Best Restaurants to Host an Orlando Friendsgiving Celebration

Peacock Private Dining Room at The Grand Bohemian Set for Event

The time of year has come to plan holiday gatherings, both with family and your closest friends! Hosting a Friendsgiving celebration is a fantastic way to bring your friends together and enjoy a great meal and conversation. Below you'll find our top choices of local restaurants to host your Orlando Friendsgiving.

Thanksgiving dinner in Orlando:

Restaurants to Host an Orlando Friendsgiving Celebration

These Orlando Friendsgiving ideas include private dining rooms in some of Orlando's most well-known restaurants to luxury resorts that attract visitors from all over the world.

Illume at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek

14900 Chelonia, Parkway, Orlando

Perched on the ninth floor, this rooftop restaurant serves modern Japanese-inspired cuisine and creative cocktails in a stunning setting. At night, you’ll enjoy an incredible vantage point of Orlando, FL’s nightly Walt Disney World fireworks displays.

  • Private Dining Room
  • Rooftop Bar

Unreserved Food Bazaar at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek

14900 Chelonia, Parkway, Orlando

This casual, European-style marketplace offers abundant options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unique, international-inspired fare includes Italian and Mediterranean classics, along with playful beverages.

Private Dining at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin 

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista

At the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, there are several options for private dining in their award-winning restaurants.

  • Bourbon Steak
  • Todd English's Bluezoo
  • Il Mulino New York Trattoria
  • Kimonos
  • Rosa Mexicana
  • Amare

Our personal favorites are Todd English's Bluezoo (one of the underrated restaurants at Walt Disney World) and Amare at the gorgeous new Swan Reserve.

Amare | Image credit: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Highball & Harvest at Grande Lakes Orlando

4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando

We love Highball & Harvest for its vibrant dining experience with a simple minimal aesthetic. There are multiple ways to enjoy private group dining for Friendsgiving or other occasions.

  • Large Private Dining – Discover the modern approach of Southern-inspired dishes in a stylish private dining room. Seats up to 50 guests.
  • Small Private Room – Ideal for small groups of up to 30 people, the small private dining room is a warm and inviting atmosphere for intimate events.
  • Outdoor Terrace –  Beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking The Ritz-Carlton's Lake. Seats up to 50 guests
  • Chef's Table – Embrace the real, artisanal, inspired, local food H&H has to offer and experience an opportunity for a one-on-one with their passionate chefs. Learn the secrets of modern, Southern-inspired food and take a few culinary secrets with you. Minimum of 4 guests and up to 8 guests.

Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria

14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando

To bring elegance to your holiday affair, look no further than The Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Orlando. The upscale steak house boasts a beautiful private dining room that overlooks Hole 1 of the golf course, also called Bull & Bear.

  • Seating accommodates up to 22 guests
  • Plated dinner or cocktail reception available
  • Food and beverage minimum applies
Orlando Friendsgiving
Bull & Bear Private Dining Room. Image credit: Bull & Bear

Mia's Italian Kitchen

8717 International Dr, Orlando

Specializing in authentic Italian dishes using only scratch-made pastas, Mia's Italian Kitchen will surely impress your guests. Additionally, the colorful decor and stunning artwork that fill the space will keep them awestruck.

  • The Front Bar & Lounge seats up to 40 guests in a relaxed setting
  • The Dining Room Hearth seats up to 50 guests. *Semi-Private with no through traffic.
  • The Private Dining Room seats up to 50 guests
  • Customized menus available upon request
  • There are no room rental fees for use of dining spaces, however, food & beverage minimums do apply and vary
  • Guests can enjoy the group dining menu, a la carte, or bottomless dining (if under 50 guests)
Orlando Friendsgiving
Sofa Lounge at Mia's Italian Kitchen. Image credit: Mia's Italian Kitchen

Boheme at Grand Bohemian Orlando

325 S Orange Ave, Orlando

Featuring sleek design in the heart of downtown Orlando, the Boheme offers two options that would be ideal for hosting a sophisticated yet intimate holiday affair.

  • The Wine Room seats up to 14 guests
  • The Peacock Room seats up to 26 guests
  • Food and beverage minimum applies
  • The prix fixe menu changes monthly
 
Peacock Private Dining Room at The Grand Bohemian Set for Event
Peacock Private Dining Room at The Grand Bohemian – Image credit: Grand Bohemian Orlando

Hamilton’s Kitchen – The Alfond Inn

300 E New England Ave, Winter Park

Hamilton's Kitchen is located inside the stunning Alfond Inn in downtown Winter Park. Two private dining spaces at The Alfond Inn offer the ideal backdrop for a truly personal and intimate gathering. In addition, The Alfond Inn's lobby is filled with art from the Rollins Museum of Art, so be sure to wander around to see all the art adorning the walls.

  • The Private Dining Room, located in Hamilton's Kitchen accommodates up to 18
  • The Lyman Room, located adjacent to the Library, accommodates up to 50 guests
  • Brunch, lunch and dinner menu options available
Orlando Friendsgiving
Semi-private dining room. Image credit: Hamilton's Kitchen

Luke's Kitchen and Bar

640 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL

Luke’s Kitchen and Bar in Maitland is an everyday neighborhood restaurant that delivers culturally and community-inspired ingredient-driven dishes focused on our unique takes on American cuisine. Luke's Kitchen and Bar offers both cozy indoor and outdoor options for private events. Their covered outdoor patio has had a recent refresh and is the perfect place for your “Florida Friendsgiving” celebration.

Additional Restaurants for Friendsgiving in Orlando:

The View in Clermont
Friendsgiving Event
Sunday, November 16

More ideas for Thanksgiving weekend fun:


For larger affairs, check out our guide to Private Dining in Orlando!

Feature image credit: Grand Bohemian Orlando