There's always something new to enjoy in The City Beautiful. Several new creative date night concepts are here and there are even more exciting new things in store. From new Orlando restaurants to exciting new attractions and experiences, these are the new Orlando date night ideas to try in 2025, and soon we'll have a look at what's coming in 2026 – wow!
Updated regularly throughout the year, let's see what's new!
What’s New in The Packing District
The Packing District continues to grow as one of Orlando’s most exciting destinations for food, wellness, and fun. Explore new openings like…
- High Point Climbing & Fitness
- Walter’s Tavern inside the Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall,
- Grain & Berry
- Blue Coast Burrito
- SWTHZ
Coming soon are Mango Hair Studio, Dougie’s Dog Bar, and The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel, bringing even more fun to the community.
Whether you’re planning a date, a workout, time with friends and family, or weekend hangout, The Packing District has something for everyone. Visit packingdistrictorlando.com and follow @thepackingdistrictorlando to learn more.
New Additions to Pointe Orlando
Pointe Orlando continues to be a must-try on International Drive. Multiple new venues arrived at the end of last year and more are now open!
NOW OPEN at Pointe Orlando:
- Sandbox VR
- Activate Games
- Sports & Social
- PBR Cowboy Bar
- Shark Bar
- Dick's Last Resort
- Taffer's Tavern
Orlando's PBR Cowboy Bar is the hottest spot for great music and dancing, and bull riding!
Retro dance music and patio vibes make Shark Bar a place to gather, unwind, and hit the beach. Sports & Social brings together top-rated and industry-leading sports gaming platforms with an awesome sports entertainment experience and great eats!
Plus, Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop has just opened! With a focus on Gin, this will be a place to lay back with your mind on your money, and your money on your mind (couldn't resist). This top-tier cocktail lounge blends the energy and cultural influence of hip-hop’s most legendary duo.
VALIDATED PARKING: Simply present your Pointe Orlando parking ticket to one of the team members to receive a free parking voucher. Valid at Sports & Social, PBR Orlando, Shark Bar, Palm Tree Club, and Sal's Pizza.
Palm Tree Club is a chic venue bringing together elevated dining and pleasure with an exciting, captivating, and vibrant ambiance seamlessly merging into one unique experience.
There are still more venues arriving in Pointe Orlando this year! Keep an eye out for announcements and details.
Featured Casual Spot: Tabla Indian Café & Sweets Orlando
5829 Grand National Dr Suite A, Orlando, FL 32819
Introducing a modern Indian café where tradition meets innovation. The vibrant menu features street-style chaat, flavorful rice bowls, wraps, burgers, shakes, and pizza, all infused with authentic Indian flavors.
But that’s not all — satisfy your sweet tooth with a wide selection of traditional Indian sweets and desserts, freshly made to deliver the perfect blend of taste and nostalgia. Whether you’re craving a quick bite, a refreshing drink, or a delightful dessert, Tabla Café & Sweets Orlando is your new go-to spot for a unique and flavorful dining experience. Visit today and discover the perfect fusion of Indian street food and café culture.
New Date-Worthy Restaurants
June
700 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801 (Thornton Park)
Set food inside the beautiful June restaurant in Thornton Park. Wood-fired contemporary Mexican food is a welcome addition to this classic Orlando neighborhood. Just note June is closed on Mondays.
CityArts Café
37 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Downtown Orlando’s creative scene just got even better with the opening of CityArts Café, a cozy new spot from the Downtown Arts District. Sip Lavazza espresso drinks, enjoy pastries from Olde Hearth Bakery, and take in rotating local art exhibits from the District’s monthly 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop. A portion of proceeds supports Orlando artists, so every latte helps fuel creativity in the community.
Osteria Ester
629 E. Central Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32801
The Good Salt Restaurant group strikes again! This time they're bringing fresh made breads, pasta, gelato, and more to Thornton Park. The rich tones of the interior set a date night mood to match the Italian-American cuisine.
