There's always something new to enjoy in The City Beautiful. Several new creative date night concepts are here and there are even more exciting new things in store. From new Orlando restaurants to exciting new attractions and experiences, these are the new Orlando date night ideas to try in 2025.
Updated regularly throughout the year, let's see what's new!
NEW: Tabla Indian Café & Sweets Orlando
5829 Grand National Dr Suite A, Orlando, FL 32819
Introducing a modern Indian café where tradition meets innovation. Bringing a vibrant menu featuring street-style chaat, flavorful rice bowls, wraps, burgers, shakes, and pizza, all infused with authentic Indian flavors.
But that’s not all—satisfy your sweet tooth with their wide selection of traditional Indian sweets and desserts, freshly made to bring you the perfect blend of taste and nostalgia. Whether you're craving a quick bite, a refreshing drink, or a delightful dessert, Tabla Cafe & Sweets Orlando is your go-to spot for a unique and flavorful dining experience. Visit today and discover the perfect fusion of Indian street food and café culture!
New Additions to Pointe Orlando
Pointe Orlando continues to be a must-try on International Drive. Multiple new venues arrived at the end of last year and more are now open!
NOW OPEN at Pointe Orlando:
- Activate Games
- Sports & Social
- PBR Cowboy Bar
- Houndsmen Lounge
- Shark Bar
- Dick's Last Resort
Celebrate the finer things in life at Houndsmen English Lounge. Orlando's first PBR Cowboy Bar is the hottest new spot for great music and dancing, and bull riding!
Retro dance music and patio vibes make Shark Bar a place to gather, unwind, and hit the beach. Sports & Social brings together top-rated and industry-leading sports gaming platforms with an awesome sports entertainment experience and great eats!
VALIDATED PARKING: Simply present your Pointe Orlando parking ticket to one of the team members to receive a free parking voucher. Valid at Sports & Social, PBR Orlando, Houndsmen Lounge, Shark Bar, Palm Tree Club, and Sal's Pizza.
Palm Tree Club is a chic venue bringing together elevated dining and pleasure with an exciting, captivating, and vibrant ambiance seamlessly merging into one unique experience.
There are still more venues arriving in Pointe Orlando this year! Keep an eye out for announcements and details.
New Date-Worthy Restaurants
Bark Haven Dog Bar
724 Brookhaven Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
It’s pretty simple – You love your dog. Like, a lot. You’d bring them everywhere if you could! Believe us when we say “We get it!” That’s why the owners of BarkHaven dreamed of creating an urban oasis for dogs and their people. It’s a safe place to enrich the special bond you share, surrounded by a tail-wagging community of like-minded pack members.
Located conveniently on the Urban Trail between the Mills 50 District and Ivanhoe Village, BarkHaven is Orlando’s premiere membership dog park bar! Day passes and memberships are for dogs only, as humans always get in free.
Zen Dumpling
423 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando FL, 32828
420 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 (Coming soon!)
Zen Dumpling just recently opened their first location in Orlando (with another coming to Altamonte Springs soon). Known for their handcrafted soup dumplings, they are opening multiple locations around the state.
At Zen Dumpling, they craft authentic, flavorful dumplings with fresh, quality ingredients. All of their dumplings are made in-house and you can see the chefs working on them while you dine. From soup dumplings and baos to wok-fried dishes, tapas, and savory soups, they’ve got it all.
Parea Greek Taverna
111 S. Orlando Ave. at Maitland City Centre.
Parea Greek Taverna opened in the space previously occupied by Outpost Kitchen in Maitland. Parea offers everything from lamb shank and lobster tail to flaming saganaki and tiropita. They also offer Happy Hour starting at 5pm daily.
Crush Yard
7840 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747
(321) 888-2913
Whether your date is into pickleball or not Crush Yard Orlando is an excellent choice for a fun date night. The food is delicious. It’s not an afterthought here, every dish we tried during the Grand Opening event impressed us!
New Food Halls & Markets
City Food Hall
1412 Alden Rd, Orlando, FL 32803
City Food Hall in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village is a vibrant new food hall offering a more relaxed and approachable vibe compared to Hall on the Yard. Located on Alden Road, this 12,550-square-foot space features a curated mix of chef-driven eateries, multiple bars, and weekly events.
Vendors include:
- Eggdose – Known for viral breakfast sandwiches, previously only found at Lake Eola Market.
- Blessed Belly – Birria tacos, ramen, and even birria pizza.
- Taglish – Filipino favorites like lumpia, adobo bowls, and Ube Horchata.
