{"id":369233,"date":"2026-08-12T10:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/369233\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T10:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:00:13","slug":"magical-dining-188-restaurants-38-newcomers-1-michelin-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/369233\/","title":{"rendered":"Magical Dining: 188 restaurants, 38 newcomers, 1 Michelin star"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWe\u2019ve always believed that great dining should feel exciting and approachable, not intimidating,\u201d chef Ryan Ratino once told me.<\/p>\n

Ratino\u2019s resume currently boasts five Michelin stars over four restaurants, one of which sits right here in town: Winter Park\u2019s \u00d4mo by J\u00f4nt<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It was the Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards\u2019 Best New Restaurant in 2025<\/a>, a place that had lots of laidback to go along with the luxe. All of which tracked when I heard that this year, \u00d4mo would make its Magical Dining debut.<\/p>\n

While its counter takes guests on an extended culinary odyssey \u2014 one that generally clocks in at $195 or $375 per person (how\u2019s that for intimidating?) \u2014 \u00d4mo\u2019s cozy-but-no-less-comely salon offers several more affordable experiences with the same gracious service and micro attention to detail.<\/p>\n

During Visit Orlando\u2019s Magical Dining<\/a>, however, guests can enjoy three courses here for $60. Quite the departure.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was definitely the fun part and the challenge,\u201d says Ratino.<\/p>\n

\"Omo\u00d4mo by Jont will present its Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining menu to guests in The Salon, a chic, living room-like space at the Michelin-starred restaurant in Winter Park. (Rich Pope\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

\u201c\u00d4mo is built around a progressive tasting experience, so we normally have a lot more interaction and a lot more courses throughout the meal. Taking the philosophy of what we do and translating it into three courses at a $60 price point meant we had to be very intentional.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a record-breaking 188 restaurants on deck, Magical Dining (Aug. 14-Sept. 30) has given them a wonderful opportunity to do so.<\/p>\n

Sure, the program, now heading into its 21st year, was founded to help local restaurants get through a time of year when business often slows, but it has since evolved into the annual dine-for-a-cause event that fans practically gamify while planning their monthlong strategy.<\/p>\n

\"Omo\u00d4mo by Jont sous chef Tanner O’Ben adds a finishing touch to a black cod dish with California sake, clams and turnips at the Michelin-starred restaurant in Winter Park. (Rich Pope\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

One dollar from every $40 prix-fixe menu and $2 from every $60 offering go directly to each year\u2019s primary beneficiary, a nonprofit based right here in Central Florida.<\/p>\n

In 2026, that\u2019s OCA<\/a>, which stands for Opportunity, Community, Ability. It\u2019s an organization that provides programs and resources for individuals with autism and developmental differences and their families, and partners with other regional and national organizations.<\/p>\n

\"Lizzy'sLizzy’s Live’s Magical Dining menu includes this ceviche dish as an appetizer option. (Courtesy Lizzy’s Live)<\/p>\n

Matej says what makes Magical Dining so special is its three-part recipe, melding support for local businesses, wonderful experiences for the guests and the all-important charity element.<\/p>\n

Ratino loves the way it cultivates participation by and for the restaurants involved, as well as how it gives back.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u00d4mo is still a relatively young restaurant, and we\u2019ve been fortunate enough to build a really special community around what we do,\u201d says Ratino.<\/p>\n

\"Omo\u00d4mo by Jont presents black cod with California sake, clams, and turnips, front; Hiramasa with tomato and gochujang, right; and kakigori, shaved ice with hazelnut, kinako and chocolate as part of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining menu at the Michelin-starred restaurant in Winter Park. (Rich Pope\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

\u201cMagical Dining gives us a chance to introduce that experience to even more people in Orlando who may not have had the chance to visit us yet. The program has such a strong following and I love the idea of being a part of something that celebrates the restaurant community as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00d4mo is one of 38 new participating restaurants this year.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the only \u201cstar\u201d but sits among 15 others you\u2019ll find in the current Florida Michelin Guide, places like 1921 in Mount Dora<\/a> ($60), Otto\u2019s High Dive<\/a> in Orlando\u2019s Milk District ($40) and Primo by Melissa Kelly<\/a> ($60) located inside the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.<\/p>\n

\"WithWith live entertainment, Lizzy’s Live on Sand Lake Road offers something altogether different than the average Magical Dining experience. Pictured here, the miso-glazed salmon entree from their prix-fixe menu. (Courtesy Lizzy’s Live)<\/p>\n

Lizzy\u2019s Live may not be Michelin-recommended, but it, as well as venues like Jazz Tastings in Maitland, has something that might appeal even more to some Magical Diners: live entertainment.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s right in the name at the latter, but Lizzy\u2019s features performers from a wide range of genres, serving up a $40 menu with items including miso-glazed salmon and chili-chocolate braised short ribs.<\/p>\n

