Graduation Restaurant Reservations

Make them sooner than later!

UCF holds graduation ceremonies three times per year with May being the largest ceremony, broken down by each college. Spring Graduation dates are April 30 – May 2 at the Addition Financial Arena. Hopefully, you have read our blog, Graduation at UCF, and made your hotel reservations. But if you are coming up with your entire family, you may want to make your restaurant reservations as many of the restaurants get extremely busy. To help you out, we are including in the listings the restaurants that take reservations and if they require a deposit to hold the reservation (some do). For other restaurant recommendations, see our blog on restaurants.

We will continue to add to this list regularly as we find more information but our suggestion is to make your plans early.

• 310 Lakeside – Downtown. Make a reservation as far in advance as you like. You can make the reservation online.  Brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday.
• Adriatico Trattoria Italiana– Call to make a reservation a month in advance. Closed Sundays.
• Armando’s – Rustic Italian restaurant in Winter Park. Call for reservations
• Bahama Breeze – Alafaya or I-Drive, if you prefer a bit nice, but a little further from campus. Takes reservations when you know your party size. It has a set menu for larger groups. Takes deposit depending on the size of the party.
• Big Fin Seafood Kitchen – Located just miles from the Orlando Orange County Convention Center along International Drive. seafood restaurant with a high-energy vibe, hearty portions & lots of happy-hour specials. Private dining room for special events but book far in advance.
• BJ’s – on RedBug Road, IDrive, and in the Mall of Millenia
• Blu on the Avenue – in Winter Park – reservations are recommended
• Bonefish Grill – Waterford. Takes reservations two weeks in advance. No deposits.
• Briar Patch– Winter Park. Brunch. No reservations. First come, first serve. No reservations.
• Brio – Winter Park. Takes reservations – call event coordinator if you want a private party
• Bucco Di Beppo – Maitland. Reservations recommended. Have private dining options.
• Capital Grille – Depending on the size of your party you may make reservations right on their website. They are located on International Drive. Excellent steakhouse.
• Cheddars Scratch Kitchen – No Reservations. Try to accommodate every party but may have to split up parties larger than 8.
• Cheesecake Factory – Winter Park, no reservation needed
• Coopers Hawk – Waterford. No Reservations. Try to accommodate every party but may have to split up parties larger than 8. Can accommodate a party of 10-15 on the 14th (Thurs) and 17th (Sunday) only. Deposits are non-refundable for private parties
• Cowfish – Sushi, burger bar. Takes reservations up to 6 pm 2 -4 weeks in advance, then first come first serve for dining after 6 p.m. Speak to the manager for larger parties.
• Dexter’s Winter Park – No reservation needed. Brunch and dinner options.
• DelMonico’s Italian Steakhouse – both Oviedo and Seaworld location – reservation recommended
• Earl’s Kitchen – Mall of Millenia, reservations recommended
• Emeril’s Orlando – Make reservations early in advance
• Flemming’s Prime Steakhouse – Winter Park. Reservations depend on the day of graduation and the size of the party. Private events up to 20,40 or 60. Private dining a month in advance. Daytime graduation can make private reservations for lunch
• Avenue Gastrobar – (brunch) Downtown. Takes reservations- private room for up to 50 persons
• Grand Bohemian – Downtown Orlando. You need to make a reservation. Sunday brunch fixed price/buffet. $49 for adults/$29 for kids
• Hamilton’s Kitchen – in Winter Park, but worth the drive. Reservations recommended.
• Hillstone – Winter Park. No reservations – groups up to 6 guests
• Kobe Japanese Steakhouse – reservations available
• Kres Chophouse – Downtown. Takes reservations about 3 months in advance. Groups with 14 or more are provided with a choice menu. Keeps your card on file
• Luma on Park – Winter Park. Reservations made far in advance (1 yr) Up to 20 persons for reservation in the main dining room. Private dining is up to 42 persons.
• Maggiano’s – On I-drive, individual meals or family-style Italian, have private dining and special event rooms or regular seating. Reservation is highly recommended.
• Ocean Prime – another Steakhouse on IDrive and Sand Lake. Reservations are recommended
• Omelet Bar – Plaza-brunch. Taking reservations. No deposit.
• Pepe’s Cantina – Mexican Grille, in Winter Park, Downtown and I-drive, can make reservations
• P.F. Changs – in Winter Park. You can make reservations, but only for up to 6 people.
• Prato – Winter Park. Make a reservation as soon as you can. A card is kept on file when making the reservation. Charges a fee for a no-show.
• Rocco’s Tacos – takes reservations, on Sand Lake, an upscale, delicious, and fun Mexican style restaurant.
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Winter Park. Takes reservations – the earlier the better. Over 20 ppl, try to get a set menu.
• Seasons 52 – Altamonte Springs. Taking reservations.
• Shakai Sushi Lounge – Reservations only for 5 or more people. Will hold for 15 minutes and everyone has to be present to be seated.
• STK Orlando – Disney Springs. Reservation recommended.
• Texas De Brazil – a Brazilian steakhouse on I-Drive
• The Boathouse – Downtown Disney. Reservation highly recommended.
• The Melting Pot – on Sand Lake. They have a celebration package as well and can make reservations.
• The Oceanair Seafood Room – On Universal Blvd., a little pricier, but great seafood, steaks, and wine list. Reservation highly recommended.
• The Palm Orlando – Takes reservations. A private party is 10 – 55 people.
• The Porch – (brunch) – Winter Park. Takes reservations. For Spring, make reservations starting in January. Catering option for 50 persons.
• The Ravenous Pig – Reservations highly recommended.
• The Rusty Spoon – Downtown. Reservations recommended and can be made online, but only for up to 6 people.
• Yard House – Located on I Drive 360 (International Drive). Reservations recommended.

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