Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Kaya – Orlando
Kaya - Orlando
Photo from Kaya
Kaya at a glance
Orlando Lake Eola Heights
- 🇵🇠Filipino Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 108 of the guests
#37 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#1 Filipino Restaurant out of 1 in Orlando
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
901
Reviews
78.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative Food
- Great Service
- Cozy Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Loud Space
- Long Waits
The restaurant Kaya, a Filipino Restaurant in Orlando’s vibrant Lake Eola Heights neighborhood, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll discover a menu rich with authentic flavors, perfectly complemented by a great dessert selection that promises a sweet ending to your meal.
This spot offers a casual yet upscale atmosphere, making it ideal for various occasions where you seek delicious food and a memorable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Kaya
Kaya offers a distinctive take on Filipino cuisine, with many appreciating its creative food and imaginative cocktails. The warm hospitality and attentive staff also stand out, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Guests often feel a strong connection to Filipino culture through the dining experience. However, the restaurant’s value proposition can be a point of contention for some, particularly regarding its pricing and mandatory service charge.
While the ambiance is generally positive, some found it loud, and parking can be a challenge.
Good
8
out of 10
901
Reviews
78.4%
Satisfaction
154
negative
41
neutral
706
positive
Kaya earns a solid 8 overall, with customer satisfaction at a respectable 78.4%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most diners.
The culinary offerings truly shine, with Food scoring an impressive (8.4), reflecting its unique flavors and creative approach to Filipino cuisine. This high praise is echoed across 706 positive remarks out of 901 total customer comments.
The Service also performs well at (8.1), highlighting the staff’s attentiveness and warm hospitality. The restaurant’s Ambience (7.9) contributes to a pleasant dining environment, though some found it a bit loud.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value, which registers an average (4), with 154 negative comments often citing pricing and the mandatory service charge as concerns.
What people like
- Creative Filipino food
- Warm, attentive service
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Value concerns
- Loud environment
- Long waiting times
Kaya comes with a strong recommendation score of 8.2, suggesting it’s a worthwhile destination for those seeking an elevated Filipino dining experience. If you prioritize innovative cuisine and exceptional service in a culturally rich setting, this restaurant is likely to impress.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher price point and consider that the ambiance can get lively. If value for money and a quiet dining experience are your top priorities, you might want to manage your expectations or explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kaya
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a delightful experience! With a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.9%, diners are consistently impressed. Out of 477 total opinions, 405 rave about the unique dishes, Filipino flavors, creative presentation, and amazing food, highlighting the effort and vibrant tastes.
However, 50 opinions did raise some points to consider. Some found the small portions to be overpriced and occasionally felt certain dishes were not authentic or could be dry. While creativity is praised, a few wished for more traditional interpretations.
Food
477
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
50
negative
22
neutral
405
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative Filipino cuisine
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Elevated dining experience
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Perceived lack authenticity
- Overpriced for some
Often praised
- foodThe service was excellent, with all the staff being accommodating, efficient, and kind. The food is some of the best fusion food you can try, and it's no wonder it has won Michelin stars. The cocktails are delicious and very imaginative, with flavors that you wouldn't expect to work together.
- drinksThe decor was eclectic and homely. The drinks definitely triggered new taste buds, and the dessert heightened childhood nostalgia! The post-dinner towelettes were the perfect final touch.
- dishesYami personally greeted each guest with warmth and kindness, and a celebratory toast with complimentary drinks, including thoughtful non-alcoholic options, set a wonderful mood for the evening. Every dish I tried brought happiness with each bite. My server thoughtfully shared the background and history behind each dish, adding significant meaning to the meal and turning dinner into a beautiful, flavorful story.
- FoodAmazing flavor of authentic Philippine cuisine
- adobo risottoWe tried the scallop crudo, the adobo risotto, and the oxtail with garlic rice. Everything was great, but our favorite was probably the risotto. I will absolutely be coming back and recommending Kaya to others.
- cocktailscocktails are delicious and very imaginative
- dessertThe decor was eclectic and homely. The drinks definitely triggered new taste buds, and the dessert heightened childhood nostalgia! The post-dinner towelettes were the perfect final touch.
- tasting menuMy first fine dining and tasting menu experience was here and Kaya is incredible.
- Filipino cuisineI found the dishes to be very nice and unique. I truly appreciate their dedication to authentically representing Filipino cuisine and sharing the culture.
- Filipino foodKAYA has a different, unique yet amazing take on Filipino food
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is where they missed their mark and probably wont get our attendance again.