- Smash Dunk Burger – Sports-themed burgers with bold flavors.
- Ramen Takagi – Authentic Japanese ramen, gyoza, and fried chicken.
- Kalalou Caribbean – Haitian and Caribbean staples like griot and oxtail.
- Cheese to Share – European-style sandwiches, flatbreads, and cheese boards.
- Chez Les Copains (Upstairs) – A French brasserie with upscale dinner and brunch.
Regular events like karaoke, painting nights, and themed cocktail evenings add to the fun. City Food Hall strikes a balance between trendy and welcoming, perfect for a night out without the pretension.
The Great Southern Box Food Hall
2105 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32804
The Great Southern Box Food Hall, in the new Packing District, brings a variety of vendors focused on immigrant cuisine. The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall features eleven vendor stalls, two outdoor patios, a micro-brewery led by Orange County Brewers, and a 5,254 SF event space.
Enjoy happy hour Monday – Friday from 4-7pm and weekend brunch from 11am – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. They also have monthly programming that includes events like yoga on the lawn and live music.
BONUS IDEA: High Point Climbing & Fitness – Right down the road from The Great Southern Box Food Hall, is the soon-to-open High Point Climbing and Fitness. This gorgeous facility takes over a former warehouse with a gorgeous rock climbing facilities with walls for multiple skill types, including beginners and kids. Plenty of natural light comes into the space making this a unique place for an active date night.
Hall's on 5th
Hall's on 5th (Food Hall)
15 E 5th St, Apopka, FL
Thrive is one of the vendors at a new food hall now open in Apopka. The food hall is named “Hall's on 5th“. Locals will recognize the building as the former Hall's Feed Store.
Parlor Kitchen is opening their first location in Hall's on 5th. Their stall will focus on their nationally awarded cookie-stuffed waffles, MELKs (shakes), and butter candles! In addition to these great food vendors there is a dining area and bar at the front.
The Eola Food Hall
150 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL
The Eola Food Hall will occupy the first two floors of the four-story building at 150 E. Central Blvd. that formerly housed the University Club of Orlando. Construction is underway with a projected opening in late 2025. The food hall will offer a diverse mix of cuisines in the heart of downtown, catty-corner to Lake Eola Park. The food hall will feature about 16 vendors, including three full-size restaurants of about 1,300 square feet. Two of the restaurants will be on the second floor and one on the first floor.
Related: A Beer Lover's Guide to Breweries in Orlando
A New Take on Local Favorites
Throughout Orlando, beloved food concepts and restaurants continue to evolve in interesting ways.
Red Panda Noodle
Red Panda Noodle, a popular Orlando-based food trailer specializing in handmade noodles, is set to expand its operations in 2025. This popular food truck team is now the latest winner of the annual Ramen Rumble competition. Led by culinary duo Eliot Hillis and Seth Parker, announced plans to establish a permanent brick-and-mortar location in the Winter Park/Casselberry area. We can't wait!
Brix & Mortar Urban Winery in Lake Mary
242 Wheelhouse Lane #1230, Lake Mary, FL
Brix & Mortar Urban Winery is opening a second location in Lake Mary on November 13th at 5pm. Located at Griffin Farm at Midtown, this Lake Mary wine bar brings the same wines, wine flights, and inviting ambiance that you’ve come to love. Join them for a glass (or two!) and enjoy their unique wine offerings in a relaxed, modern setting.
Rion’s Ocean Room
3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 (East End Market)
Rion’s Ocean Room is making waves at East End Marke! Specializing in Hawaiian-style poke, this walk-up counter serves fresh seafood by the pound, including premium ahi, fatty salmon, ono, and more. Date night can be casual without missing out on quality, thanks to the high-quality poke without the fuss.
Small Food Group is responsible for this instant classic spot, as well as DOMU, EDOBOY, and more!
Gyukatsu Rose
3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 (East End Market)
Next on the development list from Small Food Group is a must-try for Wagyu beef fans. This spot, right around the corner from DOMU and right next to Rion's Ocean Room, focuses on Wagyu only. Serving up wagyu cutlet sets alongside sizzling stone grills for a tasty Japanese-inspired experience.
The Glass Knife (Second Location)
The Glass Knife recently announced that a second location is coming to Park Avenue in late Spring 2025. Their signature way to enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch, coffee, donuts, and desserts – now in a new way. More details to come!
