Chelsea Santiago
Living in the sunshine state provides endless opportunities for soaking up the beauty of the great outdoors, and it doesn’t end at dinnertime. Central Florida restaurateurs have taken full advantage of the area’s near-perfect weather by including fun, vibrant patios to their seating areas. These are some of our favorite Orlando restaurants with patios around town.
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Where to Go
1. Canvas Restaurant & Market
The modern, stained-glass greenhouse just outside Canvas’ front door sets the stage for what the restaurant’s vision: modern looks with an industrial feel. The menu features a multi-cultural medley of tastes and ingredients with a touch of Latin America, New Orleans and southern comfort. Also, guests can enjoy the market, where breakfast and lunch items, housewares and local goods are available.
Why we love it: Perfectly positioned on the lakefront at the Laureate Park Village Center, Canvas’ outdoor area provides picture-perfect views with stunning sunset backgrounds for any occasion.
2. Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen
The cornerstone restaurant of the Lake Nona Town Center features a contemporary, relaxed atmosphere where you can connect, dine and unwind. Chroma serves a modern American fare in a tapas style. Also enjoy craft beer, fine wine on tap and specialty cocktails designed to inspire connectivity. Chroma has not failed to live up to its promise of big tastes with its selection of shareable, scratch dishes and colorfully created plates.
Why we love it: An outdoor meal can be had on the covered patio or the outdoor lounge. But there is also a modern solarium that opens further to the peaceful courtyard. It has views of Lake Nona’s community art installation called “The Beacon,” which is lit with artful displays at night.
3. East End Market
This neighborhood market and cultural food hub brings together Central Florida’s local farmers, food artisans and start-up businesses in a permanent farmer’s market setting. It’s easy to lose yourself in the industrial feel and community atmosphere because the shops work together to bring fresh food to the height of innovation. Walk the market hall and choose from a vast array of vendors in one marketplace, from bakers to pasta makers to coffee roasters.
Why we love it: While you can sit among the shoppers inside, your best bet is to gather your items picnic-style. Then enjoy the relaxing outdoor seating areas among gardens, shrubs and succulents.
4. Ember
Nestled among the high rises and corporate buildings in downtown Orlando, this Mediterranean courtyard wouldn’t be out of place on a countryside hill. Expect varied New American fare. This includes Hand-Crafted Artisan Flatbreads and Smoke House plates that make Ember place for lunch or dinner. It’s easily one of the most popular Orlando restaurants.
Why we love it: Ember offers an elegant setting both inside and out with a gorgeous patio that takes you away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
5. Luke’s Kitchen + Bar
In 2017, Luke’s Kitchen + Bar joined Prato and Luma on Park on Chef Brandon McGlamery’s impressive resume. The restaurant introduced a focus on classic American cuisine that is inspired by culinary traditions from coast to coast. Its menu features a raw bar, ceviches, sandwiches and steaks. There is also a reserve cart for those interested in splurging on proteins and seafood items that are a bit on the pricier side. Bold flavors can be found on the food menu and at the bar, with its selection of hand-crafted cocktails.
Why we love it: You can settle into an enclosed, intimate patio dining area on a sunny Florida day and enjoy a meal and beverages from the indoor-outdoor bar. Even better, the patio offers happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
6. Plant Street Market
Plant Street Market is a local community food hub and indoor artisan market located in historic downtown Winter Garden. It features local merchants, a brewery and an assortment of delicious eats. Large oak trees form a canopy over the market, shading the patio deck that runs the length of the building. Even more, it has plenty of umbrella-covered tables and chairs for eating and drinking. Expect a large selection of must-try Orlando restaurants in one location.
Why we love it: The outdoor area also hosts live entertainment and family fun events. There is even a play area for the kids.
7. STK
STK Orlando, located at Disney Springs, is a two-story restaurant that embodies a hip, energetic vibe. It creates a unique departure from the typical American steakhouse. Theatrical lights illuminate each table, while a DJ creates a vibrant feel throughout the entire space, artfully blending the modern steakhouse and the chic lounge. As anticipated, steak is the main attraction but STK’s menu also features fresh seafood.
