It’s officially February so the countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun. (check out my Valentine’s Day gift guide for him here) Whether you’re single, casually dating, in a serious relationship, Valentine’s Day can be celebrated by all! I know it’s definitely marketed as a romantic holiday, but it’s a day that you can celebrate with anyone you love. Gather up your gal-pals, your boyfriend, your mom and dad…. It’s time to celebrate!
Like I always say, I’m lucky enough to live in an area that has so many great places to visit and dine. Orlando is so much more than amusement parks and tourist traps. There’s a land beyond Disney and I-Drive. And please don’t get me wrong, there are good options out there. But yah girl has so many jewels in her own backyard that most of the time (okay maybe all of the time) I’m not willing to travel outside of my hood.
I’m sharing my top 5 Orlando based restaurants that I think are guaranteed to impress whomever you’re taking!
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Bulla Gastrobar: Winter Park, Florida
So I’m a bit biased when it comes to Bulla because it will always hold a special place in my heart. Bulla is where I went with my family on the night before my wedding. Steven and I always loved Bulla and thought it would be a special place to share with everyone we loved.
Bulla would make a great Valentine’s Day dinner spot. They serve Spanish style tapas (small plates) and everything is divine.
My recommendations:
- Patatas Bravas
- Pintxos ( I refer the pork, but the chicken is good too!)
- Sauteed Garlic Shrimp
- Montaditos
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Jade New Asian: College Park, Florida
If you’re into Asian cuisine, Jade is one of my favorite spots. They have some of the best ramen around and everyone knows ramen is the perfect date food (hello, who watches K-Dramas?). With a chill vibe, it’s a great place to take someone who enjoy that laid back, intimate environment.
My recommendations:
- Tonkotsu Ramen
- Spicy miso ramen
- Korean fried wings
- F.C (Korean fried chicken)
- Cola Braised Asian Pork Belly
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The Glass Knife: Winter Park, Florida
The Glass Knife is the perfect place for a Galentine’s get together! Or maybe you and your date can hit it up for dessert, either way you can’t go wrong. And right now they have the cutest (and delicious) Valentine’s day themed desserts. Check out their Instagram page for all the yumminess.
My recommendations:
- Strawberry Cheesecake heart
- Chocolate Onyx (my personal favorite!)
- Berries and Cream
- Doughnuts
- Roasted Turkey Club
- Chicken pot pie
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Antica Pizzeria and Mozzarella Bar: Altamonte Springs, Florida
I mean I couldn’t have a Valentine’s Day list without including an Italian joint. Antica has to be one of my favorite Italian places in the area. It’s a tucked away little secret that not that many people know about. But here’s the thing, their food is the real deal, it’s super authentic and fresh and it’s guaranteed to make you a lifetime fan of their food. The pasta is homemade, the sauce is made from scratch and everything is made with love and care.
My recommendations:
- Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
- Ravioli ricotta e spinaci
- Margherita Pizza
- Pana cotta
- Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine: Multiple Locations (my personal favorite is the Winter Park location)
My husband and I are huge fans of Bosphorous and have found ourselves there for many date nights/lunches. Besides the food being delicious, the restaurant itself has a cozy, intimate vibe that’s perfect for a Valentine’s Day date. It doesn’t hurt that the one in Winter Park is located on Park Ave. After having dinner, you can stroll the avenue. There’s places around that you can stop by for wine and maybe a sweet treat or two 😉
My recommendations:
- Select two appetizer of hummus and ezme
- Lavas
- Chicken Sis Kebap
- Beef Sis Kebap
If you’re in the Orlando area or central Florida area, I hope this list gives you some ideas. These local gems are places I’ve frequented quite a bit. They’re all pretty much on heavy rotation when it comes to date nights with my husband (or a girls night!).
What plans do you have for Valentine’s Day? Are you a sucker for this holiday like I am? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time,
