Give your meeting attendees meals and events to remember at hidden culinary gems in Orlando (Everglades Restaurant pictured).
Updated Sept. 28, 2026
Did you know that Orlando has more than 6,000 restaurants? Between MICHELIN Guide restaurants, world-famous celebrity chefs, popular national chains, local mom-and-pop shops and other options, it would take you more than four years to eat your way through all of them — and that’s if you ate at three per day.
As your attendees won’t be in Orlando long enough to take the full tour, we’ve put together a list of unforgettable venues where they can try something different and possibly discover their new favorite meal. These acclaimed restaurants are also perfect for group outings, offsite meetings and special events, and you won’t find them anywhere but Orlando.
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Best-Kept Secret Restaurants in Orlando’s Convention District
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano
Technically speaking, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano isn’t a well-kept secret — not with celebrities like Emeril Lagasse, Brooke Shields and Mick Jagger praising its cuisine! Part of Orlando’s legendary Restaurant Row, which is minutes from the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), the family-owned fine-dining establishment specializes in outstanding food and service.
With strolling musicians and complimentary roses for female guests, the elegant ambience is supplemented with award-winning Italian fare and a wine selection that earned a “Best Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator Magazine. It’s also Zagat-rated, earning scores of 4.5, 4.4 and 4.5 for food, decor and service, respectively.
The restaurant’s private Ivy Room has capacity for up to 54 guests, and semi-private areas are also available, making it an ideal venue for post-event dinners and offsite gatherings. Christini’s also offers a-la-carte dining regardless of party size.
Everglades Restaurant
One of many top-flight eateries tucked inside Orlando’s hotels and resorts, Everglades Restaurant is located at International Drive’s Rosen Centre — one of four hotels directly connected to the OCCC via covered walkway. Everglades’ culinary team prioritizes the use of fresh, local ingredients, weaving native Florida flair into steaks, seafood and traditional dishes.
The restaurant’s constantly evolving décor is also influenced by Florida, resulting in a unique dining experience every time you visit. Make sure your group saves room for dessert, else you’ll miss out on masterpieces like The Chocolate Marquise and The Pecan Tuille!
Speaking of groups, the Rosen Centre is a fantastic location for events and meetings. In addition to accommodating group dining, Everglades Restaurant provides quick access to the hotel’s 150,000 square feet of flexible space, which includes three configurable ballrooms and 35 meeting rooms, plus a wealth of amenities.
The H Orlando
Part of Restaurant Row since 2019, The H Orlando serves diverse Mediterranean fare, including steaks, in a casual fine-dining atmosphere. What makes it particularly noteworthy is its culinary team, which features chefs who have worked at some of the finest restaurants in more than 70 countries.
The H Cuisine includes charcoal techniques, slow-cooked barbecue, smoked delicacies and more, all prepared in their open-fire kitchen. Naturally, their meat creations — including spicy sucuk (aka sausage) — are not to be missed, but vegetarians can look forward to traditional Turkish meze dishes and other delicacies.
This restaurant also caters to private parties, offering full-venue buyouts for receptions of up to 150 guests and seated dinners for up to 100 guests. Other options include the main dining room (120 reception/80 seated) and the covered terrace (30 reception/20 seated).
The Whiskey
Whiskey-lovers will definitely want to visit The Whiskey, which does in fact carry its namesake — more than 200 brands to be exact, including bourbon, Scotch, blends, limited releases and more. But regardless of your attendees’ outlook on whiskey, they’ll all want to settle in once they see what’s on the menu at this Restaurant Row venue.
The reason being, The Whiskey’s team puts an elevated twist on traditional pub food, earning culinary accolades along the way. Add a side of rock-‘n’-roll ambience, and it adds up to one of Orlando’s most unique dining experiences. Plus, in addition to being an ideal spot for smaller, post-meeting get-togethers, The Whiskey has options for private events.
Best-Kept Secret Restaurants Beyond the Convention District
Libra
The AAA Four Diamond-rated Hotel Beauden, Autograph Collection in downtown’s City District presents a dazzling blend of art, music, hospitality and meeting services — not to mention acclaimed dining at its onsite restaurant, Libra. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a jazz brunch on Sundays, this unique eatery elevates the dining experience by pairing exceptional food and service with music and art.