Why we love it: Don’t miss the outdoor rooftop terrace. In this unique spot, you can unwind with a craft cocktail, shareable bites and views of bustling Disney Springs below.
8. Teak Neighborhood Grill
Nestled between gated communities and a condominium complex, Teak Neighborhood Grill in MetroWest is known for its bold burger offerings. So is the restaurant’s Maitland location. Thirty-seven of them to be exact. Because only some are on the regular menu, be sure to ask for the secret menu to see all the rest.
Why we love it: There’s no better place to bite into one of those burgers than the restaurant’s spacious patio with fans and TVs scattered throughout. Whether you’re there to watch the big game or have a night out with friends, kicking back on Teak’s patio provides the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.
9. The Capital Grille
A meal at The Capital Grille, located at The Mall at Millenia, is always a treat. Reserve a seat on the patio to enjoy one of the steakhouse specialties for lunch, brunch of dinner. Then, end your meal with the Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake or Classic Crème Brulee for dessert. Of course, wash it all down with a Classic Mimosa, Peach Bellini or a glass of wine.
Why we love it: Not only do patio table views allow you to enjoy the Florida sunshine but you can also do some serious people watching over a special meal.
10. The Hammered Lamb
The Hammered Lamb is your friendly neighborhood pub nestled in the up-and-coming Ivanhoe Village Main Street District. A lively pub with ping-pong tables, live music and an outdoor bar area, the menu features lamb items. Also, the kitchen is open until 2 a.m. daily. The restaurant’s popular brunch features huge mimosas and one of the best Bloody Mary bars in Orlando.
Why we love it: Located across from beautiful Lake Ivanhoe, you can relax on this Orlando restaurants covered patio while waiting for the train to come along. Also, watch the sun set over the lake.
11. The Porch
The menu is stocked with Chicken and Waffles, Mac n’ Cheese topped with crushed Goldfish crackers, craft beers and “Sultry Spirits” in Mason jars. So The Porch in Winter Park is exactly what you would expect from an airy sports tavern in a converted garage. The restaurant offers American pub grub in a southern beach state. As with any sports pub, game days can be loud and boisterous, but the overall vibe is comfortable, fun and celebratory.
Why we love it: The garage doors can be easily lifted to open up the patio area and truly turn this restaurant into a covered porch where you can eat, drink and stay awhile.
12. Vines
Vines is known for being a high-end steakhouse. But it also has one of the best happy hours in town, which happens from 4-7 p.m. daily. With an award-winning wine list and nightly jazz performances, Vines offers the perfect atmosphere to sit back and relax both inside and outside.
Why we love it: After a long day, there’s nothing better than settling into one of the comfy couches on the patio and indulging in happy hour. Enjoy half-priced glasses of premium wine or champagne and a selection of specially priced light bites.
13. Yard House
This high-end sports bar chain is as refreshing as its seasonal ales. With an extensive list of draft beers and a huge menu of innovative New American fare prepared by a scratch kitchen, everyone can find something to enjoy.
Why we love it: Located at the ICON Park entertainment complex, the patio provides views of the The Wheel as it as it spins 400 feet above International Drive. While it’s a sight to see in the daytime, watch it light up against the night sky over dinner on the patio.
14. Yellow Dog Eats
This eclectic, pet-friendly hangout is located in a historic building in beautiful downtown Gotha. There is cozy indoor seating upstairs, but the outside garden area is the perfect spot to devour house-made BBQ and homemade desserts. It is one of the best Orlando restaurants that has a large, inviting patio space.
Why we love it: The quirky atmosphere floods from the kitchen, right out the back door. There, an eclectic array of tables and chairs sit between potted plants and shaded trees. At dinnertime, you will dine under the stars and the glow of strings of globe lights.
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