Orlando’s vibrant culinary scene offers more than just world-class food—it’s a powerhouse setting for corporate events that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re planning a trade show reception, a VIP client dinner, or a team-building event, the city’s celebrity chef-owned restaurants offer curated menus, immersive culinary experiences, and private venues perfect for every brand’s vision.
Here’s a guide to the top chef-driven restaurants in Orlando and how your business can craft a one-of-a-kind experience.
Jaleo by José Andrés – Disney Springs
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
Capacity: Up to 650 for full buyout
Event Options:
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Private Dining Rooms: Choose intimate spaces like the Andalusia Room (seats 32) or the Pamplona Room (seats 52) for meetings or special client dinners.
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Full Restaurant Buyout: Host a large-scale event for up to 650 guests.
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Custom Menus: Partner with the culinary team to design Spanish menus featuring signature tapas and paellas.
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Chef-Led Experiences: While Chef José Andrés may not appear personally, his influence is seen in every detail of the experience.
Potential Activities:
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Cooking Demonstrations: Invite guests to a live showcase of classic Spanish cooking techniques.
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Interactive Tastings: Curated tastings of regional tapas and wine pairings.
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Cultural Immersion: Include Spanish music or flamenco dancers for a rich cultural touch.
Morimoto Asia by Masaharu Morimoto – Disney Springs
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
Capacity: Up to 500 for full buyout
Event Options:
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Private Dining Rooms: Host smaller groups in the Forbidden Lounge (seats 40) or Upstairs Dining (seats 50).
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Full Restaurant Buyout: Exclusive access for major events.
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Custom Menus: Work with the in-house planners to develop Pan-Asian tasting menus.
Potential Activities:
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Sushi-Making Classes: A hands-on favorite for team-building and networking.
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Chef-Led Tastings: Sample signature dishes guided by culinary experts.
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Cultural Workshops: Dive into Asian cooking traditions, ingredients, and methods.
Chicken Guy! by Guy Fieri – Disney Springs
Cuisine: Bold Chicken Sandwiches and Sides
Capacity: Casual dining venue
Event Options:
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Casual Gatherings: Great for team outings or street-style brand pop-ups.
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Catering Services: Ideal for off-site or large-scale events.
Potential Activities:
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Fundraising Nights: Host a community give-back event with branded signage and charity tie-ins.
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Sauce Sampling Bars: Guests vote on their favorite of Fieri’s 20+ sauces.
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Cooking Competitions: Interactive chicken cook-offs for guests or staff.
Primo by Melissa Kelly – JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Farm-to-Table
Capacity: Banquet up to 250; Reception up to 175
Event Options:
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Private Dining: Book the private dining room for refined corporate dinners.
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Custom Menus: Co-create seasonal menus that reflect Primo’s organic, sustainable philosophy.
Potential Activities:
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Cooking Classes: Guests learn to make Mediterranean specialties under chef guidance.
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Wine Pairings: Sommelier-led sessions with wines selected to match each course.
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Ingredient Tastings: Highlight local farmers and fresh seasonal produce.
Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen by Art Smith – Disney Springs
Cuisine: Southern Comfort Food
Capacity: Banquet for 230; Reception for 500
Event Options:
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Private Dining Rooms: Host in spaces like the Chef’s Table for close-knit gatherings.
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Full Buyout: Make the entire venue yours for a fully immersive Southern experience.
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Chef Involvement: Art Smith is known to participate in select events, sharing stories and culinary expertise.
Potential Activities:
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Cooking Demonstrations: Live show of how Southern staples like shrimp and grits are made.
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Interactive Tastings: Guests try various house-made specialties, paired with regional drinks.
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Cultural Additions: Think live bluegrass, Southern storytelling, or bourbon tastings.
Companies That Have Activated Chef Partnerships in Orlando
Corporate event planners and brands have been tapping into Orlando’s culinary talent to create extraordinary moments. Here are some examples:
| Company | Chef(s) | Event Type |
|---|---|---|
| Runway Catering | Norman Van Aken, Emeril Lagasse | Custom luxury dinners, galas |
| Lasalle Events | Chef Walker | Disney Cruise & private chef events |
| Four Seasons Resort Orlando | Multiple Celebrity Chefs | James Beard Award dinners |
| Orlando Wine Festival & Auction | James & Julie Petrakis, Scott Hunnel | VIP chef-hosted wine events |
| Disney Meetings & Events | Morimoto, Art Smith, more | Immersive themed dining |
| Visit Orlando | Multiple chefs | Culinary tourism activations |
| Orlando Convention Center | Guest chefs | Expo dinners & sponsor parties |
| James Beard Foundation Pop-Ups | Rotating chefs | Charity dinners, branded activations |
| Universal Orlando | Various | Food festivals and themed dinners |
| Orlando Meeting Professionals | Various chefs | Turnkey culinary experiences |
Hosting a corporate event in Orlando’s celebrity chef restaurants is more than a dinner—it’s an opportunity to create emotional connections through food, culture, and entertainment. Whether you’re building team morale, launching a product, or entertaining top clients, these venues offer customizable, high-impact options that align with your brand story.
Ready to plan a chef-powered experience in Orlando? Let’s make it unforgettable.
If you or your brand and/or organization would like to hire any of these incredible celebrity chefs contact us at (877) 607-0206 or email to speak with a celebrity chef agent to discuss top celebrity chefs available for your organization and event.
