Heads up: you may very well leave Foreigner Restaurant a changed person. Here, flavors, textures, awe, connection, and joy are doled out like notes forming the harmony of the kind of emotional & sensory experience anyone disillusioned with the world these days might’ve no longer felt was possible. But it is possible. And the best part is that you can go there and experience it, too.
You are taken care of and your comfort and enjoyment is the utmost priority from beginning to end. The way the team staggers your dining times allows them to spend focused moments with your party, so every course they set in front of you has an extra, personalized touch. As everyone knows, Chef Bruno is a treasure, and every moment with him is a gift of warmth and knowledge. He exudes the most welcoming, calming vibes that instantly make you feel at home. The time he spends with each guest party truly sets the experience here apart. It’s cool to see the way the team works together to execute each course. You get to see their skills, their cool equipment, how they arrange unique, custom made dishes and utensils. Their cohesion is apparent and authentic.
Dishes are often comprised of locally sourced ingredients, always expertly prepared and plated. There was not a thing I would change or prefer a different way. Even when donned with my least favorite foods like oysters or eggplant, I could’ve liked every plate clean. They have achieved a balance of innovation (like cotton candy wrapped cheese on a stick) with the simple elegance of a perfected traditional techniques (e.g., the best, crispiest duck you’ve ever had). They also have a bread and charcuterie course!!! I’m now convinced that every tasting menu in Orlando needs a dedicated bread & charcuterie course. I can’t remember what life was like before having a tasting menu experience with a bread & charcuterie course. The dessert stands on its own rather than being somewhat of an afterthought, which is really impressive for a restaurant that already hits the mark and then some on every one of its dinner courses.
I tend to not be much of an add-on or optional enhancements person, so believe me when I say that as much as I am already dreaming about my next visit to Foreigner Restaurant, I would never dream of doing so without opting in for the Iberico jamon. It. Is. Life. Changing. I never would’ve thought that a plate of thin jamon slices could change the way I see the world, but here we are. I can’t remember what life was like before the jamon, either.
The temperature in the dining room is perfect, the lighting is perfect, the music is perfect, the seating is perfect. Service is not only flawless but also such a major aspect of what makes the overall experience so comfortable and welcoming. I hate how much I’m overusing the word “experience,” but everything else in the thesaurus really falls short of describing what it’s like here. While my husband and I have been to several chef’s tasting menus, this was my mother’s first time; she’s never been to anything like this and tends to balk at places with a per person price above $100. Let me tell you, she was raving about every single aspect of this experience before we even left. The fact that they can create something equally incredible for someone brand new to and somewhat more versed in this type of dining is evidence of their unpretentious genius.
You will be impressed. You will become a broken record of “Wow”. You will have loads of fun. You may even tear up a little after the first bite of lamb. Whatever dish it is that sends you, you will want to come back and experience...
Read moreA Culinary Journey: The Foreigner Celebrates Two Years of Excellence
Congratulations to The Foreigner on marking two extraordinary years in Orlando's dining scene! This restaurant has consistently proven itself to be one of the city's best culinary destinations since opening its doors.
My husband and I have been loyal patrons throughout these two years, witnessing firsthand Chef Bruno's masterful evolution. What keeps us coming back isn't just the exceptional food—it's the passion that permeates every aspect of the dining experience.
Our recent anniversary dinner coincided with The Foreigner's two-year milestone, and Chef Bruno crafted what can only be described as a "greatest hits" menu—a sentimental journey through dishes that have defined the restaurant's meteoric rise.
The creativity on display was nothing short of spectacular. An ice cream sandwich elevated with foie gras demonstrated Chef Bruno's playful yet sophisticated approach to fine dining. The lobster and uni dish showcased his deft hand with delicate seafood, while the Caldo Verde—a personal favorite—paid homage to his cultural influences with modern flair.
Perhaps most memorable was the whimsical cheese course that would make Willy Wonka proud: a cloud of cotton candy concealing an exquisite cheese at its center—a perfect balance of childlike wonder and refined palate.
Wine director Brett's pairings deserve equal acclaim. His encyclopedic knowledge transforms each glass into a story—detailing terroir, production methods, and the thoughtful reasoning behind each pairing. The symbiotic relationship between Brett's selections and Chef Bruno's cuisine creates moments of pure gastronomic harmony.
What distinguishes The Foreigner is Chef Bruno's unwavering commitment to local producers. He doesn't simply source locally; he educates diners about Florida's agricultural bounty, transforming each meal into an appreciation of our regional treasures.
The service team operates with ballet-like precision while maintaining genuine warmth. Each staff member contributes to an atmosphere that feels both special and welcoming—a difficult balance that The Foreigner strikes perfectly.
Two years in, The Foreigner has established itself as an essential part of Orlando's culinary identity. Chef Bruno's vision—honoring guests with not just extraordinary food but a complete experience—has created a restaurant that transcends mere dining. How lucky are we indeed to have this culinary treasure in our...
Read moreMy wife and I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Foreigner for a Saturday night date, and the experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment we booked our reservation online, we knew this would be more than just dinner—it was a curated culinary event. Guests are offered the choice between a 4-course or 11-course tasting menu, with the option to add wine pairings. We opted for the 11-course meal with pairings, and we’re glad we did.
Nestled in an unassuming strip mall, The Foreigner’s location might catch you off guard. But experience will transport you. The space is small yet elegant: a sleek bar for up to 10 guests and a single long communal table that also seats 10. It’s designed to make you feel part of something special—and it does.
We were greeted and seated immediately, welcomed with a refreshing fruit-infused water. Shortly after, Chef Bruno personally introduced himself and gave us a preview of the evening’s menu. He also offered a few tempting à la carte upgrades, like freshly sliced jamón and luxurious black truffles.
Each dish was beautifully plated and thoughtfully described, highlighting not just the ingredients, but their origins and preparation methods. Nearly all the produce used was locally sourced, which added a thoughtful, sustainable touch. With each new course came a perfectly matched wine, accompanied by a brief but informative story of its region and characteristics.
The menu featured an impressive variety, including oysters, mussels, rabbit, pork, and lamb—each dish cooked to perfection and bursting with their natural flavor. The attention to detail, both in taste and presentation, was clear in every bite.
The entire staff, from chefs to servers, was warm, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do. Their hospitality made us feel genuinely welcomed and taken care of. The pacing of the evening was spot-on, with the full experience lasting about two hours—enough time to savor every course without ever feeling rushed.
By the end of the night, we were fully satisfied and already looking forward to our next visit. The Foreigner isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to celebrate food, wine, and community.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a truly memorable...
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