The Drake Kitchen + Bar — Restaurant in Orlando

A Five-Star Experience at The Drake

From the moment we stepped into The Drake, it was clear that we were in for an exceptional dining experience. The warmth and professionalism of the staff set the tone for the evening, effortlessly accommodating our large party with the kind of grace and efficiency that speaks volumes of their training and dedication. This restaurant is a masterclass in hospitality, catering to both small gatherings and large groups with equal finesse.

The Drake's interior is a feast for the eyes, boasting a design that marries modernity with a nod to the classic. Edison light fixtures cast a warm glow over the dining area, highlighting splashes of color from meticulously chosen wall art and creating an ambiance that is both inviting and sophisticated. Despite being at full capacity, the clever layout of the space meant that we never felt crowded, and the low noise level allowed for easy conversation.

The menu at The Drake is nothing short of a culinary adventure. Having had the pleasure of sampling nearly everything on offer in previous visits, I can attest to the consistent excellence of the cuisine. Tonight, however, I focused on capturing the essence of our current selections. Each dish was a testament to the kitchen's commitment to quality, presented with an eye for beauty that matched the flavors on the plate.

The drink menu is a treasure trove of innovative concoctions, with classics reimagined and new creations that dazzle. The Eternal Spring and Old Spaniard were personal highlights, offering refreshing and robust flavors respectively, while the Juvenile provided a rich coffee note that was utterly compelling. My wife's choice of the Grow a Pear mocktail was a revelation, delivering a burst of fresh pear flavor that was beautifully complemented by ginger and honey. It warrants mentioning that nearly all of the cocktails can be made into mocktails if you’re looking for an alcohol-free evening.

Our starters set a high bar for the evening, with the Zaatar spiced flatbread and its accompanying dips winning unanimous praise. The black-eyed peas hummus was a standout, its garlic punch and silky texture being a crowd favorite. The wedge salad, with its smoky lardon and sublime sesame dressing should not be missed. The hand-cut frites with their unique mushroom and carrot ketchups was another highlight opening our eyes to a new world of ketchup concepts that are sweet, savory, and packed with umami.

The main courses continued to impress. The off-menu bone-in ribeye steak was a highlight, perfectly cooked and accompanied by expertly roasted sides. The cauliflower dish, with its tender yet crispy texture, was a hit among our vegetarian friends, proving that The Drake's prowess extends across all dietary preferences. Previously, we indulged in the Prime Aged New York Strip, another phenomenal selection, generously portioned for sharing.

Dessert was a special treat, with an off-menu flan that might just be the best I've ever tasted. Its smooth custard and perfectly balanced caramel were a fitting end to a meal that was, in every sense, flawless. However, I must emphasize that if you find yourself deliberating between the on-menu Goat Cheese Pan Basco (a Basque cheesecake) and the chocolate budino, rest assured, opting for both will leave you thoroughly delighted as each dessert boasts a sublime balance of flavors without being excessively sweet.

In summary, The Drake is a gem of culinary excellence. Its combination of stunning design, impeccable service, and exquisite food and drink make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a dining experience that truly stands out. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply in search of a meal that will linger in your memory, The Drake delivers...

I want to begin by saying that my initial experience with The Drake was not a positive one. After my first visit, I never believed I would ever return. After my second visit, not only am I going to become a regular customer, but this restaurant has become one of my new favorite spots to eat in all of Orlando. The fact that they took the initiative to correct where they originally went wrong and guaranteed that I would not be disappointed if I gave them a 2nd chance speaks volumes of their integrity, character and dedication to what they do. How many businesses can say they address a customer's concerns to that extent and go above and beyond to correct what went wrong? Very few and far between.

The restaurant space is modern, eclectic and all around stunning. My favorite aspect is the message behind their decor which I was lucky enough to learn all about from their gracious owner, Roger, who stopped by our table to share the restaurant's story with my boyfriend & I. He and his wife are absolutely lovely and it's plain to see they are passionate about their business and ensuring each customer who walks through their door is treated like family. Our server, Cameron, was so wonderful and he provided a completely memorable experience for us. So friendly, attentive, enthusiastic and helpful in making menu recommendations. We couldn't have asked for anyone better - He is a gem & they are lucky to have him on the team.

The food! I was BLOWN away by the food. We shared the Zaatar Spiced Flatbread to start and we could not get enough of the dips - The black eyed peas hummus with black garlic oil was heavenly. The flatbread was served warm with the perfect amount of rosemary seasoning (they are massive pieces too!) This was definitely a larger portion (probably better for 3 people) so keep that in mind when ordering. Next, I opted for the Prime Aged Beef NY Strip Steak for my main. Oh my gosh.. This steak was PERFECTION. Who knew a strip steak could be so tender? If I hadn't known, I would have guessed it was filet mignon. The char on the exterior was on point and the marrow soubise/shiraz gastrique really elevated the dish and tied it all flawlessly together. My boyfriend chose the Gulf Coast Snapper for his main and we agreed that it was very tasty (the fish was perfectly crusted). Just when we didn't think it could get any better.. We shared the Pavlova de Maiz for dessert and we were in awe of how darn delicious it was. No exaggeration: This was one of the best desserts I've ever tried in my entire life. I have never tasted anything quite like it before and the flavors & textures blended together beautifully. Order it and thank me later.

I could have not dreamed of a better experience at The Drake. Even if your initial visit was not all you had hoped for, I urge you to give them another chance - They are working through some kinks that are to be expected when a brand new restaurant makes its' debut, but they are truly the real deal and I believe they are on track to become one of the finest...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Drake Kitchen + Bar in Orlando, FL, and I must say, it truly was an experience. This cozy locale, with its strange yet charming configuration, adds to the allure of this downtown dining gem. As a global cuisine restaurant, The Drake features internationally inspired dishes that evolve with the seasons, incorporating local and regional ingredients produced with sustainable practices whenever possible.

The menu is diverse and exciting, with dishes like the signature "Duck, Duck, Goose" plate, which was a highlight of my meal. Although one of the pieces of meat came out a bit cold, the combination of duck strudel, aged duck breast, and goose foie gras was pleasant and flavorful. However, I was disappointed with the Arancini dish from the Happy Hour menu, which lacked taste and left me feeling like I was just filling up without any real flavor.

The service at The Drake was friendly, but it seemed like the servers were still getting accustomed to managing orders. As a tapas-style restaurant, dishes come out as they're prepared, rather than in traditional courses. This can be a bit challenging for larger groups, as some diners may receive their food before others. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, but there were a few missteps, such as taking my glass with leftover beer and not returning with my new drink for when we were done eating and waitingfor the bill.

Despite these minor issues, The Drake offers a pleasant dining experience, with a great selection of cocktails and outdoor seating that allows dogs. The price range is a bit higher, at around $30-$50 per person, but the unique features and cozy ambiance make it a great spot to try. Just be aware of the tapas-style service and plan accordingly, especially if you're dining with a large group. Overall, I would recommend The Drake Kitchen + Bar for its creative dishes, charming atmosphere, and great outdoor...