Best Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Orlando

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Celebrate Father’s Day with these Delicious Outings in Orlando

Dads don’t seem to get the same fanfare that moms get. Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year in most restaurants around the country. For Father’s Day, on the other hand, things are a bit quieter. Break the tradition and get dad to move away from the grill. Do something different and memorable to show him how special he is. There are fantastic options to celebrate Father’s Day in Orlando. And, who says you should only celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday? Choose any day, and go!

1. Surf & Turf Dinner at the Best Steak & Seafood Restaurants in Orlando

A steak dinner is a perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day. Add some seafood and it’s even better. You can’t go wrong with these local favorite restaurants and their Surf & Turf offerings. I consider these restaurants the best steakhouses in Orlando:

One of the newest additions to Orlando’s swanky culinary scene is AVA MediterrAegean on Park Avenue in Winter Park. Treat dad to the specialty Poached Maine Lobster and Grilled Ribeye Duo with Bourbon-Onion Jus and Aioli. Offered exclusively on Father’s Day, the dish comes served in a wooden box filled with flambeed rosemary and aged oak-smoke for a multi-sensory theatrical presentation table-side. Sip craft cocktails including the signature G&T or the over-the-top “Smoke and Mirrors” old-fashioned. Located at 290 S. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL.

Ette Hotel’s Salt and The Cellar by Akira Back is currently in soft opening, but that hasn’t stopped the talented team of Orlando’s newest luxury hotel from impressing foodies in town, myself included! The innovative Mediterranean Asian restaurant spares no detail to wow guests with table-side presentations of zero-proof craft cocktails and grilled meats accompanied by the salt sommelier’s selections. Start with Michelin star Chef Akira Back’s famous Tuna Pizza or Toro Tartare. End with an AB Chocolate Cigar. Book a special dinner on 6/23 or 6/25 to Dine with Chef Akira Back. Located at 3001 Sherberth Rd, Kissimmee, FL.

For an epic night out of superb fine dining, the legendary Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Orlando is always on my list. Dad will love the 32-day dry-aged, 38 OZ Allen Brother’s Prime Tomahawk paired with various fresh seafood options. But here’s an insider tip: if dad loves comfort food taken to the next level, the Bull & Bear fried chicken is a surprising favorite. Reservations are recommended, call 407-597-5500. Located at 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL.

Capa – which received One Michelin Star designation – offers one of the most spectacular views and setting for a perfect steak and seafood dinner. Located on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, where the only thing rivaling the view is their Capa Gin & Tonic and the 40-day dry-aged steaks. Pair with their Langosta and dad will love you forever. Reservations are recommended. Located at 10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista.

If dad loves aged meats, celebrity chef John Tesar’s Knife & Spoon, another winner of One Michelin Star, located at Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Resort is sure to please. The two-time contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef” is known for his 240-day aged bone-in ribeye but seafood is also a highlight on this menu. Order the smoked sturgeon, live diver scallop and King crab scampi. Pair with a beautifully crafted cocktail from their menu. The Maitre D’ Manhattan with tallow washed whiskey will surprise you. Reservations highly encouraged. 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando.

One of the most respected steakhouses in town is Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster where the Christner family has been wowing their guests with impeccable service, premium cuts of beef, succulent lobsters and decadent desserts for 29 years! They are closed on Sundays so take dad out on Saturday night and start celebrating early. I guarantee dad will feel like a king after this surf & turf celebration. If dad loves steak and wine, then make a reservation. This is a dinner he won’t want to miss. Located at 729 Lee Road, Orlando FL.

If dad loves Prime Rib, check out the delicious slow-roasted herb-crusted Prime Rib served as a 16 oz. or 20 oz. available exclusively on Father’s Day at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. He can also go for the signature Double Eagle Cut, a 45-day dry-aged, double bone-in prime ribeye. Pair it with a succulent lobster tail or Del’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. And save room for the heavenly Butter Cake! If dad is a wine aficionado, choose a bottle from over 1,200 labels. Reservations are recommended 407-351-5074. Located at 9150 International Drive, Orlando, FL.