Zen Dumpling
423 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando FL, 32828
420 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Zen Dumpling now has two Orlando-area locations. Known for their handcrafted soup dumplings, they are opening multiple locations around the state.
At Zen Dumpling, they craft authentic, flavorful dumplings with fresh, quality ingredients. All of their dumplings are made in-house and you can see the chefs working on them while you dine. From soup dumplings and baos to wok-fried dishes, tapas, and savory soups, they’ve got it all.
Parea Greek Taverna
111 S. Orlando Ave. at Maitland City Centre.
Parea Greek Taverna opened in the space previously occupied by Outpost Kitchen in Maitland. Parea offers everything from lamb shank and lobster tail to flaming saganaki and tiropita. They also offer Happy Hour starting at 5pm daily.
Selva Rosa
901 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
COMING SOON
This new elevated Mexican and Latin America-inspired restaurant takes over the space facing Lake Lily Park (a favorite picnic spot of ours). Look for an opening near the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Terra Modern American
434 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, inside Society Orlando
COMING SOON
A sleek, modern interior promises a refined, yet casual atmosphere amid the bustling energy of Downtown Orlando.
New Food Halls & Markets
The Great Southern Box Food Hall
2105 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32804
The Great Southern Box Food Hall, in the new Packing District, brings a variety of vendors focused on immigrant cuisine. The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall features eleven vendor stalls, two outdoor patios, a micro-brewery led by Orange County Brewers, and a 5,254 SF event space.
Enjoy happy hour Monday – Friday from 4-7pm and weekend brunch from 11am – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. They also have monthly programming that includes events like yoga on the lawn and live music.
BONUS IDEA: High Point Climbing & Fitness – Right down the road from The Great Southern Box Food Hall, is High Point Climbing and Fitness. This gorgeous facility takes over a former warehouse with a gorgeous rock climbing facilities with walls for multiple skill types, including beginners and kids. Plenty of natural light comes into the space making this a unique place for an active date night.
City Food Hall
1412 Alden Rd, Orlando, FL 32803
City Food Hall in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village is a vibrant new food hall offering a more relaxed and approachable vibe compared to Hall on the Yard. Located on Alden Road, this 12,550-square-foot space features a curated mix of chef-driven eateries, multiple bars, and weekly events.
Vendors include:
- Eggdose – Known for viral breakfast sandwiches, previously only found at Lake Eola Market.
- Blessed Belly – Birria tacos, ramen, and even birria pizza.
- Taglish – Filipino favorites like lumpia, adobo bowls, and Ube Horchata.
- Smash Dunk Burger – Sports-themed burgers with bold flavors.
- Kalalou Caribbean – Haitian and Caribbean staples like griot and oxtail.
- Cheese to Share – European-style sandwiches, flatbreads, and cheese boards.
Regular events like karaoke, painting nights, and themed cocktail evenings add to the fun. City Food Hall strikes a balance between trendy and welcoming, perfect for a night out without the pretension.
Hall's on 5th
Hall's on 5th (Food Hall)
15 E 5th St, Apopka, FL
Thrive is one of the vendors at a new food hall now open in Apopka. The food hall is named “Hall's on 5th“. Locals will recognize the building as the former Hall's Feed Store.
Parlor Kitchen is now open in Hall's on 5th. Their stall focuses on their nationally awarded cookie-stuffed waffles, MELKs (shakes), and butter candles! In addition to these great food vendors, there is a dining area and bar at the front.
The Eola Food Hall
150 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL
COMING SOON
The Eola Food Hall will occupy the first two floors of the four-story building at 150 E. Central Blvd. that formerly housed the University Club of Orlando. Construction is underway with a projected opening in early 2026. The food hall will offer a diverse mix of cuisines in the heart of downtown, catty-corner to Lake Eola Park. The food hall will feature about 16 vendors, including three full-size restaurants of about 1,300 square feet. Two of the restaurants will be on the second floor and one on the first floor.
Related: A Beer Lover's Guide to Breweries in Orlando
A New Take on Local Favorites
Throughout Orlando, beloved food concepts and restaurants continue to evolve in interesting ways.