- portionsThe food quality was really good, and the hospitality was top-notch. I only wish they provided slightly larger portions, considering most of the dishes do not have a protein and are made with relatively inexpensive ingredients like rice and noodles. I would go back for a date night or special occasion, and I’m glad I decided to give it a try.
- Filipino foodtried to put a fine dining on working class Filipino food but it just didnt hit
- dessertThe only thing I wasn't impressed with was dessert
- food qualitythe taste and quality of your food does not match your price
- portion sizeswould’ve preferred larger portion sizes
- FoodFood:1
- Fresh Catchthe fish itself had way too much breading
- Kare-Kareif it’s Kare-kare there doing it wrong
- Oxtail Kare KareThe Oxtail Kare Kare ($42) just tasted like dry short rib drenched in a sugary peanut butter sauce
If you're seeking a creative, elevated take on Filipino cuisine with unique flavors and beautiful presentation, this restaurant is a strong contender. Just be mindful that portions can be on the smaller side and the price reflects a fine dining experience, which might not suit those looking for strictly traditional, hearty meals.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot shines brightly! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.6%, it's clear guests often leave happy. Out of 223 total opinions, 173 praise the friendly staff, attentive service, personalized attention, and warm hospitality, making for truly memorable visits.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 42 opinions highlighting some areas for improvement. Concerns include frustrating waiting times, disorganized staff, and a lack of communication, especially regarding reservations. There were also mentions of issues with handling food allergies, which is definitely something to watch out for.
Service
223
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
42
negative
8
neutral
173
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized attention
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor communication
- Allergy handling issues
Often praised
- serviceThe restaurant lived up to all expectations. The service was immaculate, and the food tasted very very good with incredibly unique flavors and a great variety of taste and texture. We ordered 2 NA drinks, 5 dishes, and 2 desserts, which was more than enough for two people, though there were many items we wanted to try.
- staffMy first fine dining and tasting menu experience was at Kaya, and it was incredible. The space is so welcoming, especially with karaoke nights on Wednesdays, and the staff made me feel at home. I never felt bad once for asking a question.
- ServiceInside, there was a bar and several tables. We had a reservation for indoor dining and were promptly seated. Since it was Lent, we focused on their seafood options.
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was highlighted by the exceptional service from Cat, who was an amazing hostess and would be an excellent server. She went out of her way to check on my table, demonstrating great phone etiquette and attentiveness upon arrival.
- hospitalityMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's a true hidden gem, offering delicious food and warm hospitality. You can feel the warmth of Filipino culture even before entering the place.
- recommendationsOn to the food: Everything was divine, with amazing ingredients and plated phenomenally. Harlow and Daniel made the experience even better with their well-timed service and fantastic recommendations. Try everything!
- bartendersThe bartenders were friendly
- hostessimmediately greeted by a very friendly and helpful hostess
- serversAJ and Daniel were our servers at the bar, they were friendly
- attention to detailthe bar tenders were so warm and gave incredible attention to detail
Frequently criticized
- servicewe expected a much higher standard of service
- reservationThe whole point of a reservation is to reserve a table for a certain time.
- waiting timeweren't sat until 9 pm. There were no apologies for the wait
- hostessOur group had an 8: 15 PM reservation, but we weren't seated until 9 PM. While our server was pleasant, the hostess was very standoffish, which worsened our experience. In similar situations at other establishments, we would have been offered complimentary drinks or appetizers for the inconvenience.
- Owner's attentionowner, who greeted and spoke with everyone except my husband and I
- ServiceService:1
- accountabilityhigher standard of service and accountability
- anniversary touchesthere were no extra touches for our anniversary thats pretty lame and not a good trend to start.
- apologized or comped some drinkswish they at least apologized or comped some drinks
- better serviceexpected much better service than what we got
If youre looking for a place with genuinely warm and attentive staff, youll likely have a fantastic time here. Just be prepared for potential waiting times, especially if you have a reservation. Also, make sure to double-check on any food allergy accommodations.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambiance at this spot truly shines, creating a memorable experience for many. With a solid score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction of 78.9%, it's clear guests appreciate the warm, welcoming vibe and beautiful atmosphere. Many of the 116 positive remarks praise the attention to detail and homey feel, making it a delightful place to be.
However, not everything is perfect. Out of 25 negative comments, some found the ambiance could get loud, making conversation difficult. Others noted limited seating and challenging parking, while a few wished for better AC inside, suggesting minor comfort improvements could enhance the experience.
