Best restaurants in Auburndale

Victoria & Albert's

★ Michelin$$$$american

Nestled within Disney's crown jewel, the Grand Floridian Resort, this restaurant is by no means an easy reservation, but the reward is a kind of magic rarely seen these days. The setting is intimate, and the pacing is that of a leisurely, three-hour waltz orchestrated by a brigade of veteran servers. This kitchen cooks with a classic foundation and global inspiration, drawing on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics. From tuna with caviar and lychee to king salmon with mole verde or Parisian gnocchi with fontina and date, each plate is elegant and enticing. Venison braised with a junipe

Gorkhali Kitchen

Bib Gourmand$$Nepali, Indian

Take the short drive from downtown for a taste of Himalayan cuisine at Gorkhali Kitchen. The mirrored glass exterior means the interior is kept a secret until you're through the door but come inside to experience this place's warm hospitality.The menu is large with a Nepalese focus along with some Indian elements. Of course, there must be momo, those iconic Nepalese dumplings that are seared, pan-fried or even in jhol (soup). Chili momo filled with chicken is tossed in a fiery sauce that's not for the faint of heart. Sweet at the start, the heat builds and then finishes with a very spicy kick—

Norigami

Bib Gourmand$$$Japanese, Sushi

There are just eight seats at this small counter inside Plant Street Market, where Chef David Tsan works with precision behind the bar. Norigami takes its name from nori (seaweed) and origami (the art of folding paper), and each piece of sushi arrives on a square of colorful washi paper, later folded by guests into cranes for the growing centerpiece bowl.The menu balances accessibility and craft. Fish is handled thoughtfully and paired with bright, modern touches, like goldeneye with tomato powder or scallop brushed with tobanjan aioli and a drop of lime. The rice, perfectly seasoned and loose

Bombay Street Kitchen

Bib Gourmand$$Indian

Amit Kumar's fresh and fine outlet sports a welcoming exterior and cheerful interior, done up with orange booths and bright accents. Diners may settle in for a range of enjoyable, well-prepared South Indian small plates which form the nucleus of this tempting menu.The street special dosa is a departure from the norm, here stuffed with potato, cabbage, paneer and red onion, and served with coconut sambal and curry gravy for dipping.Vegetarians will thrill to the sight of meat-free specials, like kathal masaledar, featuring tender chunks of jackfruit in a zesty tomato-and-onion masala; while tan

Isan Zaap

Bib Gourmand$$Thai

Orlando's Thai restaurants typically dole out southern curry dishes and the ubiquitous pad Thai, but Isan Zaap strays from the pack with its gaze trained exclusively on northeast Thai cuisine with Laotian overlaps. There is an impressive level of attention to detail and a nice balance of spice and fermented flavors, and though impeccably executed curry makes an appearance, there's also an entire section dedicated to som tums that can be topped with fermented crab or fermented pork sausage. House specialties are a hit, as in the unique whole fish larb, cut into bite-sized pieces, tossed with to

Nineteen61

$$$Latin American

It's fitting that this stylish, contemporary restaurant is located in the heart of Lakeland's downtown, as it's a hive of activity. Maybe it's the rooftop bar or maybe it's the Latin American-inspired menu, but Nineteen61 specializes in a good time. Kick things off on the roof before selecting from their large menu with plenty of Peruvian and Cuban influences. Expect dishes with plenty of spark, like house-made croquetas tucked with jamón serrano and Manchego cheese with guava sauce. Lechón asado served Cuban style offers a hearty portion of slow-roasted pulled pork with house-made mojo sauce

Toledo

$$$spanish

Situated on the 16th floor of Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Toledo is quite the looker with lofty ceilings in bold colors and geometric tiled floors. Nab a table by the glass wall and you'll have a bird's eye view of the Epcot fireworks. Meanwhile, on the tables Spanish cuisine takes center stage. Tapas kick things off, and pan con tomate is a natural choice. Meat-forward mains include several steak options, as well as a ribeye for two, but the Rioja-braised chicken makes a compelling argument for choosing a different route. End on a sweet note with café con leche, a chocolate choux pastry

Cítricos

$$$$Contemporary

Set on the second floor of the Grand Floridian Hotel, Citricos brings to life a gloriously contemporary vibe and décor elements that are a subtle nod to Mary Poppins. The menu is coastal American, as evidenced by the use of seafood, citrus and tropical fruit. The team has a refined cooking style, replete with balanced flavors and technical prowess.While the carte is seasonal, expect the likes of corn bisque whimsically arranged with pickled fennel and popcorn. Crispy smoked duck is finished with salt and gently set atop a tangle of tagliatelle with celeriac purée. Up next might be guava-braise

Morimoto Asia

$$$asian

Set in the bustling Disney Springs area, this bi-level beauty is a collab with Chef Masaharu Morimoto. A grandiose sense prevails throughout—from the well-stocked bar to the tables and booths neatly arranged under shimmering 20-feet-long chandeliers. There are balcony seats upstairs, which afford views of the hanging ducks in the glassed-in kitchen.The cooking is pan-Asian and the menu spans everything from American-Chinese classics and Korean specialties, to ramen and sushi. Ingredients employed here are impressive; flavors are subtle yet balanced and technique is solid. Orange chicken is bel

