappuccino Crème Brulee is the way to go.
8. Expect contemporary American cuisine with Florida flare at Rosen Centre’s Everglades Restaurant. The Magical Dining menu showcases dishes like Alligator Bay Chowder, Broiled Florida Grouper and Key Lime Pie, among many other mouth-watering choices.
9. Rosen dedicated Jack’s Place at Rosen Plaza to the memory of his father, who created more than 100,000 autographed caricatures of celebrities from many genres. Dine among his work over Baked Onion Soup, Filet Mignon and Junior’s “Most Fabulous” Cheesecake – or a selection of many other fine dishes.
10. Shogun at Rosen Inn is one of Rosen’s first full-service restaurants and arguably still one of the company’s most popular. Sushi Roll starters, two Teppanyaki entree options with soup and salad and delectable desserts ensure a scrumptious dining experience.
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