Osceola County, located in the heart of Central Florida, offers a rich and diverse culinary scene that brings together flavors from around the world. Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood, savoring hearty Southern dishes, or exploring global cuisines, Osceola County’s top restaurants provide an unforgettable dining experience. What better way to elevate your meal than by pairing it with the perfect drink? From exquisite wines and craft beers to creative cocktails, the right pairing can turn a good meal into a memorable one. In this guide, we’ll explore the best food and drink pairings in Osceola County’s top restaurants, offering a flavorful adventure for your taste buds.
1. Fresh Seafood and Crisp White Wine at The Catfish Place
If you’re craving fresh, flavorful seafood, The Catfish Place in Kissimmee is a must-visit. Known for its mouthwatering fried catfish and other Southern seafood dishes, The Catfish Place is the perfect spot to indulge in fresh catches from the Gulf. To complement the delicate flavors of seafood, pair your dish with a crisp, refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. These wines enhance the light, fresh taste of the fish while balancing the richness of the fried coating.
Recommended pairing: Fried catfish with Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
Why it works: The acidity and citrus notes in Sauvignon Blanc cut through the richness of fried fish, while Chardonnay’s buttery notes complement the dish’s crispy texture.
2. Steak and Full-Bodied Red Wine at The Chop House
For steak lovers, The Chop House in Kissimmee is the place to be. Known for its juicy, tender cuts of beef, The Chop House serves up mouthwatering steaks cooked to perfection. A steak, particularly a ribeye or filet mignon, pairs beautifully with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. The bold flavors of these wines complement the richness of the meat, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Recommended pairing: Ribeye steak with Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
Why it works: The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec help to break down the fat in the steak, while the wine’s bold flavors enhance the savory, smoky taste of the beef.
3. Tacos and Craft Beer at El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for vibrant, flavorful Mexican cuisine, El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant in Kissimmee is a local favorite. Known for its tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas, the restaurant offers a lively, festive atmosphere that pairs perfectly with craft beer. A cold, crisp Mexican lager or a citrusy pale ale makes for the perfect pairing with tacos, as the light, refreshing beer complements the bold, spicy flavors of the fillings.
Recommended pairing: Tacos al pastor with a Mexican lager or a hoppy pale ale.
Why it works: The crispness of the lager or pale ale balances the spice in the tacos, while the maltiness enhances the richness of the marinated pork and toppings.
4. Southern BBQ and Sweet Tea Bourbon Cocktail at Southern Comfort Kitchen
For those who enjoy Southern comfort food, Southern Comfort Kitchen in Kissimmee offers a delicious menu of barbecue and traditional Southern dishes. When dining on smoked ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, try pairing your meal with a sweet tea bourbon cocktail. The bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes complement the smoky flavors of the BBQ, while the sweet tea adds a refreshing, Southern twist.
Recommended pairing: Smoked ribs or pulled pork with a sweet tea bourbon cocktail.
Why it works: The sweetness of the tea and the smoothness of the bourbon enhance the smoky, tangy flavors of the BBQ, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing.
5. Italian Pasta and Red Wine at Capri Italian Restaurant
Capri Italian Restaurant in Kissimmee offers authentic Italian dishes, from rich pasta to wood-fired pizzas. When dining on a hearty pasta dish like fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti Bolognese, a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese is the perfect complement. These wines have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the cream sauce and enough structure to pair with the savory flavors of the Bolognese.
Recommended pairing: Fettuccine Alfredo with Chianti or Spaghetti Bolognese with Sangiovese.
Why it works: The acidity in Chianti and Sangiovese balances the richness of the creamy pasta and enhances the meaty, savory notes of the sauce.
6. Fresh Sushi and Sake at Sushi House Kissimmee
If sushi is what you crave, Sushi House Kissimmee is the place to go for fresh, expertly prepared rolls. Pair your sushi with sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine that complements the delicate flavors of the fish. A chilled Junmai or Ginjo sake offers a smooth, slightly fruity taste that pairs well with the subtlety of sushi, especially when enjoying tuna, salmon, or yellowtail rolls.
Recommended pairing: Tuna sashimi or salmon rolls with chilled Junmai or Ginjo sake.
Why it works: Sake’s clean, smooth profile enhances the natural flavors of the fresh fish, providing a refreshing contrast to the umami-rich soy sauce.
7. Artisan Pizza and Craft Beer at The Pizza Press
For pizza lovers, The Pizza Press in Kissimmee offers customizable artisan pies with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a more adventurous topping combination, a hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer can be the perfect accompaniment. The bitterness of an IPA balances the richness of cheese, while the refreshing wheat beer pairs nicely with the lighter pizzas.
Recommended pairing: Margherita pizza with an IPA or a wheat beer.
Why it works: The bitterness of an IPA cuts through the cheese, while the wheat beer’s refreshing flavor complements the fresh basil and tomato on the pizza.
8. Dessert and Coffee or Dessert Wine at The Dessert Lady Bakery
No meal is complete without dessert, and The Dessert Lady Bakery in Kissimmee is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth. From decadent cakes to homemade pastries, the bakery offers a wide range of indulgent treats. Pair your dessert with a rich coffee or a sweet dessert wine like Port or Moscato. The coffee adds a deep, aromatic contrast to the sweetness, while the dessert wine enhances the rich flavors of the pastries.
Recommended pairing: Chocolate cake with a rich coffee or a glass of Port wine.
Why it works: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of chocolate, while the fruity, rich notes of Port elevate the flavors of the dessert.
Conclusion
Osceola County’s top restaurants provide a wealth of dining options that pair perfectly with a wide variety of wines, craft beers, and cocktails. From fresh seafood and crisp white wines at The Catfish Place to the smoky BBQ and sweet tea bourbon cocktails at Southern Comfort Kitchen, Osceola County offers delicious food and drink combinations that will enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying Italian, Mexican, or Southern cuisine, there’s a perfect pairing waiting for you in Osceola County’s vibrant culinary scene.