The snuggling season is upon us! It’s time to cuddle up with your honey. After a long day or week, make time for a fireside dinner with your flame. There’s something primal about gathering together around the fire. Reconnect at these cozy venues which feature fireplaces and fire pits.
Orlando Firepits and Fireplaces
Wekiva Island
No matter the time of year Wekiva Island is a must-do. During chilly weather the cozy outdoor fire pit is lit. Usually on Saturday nights there is a dinner special at Without A Paddle Cafe.
Also on property, The Tooting Otter Wine Bar is a very rustic and woodsy atmosphere that is ideal for date night. You can enjoy this delightful wine bar year-round with wines available by the glass on draft as you cozy up together.
Rock and Brews
Rock and Brews is a lively casual restaurant perfect for any music fan. Owned in part by KISS frontmen Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, you know you are going to have a rocking good time here. The pub grub will satisfy and the craft beer selection is great. Plus the specialty cocktails will make you want to raise your glass.
Both locations (Oviedo and Sunset Walk) offer their own wonderful outdoor bar and dining areas. There are multiple tables and lounge seating areas situated around individual fire pits. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area.
Bigfire
Occupying the two-story space that used to be home to Emeril’s, Bigfire is Universal Orlando’s hottest restaurant at CityWalk. The spotlight is on open-fire cuisine with fresh ingredients and hearty flavors. A center stage kitchen with open fire cooking makes for an exciting and warm atmosphere.
Open only for dinner, you’re sure to have a memorable evening as you dine on hearty entrees like Beef Burgundy Dutch Oven, Beef Short Rib Pasta, or Hearthstone Seafood Bake. But before you sink your teeth into those entrees, start your meal with the Skillet Roasted Mussels. If you somehow can save room for dessert go for the Tableside S'mores. Toast your fire inspired dinner with a cocktail or dessert drink.
Pro-tip: The Bigfire Bar opens at 4:30pm and does not require reservations. You can order food and drinks here. Check with your bartender to see if they can make your drink to-go so you can take it to the large firepit just outside the bar's entrance.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Walt Disney World’s wildest resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, is home to three signature dining restaurants. My recommendation for an unforgettable date night is Jiko – The Cooking Place. Inside the original part of Animal Kingdom Lodge, known as Jambo House, you can also dine at Boma – Flavors of Africa. This is one of the best-loved buffets at Walt Disney World.
Here at Jambo House, you will also find a massive multi-story lobby that will make your jaw drop. In the back right-hand side of the lobby you can cozy up to an indoor fire pit. Grab a pre-dinner cocktail at Victoria Falls Lounge and then grab a seat in a comfy chair around the beautiful fire pit.
After relaxing by the fire browse one of the largest wine lists of South African wine in the world at Victoria Falls Lounge.
Want to top off your adventurous date night? Head back to the lobby and then out to the African savanna where nighttime animal viewing is available and a large outdoor firepit under the stars awaits.
Over at Kidani Village, the newer building at Animal Kingdom Lodge is Sanaa. This beloved restaurant has views of the Africa savanna. If you dine around sunset you can catch some great views of the animals. Then after dinner head outside to Kidani Village's savanna overlook, complete with a firepit.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Perhaps the coziest destination in Orlando is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Modeled after great American lodges in the Pacific Northwest, you will feel like you are in another part of the country the moment you set foot on Wilderness Lodge territory.
While there are multiple dining options here, I recommend Territory Lounge. Sit at the bar or find a table for two. Make sure you look around at all the decor around and above you. The ceiling is a beautiful frontier-era style map and painting. Only small plates and desserts are served here; on a chilly night go for the Mushroom Bisque and the Chardonnay Fondue.
Afterward, head into the lobby and sit by the large fireplace inspired by the Grand Canyon.
READ MORE: Romantic Disney Restaurants at Resort Hotels
Tangerine at Swan Reserve
The newest addition to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is the Swan Reserve. This intimate, boutique wing is perfect for couples. It's away from the hustle and bustle of the massive Swan and Dolphin, and yet it is just a few steps away when you want to access the resort's full amenities.
All of Swan Reserve's dining locations are on the second level, including a terrace-style pool. Here you will find Tangerine. This casual poolside eatery has a lovely bar and a cozy circular firepit. You can dine and drink at the firepit or enjoy after your meal.
