Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Pinery – Orlando
The Pinery - Orlando
Photo from The Pinery
The Pinery at a glance
Orlando North Orange
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 134 of the guests
#47 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#3 American Restaurant out of 9 in Orlando
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
968
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Pleasant ambiance
- Quality dishes
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Slow service
- Loud environment
The restaurant The Pinery, an American Restaurant in Orlando’s North Orange neighborhood, invites you to a memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a special gathering.
With live music often filling the air, you can anticipate an engaging backdrop to your meal. This spot is known for its exceptional culinary offerings and a welcoming ambiance that truly sets it apart.
Overview: Introducting The Pinery
The Pinery offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the attentive service and inviting ambiance. The culinary offerings often impress, with dishes frequently described as well-prepared and presented.
However, some diners have found the value proposition less compelling, citing concerns about the price relative to the overall experience. Occasional issues with food consistency and service speed have also been noted.
Good
7.8
out of 10
968
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
178
negative
40
neutral
750
positive
The Pinery achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7.8, reflecting a generally positive reception, and its Customer Satisfaction stands at a commendable 77.5%. This indicates that most patrons leave content with their visit.
These assessments are drawn from a substantial 968 customer opinions, with 750 positive remarks outweighing 178 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.5) and Service (8.1) are particularly well-regarded, contributing significantly to the overall positive sentiment.
While the Food (7.6) also garners good marks, some diners express reservations about the Value (4.9), which registers as average. This suggests that while the experience is often enjoyable, the pricing can be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting, pleasant ambiance
- Delicious, well-presented food
What people don't like
- Perceived poor value
- Inconsistent service speed
- Distracting noise levels
With a Recommendation Score of 8.1, The Pinery generally offers a commendable dining experience. If you prioritize a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service for a special occasion, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests find the value proposition inconsistent. While the food often shines, occasional service delays or a lively noise level could detract from the experience for some.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Pinery
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.6 score and 76% customer satisfaction indicating a good experience for many. Guests frequently rave about the overall dishes, seasoning and flavoring, and desserts like the brown butter cake. Many also appreciate the crafted cocktails, making for a delightful meal, as seen in 403 positive remarks.
However, not every plate is a winner, with 104 negative comments. Some diners found issues with overall food quality, portions, and inconsistent seasoning, noting that certain items like shrimp and grits sometimes lacked flavor or were poorly prepared. There were also mentions of cold food and salty dishes.
Food
530
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
104
negative
23
neutral
403
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious desserts
- Excellent seasoning
- Crafted cocktails
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Small portions
- Cold food
Often praised
- foodWe were so impressed with his service and attention to detail. Not to mention, every dish we tried was superb. My mom and I chose the summer prix fixe menu, and everything was cooked and presented to perfection; we could tell the chefs put their heart into it.
- drinksI was very excited to try this new addition to the Lake Ivanhoe area, as I've always loved Lake Ivanhoe and all that it has to offer for any taste or mood. Unfortunately, while the service was superb and the atmosphere appealing, the drinks were good, but the food left us disappointed. They are new, though, so will try them again.
- dessertWe ordered dessert and it came out with a lovely message.
- crab diphands-down the crab dip was phenomenal. It tasted delicious
- pork chopOur server's style of service was not what I'd expect at a place charging $40 for a pork chop. On a positive note, the pork chop itself was phenomenal. The drinks were strong, and I highly recommend the Snowbird.
- steak tacosThe service was awesome, with Carol, Christian, and Cameron being hospitable, kind, and efficient. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, including the Pinery Platter, beet salad, steak tacos, and fried green tomatoes. Our guests were happy, and the entire experience made for a great night!
- Brown Butter CakeBrown Butter Cake and Chocolate Brownie S’More. And these also came out with great presentation
- cocktailsThe fries were comparable to Outback Steakhouse quality. On a positive note, the cocktails were very tasty, and the service was adequate. Overall, it was a disappointment to witness such a drastic decline in food quality since our last visit, especially considering the price is no longer justified by the lack of quality.
- fried green tomatoesThe service was awesome, with Carol, Christian, and Cameron being hospitable, kind, and efficient. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, including the Pinery Platter, beet salad, steak tacos, and fried green tomatoes. Our guests were happy, and the entire experience made for a great night!