Fine Dining
NABE
7988 Via Dellagio Way Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32819
Orlando’s newest premium A5 Wagyu hotpot is located inside Nola's Ice Cream Shop. You’ll have to enter through an invisible/pivot door inside the store (we love this speakeasy-inspired concept). Nabe has teamed up with Chef Lewis Lin from the amazing Michelin Guide restaurant JUJU and SUSURU. At Nabe they offer premium seafood and A5 Waygu that come straight from Japan. Once they obtain a liquor license you’ll find cocktails and a sake program here too.
The Chapman
500 S. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL
If you love Florida and the sophistication of Park Avenue, The Chapman is for you. This date-worthy spot is inspired by local history and lore from the late 1800s surrounding Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman, the founders of Winter Park. From its menu to its interiors, past meets present at The Chapman, which harkens back to Florida’s beginnings as a winter playground.
Moso Nori
1100 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL
Moso Nori, a concept by James Beard Award finalist Henry Moso, just opened City Place in Winter Park. The restaurant features an island bar with 30+ seats, where Moso and his chefs will serve cylindrical rolls fashioned from premium roasted Japanese nori and filled with everything from dry-aged fish to foie gras to vegetables.
Ômo by Jônt
115 E Lyman Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
ÔMO by Jônt is an immersive chef's counter concept by Chef Ryan Ratino and the team behind TWO-MICHELIN STARRED Jônt in Washington, D.C. The restaurant showcases Ratino's skills with Japanese seafood and plays up meats and produce procured from local purveyors like Pasture Prime and Frog Song Organics.
NEWS: Ômo by Jônt is named a finalist for Best New Restaurant at the 2025 James Beard Awards!
They are currently open Wednesday – Sunday from 5:30pm to 10:00pm. Reservations available on OpenTable.
Cast & Crew
640 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Breakfast: Daily 6-10am
Dinner: Nightly 5pm
Weekend Brunch: 11am – 3pm
Whether staying a few nights in Daytona Beach or just up for a quick day trip, Cast & Crew is a phenomenal addition to the beachside scene. Locals and visitors are welcome to stop in for a delicious dinner, brunch, or even just a round of handcrafted drinks – the NA / mocktails are divine too!
I was invited to stop in during their opening weeks, and the Seared Scallops entree blew me away! Scallops are often a tried-and-true test of a kitchen's skill and talent. There is a small window of perfection for scallops to be cooked without becoming chewy. The Seared Scallops are served atop potatoes confit and parsnip puree, with pickled cauliflower nestled alongside – and I ate every last morsel.
Thanks to Executive Chef Oliver Koster of Cast & Crew, many of the dishes have a Dutch and European influence. His Dutch influence makes for some of the most creative seafood dishes found anywhere along A1A. When I spoke to Chef Koster I told him that this scallop entree must remain on the menu for years to come!
Cocktails + Sweet Treats
Nola’s Ice Cream Shop
7988 Via Dellagio Way Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32819
Owners Keren & Khoa have teamed up with the popular ice cream shop owner Marie Mercado who owns The Greenery Creamery and Sampaguita. They hope to serve Dr. Phillips with the most delicious ice cream you’ve ever had. Check out their unique ice cream flavors and make sure you don't miss out on their donut ice cream sammies!
The Phoenix Jazz Club
69 East Pine Street, Orlando, Florida 32801 (Debuting March 20, 2025)
One building, two unforgettable experiences! A new chapter begins as Mather's Social welcomes their newest sister venue—The Phoenix Jazz Club, located just below Mather's Social. Step down to the 2nd floor and immerse yourself in smooth jazz, cocktails, and an intimate, inviting ambiance.
Alfie’s HiFi
1300 N Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803
This new vinyl listening bar with a '70s vibe has opened in the old St. Matthews' Tavern space in Mills 50. Disco-era cocktails like Midori sours and Pink Ladies keep with the '70s theme. Alfie's is comprised of three separate rooms: the first with a 22-seat bar and high ceilings; a middle room with two sections for table service and a direct view of the DJ booth where “the music hits direct”; and a lounge with banquette seating and a dance floor.
Lorelei
737 N. Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL
Lorelei, a new wine bar from the pair behind Death in the Afternoon and Suffering Bastard, is now in Mills 50. Lorelei, named after the German siren of lore, opened this February across the street from Edoboy. Regarding wine selections, bottles will focus on “fun and delicious” wines, while by-the-glass options will be “cool and exciting.”
Phat Ash Bakes
221 S Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Phat Ash Bakes, a cookie bakery, is now open in the Milk District. The new retail experience is open at the Milk Stacks apartment complex. Phat Ash Bakes is known for baking small-batch cookies made to order, from snickerdoodle french toast to red velvet, and hosting themed bake nights.
