So many marvelous additions have come to Orlando so far in 2023, and things are looking bright for the rest of the year. 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 2023.
Updated regularly throughout the year, most recent update March 2023.
New Orlando Restaurants and Dining Experiences
Orlando restaurateurs got even more creative over the past year. Food halls, breweries, pop up dining, and unique fusion concepts continue to dominate the foodie scene into 2023, so grab your sweetheart and enjoy a date night filled with culinary exploration.
New Food Halls & Markets
Slated to open sometime in 2023 is Maitland Social. This upscale food hall is near the Maitland City Center, which has become a popular gathering spot in recent years. Maitland Social is said to include Foxtail Coffee, Wave Asian Bistro (of Mount Dora fame), and Urban Body Works.
Three new seafood concepts arrived at Plant Street Market towards the end of 2022.
Bruno’s Oysters, a new concept from Bruno Fonseca, now serves raw, broiled, and roasted oysters, as well as smoked and preserved seafood items. Bruno's Oysters opened earlier this month. Oysters and Crooked Can beer? We’re in.
Jacksonville’s Norikase, a Japanese restaurant known for its 17 course omakase tasting menu, brings a casual eight-seat concept called Norigami to Plant Street Market. The menu will be developed by Chef David Tsan of Soupakase, Morimoto Asia, and Kabooki Sushi fame.
Finally, Bento Sushi + Poke has opened a stall in Plant Street Market, with sushi rolls and poke bowls.
Brew Theory is getting ready to open the Brew Theory Marketplace. This 12,000 square foot food hall will arrive at Apopka City Center. Opening summer 2023, the food hall will feature food, retail, and beer and bar offerings, all hosted in a beautiful space that invites couples and friends to stay a while and enjoy the best Central Florida has to offer.
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.
One of our favorite indulgences in Orlando is Phat Ash cookies. This locally grown cookie company is about to begin offering favorite Phat Ash varieties at Foxtail Coffee’s East Colonial location, starting March 25, 2023.
Coming to historic downtown Sanford is The Wildflower cocktail bar. This favorite spot in Baldwin Park will now have a second location in Sanford, at Magnolia Square.
Anyone who's ever been to Bad As's Sandwiches in the Milk District will be excited to learn that Bad As's Burgers are now a thing! You can find the new concept, Bad As's Burgers on Curry Ford Road. If the burgers are anything like the delectable sandwiches we've known for years, you're going to want to put Bad As's Burgers at the top of your list.
Popular food truck Smoke & Donuts just opened its first brick and mortar location in the Milk District!
A much-anticipated collaboration between Pig Floyd’s Thomas Ward and Al Palo of Stasio’s Italian Deli is set to open in the Mills 50 district soon. Pigzza will feature Italian staples like pizza and lasagna, all crafted with Ward’s signature smoked meats.
Yugiri Ramen Project as well as Sweet and Salty Island Grindz have set up shop in Henry's Depot as of November.
Popular ice cream spot, Greenery Creamery now has a Filipino – American Ice Cream spot, and it is gorgeous. Sampaguita Ice Cream is on East Colonial, and it is absolutely date-worthy.
Over in Mount Dora (one of our favorite day trips) a newly renovated Mellow Mushroom location with a cool Alice in Wonderland theme will relaunch in April 2023.
Fine Dining
Ruth's Chris reopened in a beautiful new space in Winter Park Village. The Village itself is undergoing a massive renovation. And a new Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Marlin Bar will open in Winter Park Village soon too!
Kaya just off of 50, near Thornton Park and Mills 50 is a must-do in 2023, if you're up for a cultural experience. Kaya provides a casual fine dining experience with delicious Filipino fare. The cozy bungalow is a lovely setting for date night.
Norman Van Aken – regarded as the Founding Father of New World Cuisine, is excited to announce that his namesake restaurant, NORMAN'S, is officially open in the Dellagio Town Center. The renowned chef has cooked alongside culinary giants such as Julia Child, Ferran Adrià, Anthony Bourdain, and his dear friend the late great Charlie Trotter, among many others.
Feature image of this blog post from Norman's
New Additions to Pointe Orlando
Something sweet has arrived at Pointe Orlando. Full of nostalgia and fun, JoJo's Shake BAR is a fun date night spot or Girls' Night Out with decadent shakes, cocktails, mocktails, and sharable food.
Kavas Tacos + Tequila is expected to open soon at Pointe Orlando as a third offering from the founders of Taverna Opa and Tapa Toro. The menu will feature savory comfort food, fresh tableside experiences, and hand-crafted recipes that pay tribute to Mexico's rich culinary history.
Rosa Mexicano is known for elevated Mexican cuisine. With multiple locations in the northeast, this popular date night restaurant will be opening its first Orlando-area location at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in early 2023!
Cocktails + Sweet Treats
Coming to Winter Park is Forward/Slash tasting room. Blended for the discerning whiskey lover and the newly converted – FORWARD/SLASH is whiskey meant to be savored, not stashed away.
A must-do date night spot opened in December in the Mills 50 area, near Colonialtown. The Moderne Bar and Grill exudes date night vibes even as you drive by. Inside you'll find a sultry atmosphere. This first come, first served spot draws a crowd so mentally prepare for a long wait.
You'll find craft cocktails and an impressive sake selection at this Asian fusion bar and eatery. The food menu is equal parts small plates, fresh Asian fare, and a few legit pasta dishes to satisfy a hearty appetite.
The Japanese Poutine is just one of the creative dishes to try at the start of your night. And the Korean Vodka Pasta brings spicy flavors that do not overwhelm, but rather spice up your night just right.