The Venetian Chop House at Caribe Royale
One of the most romantic restaurants in Orlando is located inside a resort — of course. The Caribe Royale is a lovely Florida-Caribbean themed resort where every room is a suite. You can dine at The Venetian Chop House, even if you are not a guest staying at the Caribe Royale you are still welcome to dine.
The Venetian Chop House, has a lovely dining room and also a relaxing outdoor dining area. Many of the tables in the outdoor dining area have individual small firepits. For an impressive date, you can't go wrong here, just make reservations in advance.
AC Sky Bar
The epitome of a downtown Orlando rooftop bar, AC Sky Bar will make for an unforgettable date. Enjoy cocktails, flatbreads, small plates and more. The La Quercia Prosciutto & Manchego Cheese as well as the Seared Tuna Crudo are great for sharing.
Many tables have small firepits embedded within them, making this a unique fireside dining experience. First come, first served except for Sunday Brunch — reservations recommended.
The Wellborn
Parking can be tough here, but a visit to The Wellborn in South Downtown Orlando is absolutely worth it. Curl up with craft cocktails by the firepit in their courtyard. Just be sure to review parking options before your visit.
The Acre
In College Park, you'll find a special wedding venue that has now turned into a social hangout on the weekends. The bonfire is a popular gathering spot. Grab your own drink kit and nibble on casual bites as you enjoy the cozy vibes. The Acre is open on select weekends.
Linda’s LaCantina Steakhouse
You’re going to feel like you’ve gone back in time when you step inside Linda’s LaCantina Steakhouse. This Orlando landmark has been serving guests since 1947! The dining room and lounge are decidedly old school.
What makes this a special spot for a cozy date night is the fire fountain inside the lounge. Step down into the lounge seating area that surrounds a dancing flame and intriguing fountain. Grab a round of drinks and relax here before dinner.
Bahama Breeze – Altamonte Springs and International Drive locations
You know you’re in for a dining experience that feels like a vacation when you’re at Bahama Breeze. Most locations have spacious outdoor bar and patio areas including seating around a fire pit in a gazebo style setting. The Altamonte Springs location and the International Drive locations are some of the original Bahama Breeze locations, both offering a substantial amount of seating around the fire.
BEYOND ORLANDO
Third Wave Wave Cafe – New Smyrna Beach
You may think of the beach during summer, but there is something enchanting about being by the ocean when there’s a chill in the air. Located on New Smyrna Beach's popular Flagler Avenue is Third Wave Cafe. Seasonal ingredients that are sustainably grown or harvested are used to create dishes inspired by old world and southern coastal traditions.
Dine outdoors in the garden amid twinkling lights and flickering torches. The fire pit and fountain, called the Fireball, is the centerpiece of this enchanting space. FYI: Third Wave Cafe is closed on Tuesdays.
The Garlic – New Smyrna Beach
This Italian eatery is an icon in New Smyrna Beach. The Garlic is especially charming during the holidays but no matter when you visit, the atmosphere is incredible and unique. Inside, there is an intimate dining room with a wood fired pizza oven that reaches temperatures of 900° Fahrenheit. Outside you can gather around the fire pit with a round of drinks. Either way, we love this spot for fireside dining.
The outdoor bar surrounds another wood burning pizza oven. There's live music every single night of the week.
The Old Sugar Mill – De Leon Springs State Park
When winter rolls around and there's finally a little chill in the air, it is time to head to De Leon Springs. Sure, swimming in the crisp spring water may not sound too appealing (although I’ve done it), but dining at The Old Sugar Mill is a must! This casual dining spot is inside a replica of an 1830s sugar mill. There is no air conditioning or heat. The warmth is provided by two fireplaces and the griddles that are on each table.
Here you can cook your own pancakes. Select a variety of toppings to place on or in your pancakes like fresh blueberries and bananas or pecans and peanut butter. They even have vegan pancakes.
ALSO TRY
- Fire Lounge at ICEBAR Orlando: Warm up with a round of drinks topped with a flame
- Pat O'Brien's at Universal CityWalk: outdoor patio with a fire-fountain
- Blue Martini: firepit at outdoor patio lounge
- MYTH Lounge: firepits overlooking the pool area at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
- The Goblin Market: Sit by the fireplace, dine in a library, or enjoy the outdoor terrace
- Vanburry's Public House in South Downtown Orlando has a cozy outdoor firepit
Feature image credit: Universal Orlando Resort