Best Southern American Restaurants in Lake Nona South

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

Orlando

Neighborhoods

Hunters CreekI Drive / Sand LakeKissimmeeLake HartLake Nona SouthLee Vista

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for happy hourGreat for outdoor dining

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

17 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. BACÁN

4.7

Exceptional(1297)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Lake Nona South

Booked 46 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Lake Nona South neighborhood of Orlando, BACÁN offers an exceptional American dining experience that masterfully blends innovation with authenticity. Under the culinary direction of Michelin Guide awarded Chef Guillaume Robin, BACÁN invites diners into an extraordinary journey with its "world-class" service and "impeccable" presentation. Guests rave about the "amazing" flavors and the meticulous attention to detail, making each dish a "work of art." The Tuna Crudo and Carne Asada are crowd favorites, often described as "spectacular" and "bursting with flavor." With a chic ambiance and attentive service, BACÁN is truly a "gem" for American cuisine enthusiasts.

2. Garni Café

4.5

Awesome(42)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Lake Nona South

Booked 16 times today

A casual French menu comes to life in our botanical-inspired Café, which serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner daily. Fresh, flavorful, and colorful dishes bring a unique French flair to Lake Nona. A botanical-inspired dining room sets the stage for fresh and flavorful dishes and colorful beverages.For larger group dining reservations of 11-20 guests, we require a prefix menu. Please contact our dining reservations team: dining@lakenonawavehotel.com or 407-675-2481. Include your name, the date of your reservation, and the number of guests in your party and we will get back to you within 24 hours. Wave Pool for Cabana and Day passes please visit: https://lakenonawavehotel.ipoolside.com/

A photo of Nona Blue Modern Tavern restaurant

3. Nona Blue Modern Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(2601)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • South Orlando

Booked 43 times today

Nona Blue Modern Tavern in South Orlando is a haven for Tapas and Small Plates enthusiasts, offering a delightful "Shareables" menu that invites diners to relish diverse flavors in a vibrant setting. Founders Joe Davi and Bill Bona have crafted a menu that epitomizes the essence of communal dining, with fresh ingredients and scratch-made dishes that guarantee an authentic experience. Diners rave about the "amazing mussels" and the "incredible human" service, ensuring each visit is memorable. With a "happening bar and patio scene" and an extensive menu that pleases every palate, Nona Blue is a must-visit for those seeking quality and authenticity in small plates dining.

4. Curious Cork

4.6

Exceptional(160)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Lake Hart

Booked 15 times today

Curious Cork in Lake Hart, Orlando, masterfully delivers an exceptional Contemporary American experience that is both sophisticated and inviting. The cuisine is celebrated for its innovation and quality, with diners raving about the "amazing food" and the "fantastic dining experience." Guests appreciate the unique concept of a self-serve beer and wine bar, which adds a dynamic twist to the dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance and attentive service from knowledgeable staff, like their sommelier, are frequently praised, offering a cozy yet upscale environment. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or new to the scene, Curious Cork makes Contemporary American cuisine an adventure worth exploring.

5. Tempo + Grace

4.3

Awesome(29)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Lake Nona South

Booked 3 times today

Tempo + Grace Handcrafted Kitchen, where culinary excellence meets ethical sourcing. Nestled in the heart of Lake Nona South, our restaurant is dedicated to serving locally sourced, sustainability crafted, and always fresh food. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the finest ingredients. Join us on a flavor journey here at Tempo + Grace Handcrafted Kitchen.Parties of 6 or more will be charged an automatic gratuity of 20 percent.

A photo of Hemisphere Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport restaurant

6. Hemisphere Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport

4.6

Exceptional(408)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • South Orlando

Booked 5 times today

Hemisphere Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport is a hidden gem offering exquisite South American cuisine that delights and excites. Chef de Cuisine Jason Moltz crafts seasonal menus that beautifully blend fresh, local ingredients with authentic South American flavors, creating a dining experience that's both "creative and well done." Guests rave about the "delicious" octopus and whole fried snapper, praising the dishes for their perfect seasoning and generous portions. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, coupled with stunning views of airplanes taking off and landing, sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Whether you're flying in or out, Hemisphere promises a culinary journey worth savoring.