Ambience
147
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
25
negative
6
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, welcoming vibe
- Beautiful, homey atmosphere
- Exceptional attention to detail
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Limited seating
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI came for an event they had tonight and truly loved the atmosphere and the drinks. The small plates were also a hit, and the service was excellent.
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant felt like being at Grandma's house, but with a Michelin-star chef in charge! It was an always great experience. The service was excellent, with all the staff being accommodating, efficient, and kind.
- AtmosphereUpon entering, we were greeted by the outdoor seating area, which already had guests enjoying their meals. Inside, there was a bar and several tables.
- ambianceI especially want to highlight Josh and Chris, the bartenders, who were very personable and helped make the evening enjoyable. It's evident that the staff genuinely enjoy their work, which significantly contributes to the fantastic ambiance, service, and food. I will definitely return to Kaya for more enjoyable experiences.
- decorAnd the decor? So intentional and cozy
- open kitchenI enjoyed the delicious, creative food and cocktails. The open kitchen added to the exciting atmosphere. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to the overall cool vibe.
- placeVery cozy and quaint little place with a very homey feel
- Filipino cultureIt's a true hidden gem, offering delicious food and warm hospitality. You can feel the warmth of Filipino culture even before entering the place. The food, drinks, and service were truly out of this world.
- live musicThe staff were friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to the overall cool vibe. I particularly loved the outdoor bar and live music. They also host special events.
- spaceThe customer service here is excellent; everyone was warm, sweet, and incredibly accommodating, which I truly appreciate. The space itself is cute, cozy, and inviting. As a Filipino, our dishes hold deep nostalgia for me, they’re comfort, familiarity, and home.
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe atmosphere was rated a 4, but it couldn't compensate for the other issues. Finding parking was difficult, and the overall experience left us feeling like we were treated like trash. I would avoid this place like the plague unless they remove the reservation fee.
- ParkingThe food was fantastic along with the ambience. Parking was a bit challenging, but this restaurant is now one of our favorites!
- loudit was very loud and made it hard to talk
- ACNeeded a little bit more ac inside.
- Michelin starshow this restaurant received the Michelin stars
- ambiancethe ambiance was a bit loud
- bar seatingthe bar seating isn’t the most comfortable
- decordecor, seating, was a little.. weird
- experienceit lacked the experience
- facilities and tablesfacilities and tables were not exactly what you would expect
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential noise levels and consider parking options beforehand, especially during peak times.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, with 12 positive remarks out of 54 total. Many appreciated the fair prices and happy hour options, noting that the price of the meal could be a great bargain, especially for special dining events. The included service fee was also seen as a positive by some, ensuring staff compensation without extra tipping.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, reflected in a poor customer satisfaction of just 22.2%. With 37 negative comments, many felt the food was overpriced and the value simply wasn't there. The mandatory gratuity and confusing tipping policy were major points of contention, often leading to feelings of hidden costs and frustration, contributing to an average score of 4.
Value
54
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
37
negative
5
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices noted
- Good happy hour
- Service charge included
What people don't like
- Food often overpriced
- Mandatory gratuity issues
- Value often lacking
Often praised
- priceregardless of the price, you can think of it as 50% discount
- pricesThe prices are raisonnable
- Magical Dining priceThe price of the meal was also impressive; the $40 Magical Dining price could easily have been $60. It's a great bargain to experience this culinary masterpiece of Filipino food. Magical Dining lasts through September 30, so make reservations (highly recommended!) and enjoy this magic!
- extra tippingThe drinks were also really delicious, and the dessert menu offered a nice selection of Amaro. The 20% service charge is included, and our server kindly informed us that extra tipping is not required or expected. This was our first visit to Kaya, but it certainly won't be our last.
- great valueReally a great value
- happy hour optionsReally good happy hour options too
- price of the mealCongratulations to Jamie on running an outstanding establishment! The price of the meal was also impressive; the $40 Magical Dining price could easily have been $60. It's a great bargain to experience this culinary masterpiece of Filipino food.
- pricingelevated pricing but for those level of ingredients you will pay more
- service chargeThe drinks were also really delicious, and the dessert menu offered a nice selection of Amaro. The 20% service charge is included, and our server kindly informed us that extra tipping is not required or expected. This was our first visit to Kaya, but it certainly won't be our last.