On Restaurant Row, you’ll find The H Orlando, a swanky Mediterranean steakhouse with a club-like vibe. Celebrate on “Out of Office Fridays,” “The Affair” on Saturdays, or “Jam & Toast” Brunch on Sunday. They’re honoring dad with live music and a preset menu that features an array of unlimited starters, your choice of entree (including upgrade options), and the Chef’s Premium Dessert. Several specialty cocktails will also be available on an a-la-carte basis. You can read about my Magical Dining experience here to get an idea of their meat and seafood-centric menu. 7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd, #80, Orlando.

Everglades Restaurant at Rosen Centre Hotel is known for having great steaks and seafood, however, if dad wants something other than the traditional cuts of beef, their Buffalo Filet and Grilled Venison are the best in town. Add their Florida Grouper or Sea Bass for a perfect duo. This is one of Orlando’s best hidden gem restaurants. This June they are offering a “Palate Menu” 3-course offering. Call 407-996-9840 for reservations. Located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL.

At Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen spoil dad with Surf and Turf 15oz Creekstone Farms Prime Ribeye paired with chargrilled Mayport Shrimp. The casual fish camp style menu is enhanced in a rustic-chic setting with laid-back Southern hospitality. You can read more about it here in 5 Reasons to Visit Reel Fish Coastal. Reservations recommended. Located at 1234 N. Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL.

Located in the casually rich setting of the golf clubhouse of the award-wining Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, “A Land Remembered” steakhouse serves up Harris Ranch Black Angus Five Diamond Prime Beef.  Start with the Lobster Bisque, by far the best I’ve ever had in all my travels. Order the Surf and Turf or Chateaubriand and don’t miss pairing it with sea bass, scallops, or jumbo lump crab cake. Call 407-996-1956 for reservations. 9939 Universal Blvd Orlando, FL.

2. Sunday Brunch.

Moms aren’t the only ones that enjoy a nice brunch. Think about it. This is a meal that combines all the glory of breakfast like pancakes, eggs, bacon (lots of it!) with the best of lunch. It sounds perfect for dad. These are some of Orlando’s Sunday Brunch favorites:

City Work’s Eatery & Pour House at Disney Springs combines a love of brunch and rock n’ roll with themed dishes and rockstar service. Enjoy the “Jon Bun Jovi” — Warm jumbo cinnamon roll with vanilla icing. “Johnny Hash” — Hand-pulled, hardwood-smoked pulled pork shoulder with red and green bell peppers, onions, butternut squash, potatoes, jalapeño salsa verde, and sunny-side-up eggs. Or “The Boss” — eight-ounce top sirloin steak with eggs any style and cheesy potato casserole. Brunch will be offered Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch at Raglan Road Irish Pub is one that will make dad stomp his feet to the beat of the music on stage and clap his hands for the delicious food! Pub regulars are big fans of the Full Irish breakfast with sausage, black & white pudding, bacon, roasted tomato, mushrooms and fried eggs with potato roasties and the Pancakes Diaspora with crème Fraiche, maple syrup and mixed berry compote. New dishes like “Salmon Prone to Waffling” grilled salmon topped with smoked salmon, house-made waffles, poached eggs with a maple butter sauce and “Rib O!” braised short rib and thyme marinated mushroom omelette with spinach and porter cheddar cheese sauce are winners! Reservations are recommended at 407.938.0300. The Rollicking Raglan Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and live shows run from noon until 3 p.m.

At Highball & Harvest at Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, Sunday Brunch is a full bounty of southern-inspired dishes featuring ingredients from local farms, as well as their own on-site 7,000- square-foot garden at Whisper Creek Farm. Local craft beer bar and epic Bloody Mary’s. Reservations recommended, from 12 – 3 p.m. Located at 4040 Central Florida Parkway Orlando, FL.

The Osprey, named one of Orlando’s Best Restaurants, offers a top-notch Sunday Brunch dad would surely love.  Its brunch menu of American classic favorites includes the BLT, fried chicken sandwich and steak and eggs. Reservations recommended. Located in Baldwin Park, 4899 New Broad St.

Plancha at Tranquilo Golf Club, Four Seasons Orlando Resort features one of my favorite Sunday Brunch menus in town. An expansive selection of antipasto, appetizers, and desserts stations with entrees a la carte and a bottomless mimosa and Bloody Mary bar will please every dad. You can read all about it in this review. Reservations recommended. Located at10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista.

