!WOW! I can’t believe it took me this long to discover one of Orlando’s most prestigious fine dining destinations. Perched on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Orlando, CAPA has maintained its coveted Michelin star since first earning it in 2022, and it’s easy to see why they’ve kept this distinguished recognition through 2024. This remarkable restaurant combines the best of Spanish cuisine with premium steaks, all while offering breathtaking views of Disney’s magical fireworks displays.
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing CAPA firsthand for our Christmas Eve Dinner with my Mom, and let me tell you – it absolutely lives up to the hype. Did you know it’s one of the few Michelin-starred restaurants located on Disney property that isn’t actually a Disney restaurant? That’s right! This hidden gem offers an escape from the theme park atmosphere while still keeping you close to the magic. This is the ultimate review of my visit at CAPA Orlando.
Location and Atmosphere: Where Elegance Meets Entertainment
From the moment you step out of the elevator onto the 17th floor, you know you’re in for something special. The restaurant’s design strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and approachability. Dark woods and metallic accents create an intimate atmosphere, while dramatic lighting sets the mood for an unforgettable evening.
One of my favorite features is the open kitchen concept. There’s something mesmerizing about watching skilled chefs prepare your meal with precision and care. The exhibition kitchen adds an element of theater to your dining experience, especially when they’re preparing those show-stopping steaks!
Rooftop Views and Disney Magic
One of CAPA’s most unique features is its stunning rooftop terrace on the 17th floor. If you’re familiar with Disney World dining, it reminds me a lot of California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort – but with its own distinctive charm. The outdoor terrace offers spectacular views of both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom’s fireworks displays, making it one of the few restaurants outside of Disney property where you can enjoy this magical experience.
From the terrace, you can see multiple Disney parks sprawled out in the distance. During our dinner, we were lucky enough to catch glimpses of the fireworks, which added an extra touch of magic to our meal. While the food is undoubtedly the star at CAPA, these views certainly add a special element that sets it apart from other fine dining establishments in Orlando.
The CAPA Experience: Where Spain Meets Steakhouse
CAPA’s genius lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the sophistication of an upscale steakhouse with the warm, inviting flavors of authentic Spanish cuisine. Since earning its Michelin star in 2022, the restaurant has maintained incredibly high standards while remaining approachable and unpretentious.
While CAPA boasts an impressive wine list and cocktail menu, we decided to focus solely on the food during this visit (though I’m already planning a return trip to explore their beverage program!). The service was impeccable from start to finish – attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being pretentious.
Pan con Tomate: A Simple Spanish Classic Elevated
Our culinary journey began with Pan con Tomate, a seemingly simple Spanish starter that showcases CAPA’s attention to detail. The bread arrived warm, with a perfectly crispy exterior giving way to a soft, pillowy interior. We opted to add manchego cheese for an additional charge, and it was absolutely worth it! The combination of garlic-kissed tomato spread, high-quality olive oil, and nutty manchego cheese created a harmony of flavors that set the tone for the entire meal.
Patatas Bravas: The Best Aioli I’ve Ever Tasted
For those unfamiliar with this Spanish tapas staple, Patatas Bravas are crispy potatoes typically served with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli. But CAPA’s version? They take this classic to new heights! The potatoes themselves are masterfully prepared – crispy on the outside while maintaining a perfectly fluffy interior. However, it’s the aioli that deserves special recognition. I’ve had Patatas Bravas all over Spain and at numerous Spanish restaurants in the States, but CAPA’s aioli is hands down the best I’ve ever experienced. It’s creamy, garlicky, and has just the right amount of brightness to complement the spicy tomato sauce.
The Star of the Night: Tomahawk Steak
When the Tomahawk steak arrived at our table, all conversations stopped. This masterpiece of meat is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Watching its preparation through the open kitchen only heightened our anticipation, and let me tell you – it exceeded every expectation.
The steak was cooked to perfection, with a beautiful crust giving way to a perfectly pink interior. The marbling was exceptional, creating a buttery tenderness that melted in our mouths. The seasoning was spot-on, enhancing rather than overwhelming the natural flavors of the high-quality beef. I’ve had my fair share of excellent steaks over the years, but this Tomahawk ranks among the very best I’ve ever experienced.
The Perfect Side: Heavenly Mashed Potatoes
Let me take a moment to rave about something that might seem simple but was absolutely extraordinary – the mashed potatoes. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “They’re just mashed potatoes, how special can they be?” But trust me, these aren’t your ordinary spuds! These are quite possibly the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had in my life, and I don’t say that lightly.
The texture was pure perfection – impossibly creamy and smooth, without a single lump in sight. Every bite was rich with butter and had a depth of flavor that elevated them from a mere side dish to a standout part of the meal. There was something almost cloudlike about their consistency, yet they maintained enough body to hold their own alongside the magnificent Tomahawk steak. If you’re a mashed potato connoisseur (and even if you’re not), these are absolutely not to be missed.
Value and Pricing: What to Expect
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – pricing. Our bill came to $225 before tip, ultimately reaching $265 after gratuity. Yes, CAPA falls firmly into the “special occasion” category for most diners, but I believe the value proposition is strong when you consider the Michelin-star quality, exceptional service, and unique atmosphere.
The Tomahawk steak was the biggest ticket item, but considering its size (perfect for sharing) and quality, it felt justified. The tapas portions were generous, and the overall experience – from the service to the views – made the price point feel appropriate for what you’re getting.
Tips for Your CAPA Visit
Reservations Are Essential
Don’t even think about walking in, especially if you want to catch the fireworks during your meal. Make reservations well in advance, particularly for prime dining times and weekend slots. The restaurant books up quickly, and the best fireworks-viewing tables are always in high demand.
Timing Your Visit
If you’re hoping to catch the fireworks, research the show schedules beforehand and time your reservation accordingly. The outdoor terrace offers the best viewing experience, but the indoor tables near the windows also provide excellent views.
Dress Code and Etiquette
While CAPA maintains an upscale atmosphere, it’s not stuffy. Smart casual attire is appropriate – think nice jeans or slacks with a collared shirt for men, and dresses or nice pants with a blouse for women. No theme park attire, please!
Final Thoughts and Future Plans
While we unfortunately had to skip dessert this time (I know, I know!), I’m already planning my return visit. There’s something special about CAPA that sets it apart from other high-end Orlando restaurants. Perhaps it’s the combination of world-class cuisine with those magical Disney views, or maybe it’s the way they’ve managed to create an atmosphere that feels both special and comfortable.
What I can say with certainty is that CAPA deserves its Michelin star. The attention to detail, from the perfectly executed steaks to the exceptional tapas, demonstrates a commitment to culinary excellence that’s rare to find. The fact that you can enjoy this level of dining while watching Disney fireworks makes it an absolutely unique experience in Orlando’s dining scene.
For your next special occasion – whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, or simply a celebration of life – I highly recommend securing a table at CAPA. While the prices reflect the premium experience, the memories you’ll create here are priceless. And when I return for that promised dessert course (which I absolutely will!), you can bet I’ll update this review with all the sweet details.
Remember to book well in advance, come hungry, and prepare yourself for an evening of exceptional food, service, and views that remind you why dining out can be so much more than just a meal – it can be a complete experience that creates lasting memories.
Have you had the chance to dine at CAPA? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! And if you’re planning a visit, don’t forget to make those reservations well in advance – your taste buds will thank you later!
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