Written by Stephanie Patterson and Arlene Laboy
Casual coffee shops, fresh seafood joints, waterfront restaurants and spots to satisfy your sweet tooth are just a few gems located along the stretch of Orange Avenue spanning from Winter Park to Downtown Orlando. Explore our culinary map of Orange Avenue restaurants below and read on for all of the delectable date night details.
Winter Park
Winter Park Fish Company
761 N. Orange Avenue, Winter Park
thewinterparkfishcompany.com
High quality, reasonably-priced fare is served in a relaxed atmosphere with a fish camp aesthetic at this Winter Park seafood favorite. Satisfy your coastal cravings with tacos (try the classic or crunchy fish), grouper cheeks and fresh fish prepared your way. If you'd rather eat at home in the comfort of your stretchy pants, opt for the home delivery service.
Buttermilk Bakery
1198 Orange Ave, Winter Park
buttermilk-bakery.com
From sweet treats like scratch-made pop tarts to savory selections such as the ham and gruyere croissant, this family of bakers has perfected something for everyone. Additionally, there is a daily lunch menu for those wanting a more filling option. Weekends signal the availability of their popular brunch menu including avocado toast and blueberry sourdough pancakes.
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen and Bar
1234 N Orange Ave, Winter Park
reelfishcoastal.com
Sustainably-sourced seafood from Florida's Atlantic and Gulf coast waters is the focus here. Beachy blue hues and worn wood decor create a casual vibe reminiscent of your favorite beachfront seafood shack, while menu items like the fish camp classics and tropical Baja-style fish tacos transport you straight to the ocean, if only in your mind. Don't miss the weekly happy hour featuring $4-$6 bites and sips.
Foxtail’s Farmhouse
1282 N Orange Ave, Winter Park
foxtailcoffee.com
Foxtail Coffee has been a local favorite since the original Winter Park location opened its doors in December 2016. This past February they opened a newly-expanded space next door, Foxtail Farmhouse. A siphon bar, cocktails, pastries, small bites, coffee-themed desserts and additional seating are a few of the highlights of the new Farmhouse space.
Create Your Nature
1284 Orange Ave, Winter Park
createyournature.com
Serving up Instagram-worthy oatmeal bowls, acai bowls, smoothies and salads, this Winter Park eatery is located in the former State Auto Body building shared with Foxtail Coffee and Foxtail Farmhouse. The courtyard adjacent to the space is often filled with locals enjoying their colorful bowls in the sunshine, playing cornhole, and chatting with friends.
Ivanhoe Village
Better Than Sex
1905 N Orange Ave, Orlando
betterthansexdesserts.com
Better Than Sex has got date night stamped all over it thanks to low lighting, sultry red hues, and racy black and white photos lining the walls. The indulgent dessert-only menu features suggestively-named desserts, the Peanut Butter Perversion and The Fever among our favorites. Pair your sweet treat with a chocolate-rimmed glass of wine. And yes–licking the glass is encouraged.
White Wolf Cafe and Bar
1829 N Orange Ave, Orlando
whitewolfcafe.com
White Wolf is known as one of the best breakfast/brunch eateries in the city, so don’t let the line out front discourage you from stopping in. Their famous cinnamon buns will have you hooked, and the Colossal Cake (a huge pancake available plain or topped with your choice of blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips) will make you rethink ordering pancakes anywhere else.
The Greek Corner
1600 N Orange Ave, Orlando
thegreekcorner.net
The Greek Corner brings authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes to Orlando by way of the owners, husband and wife team Jimmy and Tia Tsafonias, who hail from a small village outside of Athens, Greece. The restaurant offers one of the best views of Lake Ivanhoe. Outside seating is a must while enjoying the Hot Mezze Platter, a favorite among visitors.
Mesa21
1414 N Orange Ave, Orlando
mesa21.com
Featuring a Taco Tuesday All You Can Eat Buffet, a killer view of Lake Ivanhoe, creative cocktails, and a weekday happy hour, Mesa21 is one of the newer Mexican restaurants to open in Orlando. The menu is comprised of favorites such as fresh guacamole served with chicharron chips (pork rinds), taquitos, chile relleno, Mexican ceviche, and tacos served on hand-made corn or flour tortillas with your choice of 11 proteins.
STIR Restaurant and Bar
1409 N Orange Ave, Orlando
stirlakeivanhoe.com
The only Downtown Credo coffee shop that shares a space with other local businesses, this location is ideal for a casual coffee date or getting some work done. The inside is bright and modern, and not usually crowded unless you visit during the lunch rush. Other businesses you’ll find inside are Porch Therapy and Caro-Bama BBQ.
Reyes Mezcaleria
821 N Orange Ave, Orlando
reyesmex.com
Owned by husband and wife restaurant duo Jason and Sue Chin, this Mexican-focused eatery features a full mezcal bar, striking interior design, and mouthwatering eats like tostadas, elote, tacos and more. Try the low-key weekend brunch, which boasts $15 bottomless beverages including mimosas, sangria, micheladas, Bloody Marys and Bloody Marias.
Downtown Orlando
DoveCote Brasserie
Bank of America building
390 North Orange Ave, Suite 110, Orlando
dovecoteorlando.com
By day, wander into this French-style brasserie for a casual coffee date at the Foxtail Coffee bar or linger over a savory brunch (the Fine Herb Omelette will change your life). By night, the vibrant restaurant turns into a date night delight with dim lighting, cozy dining nooks, and an assortment of hearty dishes cooked to perfection by Chef Clay Miller.
The Boheme Restaurant
325 S Orange Ave, Orlando
kesslercollection.com/boheme-restaurant
Upscale fare, a prime location with the Grand Bohemian Orlando, and one of the best private dining rooms in the city make The Boheme one of the best options for a swanky night out. The weekly Sunday Jazz Brunch is a $49 feast including bottomless mimosas, assorted food stations, a dessert display and so much more.
Know of anywhere we've missed? Share your favorites with us in the comments.
Feature image credit: Buttermilk Bakery