- shrimp and gritsThe cocktails from the bar were excellent. For our entrees, she chose the pork chops, and I had the shrimp and grits. The food was delicious overall, though my grits were unfortunately lukewarm.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food ☹️. It didn’t taste bad, it just didn’t taste like anything
- biscuitsUnfortunately, the food was just plain bad. We tried the bread board, and the biscuits were stale, while the "chips" were pieces of fried, flavorless grease. The fried chicken's breading completely fell off, and the cauliflower was a mushy mess.
- drinkstook 15 minutes after ordering drinks to remind them again and then they finally made them
- duckduck was also bland and undercooked/chewy/rubbery.
- entreeentree was brought before I even finished the salad
- food qualitythis low of quality of food is very disappointing.
- friesfries seemed of outback quality
- pork bellyTonight, however, the food quality has significantly decreased, feeling more commercialized and lacking the personal touch of a passionate chef. The pork belly was overcooked with a pre-bottled sauce, the chicken on the sandwich was poorly fried, and the lobster roll had minimal lobster with a strange flavor. The fries were comparable to Outback Steakhouse quality.
- portionslet’s not talk about the portions… I left hungry!
- Brisket and BriocheBrisket and Brioche, and left more than half because it was unbearable
If you're looking for a place with generally good food and a solid drink menu, this spot is worth checking out. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, some might miss the mark on seasoning or portion size.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
The service at this establishment generally shines, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.7%. Based on 213 positive remarks out of 274 total opinions, guests frequently commend the attentive service, friendly staff, and knowledgeable team members. Many highlight the exceptional service and personalized recommendations that make dining memorable.
However, not all experiences are flawless, with 52 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some patrons encountered slow service and frustrating waiting time for food and drinks. Concerns about a lack of service and poor training for some staff members also surfaced, leading to delays and unacknowledged special occasions.
Service
274
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
52
negative
9
neutral
213
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Exceptional, personalized service
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Lack of attentiveness
Often praised
- serviceThis was our first time dining at The Pinery, and it was a perfect and enjoyable experience all around! I took my mom and my 11-year-old son, and we were treated exceptionally kindly by our wonderful server, Damian. He went above and beyond with everything, from accommodating my son's food allergies to making us feel welcome and special with every interaction.
- serverOur server was great!! He was so helpful and kind!
- staffThe atmosphere was perfect, and the food was delicious. The staff was very knowledgeable about many items on the menu, making the service outstanding. Even the drinks were exceptional; their mocktails were the best I've ever had, and I don't even drink alcohol.
- attentiveWe visited in June and returned again recently, and both times Merlin provided outstanding service. He was very kind and attentive, even remembering us from our previous visit. We also observed him giving a birthday treat to another table.
- managermanager Cam was delightful and very personable
- waiterThe food was really good, though the ice cream was a little bland but still yummy with the other desserts. I was hoping the waiter would know a little more about the menu, but he was very willing to get my questions answered and accommodate my allergies. The atmosphere was great!
- CameronCameron was the perfect host and made the dinning experience that much more enjoyable.
- MarcoMy first time dining here for Magical Dining was a success. Marco did his job well, contributing to a positive experience.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceCarol was very kind and went full customer service to appease us
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn a Tuesday visit with a group of 6 and a child, we had to inquire about everything, including happy hour and the kids' menu. The service was unbelievably slow; it took 10 minutes just to order drinks, and another 10 for them to be delivered. Some in our party considered leaving due to the prolonged wait for entrees.
- serverdisappeared after we placed our food order. We had to flag him down multiple times
- checkafter requesting the check, it took another 7-10 minutes for Merlin, our server, to return
- reservationDespite making a reservation and noting the special occasion, we were left standing at the host stand for several minutes
- waiting timeAll in all we were there a ridiculous amount of time, about 2.5 hours
- ServiceService was slow which was surprising because they weren’t that busy
- Sunday hoursSunday hours online are incorrect
- accusationaccused of us “scamming them”
- appetizersTook about 1 hour before appetizers came out
- bar tenderBar tender was working hard, but had too many tables.