Otto’s High Dive, a new elevated cocktail bar with the coziness of your favorite local dive, is now open in the Milk District. Former Ravenous Pig mixologist Justin Levaughn is behind the Old Florida style bar menu, with fun signature drinks like a guava pastelito-inspired cocktail. Expect modern takes on classic drinks, plus local craft beer and scratch-made Cuban-inspired small plates.
A stunning new bar called The Bellhop is now open downtown, on the bottom floor of the historic Angebilt Hotel. The bar is designed by former Walt Disney World Imagineers and has a glamorous vintage hotel lobby feel, with a gleaming wood bar, glass and feathered chandeliers, leather chairs and plush lounge seating, a display of brass hotel keys, and more. The space functions as a moody coffee bar by day, and an elevated cocktail lounge by night.
Local favorite, The Courtesy is now reopened in its beautiful new location in Winter Park. Enjoy craft cocktails and an exclusive new menu from Swine and Sons, called Swine Bar.
READ MORE: 18 Unique Bars in Orlando
Also in downtown Orlando, a new Mexicano restaurant, Taco Kat has opened. However, more is to come with a speakeasy opening soon.
Orlando Restaurants Opening Additional Locations
Several beloved local restaurants opened additional locations in 2022. Others are on the horizon for 2023.
Here's a quick peek at some of the goodies in store.
- Juju by Susuru opened on National Cat Day, October 29, 2022 near the Fashion Square Mall, in a former Pizza Hut
- Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa will open a second location this year in Winter Park, in the old Bubbalou's space
- Black Rooster Taqueria opened a second location in Curry Ford
- Farm & Haus opened in the old Cafe de France space in Winter Park
- Sushi Sake hails from the Miami area and is now open on Orlando Ave in Winter Park
- Sixty Vines will open a second location in Plaza Venezia in Dr. Phillips, in the former Roy’s Restaurant space, in 2023
Colonial Lanes will be reborn as Primrose Lanes Restaurant and Bowling Club. Drink, dine and bowl with 8 lanes of fun, plus a dining space helmed by some familiar names from Orlando’s culinary scene. Chef Nick Grecco (Cask & Larder, Black Bean Deli) will develop the menu, and you can get your cocktail fix from the Robinson Room, who will operate a second location onsite. Consider us bowled over.
What's New at Orlando's Theme Parks
2023 is a fantastic year for our local Orlando theme parks and attractions! Several new rides, restaurants, and experiences are coming
New Experiences at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is wrapping up its 50th anniversary celebration. Take a peek at some of the new restaurants at Disney, and get a closer look at the many fun ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary here. The four main park icons have been transformed into sparkling “Beacons of Magic,” which are a real treat to see in person.
Disney recently reopened Fantasmic! with all-new sequences.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now open at EPCOT as one of the longest-enclosed coasters in the world. And TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, as well as Moana: Journey of Water at EPCOT are debuting very soon.
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
2023's Universal's Mardi Gras starts in early February with a new way to participate in the parade and ride a float. The Holidays at Universal Orlando are in full force. Harbor Nights at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel returned. And fan-favorite event Hard Rock's Velvet Sessions is back too.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is coming to Universal Studios in the summer of 2023. Work continues on the resort's upcoming Epic Universe park, which is planned to open by 2025.
New Coaster(s) at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando's brand-new Ice Breaker coaster debuted one year ago. The ride features multiple forward and backward launches, a 100 degree “beyond vertical” drop from a 93 foot spike, and a top speed of 52 MPH. And SeaWorld already has another big project in the works. The World's First “Surf Coaster” called Pipeline will debut in 2023.
New Breweries in Orlando + Orlando's First Non-Alcoholic Bar
There’s a growing buzz surrounding Orlando’s craft beer scene.
Little Wekiva Brewery, is a brand-new brewery in Springs Plaza. The intimate brewery and taproom is the dream of father and son duo Richard and Chris Connor. Some of the sample brews listed on their website include a winter lager, a milk stout, and an imaginative jalapeño cream ale.
New Arts & Culture Experiences
The arts continue to flourish in Orlando. Judson's, an intimate cabaret-style space, is expected to open in early 2023. With cozy seating, tables and a capacity of 125 to 175 people, this “music room” is perfect for savoring an intimate musical performance with your sweetheart.
Related: Tips for a Broadway in Orlando Date Night
Fringe Orlando has a new permanent home with ArtSpace. This art space in downtown Orlando replaces the former Mad Cow Theater.
Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life premiered at Disney Springs in November 2021, replacing La Nouba. And new segments were added in early 2023. This imaginative new adventure transforms the stage into a giant animation table where the art is literally brought to life via dazzling choreography, daring feats, and a timeless soundtrack worthy of the Disney name. The show's unique combination of storytelling, Disney animation, acrobatic acts and other inspiring performances have drawn rave reviews from day one.
Art² (Art Squared), a new interactive art park, is slated to open in downtown Orlando (E Robinson St. & N. Orange Ave.). Plans for the urban park include a two-story shipping container structure, food trucks, picnic tables and hammocks, a stage, an art gallery, a café and a 19×10 foot LED video wall used for art, events, streaming festivals, and movies. The installation will host both free and ticketed events throughout the year and welcome everyone to share in Orlando's community vibe.
More info will be coming soon.
AREA15, a “Wanderland of Art, Music & Entertainment” based out of Las Vegas, is projected to open an Orlando location in 2024. This multifaceted, immersive art venue is intended to house a variety of creative experiences that are both hands-on and approachable for visitors from all backgrounds.
Consider it a playground for all ages. The Vegas location even includes a Liftoff Lounge and an open-air balloon ride! Stay tuned for more details on what we can expect from the Orlando location.
Here's to an exciting year in Orlando!