Arden
1420 Alden Rd, Orlando, Florida 32803
Arden, which recently opened across from the soon-to-open City Food Hall, offers biodynamic wines, low-ABV cocktails and a food menu from Red Panda Noodle's Eliot Hillis and Seth Parker. The offer happy hour from 5-7pm Wednesday through Friday, with $8 White Port & Tonics, $9 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, & Prosecco, and $10 Duck Season.
Bar Kada
957 Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Chef and owner Michael Collantes’ modern take on a traditional sushi omakase earned him a Michelin star at Soseki, and he’s now back with a new effort: Bar Kada. Open adjacent to Soseki in Winter Park, Collantes is working with Soseki vets, 2023 Michelin “Sommelier of the Year” Benjamin Coutts, and chef de cuisine Mike Vang, on this 30-seat sake and wine-led concept. Vang oversees seasonal small plates that pay tribute to not only Central Florida produce but also local seafood. Drinks highlight low-touch wine and ancestral sakes, plus sake-based cocktails.
Lamp and Shade
1336 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL
Lamp & Shade is Mills area’s newest dining and nightlife concept. Playfully yet eloquently named, Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails got its inspiration from the idea to ‘hangout and throw some shade in conversation’ while paying homage to the history of its building, previously The Lamp Shade Fair, well-known by locals for over 50 years.
Packwoods Bar at Maitland Social
360 E Horatio Avenue Ste 500, Maitland, Florida 32751
From the same talented folks as Lamp and Shade comes Packwoods Bar. Located inside the new Maitland Social food hall, Packwoods Bar brings sophistication in its decor. The Vibes are equal parts date night and upscale local hang.
What's New at Orlando's Theme Parks
Although ICON Park is not a theme park, something big will open there in 2025. Blue Man Group will open a brand-new theater at ICON Park in Orlando, with tickets now available for purchase. This custom-built 578-seat venue, located beneath the Orlando Eye, will feature their signature blend of art, live music, comedy, and non-verbal performance. Blue Man Group shows will run Tuesday through Sunday, with options for VIP experiences, meet-and-greets, and dinner packages to be announced soon.
New Experiences at Walt Disney World
Coming soon to Disney Springs West Side – Level 99! Level 99 is a first-of-its-kind destination for adults featuring real-world, interactive social gaming with over 50 physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. In addition to fun and games, check out Night Shift Kitchen & Tap at Level99, serving legendary craft beers, hand-made creative cocktails, award-winning Detroit-style pizza, and more.
Opening mid-summer 2025, Bourbon Steak by acclaimed chef Michael Mina will be the newest addition to The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. With a re-imagined modern take on the American steakhouse, Bourbon Steak will serve premium cuts of beef and seafood infused with global flavors. The menu promises signature desserts, complemented by world-class beverage offerings.
Now open, Tiana's Bayou Adventure takes over Splash Mountain in a new joyful celebration of New Orleans. We love it! And there is a new Disney-fied version of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. And in the coming years, an entire villain's land at Magic Kingdom will arise.
A new, revamped musical show based on The Little Mermaid will arrive at Disney's Hollywood Studios next summer. New restaurants at Walt Disney World have opened, and more are still on the way, including a pirates-themed tavern in Adventureland.
Best of all, perhaps, is the new Spaceship Earth Lounge coming to EPCOT sometime this year!
One of our sibling sites, Tampa Bay Parenting has a full rundown of all the New Rides and Shows Coming to Walt Disney World.
What's New at Universal Orlando
A new DreamWorks Land debuted last year! And we are in love with the new CineSational nighttime spectacular that just debuted at Universal Studios. Finally, work continues on the resort's upcoming Epic Universe park, officially opening on May 22, 2025.
Once opening day arrives there will be lots of things for adults to do at Epic Universe, including plenty of specialty dining. We especially cannot wait for the superb romance of Helios Grand Hotel and its rooftop dining!
New Coaster(s) at SeaWorld Orlando
Penguin Trek, a new family friendly coaster debuted at SeaWorld in summer 2024. This unforgettable family launch coaster takes you on an adventure through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica. Board your snowmobile and race along with your expedition team at up to 43 miles per hour, navigating twists and turns and narrowly escaping the crumbling hazards of an icy cavern. Reach the end and you’ll make the ultimate discovery: a real penguin habitat!
And continuing with the cool theme, SeaWorld has revamped the Wild Arctic experience into a flying experience, Expedition Odyssey.
Here's to an exciting year in Orlando, with great things in 2025 on the way!
(Featured image of The Chapman, by Kelly Lamano Diaz)