If you value attentive and friendly staff who go the extra mile, this place is often a great choice. Just be prepared that on occasion, service can be slow, so it might not be ideal if you're in a rush. Overall, the positive experiences heavily outweigh the negatives.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.5 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 88.7%. With 126 positive remarks out of 142 total, guests frequently rave about the atmosphere, vibe, lake view, and outdoor seating. Many found the restaurant beautiful, cozy, and welcoming, offering a relaxing setting with incredible views, perfect for a memorable dining experience.
However, a few of the 9 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement. Concerns included noise levels making conversation difficult, booths feeling claustrophobic, and even mentions of traffic impacting the experience. While overwhelmingly positive, some found the atmosphere too loud or specific seating arrangements less comfortable than desired.
Ambience
142
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
9
negative
7
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing views
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Elegant decor
What people don't like
- Loud noise levels
- Claustrophobic booths
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a very nice restaurant located across from a lake, offering an outdoor terrace with seating perfect for watching the sunset. The food was very good, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere and complemented by great service.
- ambianceThe ambiance is ideal for a date night or upscale outing
- experienceWe left feeling full, happy, and eager to return soon. I would highly recommend The Pinery and Kaylee for a relaxing and great experience.
- restaurantshe is highly invested into her restaurant
- locationThe service was top-notch: friendly, attentive, and seamless from start to finish. The ambiance hit just right, being warm, modern, and inviting, complemented by a great location beside Lake Ivanhoe. This place is one of my favorite spots in Orlando.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceWe would have loved to try the orange cake for dessert, but it's no longer on the menu, which is a real shame – I truly hope they consider bringing it back. The service was excellent and the ambience was amazing. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant.
- noise levelNoise level: Quiet, easy to talk
- placeVery cool place
- viewThe Pinery is located across the street from the lake, so the view adds to the serene backdrop
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing, especially considering the price. The atmosphere was extremely loud, making conversation difficult. The service, while rated a 4, seemed to suffer from poor training, as my entree was brought out before I had finished my salad.
- bartenderthe bartender was super LOUD
- boothsthe booths were very claustrophobic
- fine dining experiencehoping for a fine dining experience but was treated to a dimly-lit Dennys situation
- kitchen cleanlinessThe kitchen should also be kept clean.. customers shouldn't be able to see through the kitchen door and see trash all over the floor ..
- noiseIt got so noisy we had to practically yell at each other.
- noise levelsthe noise levels were distracting
- parkingParking is a little bit difficult to find the garage
- trafficsuffer through the traffic of the construction
If you're seeking a restaurant with a beautiful setting, often featuring great views and a relaxing atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some guests have noted occasional issues with noise levels and booth comfort, so choose your seating wisely.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Some guests found decent value for quality, feeling the restaurant was priced appropriately, especially when taking advantage of happy hour specials. Out of 22 total comments, 8 expressed positive sentiments, noting that prices werent as bad as expected or were quite reasonable. On the flip side, a larger group of 13 customers felt the experience was "pricey" and a "waste of money, " often due to "small portions" that didnt justify the cost.
This leads to a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 36.4%, even with an average score of 4.9, indicating a clear disconnect for many.
Value
22
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour specials
- Prix fixe value
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Not worth price
- Small portions
- Waste of money
Often praised
- priceMy mom and I chose the summer prix fixe menu, and everything was cooked and presented to perfection; we could tell the chefs put their heart into it. Fried green tomatoes and fish tacos for appetizers, truffle risotto and baked salmon for our entrees, and peach cobbler and the owner's special key lime cake for dessert – all this for only $38 per person, and the portions were generous. My son got the brisket sandwich with fries and loved it.
- pricesthe prices were not as bad as I thought
- happy hour specialsmake sure to sit at the bar to be able to get the happy hour specials.
- priced appropriatelyPriced appropriately for the quality and dining experience.
- value for qualityGreat value for quality!
Frequently criticized
- priceboth plates for the price is definitely not worth it
- $150 taba $150 tab for two people for this low of quality of food is very disappointing.
