6 Ways To Dine Waterfront In Orlando

Taking a trip to central Florida doesn’t mean you have to give up waterfront dining—you just have to get a little creative. From lakes to lagoons to rivers, there are great restaurants within easy reach of many hotels in Orlando that offer perfect places to look out over the water while you dig into your meal.

Sunset dining at Hillstone

A national restaurant group with nine locations across the country, Hillstone specializes in spots with beautiful architecture and decor, and the Winter Park location delivers in spades. With a dock featuring Adirondack chairs for sipping wine, as well as a patio for outdoor dinner seating, there are multiple ways to enjoy watching the sun set over Lake Killarney. The menu is full of classics, like steaks with loaded baked potatoes and, of course, seafood. Save room for a slice of the Key lime pie—you’re in Florida, after all.

Riverside refreshment at Caribbean Jack’s

Overlook the Halifax River, rum drink in hand, at Caribbean Jack’s. Photo Credit: @kaylove00

If you’re a racing fan, you probably already know that Daytona Beach is only an hour’s drive from Orlando. Whether you’ve spent your day at the track or on the beach, stop by Caribbean Jack’s. The laid-back Daytona staple, which overlooks the Halifax River, is known for daily specials, as well as creative rum drinks, plenty of fried seafood and their famous bananas Foster.

Boardwalk beers at Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Is visiting Disney World at the top of your list of things to do in Orlando? Then you'll want to end your day with a great meal and a cold, local beer, courtesy of Big River Grille & Brewing Works, an on-site brewery that sits on the boardwalk alongside Lake Buena Vista. Sample one of their many specialty beers, like the Rocket Red Ale and seasonal Sweet Magnolia American Brown, alongside the grilled chicken cashew salad. You can also indulge in a Kobe burger while you’re waiting for the fireworks at Cinderella’s castle to begin.

Breakfast pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill

Less than an hour north of Orlando at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill, grab a table overlooking the picturesque Spring Garden Lake. Then sit back and enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes cooked at your own private tableside griddle. Located in De Leon Springs State Park, the former working mill dates back to the 1830s and has been delighting diners for decades with its custom pancake batter blends and fresh fruit toppings.

Lakeside margaritas at Colibri

Salt or no salt? Have a margarita served up lakeside at Colibri. Photo Credit: @kiaralexa

What could be better than a homemade margarita served lakeside? Nothing, until you add in food options like fresh guacamole with plantain chips and poblano pepper tacos at Colibri. This Mexican restaurant is known for its great specials and even better drinks. Relax next to Lake Baldwin and know that the most important thing you’re going to have to decide that night is whether you want your margarita rim-salted.

Fried gator at The Black Hammock

When in Florida ... eat gator tacos! After taking an airboat ride across Lake Jesup, said to have the densest alligator population in Florida, stop by the Black Hammock for their fried gator tail, chicken wings, catfish nuggets and tiki drinks. If you visit on a Sunday, you might even get to see the alligators being fed. If you are interested in more information, visit our Orlando travel guide.