By Lisa A. Beach and Tyler Bohlman

Orlando, Florida, continues to grow its thriving culinary scene, and the prestigious Michelin Guide took notice in 2022. The City Beautiful scored dozens of spots with a wide variety of restaurants recognized. With multiple centrally located properties in the Orlando area, you’re never too far from an award-winning taste you’ll love. Here are some highlights to whet your appetite and inspire reservations for your next Orlando holiday:

Michelin One-Star Restaurants

The highest grade obtained in the city, these fine dining establishments specialize in high-quality cooking. Be sure to book a reservation in advance of your holiday and check each restaurant’s website for special instructions such as dress codes.

• Soseki: Located in nearby Winter Park, Florida, Soseki wows guests with its contemporary take on omakase, a Japanese-style chef’s tasting. With what Michelin inspectors dubbed “a laser-like focus on local Florida produce,” this 10-seat sushi restaurant crafts a two-hour dining experience of a dozen or so artfully prepared dishes.
• Knife & Spoon: Sitting in at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Knife & Spoon conveys “the picture of plush.” More specifically, it’s “contemporary steakhouse fare woven with seafood,” according to Michelin. Conceived and led by celebrity Chef John Tesar, the menu also features pasta dishes like gnocchi in a porcini mushroom sauce and creative sides like kimchi creamed spinach and tempura onion rings.
• Kadence: With fewer than 10 seats, this sushi and sake bar in Orlando’s Audubon Park neighborhood offers a modern take on the classic omakase experience. Expect a “free-spirited” dining experience from chef-owners Mark and Jennifer Berdin, who previously worked at Michelin-caliber restaurants in New York and London.
• Capa: This upscale restaurant on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando pairs hickory-grilled steaks with Spanish-style tapas. The Spanish influences are felt in every dish from flame-kissed ribeye with tamarind-ancho sauce to the patatas bravas.

Bib Gourmand Restaurants

In addition to Orlando’s starred restaurants, Michelin Guide recognized seven eateries as “friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.” At these restaurants, you can enjoy two courses and dessert for typically less than $50 per person. The price may be lower than Michelin-starred locations, but the quality of food is as high as ever. Check each restaurant’s website to see if reservations are needed.

• Bombay Street Kitchen: This colorful eatery on South Orange Blossom Trail offers authentic Indian small plates. Look for standouts like street special dosa and vegetarian fare.
• Domu: Tucked in the back of East End Market in Audubon Park, this trendy ramen spot delivers a “classic-meets-creative menu” with house-made noodles as the star. Slurp up the flavorful Richie Rich (miso-pork ramen) or try the Chuka (cold ramen salad). And don’t forget to indulge in their famous extra-crispy chicken wings.
• Papa Llama: This neighborhood gem in the Curry Ford West district features a Peruvian-inspired menu of shareable items like Papas a la Huancaína (fingerling potatoes with spicy ají amarillo cream and salsa verde) and lomo (a skirt steak stir fry).
• The Ravenous Pig: Located in Winter Park, this modern gastropub serves “classic pub fare with creative Southern spins.” Visit during the warmer months to take advantage of the on-site brewery and beer garden.
• Strand: The cozy Mills 50 restaurant offers a seasonal American menu that “brims with nostalgic Southern inspiration.” The husband-and-wife team Alda and Joe Rees puts a contemporary twist on classic dishes like dry-rubbed Alabama chicken with a side of fried mac and cheese.
• Swine and Sons: Nestled inside Winter Park’s The Local Butcher & Market sits this specialty sandwich shop. You’ll find friendly counter service and Southern-inspired bites like a hot chicken sandwich that is “just dang delicious.”
• Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen: This Southeast Asian eatery in the Mills 50 district puts its own spin on traditional Vietnamese dishes like bún chay (vermicelli noodles) and bột chiên (pan-fried rice flour cake).

Michelin-Recommended

Orlando also landed another 22 spots on Michelin’s list of recommended restaurants — those offering a good meal using quality, well-cooked ingredients. These culinary hot spots include Hawkers (Asian street food in the Mills 50 neighborhood), Maxine’s on Shine (brunch spot in Colonialtown) and Pizza Bruno (Neapolitan-style pies in Curry Ford West).

Find the complete list of restaurants on the Michelin Guide website.

Where To Stay

Looking to change up your holiday routine? With Abound by Marriott Vacations^™, you can stay at new-to-you resorts from Sheraton^® Vacation Club like these:

Sheraton Vistana Resort
Placed in the heart of the theme park district, you’re not far from Orlando’s big three attractions: Walt Disney World^® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld^®. Enjoy an exciting day of theme parks, or visit the city’s other attractions like ICON Park, award-winning golf courses, and more.

During your resort stay, enjoy spending time by the sparkling pools or playing a game of tennis, basketball, or mini golf. Recharge from a fun-filled day by dining at Azzula, Castaways Bar & Grill, Zimmie’s Bar & Grill, and Mai Tiki Hut. And at the end of the day, return to your comfy apartment and enjoy a homemade snack in the fully equipped kitchen before heading to bed.

Sheraton Vistana Villages
Located on famous International Drive, this centrally located resort puts you in the middle of the action. Hit the theme parks for a day of adventuring. Explore restaurants, attractions, escape rooms, and more along International Drive. Hitch a ride on the I-RIDE Trolley and visit some of the most popular attractions in the city.

Make a day of resort fun and enjoy all the amenities you come to expect from a premium resort. Splash and play in the St. Augustine pool, which features a pirate ship and water cannons. Take a moment to relax in the water next to rock waterfalls and cabanas at the Bella pool. Have fun and stay fit at the fitness center, or go for a walk at a nearby golf course.

Contact Member Services to use Points^* to reserve a stay at these or other Orlando resorts in Abound.