The onsite Hotel Beauden Gallery supplies the latter with paintings, sculpture and other works that decorate not just the hotel, but also Libra and the adjacent Bar Libra. And the menu’s mix of American and European favorites is nicely complemented by a sizable wine selection and handcrafted cocktails.
With 10,000 square feet of function space that includes a wine room, poolside garden, meeting galleries and more, Hotel Beauden is already an exceptional choice for meetings and events in the downtown area. Libra adds to its capabilities, offering private dining experiences that are anything but ordinary.
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar
Located in Winter Park, Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar presents a modern take on classic fish camps. More importantly, they serve fresh Florida seafood prepared in a Southern style, including Po’ Boys, LA Gumbo, Low Country Boil and more.
Reel Fish also offers a raw bar and selections from the land, such as Coffee-Cured Filet Mignon and Buttermilk Pan-Fried Chicken. They’re open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with hearty brunch being served from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Reel Fish will also be happy to host your next event or group dining outing, including lunch and dinner. Cocktail receptions and even full-venue buyouts are also available.
Orlando’s Best-Kept Secret Restaurants FAQ
What are some unique Orlando restaurants for meeting and convention attendees?
Orlando offers distinctive local dining options throughout the destination, including Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, Everglades Restaurant, The H Orlando, The Whiskey, Libra, and Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar. Choices range from upscale Italian and Mediterranean cuisine to Florida seafood and elevated pub fare.
What restaurants near the Orange County Convention Center are good for groups?
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, Everglades Restaurant, The H Orlando and The Whiskey offer options for groups in Orlando’s convention area. Christini’s has private and semi-private spaces, The H Orlando accommodates private parties and full-venue buyouts, and The Whiskey offers private-event options for smaller gatherings.
Does Christini’s Ristorante Italiano offer private dining for Orlando meeting groups?
Yes. Christini’s Ristorante Italiano has a private Ivy Room that accommodates up to 54 guests as well as semi-private areas. The Restaurant Row establishment specializes in fine Italian dining and also offers a la carte dining regardless of party size.
Are there restaurants connected to hotels near the Orange County Convention Center?
Yes. Everglades Restaurant is located at Rosen Centre on International Drive, one of four hotels directly connected to the Orange County Convention Center by covered walkway. The restaurant serves steaks, seafood and other dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and Florida flavors.
Can meeting groups host private events at The H Orlando?
Yes. The H Orlando offers several options for private events on Restaurant Row. Full-venue buyouts can accommodate receptions of up to 150 guests or seated dinners for up to 100, while its main dining room and covered terrace offer additional configurations for private gatherings.
Where can meeting attendees find a unique group dining experience in Orlando?
Meeting attendees can explore distinctive dining experiences beyond the convention district, including Libra at Hotel Beauden, Autograph Collection in downtown Orlando, and Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar in Winter Park. Libra pairs inventive cuisine with art and music, while Reel Fish specializes in fresh Florida seafood prepared with Southern influences.
Can groups host private dining events at Libra in downtown Orlando?
Yes. Libra at Hotel Beauden, Autograph Collection, offers private dining opportunities in downtown Orlando. The hotel has 10,000 square feet of function space, including a wine room, poolside garden and meeting galleries, providing additional options for meetings and special events.
Does Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar host group dining and private events?
Yes. Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar in Winter Park accommodates group dining for lunch and dinner as well as cocktail receptions and full-venue buyouts. Its menu focuses on fresh Florida seafood with Southern influences while also offering selections from the land.
Where can Orlando meeting attendees find locally owned restaurants away from the convention district?
Groups looking to explore Orlando’s neighborhoods can venture beyond the convention district to areas including downtown Orlando and Winter Park. Options include Libra in downtown Orlando and Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar in Winter Park, providing planners with opportunities to incorporate different parts of the destination into attendee dining experiences.
Why should meeting planners include local Orlando restaurants in their event itinerary?
Orlando’s local restaurants can double as memorable off-site venues for group dinners, receptions and private events. Options range from intimate private rooms to full restaurant buyouts, allowing planners to pair an Orlando dining experience with networking, celebrations or other event programming.
FAQs are based on this blog’s content, created in partnership with Microsoft Copilot, and edited by the real humans at Visit Orlando.
