Best Splurge

Kaya is Orlando’s first Filipino fine dining experience — the city’s best new restaurant executing on this level — and it comes with the cadence of, well, Kadence.

It’s just one of the posh places chef/co-owner Lordfer Lalicon honed his skills (see Restaurant of the Year story).

And in this gorgeous venue located in a beautifully reimagined bungalow (the former home of Dandelion Communitea Cafe), his guests can wade hungrily into the graceful waves of the Sama Sama tasting menu, a beautifully paced multicourse experience

that clocks in at a reasonable $95 per person. It’s as ideal for an intimate date night as it is for a group night out with family and friends. And the cocktail menu is sublime.

Over in the Milk District, Juju’s Kappo offers up an exquisite omakase experience at the counter. Ten courses highlight a multitude of cooking experiences that highlight the team’s formidable expertise and feature delights such as A5 wagyu, binchotan-seared delights and dry-aged fish made in-house. $160 per guest (sake pairing an additional $80).

It’s fancy — but at Juju — also casual and fun.

Returning from last year: Soseki Modern Omakase — now with a bright new Michelin star! This one’s got a lot of dollar signs — $265 and up per person — but takes guests on seasonal explorations in meditative and modern digs. Wine and sake pairings from beverage director Benjamin Coutts are an add-on you should seriously consider. This is the splurge category, after all.

Critic’s Choice Winner: Kaya (618 N. Thornton Ave. in Orlando, kayaorlando.com) Runners-up: Juju/Kappo (Orlando) and Soseki Modern Omakase (Winter Park)

Readers’ Choice Winner: Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster (729 Lee Road in Orlando, 407-6454443; christnersprimesteakandlobster.com) Runners-up: Victoria & Albert’s (Orlando) and Bull & Bear (Orlando)