Best First Date Restaurant in Orlando

I went on a great first date last night.  It was the 4th version of my last first date ever.


Last night was the 3rd Anniversary of Kyle & I's first date (awwwww). To celebrate we went to the same restaurant where it all started in 2008 - Roy's. I have to commend Kyle on his excellent first date restaurant choice.  He really tried to impress me right out the gate!  Imagine if he took me to Ale House. Then I'd have to go back there yearly when my tastebuds enjoy Roy's so much more! (although I'm not knocking zingers...just not on a first date)

In 2008 when we first met, it took Kyle quite a while to ask me out.  He finally did...via text...then immediately called me to properly ask me out.  Oh sweet boy!  He asked me to dinner, but he never told me where we were going.  I liked that... a little bit of mystery.  It was hard to plan my outfit for that first date, not knowing where we were going, but I settled on white capris, wedge heels, and a black top.  I think he was a fan!


I always look forward to returning to Roy's and reminiscing about how much that one night changed both our lives.

If you've never been to Roy's you need to go!  Roy's Hawaiian Fusion is on restaurant row here in Orlando off Sand Lake Road.  It has bold tastes inspired by Hawaiian/Asian flavors.  The menu also changes with the season, which keeps it fresh and delicious.  They also apparently fly in 3 types of fish from Hawaii EACH DAY!  Talk about a FedEx bill!


The food was out of this world delicious!  Every course was bursting with flavor! I also liked that they didn't "rush" our courses.  I like having time to chat with my hubby and a two-hour dinner was exactly with the doctor ordered after a busy weekend.


Immediately upon sitting we were greeted with a big plate of edamame.  FIT TIP- edamame is a great healthy snack and appetizer since it's high in protein!  On our first date Kyle said he had never tried edamame, so I naturally made him eat it!  He said he liked it...fast forward 3 years....he hates it!  He didn't eat any last night! The things you do to impress a woman! :)

For an appetizer we ordered the tempura rock shrimp.  Sweet, crunchy, and a little spicy from the curry aioli.  We could've easily had 3 portions!

My favorite part of any "fancy" dinner is the salad course.  Roy's didn't disappoint!  Kyle and I both ordered the heirloom tomato salad.  We ALWAYS get the heirloom tomato salad if there is one.  I try to tell myself to get something else, but I can't turn away from ripe tomatoes and blue cheese!  This one had a killer warm pancetta vinaigrette.

Now onto the entree- I have a hard time deciding at Roy's because everything looks and is amazing.  I went with the Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Butterfish and Kyle had the Salt-Smoked Ribeye.  Both were sensational!  Butterfish literally melts in your mouth and Roy's had such a sweet flavor. It was like candy.  Fish candy. (which actually sounds gross but the dish was amazing).

Finally and sadly, we came to dessert.  There's apparently no sweets sharing in this marriage.  We both needed our own desserts. 
Listen up - do you like chocolate?  Have you been to Roy's and had the Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle?  If not, seriously, run there right now.  It will change your world.  It's the richest chocolate and it melts out of a perfectly baked cake.  It's like Christmas, your birthday, and a new Coach purse all on one plate!  It's THAT good!

Chocolate heaven.

Roy's treated us wonderfully on our special "anniversary".  They printed a special menu insert just for us and gave us a dessert as a special treat!

Roy's also has a gluten-free menu.  Thank you Roy's.  That is fantastic for anyone with Celiac's or trying to thrive gluten-free.


Roy's has secured it's spot in my "Top 3 Orlando Restaurants" and if you are planning a date- go there!  It might just work out for you like it did for us!

Here are some other great date restaurants we recommend- Seasons 52, Cala Bella


Where did you and your significant other go on your first date?


Love and melted chocolate, 
Carissa & Kyle