- service feethey do add a 20% service fee to properly compensate their staff
Frequently criticized
- priceIt’s not cheap. If you’re expecting casual Filipino fare, this may be more elevated and costly
- gratuityinsulted regarding their non-optional gratuity policy
- pricesthe prices are super high
- $130 dollarsit ended up as $130 dollars
- 20% discountonly got 20% off the dish
- 20% tipstrange that they communicate the 20% tip
- additional tipOn top of their absurd prices, they charge a mandatory 20% gratuity to "ensure all staff are compensated fairly, " which I found ridiculous. To make matters worse, the servers then suggest that any additional tip would be appreciated. It felt like they were asking me to pay for their medical insurance and pension as well.
- another tipwhat bothered us is that once the card is passed the machine screen asks again for another tip.
- billcame to $180
- discretionpaid more than a similar table simply because of the waiter's discretion
When it comes to value, proceed with caution. While some found special deals or happy hour options worthwhile, many guests felt the food was overpriced and the mandatory gratuity policy was a major concern. It might disappoint if you're sensitive to price or unexpected charges.
How are the prices at Kaya?
On average, you’ll spend around $73 per person – from 108 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Filipino Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits comfortably here, it’s interesting to see a good number of diners opting for more premium experiences, with many spending well over $90 per person.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 108 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Orlando.
Considering the average, we think the pricing here feels fair for a Filipino Restaurant, especially given the range of spending options available. It seems like a place where you can find value, whether you’re looking for a standard meal or a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kaya
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Excellent food, worth the crowd
I was warned that this place would be crowded, and it was. However, the staff do a good job of taking care of the customers. The food is excellent.
I will return one day when there isn't an event nearby.
- staff8
- food9
- crowded6
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Food, Great Vibe, and Live Music!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious, creative food and cocktails. The open kitchen added to the exciting atmosphere.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to the overall cool vibe. I particularly loved the outdoor bar and live music. They also host special events.
Reservations are recommended, and the price per person is around $30–50. The atmosphere, food, and service all received a 5-star rating. The noise level was loud, but still conducive to conversation.
- food10
- cocktails9
- open kitchen8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Food, Disappointing Dessert
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with the food being incredibly delicious and flavorful. I was so impressed that I'll definitely be back, especially for the mussels, which were "so delicious, omg. " The service was also great, and the overall atmosphere was rated a 5.
It was worth the price and difficulty finding parking. However, the dessert was disappointing, which was a letdown after such a fantastic savory meal, especially since I'm a "big dessert person. " I'd recommend getting dessert elsewhere but would still recommend the restaurant overall.
Do yourself the favor and go here!
- food10
- mussels10
- service9
- dessert3
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Date Night Experience
My husband and I came here for a date night and had a wonderful experience. Every staff member we encountered was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We’re both vegan, and the staff was very knowledgeable and thoughtful when making recommendations, which made the night even more enjoyable.
We truly felt taken care of.
- staff10
- recommendations9
- vegan9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Exceptional Service and Delicious Rigatoni
My experience at Kaya was truly special, especially considering I was running late. The restaurant was incredibly accommodating, texting me to confirm it was okay and even sending a picture of their menu as the kitchen was about to close. This level of thoughtfulness and accommodation is so rare and made the service feel 10/5.
While I'm not an expert in Filipino food, the Filipino rigatoni was SO GOOD. I particularly enjoyed the sweet side to the bolognese sauce, and the rigatoni itself was perfectly cooked and al dente. I highly recommend trying this dish.
The highball was also super refreshing and paired wonderfully with the rigatoni.
- service10
- accommodation10
- thoughtfulness10
What Kaya offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Kaya in Lake Eola Heights?
At Kaya, you can look forward to a dining experience that is both casual and upscale, with a cozy and trendy atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxed meal. You’ll find comfortable seating for dinner, complete with table service and delicious desserts.
Does Kaya offer diverse dietary options and a variety of beverages for its guests?
Yes, Kaya offers diverse dietary options including healthy, vegan, and vegetarian choices. You can also enjoy a wide selection of beverages, from hard liquor, wine, and beer to coffee and creative cocktails, with happy hour drinks available for you.
How does Kaya score overall, and what are its key strengths?
Kaya holds an overall score of 8, with customer satisfaction at 78.4%. Its strongest areas are Food (8.4) for its creative Filipino dishes, and Service (8.1) for its warm hospitality. The Ambience also scores well at (7.9).
Is Kaya considered good value for money?
While many appreciate the unique culinary experience, Value scores an average (4). Some customers find the prices high and have concerns about the mandatory service charge, so it’s not considered a budget-friendly option.
What is the dining atmosphere like at Kaya?
Kaya offers an inviting and cozy atmosphere (7.9), often highlighted for its connection to Filipino culture and open kitchen. However, some guests have noted that the environment can be loud, and parking might be challenging.