group of women enjoying drinks at an event

If you’re planning a big event in sunny Orlando, you’re probably on the hunt for an amazing venue. Somewhere with plenty of space, tons of charm, and a menu that’ll please every palate. Florida Charter Bus Company is no stranger to taking big parties to the best event venues in the state, so you can take it from us when we say Orlando has the most crowd-pleasing spots around.

Tapa Toro

Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit is an experience fitting the city of amusement parks and vacation dreams. A reception-style buy-out event can boast up to 350 people roaming between carving stations and watching flamenco dancers while plucking savory tapas off of servers trays.

Tapa Toro includes 4 event spaces including the main dining room and private rotunda. You can also reserve the outdoor patio or 12-person Paella Pit—perfect for a small corporate team or bachelorette dinner. Their family-style menu includes an array of hot and cold tapas like Grilled Octopus, Spanish Frittata, Tomato-Rubbed Bread, and Ham Croquettes.

$$. Spanish restaurant with live flamenco dancers and a paella pit. 8441 International Dr., Suite #260, Orlando, FL 32819. (404) 487-4890. tapatoro.restaurant

Paddlefish

In the mood for some seafood? Paddlefish can deliver like no other. This iconic Disney Springs restaurant and bar is located on a reimagined steamboat docked on the shores of Lake Buena Vista.

Groups can take over any of the Paddlefish’s three decks. The first and third deck feature both indoor and outdoor access. Up to 65 guests can fit on the first deck for a lobster boil, and up to 250 people can enjoy a buy-out of the third deck. The weather-proof second deck boasts beautiful windowed views of Lake Buena Vista and Disney Springs. Want to reserve the entire steamboat? You can fit up to 1000 people reception-style.

Serving styles range from buffets with passed or served appetizers and stations, or a sit-down group dinner. Enjoy uniquely inspired dishes like Swordfish with wasabi mashed potatoes, Snow Crab Legs, shrimp & cheddar grits, and vegetarian cavatappi pasta. The Paddlefish also has Special Event Planners who can help you with the details of your dinner.

$$$. Downtown Disney American restaurant on a replica steamboat featuring surf & turf. 1670 Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, FL 32830. (407) 934-2628. paddlefishrestaurant.com.

Orlando Florida lake with swans

Taverna Opa

“The night isn’t over until the ouzo runs out!” according to this high-spirited Greek restaurant. (By the way, we hear the ouzo never runs out.) Taverna Opa boasts both a main and private dining room with all the fixings: audio/visual equipment, in-house DJ, bar package and live entertainment including belly dancing and Zorba dancing.

They offer four group menus: the Acropolis, the Hercules, the Zeus and the Aphrodite. Each one serves special third course entrees alongside appetizers like Tzatziki, Spanakopita, and calamari. Opt for Aphrodite if you want 36-hour marinated Lamb Chops and Chicken Brochette served with Yiayia’s veggies and lemon potatoes. Craving more seafood? The Acropolis menu comes stacked with surf & turf and chilean sea bass.

$$. Authentic Greek restaurant with a lively atmosphere, live entertainment and DJ options. 9101 International Dr. Suite #2240, 2nd Level of Pointe Orlando, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 351-8660. opaorlando.com

The Boheme Restaurant

If you’re seeking a classy and sophisticated group dining affair, look no further than The Boheme Restaurant. For an ultra exclusive event, The Boheme offers unique private dining rooms filled with original furnishings and art fit for power lunches, birthday dinners, or just a well-deserved good time.

Start your evening with a signature cocktail like The Apollo—Hennessey VSOP Privilege, Cointreau, lemon juice, orange-bitters & orange infused cube—or the Cloud 9 Lychee Martini, a mix of 14 day lychee-infused Zodiac Idaho Potato vodka with St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, mint and lime. Fill up on one-of-a-kind bites of Bohemian Calamari, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, 1855 Black Angus Burger, and Mushroom & Creme Fraiche Oven Baked Pizza.

This will be one meal your party won’t forget.

$$$. Sophisticated, artfully-inspired restaurant serving New American cuisine at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando. 325 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. (407) 581-4700. kesslercollection.com/boheme-restaurant.

buffet dinner with salad, seafood, bread, and more

Vines Grille and Wine Bar

Call Vines Grille for a classy night of fine wine and a quality meal in a modern and sophisticated setting. Group parties here can fit up to 120 guests in both indoor and outdoor reception areas like the Veranda Terrace, The Fountain, and private Cypress Room. If you have a small group of 20, you can get cozy in the intimate Arnold Palmer Wine Room.

When you reserve, you’ll be able to customize your menu. The Vines Grille is known for a lavish raw bar including fresh oysters, Alaskan King crab legs, and market caviar. Your guests will also enjoy Grilled Octopus and Squid Ink Ravioli, and steaks like New York strip and Wagyu beef paired with lobster tail, scallops or truffle butter.

$$$. A modern and sophisticated high-end seafood and steakhouse. 7533 Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 351-1227. vinesgrille.com

Highball & Harvest

Highball & Harvest Kitchen & Bar at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a classy, elegant host for group gatherings. Impress the boss at a company lunch or wow your guests with a cocktail party. The large private dining room can host up to 65 guests for dinner, but you can also bring them to the Fountain Courtyard or covered, garden-view Terrace to enjoy that Florida weather.

As for the menu? Don’t be shy dining here. Dig into super plates like Triple Dipped Fried Chicken, or BBQ Lamb and Shrimp & Grits paired with “fixins’” like Fried Okra and Cracklin’ Hushpuppies. H&H is also well known for their handcrafted cocktails. Sit back and sip on something like the Doc Holliday, a mix of Tito’s Vodka with blueberry jam and house ginger-beer, or maybe the local Florida beers on tap are more your style.

$$$. Southern-inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837. (407) 393-4422. ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/orlando/dining/highball-and-harvest

Cuba Libre

Want to really entertain and treat your group? Head to Cuba Libre for an unforgettable night. This restaurant boasts two floors of authentic decor, upbeat Latin music and 8 different private party. The Plaza Vieja can seat up to 330 folks for the hottest party in town—literally. This unique second-floor event space is designed to feel and look like an outdoor Cuban Plaza in Havana. Other colorful spaces include The Miramar Patio and dazzling Vedado.

A party here can be a full buffet, a sit-down dinner, breakfast or lunch, or cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres. Start with bites like Chicken Croquetas, Grilled Baby Octopus, and plantain chips with black bean and roasted cauliflower hummus. Then fill up at the entree, paella or carving stations stocked with Banana Leaf Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast or Ropa Vieja.

$$$. Authentic cuban bites and rum bar in a bright, Caribbean-style venue. 9101 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 226-1600. cubalibrerestaurant.com

group seated on bus

Group Transportation with Florida Charter Bus Company

If you’re traveling with a group in and around Orlando you’ll want safe, reliable transportation. Florida Charter Bus Company has access to a fleet of motor coaches and minibuses perfect for your next group event. Whether you need a bus for a corporate dinner, wedding reception, or family reunion, call us at 813-381-5064 to tell us about your ideal itinerary. Leave the logistics to us while you focus on enjoying a meal and time spent with family and friends.