1. Lago This upscale Italian restaurant opened in December 2008 in the leafy residential neighborhood of Lake Baldwin Park. The 290-seat dining room, which features high ceilings, oversize windows, and an open theater kitchen, is available for buyouts. A 45-seat private dining room has audiovisual equipment and lake views, while a private wine room seats 14.
2. The Black Olive Another fancy Italian eatery, this 98-seat restaurant opened near Lake Eola Park in April. Dark wood floors, leather banquettes, and marble tables distinguish the main dining room, which can be combined with the bar and outdoor area for buyouts for 150. The private, glass-encased wine vault seats 10.
3. Cuba Libre This Cuban mini chain (with outposts in Philadelphia and Atlantic City) opened in Orlando in January 2009. The bilevel restaurant, designed to resemble an old Havana courtyard, holds 1,000. For smaller events, the restaurant seats 80 on the patio and 120 in a ballroom that divides into three smaller rooms.
4. Kafe Kalik This festive Bahamian restaurant opened in October 2008. The colorful 10,000-square-foot dining room seats 315 and can be bought out for events, while two banquet rooms seat 45 combined and the patio holds 60. The restaurant features live music and a Junkanoo show with dancers in traditional island costumes.