At Pizza Bruno, in addition to some of the best pizza in town, enjoy Sunday brunch items like the Pizza Amatriciana topped with a Farm Egg; Calzone with Rosemary Ham, Ricotta and White Cheddar; and a traditional Dutch Baby with Amish Butter and Maple Syrup. Located at 3990 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL

The Ravenous Pig Sunday Brunch features tiki cocktails and hearty dishes like Smoked Brisket Hash and the BLTE made with house-cured bacon. The Ravenous Pig Burger of black Angus short rib-brisket topped with caramelized onion and buttermilk blue cheese with a side of truffle fries is legendary at this award-winning and nationally recognized local restaurant. Located at 565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL.

Chef Greg Richie brings loads of fun and flavor to Soco, a “Must Visit” Thornton Park neighborhood restaurant.  Sunday Brunch favorites include Slow-Roasted Barbecue-Glazed Pork Belly Biscuits, Lobster Eggs Benedict, and Southern Fried Quail and Waffles. Dad will love bottomless mimosas and the great selection of bourbons and whiskeys in addition to the brunch libations. Located at 629 E Central Blvd, Thornton Park, Downtown Orlando.

3. BBQ Fun.

Dads and BBQ go hand in hand but give dad a break this Father’s Day and celebrate at these BBQ feasts:

Combine the love of classic movies and the love of BBQ at Enzian Theater in Maitland. Treat the terrific men in your life to a BBQ lunch buffet, FREE beer, and an outrageously funny flick at Enzian: Airplane! Doors open at 11:30 am. Film Starts at 12:30 pm. Reserve a VIP Table for 2 or 4 or general admission. Dads receive their first select beer free!

Classically trained chef Ian Russell pairs his carefully roasted meats with fantastic scratch-made sides and fresh hot donuts for a BBQ experience you won’t soon forget. It’s no surprise Smoke & Donuts was named one of the best BBQ Restaurants in Orlando by USA Today. Celebrate at the food truck at A La Cart or Celebrate at home by ordering online BBQ Party Bundles with 3 meats from the S&D Pits, sides, sauces, and fixins’ for 4-6 or 8-10 people. For 10 people or more, order a Foundation Pack. Don’t forget the fresh donuts and local craft beer!

Houndstooth BBQ Smoke Out at Maitland City Centre as Chef David Bressler of Houndstooth Sauce Company busts out the big smoker for some awesome BBQ. He’ll be smoking Boston butts, chicken wings and baked beans. Lots of yummy sides including collards, potato salad, pimento cheese grits, white bbq coleslaw, watermelon and sweet tea.

4 Rivers Smokehouse is closed on Sundays so start celebrating dad early.  Each Smokehouse will offer family-friendly Father’s Day activities including cookie decorating kits for kids and special gifts to buy dad such as Pitmaster Kits and 4R merchandise. Check the website for locations.

Dad won’t have to do any of the work if he goes poolside at Rosen Centre Hotel’s Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill. Their special Father’s Day Picnic Buffet offers a grilled feast including everything from fresh soups and salads to savory grilled and smoked entrées. Top it off with sweet desserts and a complimentary cold craft beer.  Click here for reservations. Located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL.

Voted Critic’s Choice Orlando’s Best BBQ by the Orlando Sentinel, Smokemade Meats + Eats will be at Redlight Redlight on Sunday 6/19, starting at 12pm. They’ve received lots of buzz since they started popping up at various local breweries for mouth-watering Central Texas-Style BBQ brisket, turkey, pulled pork, ribs, and the best cheddar jalapeno sausages in town. You can pre-order online by 11:59pm on Saturday, pick up and Sunday and bring your BBQ feast home or enjoy at the pop-up. Beer and BBQ is the best pairing!

4. Global Flair. 

For a dad who loves to travel, these international feasts are sure to inspire wanderlust:

Would dad like to travel to Italy for Father’s Day? Head inside Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs for a Sunday Supper like no other.  Gather around one of the communal tables to enjoy a hearty spread of cured meats, cheeses, pasta, entrees and sweets, shared family-style, in an intimate setting that focuses on bringing people together with the promise of good food and meaningful conversation. Savor one of the many Italian wines with your dinner or bring a bottle (or two) of your favorite wine to toast with no additional corkage fee!

