Here's a look at the best new Orlando/Central Florida restaurants, clubs, corporate event venues, and private and party rooms to open for events this fall. These new and renovated Orlando/Central Florida venues can accommodate groups large or small for private and corporate events, meetings, weddings, business dinners, teambuilding activities, cocktail parties, and more.
Osprey Tavern, a new concept from the owners of Seito Sushi, opened in March in Baldwin Park. The 6,400-square-foot restaurant seats 151 people, including 30 around a large central bar. A 12-seat chef’s table can be reserved for semiprivate events, and overall, the venue holds 178 people for receptions. The menu is focused on local and sustainable ingredients and includes pizzas, seafood, steaks, a raw bar, and an extensive menu of craft cocktails.
Tapa Toro is a new Spanish-style restaurant from the owners of Taverna Opa. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant opened in the I-Drive 360 complex in late June and seats 285 people or holds 300 people for receptions. Private groups can reserve the 12 seats around a large paella pit, and there is also seating for 60 people on the patio. Colorful artwork, mosaic tile walls, and nightly music with flamenco dancers add to the Spanish atmosphere.
Wood accents, exposed brick, and a large central bar create a warm atmosphere at Slate, which opened in June on Sand Lake Road. The restaurant, developed by Atlanta-based Concentrics Restaurants, serves handmade pastas, burgers, fish, salads, and pizzas all prepared in an open kitchen. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant seats 160 people. Two exterior walls are made of sliding glass doors that can be opened in nice weather.
Blue Martini has relocated from Mall at Millenia to Pointe Orlando. The new location opened May 29. The 7,200-square-foot club holds 600 people for receptions. There are two private lounges and a large patio. In addition to an extensive menu of cocktails, Blue Martini has nightly entertainment from live bands and DJs, and it serves a variety of small plates such as flatbreads, dips, and crab cakes.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center has redesigned and renamed the restaurant in the hotel’s Key West atrium. What was once Sunset Sam’s is now Moor, serving regionally inspired dishes with a focus on fresh seafood. The former restaurant’s signature 60-foot sailboat remains, but the rest of the decor is new, with neutral furnishings and multiple wood tones giving it an upscale, nautical feel. The restaurant seats 300 people or holds 700 for receptions. Various sections can be used for semiprivate events, and there is a private dining room for 28 people. Moor opened May 2.
Toronto-based Paramount Fine Foods opened its first location in the United States at I-Drive 360 on May 27. The restaurant serves Middle Eastern fare such as chicken and beef shawarma, falafel, baklava, and pita bread baked in house in a wood-burning oven. The 4,700-square-foot restaurant seats 150. It also offers catering for private events, ranging from premade platters to full on-site food preparation.
Club 39 is a new nightclub with indoor and outdoor seating that opened April 29 in the Rosen Plaza Hotel. Private groups can reserve the entire 5,000-square-foot club, which holds 500 people for receptions. Larger groups can also reserve the adjacent poolside area that can handle an additional 1,000 people. The venue has two full-service bars inside and one on the patio, plus a stage and dance floor. Food service is also available, offering appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
Atlanta-based Marlow’s Tavern opened its third Orlando location June 9 at the Waterford Lakes Town Center. The tavern serves classic American fare in a comfortable setting accented with dark wood, large leather booths, and communal tables. The venue seats 122 people inside and 44 on a covered patio. The patio can also be reserved for private events.
Swine & Sons Provisions is the latest endeavor from the James Beard-nominated team of James and Julie Petrakis, chefs and owners of the Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder. The Winter Park operation specializes in takeout charcuterie, made-to-order butcher sandwiches, seasonally inspired ice cream, and more. The 1,800-square-foot facility is available for buyout and holds 40 people. It opened in April.
Crayola Experience is a whimsical option for meetings and teambuilding events that is now open at Florida Mall. The venue’s marketing team can work with private groups to create a custom experience inside the colorful, 70,000-square-foot space that has 25 hands-on attractions. Groups can also use the adjacent Crayola Café, which has seating for 200 people. Crayola Experience opened July 1.