- price pointslack of service with such high price points
- price tagnot impressed with the price tag vs the offerings
- priceyfood was good but pricey
- save moneynot a place to save money
- waste of moneyI feel that was a waste of money
If you're looking for a deal, especially during happy hour or for specific menus, you might find some value here. However, be prepared that many find the regular pricing to be quite high for what you get, potentially leading to disappointment.
How are the prices at The Pinery?
You’re looking at roughly 49 per person – reported by 134 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners find themselves in this $41–$50 range, but theres a good spread of options, with many also spending in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 brackets. So, whether youre looking for a slightly cheaper bite or a bit of a splurge, there’s a good mix!
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 134 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in Orlando.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like you can find a good meal without breaking the bank, or treat yourself if you wish.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Pinery
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Good Food, Slow Service
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was excellent, earning a perfect score. However, the service was notably slow, with a 45-minute wait for the brunch order.
The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 4 out of 5.
- food10
- atmosphere8
- service3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was an amazing dining experience. The staff, specifically Thomas and Cameron (the manager), were exceptional. They were very attentive and personable.
The food was incredible. I highly recommend this place.
- food10
- staff10
- service9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Refined Flavors and Excellent Execution
My experience at The Pinery was an excellent choice, discovered through the Chase Sapphire Reserve restaurant list. Every dish we ordered was beautifully prepared and full of flavor, truly refined and well-executed. The Blue Crab Dip, Fresh Catch, Smoked Duck, Crab-Stuffed Salmon, and Shrimp & Clam Perloo were all outstanding.
Each plate felt thoughtfully composed and tasted as good as it looked. You can really tell this is a kitchen that cares about quality and consistency. We also appreciated being able to take advantage of the Chase dining credit, which made the experience even better.
The restaurant was very busy, clearly popular with locals, so reservations are definitely recommended. A wonderful dining experience overall — refined, flavorful, and well worth the visit.
- Blue Crab Dip10
- Fresh Catch10
- Smoked Duck10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Experience at The Pinery
My experience at The Pinery was truly exceptional. We went for a nice night out with friends, and the restaurant exceeded our expectations. Our server, Kaylee, crafted an amazing experience, ensuring we had everything we needed and felt genuinely welcome.
We left feeling full, happy, and eager to return soon. I would highly recommend The Pinery and Kaylee for a relaxing and great experience.
- experience10
- server10
- welcome10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Quality and Atmosphere
I highly recommend choosing The Pinery in Ivanhoe Village, located on Main Street overlooking College Park's Lake Ivanhoe, just north of Orlando's Downtown. The quality across the board at The Pinery is exceptional. Upon arrival, you'll experience free, fast valet service.
The interior is stylish, clean, and warm, offering an intimate inside/outside bar. The seating and serving on the outside patio, overlooking the skyline and the lake, is the best. Speaking of the best, their Happy Hour is a top 3 contender in Orlando, featuring top shelf wine at half price and specialty drinks that are worth repeating.
They offer a plenty of tapas that can serve as light dinner options. The seafood and meats are skillfully presented and cooked to your taste. As a locally owned and operated establishment by caring investors, this restaurant has earned a spot in our regular rotation for family and friends.
- quality10
- free, fast valet service9
- seating and serving outside patio10
What The Pinery offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Dinner
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Does The Pinery accommodate guests with accessibility needs?
Yes, The Pinery is fully equipped for accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons. They prioritize making your dining experience seamless and enjoyable.
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does The Pinery offer?
At The Pinery, you can expect an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for various occasions. You can enjoy brunch or dinner with table service, choosing from small plates, healthy options, and vegetarian choices. Be sure to explore their great dessert menu.
What is the overall dining experience like at The Pinery?
The Pinery holds a Restaurant Score of 7.8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 77.5%. Guests particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.5) and Service (8.1), while the Food (7.6) is also well-regarded. The Value (4.9) is considered average.
Is The Pinery suitable for a quiet meal or a date night?
The Pinery’s ambiance is often described as warm, modern, and inviting, making it ideal for a date night or upscale outing. However, some patrons have noted that the noise levels can occasionally be distracting.
Are there any concerns about the pricing at The Pinery?
While some guests find the pricing appropriate for the quality, others have expressed that the value for money can be a concern, with some feeling the cost is high relative to the offerings.