7. Knife & Spoon

4.7

Exceptional(1428)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • I Drive / Sand Lake

Booked 13 times today

Knife & Spoon, located in the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, masterfully showcases the essence of authentic American cuisine, earning a prestigious MICHELIN Star in both 2022 and 2023. Under the expert leadership of Chef Tyler Kineman, this restaurant has become a beloved culinary destination. Guests frequently rave about the "deliciously done" dishes, with the steak and seafood offerings being "out of this world." Patrons consistently highlight the "superior service" and "attention to detail" that make dining here a memorable experience. From perfectly cooked steaks to creative seafood dishes, Knife & Spoon truly sets the standard for outstanding American dining.

A photo of Highball & Harvest restaurant

8. Highball & Harvest

4.6

Exceptional(1451)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • I Drive / Sand Lake

Booked 34 times today

Highball & Harvest, nestled in the vibrant I Drive / Sand Lake area of Orlando, is a premier destination for comfort food enthusiasts seeking both quality and authenticity. This restaurant seamlessly melds Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, offering dishes that are deeply satisfying and rich in flavor. Diners rave about the "juicy and tasteful skirt steak" and the "spectacular" donuts, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence. Fresh ingredients from local farms and their on-site garden at Whisper Creek Farm ensure that every dish bursts with farm-to-table freshness. With its "phenomenal" service and inviting ambiance, Highball & Harvest promises a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.

A photo of Rock & Brews - Lee Vista restaurant

9. Rock & Brews - Lee Vista

4.8

Exceptional(22)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • South Orlando

Booked 12 times today

We have it all! American food, craft beers, signature cocktails, large parties and private dining space, live music, catering, live sports, dog-friendly patios, and more!Rock your taste buds with our American inspired menu boasting creative spins on the standards. Our menu items are prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients from the local community. Wash down our culinary creations with one of our 48+ craft beers on tap from local, national, and international breweries or check out our signature cocktails and extensive bourbon and tequila selections! The restaurant can accommodate sports fanatics and large parties of any size (including family and corporate gatherings, youth sports teams, and rehearsal dinners) in our sizable dining room or on our private patios. The restaurant also features live music, weekday lunch specials, a dog-friendly outdoor patio (ask to see our dog menu), and brunch on the weekends.

A photo of King Crab - Orlando restaurant

10. King Crab - Orlando

4.6

Exceptional(193)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Hunters Creek

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hunters Creek, Orlando, King Crab offers a delectable dive into authentic American cuisine with a seafood twist that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Known for its "OUTSTANDING service" and "FOOD TO DIE FOR," this restaurant has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Guests rave about the "incredibly flavorful" crab boils and the "fresh, flavorful" seafood that keeps them coming back. The restaurant offers great value with "reasonably priced" dishes that don't compromise on quality. With friendly staff and a lively atmosphere, King Crab is the perfect spot for memorable dining experiences.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Al
Orlando / Central Florida East •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Outstanding dining experience in every way. Great selection of food and drink, fantastic atmosphere, excellent servers. Everyone in our party absolutely loved their meal. The pecan encrusted rainbow trout was the best I have ever had.
More info
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Winter Park
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4.7
C
ClaudiaVIP
Thailand •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food was fabulous, the fish, appetizers were amazing. I want to go back today. Suggestion only is to place mats or something on tables they are sticky and a bit uncomfortable. Loved the experience.
More info
Soco RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown Orlando
•
4.5
J
janis
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 17, 2025
Tim, our waiter, was the best. Attentive, but not overly. The food was delicious. The only negative was the Texas Toast. Pretty bland. Also, the cornbread was tasty but a bit dry. There was a lot of food! Got enough for the next day!
More info
MOJO Federal Swine & SpiritsPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Lakeland
•
4.6
V
VEOLETVIP
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 17, 2025
Awesome service with Alex & her colleague. They went above and beyond for us!
More info
Highball & HarvestPrice: Expensive• Southern• I Drive / Sand Lake
•
4.6
L
Lee
Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 6, 2025
The food was unreal! Between us we had bbq wings,marbled brisket, pulled pork & chicken. Big portions cooked to perfection. It was our first time trying corn bread. Reminded us of a suet pudding from back home delicious! The Lockers from Yorkshire, England.
More info
Brother Jimmy's BBQ - OrlandoPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• I Drive / Sand Lake
•
4.5

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