Does Southeast Asia street food strike dad’s taste buds? Check out Hawkers Asian Street Fare’s Father’s Day deal on Sunday, dads can dine in and receive 20 percent* off their entire bill and a complimentary one tiger Bomb or a Tiger pint. Simply check-in on Yelp to enjoy the perks. Valid at all locations.

Taverna Opa celebrates Father’s Day with a complimentary meal for dad with the purchase of any of their multi-course family-style dinner for four. This feast of Greek and Mediterranean foods includes hot and cold appetizers, meat and seafood platters and desserts. The full menu will also be available, and belly-dancing entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Don’t be surprised if dad starts dancing on the tables. Call 407-351-8660 for reservations. Located at Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, suite 2240, Orlando FL.

Tapa Toro on International Drive is always a fun spot for any celebration. As part of its Father’s Day Brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., this ICON Park® restaurant will offer dads free beer with purchase. Their full a-la-carte menu, brunch entrees, all-you-can-eat paella brunch specials, and bottomless mimosas and sangria are also available, as is flamenco dancing entertainment. Located at I-Drive 360 complex, 8441 International Drive, Orlando FL.

At Promenade on Sunset Walk outdoor entertainment district, Yeoman’s Cask & Lion offers the opportunity to travel across the pond with this British-themed pub and restaurant, complete with classic British favorites like bangers and mash, Shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips. Don’t miss their killer wings. Enjoy $10 bottomless Bloodies and $4 domestic drafts. Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza satisfies dad’s gangster-style appetite. Grab a traditional or specialty slice, all made-to-order in an 800-degree coal-fired oven, or grab some house-made pasta or a tasty sandwich. 

5. A Relaxing Weekend Getaway.

There are no shortage of fabulous resorts for a relaxing getaway in Orlando. You can view my Top Foodie Resorts Staycations recommendations here.

At Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, treat dad to a weekend of peace, relaxation and indulgence at one of the premier resorts in Orlando. Enjoy deluxe accommodations, dinner at A Land Remembered Steakhouse or Cala Bella Italian Restaurant, special discounts on spa treatments, and award-winning golf. This gorgeous AAA Four Diamond-rated resort is offering a “Stay & Play Golf” package for dads, including a one-night stay, two rounds of play at the redesigned Arnold Palmer Design Company golf course, and no resort fee. A one-hour lesson at the Brad Brewer Golf Academy can also be added for $120 plus tax per person. For reservations call 407-996-6338. Located at 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando FL.

6. Sports Madness.

If catching the game is at the top of dad’s list, here are a few popular hangouts where you don’t have to sacrifice good food for the sake of sports: The Top 9 Sports Bars in Orlando features all my favorite places to watch sports in town.

7. Great Deals.

Dads love a good deal and in the month of June, one of the best deals in town is Bite-30. A citywide initiative from Orlando Weekly where participating restaurants, including favorites like Blu on The Avenue, Bulla Gastrobar, Maxine’s On Shine, The Ravenous Pig, Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen, Artisan’s Table, and VINIA Wine Kitchen among others are offering a three-course prix fixe dinner menus for $33. This is an amazing deal to encourage locals and visitors to check out some of Orlando’s best restaurants. If you’ve said “We need to check out that restaurant someday”, now is your chance to #MakeSomedayHappen. Please call the restaurant of your choice in advance to confirm that this special menu will be available on Father’s Day.

8. Father’s Day at Home

If dad really wants to stay home and grill on Sunday, then make sure you do it right. Host a “Beer & Sausage Tasting” with a variety of sausages and beers (my family tradition for many years), set up a “Burger Sampler BBQ” with various types of patties (Buffalo, Ostrich, and Bison are all awesome) and toppings or have a “Hot Dog’s from around the world” buffet. If he likes to hover over the grill, let him. After all, dad’s most precious gift is the time you spend with him, being there in the moment, enjoying whatever crazy, lazy, funny, classy, or kooky activity he enjoys.

I hope you found several options from this list to celebrate Father’s Day not just on Sunday but throughout the week. What special place do you have in mind to celebrate Father’s Day? Please share it in the comments below.

Cheers to dad and to creating great memories and sharing a delicious meal this Father’s Day in Orlando!

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Cheers!

Go Epicurista