Craft & Common
Park Place at Heathrow Center, County Road 46A and International Parkway, Lake Mary, FL 3274
Specialty coffee shop Craft & Common was founded by a couple, Lindsay and Brandon Duensing, and opened its first location in downtown Orlando in 2018. As demand and coffee lovers grew, Craft & Common opened a second location in the Oviedo/UCF area in 2024. Now, a third location is open in Lake Mary.
Red Panda Noodle
274 N Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801
Red Panda Noodle, a popular Orlando-based food trailer specializing in handmade noodles, is set to open in October 2025 inside Art². This popular food truck team is now the latest winner of the annual Ramen Rumble competition. Led by culinary duo Eliot Hillis and Seth Parker, this new location is going to be great! We can't wait!
A Gourmet Chinese Cuisine
1101 E Colonial Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803
From the local team behind Chuan Lu Garden comes the new A Gourmet Chinese Cuisine. Authentic Chinese cuisine is now served in a chic new interior with great date night vibes. Best of all, this delicious dining spot is in Mills50, one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando.
Rion’s Ocean Room
3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 (East End Market)
Rion’s Ocean Room is making waves at East End Market! Specializing in Hawaiian-style poke, this walk-up counter serves fresh seafood by the pound, including premium ahi, fatty salmon, ono, and more. Date night can be casual without missing out on quality, thanks to the high-quality poke without the fuss.
Small Food Group is responsible for this instant classic spot, as well as DOMU, EDOBOY, and more!
Gyukatsu Rose
3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 (East End Market)
Next on the development list from Small Food Group is a must-try for Wagyu beef fans. This spot, right around the corner from DOMU and right next to Rion's Ocean Room, focuses on Wagyu only. Serving up wagyu cutlet sets alongside sizzling stone grills for a tasty Japanese-inspired experience.
The Glass Knife (Second Location)
The Glass Knife recently opened a second location on Park Avenue. Their signature way to enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch, coffee, donuts, and desserts – now in a new way. More details to come!
Fine Dining
NABE
7988 Via Dellagio Way Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32819
Orlando’s newest premium A5 Wagyu hotpot is located inside Nola's Ice Cream Shop. You’ll have to enter through an invisible/pivot door inside the store (we love this speakeasy-inspired concept). Nabe has teamed up with Chef Lewis Lin from the amazing Michelin Guide restaurant JUJU and SUSURU. At Nabe they offer premium seafood and A5 Waygu that come straight from Japan.
Neko San
8546 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32836
Neko San is a cool, cat-themed sushi and sake bar is already turning heads. Neko San is a nigiri-focused sushi-ya crafted by cat-loving chefs and inspired by the beloved Susuru Orlando original, affectionately known as “OG Neko.” Guests can expect a one-hour omakase-style meal starting at $65, celebrating precise technique, seasonal seafood, and a playful feline flair. Sushi lovers, get ready to pounce.
The Reverie
533 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
COMING SOON
Chef Brandon McGlamery is partnering with Foundry Hospitality to open The Reverie in Winter Park in fall 2026, replacing Chez Vincent.
Cocktails + Sweet Treats
Luminescent Orlando
12286 E Colonial Dr #105, Orlando, FL 32826
This coffee shop by day turns into a relaxing lounge at night. Delight in delicious coffee creations from 8:00am – 4:00pm. Or stop by for a nightcap with cocktails served started at 5pm. Note that this new hot spot is closed on Mondays.
The Phoenix Jazz Club
69 East Pine Street, Orlando, Florida 32801
One building, two unforgettable experiences! A new chapter begins as Mather's Social welcomes their newest sister venue—The Phoenix Jazz Club, located just below Mather's Social. Step down to the 2nd floor and immerse yourself in smooth jazz, cocktails, and an intimate, inviting ambiance.