The Polite Pig

$$barbecue

The Polite Pig stands out among the shops and restaurants of Disney Springs. The space is casual with an industrial vibe; guests may order at the counter or large, full-service bar to avoid a wait before everything is delivered to your table. Exposed ductwork, a glassed-in kitchen and "farmer's market" sign put diners in the mood for this barbecue-leaning cooking, complete with condiments aplenty. Flavors are nuanced yet balanced in these dishes. Meat reigns supreme on the menu and there's no going wrong with the brisket—sliced thin, black pepper-rubbed and served with sides like creamy potato

🕐 Su-Th 11:00-23:00;Fr-Sa 11:00-23:30

Ravello

$$$Italian

This more casual concept at the Four Seasons Hotel has Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi at the helm. The room is bright and sleek with a laid-back feel. High ceilings, muted hues with an occasional pop of orange and a verdant terrace enhance the inviting vibe. Modern Italian is the menu's focus, which includes everything from small plates and pizzas to house pastas and hearty mains. The chef employs his own family's recipes, so expect such personalized plates as grilled melanzane with zucchini, cucumber and ricotta; or calamari sautéed in tomato sauce, with oregano, olives and capers. Spinach

Capa

$$$$Steakhouse, Spanish

Calling Capa a steakhouse sells it a bit short. Set high on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Orlando, the restaurant trades in scale and spectacle, with sweeping views and a menu that draws broadly from Spanish-inspired traditions. The offering is expansive, spanning tapas, grilled meats and desserts, with dishes like gambas heavy with garlic and paprika, sherry-braised mushrooms brightened by dried cherry, and a substantial bone-in ribeye cooked to order. In desserts like the gazpacho de melon, green apple sorbet, saffron meringue and candied celery come together in a clean, refreshing fini

Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen

$$$Contemporary

This exciting concept from Chef Richard Blais is nestled in the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress property. Follow the footpath that leads over a bridge and towards the bright pink entrance, fronted by a waterfall. This retreat radiates a calming, coastal vibe with design details like plentiful windows, warm wood and pops of color. Fittingly, the menu is contemporary Americana meets the tropics. The chef's focus is on seasonal, bold and creative flavors, as in a tuna tostada crowned by an egg yolk that is, in reality, a bright passion fruit sauce. Big eaters know to save room for mains like swordfis

Kappo Tsan

$$$Japanese

Set in O Town West, this contemporary spot blends Japanese kappo-style with Chef David Tsan's Taiwanese heritage. It is at once serious and playful, the kind of spot where a perfectly balanced Parmesan nigiri would not be out of place. Choose from the à la carte menu or ambitious tasting menus that span a kappo menu, omakase and others known as "experiences." Kick things off with charred Taiwanese-style cabbage, a bright crunchy dish finished with spicy tobanjan soy, crispy garlic and shallots. Be sure to try the excellent Yán Sū Jī, or Taiwanese popcorn chicken, with crispy fried chicken dust

Twenty Pho Hour

$$Asian

It's not just pho, and they're not open 24 hours, but no matter, since this place is popular all the same. Expect to line up outside during busy hours, though the staff is very efficient and soon enough you'll be inside the black-and-white dining space. Peruse the broad noodle-based Asian menu that includes a stir-fried section in addition to appetizers and more. As the name suggests, there is indeed pho, and the broth is impressive. Go for the short rib pho to get a side of drama—the bone sticks out of the bowl—and falling-off-the-bone tender meat. From there, your meal might take a Korean tu

Selam

$$african, ethiopian

This graciously run restaurant offers a rare taste of the Horn of Africa, specifically the cuisine of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Set at the corner of a shopping center, it boasts a commanding presence with bold signage and a nicely arranged alfresco section. Inside the incense-scented space, there are tiled floors, windows draped with woven fabrics and turquoise seating for a pop of color.Boldly flavored but subtly spiced stews arrive with spongy injera for sopping. The menu is meat-focused but there are plenty of plant-based items on offer. The combination platter is a great way to sample a bevy o

🕐 Mo-Th 12:00-21:00; Fr-Su 12:00-22:00

Knife & Spoon

$$$$Steakhouse

Located within the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes, this restaurant from Chef John Tesar cuts an impressive figure. It is a vast, modern space sporting beachy hues, weathered wood, and a well-stocked bar. The dimly lit dining room is front and center, while an open kitchen resides in the back. In-house, dry-aged steaks from 44 Farms, inventive pastas like cacio e pepe made with ube noodles, and top-shelf seafood give diners plenty to choose from. The kitchen is quick to highlight local farmers who supply a range of produce, though no matter where you look, decadence and indulgence are on full displ

YH Seafood Clubhouse

$$Chinese, Cantonese

The strip mall environs belie the sweeping elegance of YH Seafood Clubhouse, where several dining spaces beckon guests with a refined tone. There is a full menu from the kitchen, along with an entire page devoted to Cantonese dishes, but the comprehensive selection of dim sum is of particular note. Rather than roaming carts, dishes are ordered, then arrive piping hot. From siu mai and egg tarts to pineapple pork buns, all of the classics are excellent. Sticky pork dumplings are a surprising delight with their crispy-sweet exterior and mochi-like, savory ground pork interior. Served warm, they'

Primo

$$$Italian

Italian