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:
- Skip the Cooking! Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
- Relax at Home – Thanksgiving Dinner To Go
- Thanksgiving Grazing Boards and Goods from Orlando Gourmet Markets
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.
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
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.
- Shula's Steak House
- 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.
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.
Whisper Creek Farm at Grande Lakes Orlando
4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando
Amid the 500-acre estate of Orlando’s Grande Lakes, Whisper Creek Farm is a celebration of simpler times when land was farmed, ingredients were fresh and the outdoors were a place of tranquility.
- Rustic romance for celebrations of up to 600 guests
- Plated dinners presented by the chefs
- Family-style dining featuring seasonal dishes served at rustic farm tables
- Intimate chef’s table experiences
Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen
1 Grand Cypress Boulevard, Orlando
Treat your friends or family to a true Thanksgiving in Florida experience. Four Flamingos is one of our favorite restaurants in Orlando to take out-of-towners and show off the tropical, fun culture. Their Thanksgiving Feast is served Family-Style, of course, and serves 2 – 4 guests. Selections from their standard dinner menu will also be available during service.
Fiorenzo at Hyatt Regency Orlando
9801 International Dr, Orlando
For Italian fare served in a chic atmosphere, have your Orlando Friendsgiving celebration at Fiorenzo at Hyatt Regency Orlando. The open concept makes the place feel open while still being a great place for a more intimate affair.
- Semi-private dining room can accommodate up to 40 guests
- Group menus are required for parties of 15 or more and change seasonally
- Food and beverage minimum applies
- Outdoor patio area can accommodate up to 20 guests standing only, but it is only available to guests of the semi-private dining room or a full restaurant buyout.
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)
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
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 Cornell Fine Arts Museum, 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
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.
BONUS IDEA: Orlando Brunchfest – Friendsgiving 2024
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 11am – 5pm
The Grove Park, 2002 Packing District Way Orlando, FL 32804
Skip the restaurants all together and take your Friendsgiving celebration outdoors at Orlando Brunchfest – Friendsgiving 2024! The Orlando Brunchfest celebrates some of the best local restaurants serving up tasting size portions of the brunch items they do best. This event also features bottomless brunch beverages including Tito's Vodka Cranberry Cosmopolitans, Duke & Dame's Caramel Apple Sangria, Blue Chair Bay Coconut Cake Mojito, and Preez Distillery's Blueberry Pie Mimosas. This is a 21 and up event, no exceptions, no kids, no babies, no pets.
Additional Restaurants for Friendsgiving in Orlando:
- Book a VIP table at ICEBAR Orlando
- Make it a party at Mango's Tropical Cafe
- Rock out at the beach at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
More ideas for Thanksgiving weekend fun:
- Relaxing Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Orlando
- Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights
- 50+ Festive and Free Holiday Events in Orlando for 2024
For larger affairs, check out our guide to Private Dining in Orlando!
Feature image credit: Grand Bohemian Orlando