Alfie’s HiFi
1300 N Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803
This new vinyl listening bar with a '70s vibe has opened in the old St. Matthews' Tavern space in Mills 50. Disco-era cocktails like Midori sours and Pink Ladies keep with the '70s theme. Alfie's is comprised of three separate rooms: the first with a 22-seat bar and high ceilings; a middle room with two sections for table service and a direct view of the DJ booth where “the music hits direct”; and a lounge with banquette seating and a dance floor.
Lorelei
737 N. Thornton Ave, Orlando, FL
Lorelei, a new wine bar from the pair behind Death in the Afternoon and Suffering Bastard, is now in Mills 50. Lorelei, named after the German siren of lore, opened this February across the street from Edoboy. Regarding wine selections, bottles will focus on “fun and delicious” wines, while by-the-glass options will be “cool and exciting.”
Phat Ash Bakes
221 S Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
274 N Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801
Phat Ash Bakes, a cookie bakery, is now open in the Milk District and . The new retail experience is open at the Milk Stacks apartment complex. Phat Ash Bakes is known for baking small-batch cookies made to order, from snickerdoodle french toast to red velvet, and hosting themed bake nights.
Pups Pub – Clermont
898 W Montose St, Clermont, Florida 34711
After a short-lived life in Downtown Orlando this pup-centric pub is opening in Clermont sometime soon. As long as your pup is fully up to date on vaccines, has been registered, and is well behaved you can let them off-leash as you mingle or relax and enjoy your favorite sports on the TVs.
Dougie’s Dog Bar
1978 Stanhome Way, Orlando, FL 32804
Next to High Point Climbing and Fitness
Big news, Orlando! Dougie’s Dog Bar is bringing a new kind of hangout to The Packing District. This open-air bar and dining space will feature a large outdoor patio, a dog play yard with a splash pad, a stage for live music, and even a jumbotron for big games and events. Designed for both humans and their pups, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, socialize, and sip something cold while your furry friend has fun.
What's New at Orlando's Theme Parks
Although ICON Park is not a theme park, something big will open there in 2026 – maybe? Blue Man Group will open a brand-new theater at ICON Park in Orlando. This custom-built 578-seat venue, located beneath the Orlando Eye, will feature their signature blend of art, live music, comedy, and non-verbal performance. Blue Man Group shows will run Tuesday through Sunday, with options for VIP experiences, meet-and-greets, and dinner packages.
Blue Man Group was supposed to open way back in April 2025, but is delayed with no new opening date set.
New Experiences at Walt Disney World
Coming soon to Disney Springs West Side – Level 99! Level 99 is a first-of-its-kind destination for adults featuring real-world, interactive social gaming with over 50 physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. In addition to fun and games, check out Night Shift Kitchen & Tap at Level99, serving legendary craft beers, hand-made creative cocktails, award-winning Detroit-style pizza, and more.
Now open, Bourbon Steak by acclaimed chef Michael Mina will be the newest addition to The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. With a re-imagined modern take on the American steakhouse, Bourbon Steak serves premium cuts of beef and seafood infused with global flavors.
New restaurants at Walt Disney World have opened, including a pirates-themed tavern in Adventureland.
In the coming years, an entire villain's land at Magic Kingdom will arise. A new, revamped musical show based on The Little Mermaid arrived at Disney's Hollywood Studios this summer with a new Villains Show debuted on the same day.
Best of all, perhaps, is the new Spaceship Earth Lounge now open at EPCOT!
One of our sibling sites, Tampa Bay Parenting has a full rundown of all the New Rides and Shows Coming to Walt Disney World.
What's New at Universal Orlando
Epic Universe park is here, and we love it! This beautiful new theme park has plenty of things for adults to do at Epic Universe, including multiple bars and lounges in Epic Universe.
New Coaster(s) at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld has revamped the Wild Arctic experience into a flying experience, Expedition Odyssey. And a new SeaQuest ride is opening in 2026 – stay tuned!
Here's to an exciting year in Orlando, with great things that arrived in 2025 and with more to come in 2026 too!
(Featured image of City Food Hall, by Jodi Caballero)