\"HaveHave you had the chance to check out any of Universal’s newer offerings? Magical Dining is a great excuse to hit up the Universal Helios Grand Hotel for Bar Helios’ $60 menu. It’s their first year as part of the program. (Courtesy Visit Orlando)<\/p>\n

\u201cComponents like live music make Magical Dining like dinner and a show, a great option for a big group of friends to treat it like a dinner club,\u201d says Matej. \u201cIt\u2019s very exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, too, are options like Bar Helios at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews property.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just had the one-year anniversary of Epic Universe,\u201d Matej notes.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re among those still waiting to experience the park, Bar Helios can at least get you ringside for its nightly light show. A circular bar is the central feature of the rooftop venue, where an open-air terrace affords impressive views.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Matej offers tips to those looking to time their reservations.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would say the sweet spot is around the 8 o\u2019clock hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Universal Celestial Goodnight times out with the park\u2019s closing, 9 p.m. on standard nights. Its synchronized lights, lasers and fireworks come without park admission at Bar Helios.<\/p>\n

Best New Restaurant: Chef Ryan Ratino\u2019s \u00d4mo by J\u00f4nt is a star-powered stunner<\/a><\/p>\n

While some Magical Diners enjoy hitting up their favorites for dishes they love at a discount, others tap restaurants they\u2019ve been curious about but haven\u2019t managed to visit yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore often than not, when I\u2019m talking to people, this is what I hear,\u201d Matej tells me. \u201cThey\u2019re using it as an opportunity to try new restaurants, visit new areas \u2026 it\u2019s an opportunity to try different types of food. There\u2019s an incredible range of cuisines from around the world represented.\u201d<\/p>\n

Restaurant staffers love the opportunity to do so while meeting new guests that might become familiar.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one of the most special things about Magical Dining,\u201d says Ratino. \u201cIt gets people actively participating in the restaurant community rather than just going to the same places they already know\u2026. It\u2019s a great opportunity to try something outside of your comfort zone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"KyleighKyleigh Sprigle adds kinako to a Kakigori, a shaved ice dessert created in The Salon space at the Michelin-starred restaurant in Winter Park. (Rich Pope\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

At \u00d4mo, that might be Hokkaido scallop with almond, rice vinegar and pluot. Or hazelnut kakigori with hazelnut, kinako and chocolate.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are a lot of things on this menu I\u2019m really excited about,\u201d Ratino says, noting there\u2019s also a peach version of the kakigori, a Japanese shave ice dessert that\u2019s one of my favorite things in the world. Especially this time of year.<\/p>\n

\u201c[The different versions] give us a chance to play with something that\u2019s very refreshing and texturally different to finish the meal\u2026. Hopefully, guests find something that surprises them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of course, old favorites are nice, too.<\/p>\n

Magical Dining: Record-breaking 188 restaurant roster includes 38 newcomers, 16 Michelin Guide-recognized<\/a><\/p>\n

Among Matej\u2019s favorites: Kabooki Sushi<\/a>, which offers Magical Dining menus in both its locations. Same goes for its multi-year James Beard finalist chef, Henry Moso\u2019s newest concept: Mosonori<\/a>. She also gives a shout-out to Ilume<\/a> at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can tell I love sushi,\u201d she laughs. \u201cBut this venue has indoor and outdoor seating and is another where you can see Disney fireworks. I really enjoy that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hasn\u2019t been to \u00d4mo by J\u00f4nt yet, though. So that\u2019s on her 2026 list, too.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d get a reservation post-haste.<\/p>\n

A Michelin-starred meal for $60 is not something that happens every day. I\u2019d get a reservation post-haste.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that constraint actually pushed us creatively,\u201d Ratino confesses. \u201cIt made us ask ourselves what are the things that really represent \u00d4mo and how can we communicate that through a three-course format.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram\u00a0@amydroo<\/a>\u00a0or on the OSFoodie Instagram account\u00a0@orlando.foodie<\/a>. Email:\u00a0amthompson@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. For more foodie fun, join the\u00a0Let\u2019s Eat, Orlando Facebook group<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you go<\/p>\n

\u00d4mo by J\u00f4nt: 115 E. Lyman Ave, in Winter Park<\/p>\n

1921: 142 E. 4th Ave. in Mount Dora<\/p>\n

Otto\u2019s High Dive: 2304 E. Robinson St. in Orlando<\/p>\n

Primo by Melissa Kelly: 4040 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando<\/p>\n

Lizzy\u2019s Live: 7722 W. Sand Lake Road in Orlando<\/p>\n

Jazz Tastings: 164 Lake Ave. in Maitland<\/p>\n

Kabooki Sushi: 3122 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando and 7705 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando<\/p>\n

Mosonori: 1100 S. Orlando Ave, Suite A, in Winter Park<\/p>\n

Ilume: 14900 Chelonia Parkway in Orlando<\/p>\n

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