Orlando — Three courses for a set price is always a tempting deal during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining event. Dozens of restaurants participate, this year offering $37 three-part dinners. Some are always a better value than others, although you can’t go wrong trying a new restaurant or re-visiting a favorite. Here’s what looks the most intriguing to my seasoned eye.
Two notes:
$1 from each meal will go to the charities Pathlight Home and IDignity, both helping neighbors in need.
The new Orlando’s Magical Nights features discounted hotel stays, some with breakfast or perks like a ride on the Orlando Wheel (formerly the Eye). Find the lodging deals here.
Here are my Visit Orlando Magical Dining 2021 recommendations.
Kabooki Sushi — The East Colonial location still has creative Asian foods, and the Sand Lake restaurant serves the same in flashy digs. It’s unusual to see high-quality raw fish dishes on Magical DIning menus, which by necessity often pull from lower-cost ingredients.
Steakhouses — If you like the experience of an upscale steakhouse but not the $10 baked potatoes, here’s your chance, although you won’t receive a $70 Tomahawk as part of a $37 three-course meal. You’re looking at chicken, cauliflower steak and other reasonably priced items. A Land Remembered, The Capital Grille, Fleming’s and Ruth’s Chris are all good options.
Vinia Wine & Kitchen — Honestly you can always eat affordably at this cozy wine bar where the wine pairings rock, but why not give it a try for Magical Dining? The menu is terrific. Look for my review in the next issue of Winter Park Magazine.
Mama Della’s — I’m basically ignoring hotel restaurants on this list, but Mama Della’s is so much fun, with its hearty Italian fare and serenading by a trio of performers. Warning: You’ll probably have to pay for parking.
Boheme Restaurant — OK, one more hotel restaurant. I disliked this restaurant for years, but it had a great chef pre-Covid and has a new great chef now, Venoy Rogers III. I haven’t had his food since he left Miami, but I’m pretty sure we’ll all be happy.
Jaleo at Disney Springs — This stylish restaurant serves Spanish fare at frightfully high prices. So, this is your chance to try it on the cheap. Plus, it’s always good to support the chef-owner, José Andrés, who does more good work for the world than most chefs. The offering is four courses, most protein-free, but, hey, shrimp in garlic sauce is a big plus.
Rocco’s Italian Grille — No, not that bad taco chain on Restaurant Row. This Rocco’s is an upscale Italian restaurant where the proprietor, Rocco, is often around to greet you. Veal Marsala and lamb chops — LAMB CHOPS — are part of the deal. I’ll be there.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining 2021 has loads of other great options, so keep checking the website to see the menus. Eat well, my friends.