Are you wondering if Bull & Bear Orlando is worth the splurge?
There are some meals you eat because you’re hungry and then there are meals that become part of the vacation.
You know, the kind where you remember what you wore, who you were with, the dish that made everyone at the table stop talking for a second, and the dessert that looked so beautiful you almost feel bad digging into it.
That’s the kind of evening Bull & Bear is designed to create.
Located inside the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Bull & Bear isn’t where you stop because you need a quick dinner before heading back to the theme parks.
It’s the kind of restaurant you choose when you want to celebrate something, or when you decide that simply being in Orlando is reason enough to celebrate.
And after spending so many years exploring this city, I’ve learned something: Orlando’s food scene deserves just as much attention as its roller coasters.
So, if you’re wondering whether Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Orlando is actually worth it, let’s talk about the atmosphere, the service, those famous signature dishes and the question that matters most…
Should you make room in your Orlando vacation budget for dinner here?
Let’s get into it, Hipster!
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Before You Go: Bull & Bear Orlando at a Glance
| ThemeParkHipster Quick Review | |
| 📍 Location | Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Bonnet Creek |
| 🍽️ Cuisine | Contemporary steakhouse classics and innovative fine dining |
| 💵 Price Range | $$$$ |
| ⏰ Hours | Daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. |
| ⏳ Time Needed | Plan approximately 2 to 3 hours |
| 👗 Vibe | Elegant, sophisticated and special-occasion worthy |
| 🧍🏾♀️ Solo Friendly? | Yes, especially for experienced solo diners |
| ❤️ Best For | Date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations and luxury Orlando vacations |
| 🍋 Don’t Miss | One of the signature desserts—especially The Lemon |
| 💙 NikkyJ Quick Take | Don’t come here when you’re trying to rush back to the parks. Bull & Bear is an experience, so give the evening the time it deserves. |
ThemeParkHipster Promise
I’m not going to tell you a restaurant is worth hundreds of dollars simply because it has beautiful lighting and someone folds your napkin when you leave the table.
Although…I do appreciate the napkin situation.
Luxury dining is expensive. And when you’re already spending thousands of dollars on an Orlando vacation, every major meal needs to earn its place in the budget.
So, I’m looking at Bull & Bear through the same lens I use for every ThemeParkHipster experience:
- How does it make you feel?
- Is the food memorable?
- Does the service elevate the evening?
- Is the experience different enough from something you could have anywhere else?
- And when the bill arrives…Do you still feel glad you came?
That’s what we’re figuring out today.
What Is Bull & Bear Orlando?
Bull & Bear is the signature fine-dining restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
The restaurant is known for reimagining traditional steakhouse dishes with more playful and inventive presentations and that’s what immediately makes it interesting to me.
Because let’s be honest, we’ve all seen the traditional luxury steakhouse formula.
Dark dining room.
Large steak.
Potatoes.
Expensive wine. And, someone at the table pretending they understand the difference between every Cabernet on the list (haha!).
Bull & Bear takes that familiar steakhouse foundation and gives it more personality.
The current signature lineup highlighted by Waldorf Astoria Orlando includes dishes such as:
- Bull & Bear Fried Chicken
- Pasta Explosion
- Chateaubriand for Two
- The Lemon
- Ring of Yuzu
- Chocolate Bar
The restaurant is also known for tableside presentations and highly personalized service.
In other words…
Dinner comes with a little theater. And you already know this theme park girl loves a production.
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First Impressions: This Is Your Sign to Slow Down
Walking into Waldorf Astoria Orlando already changes the energy of the evening.
You’re leaving behind the theme park crowd, the ride wait times, and the constant checking of the theme park app.
You’ll notice that Bull & Bear carries that feeling into the dining room. The restaurant was reimagined as part of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando transformation, blending classic steakhouse sophistication with a more modern, polished design.
It just feels elegant.
But what I appreciate about luxury restaurants in Orlando is that they understand something important:
- Many of us have spent the day in a theme park.
- We are trying our best.
- The humidity has already humbled us.
However, be sure to not show up in shorts, hats, flip flops, or athletic clothing. Bull & Bear is a special-occasion restaurant, so I would absolutely dress for the evening. But this is still Orlando.
The Atmosphere at Bull & Bear
Bull & Bear has the kind of atmosphere that makes you naturally speak a little quieter when you sit down.
You just feel it with things such as the lighting, the service, and the sense that you’re about to experience something special rather than simply order dinner.
And this is where I think Bull & Bear separates itself from a typical steakhouse.
Who Is Bull & Bear Best For?
I think this restaurant makes the most sense for:
- Couples planning a romantic Orlando date night
- Anniversary dinners
- Birthday celebrations
- Honeymooners
- Foodies
- Luxury travelers
- Locals celebrating something special
- Solo travelers who genuinely enjoy fine dining
Would I bring the entire family after twelve hours at Magic Kingdom?
Probably not.
Could you? Of course.
But for me, Bull & Bear is the restaurant I save for a night when I can shower, change clothes and mentally transition out of theme park mode.
This is the evening I want to remember.
Let’s Talk About the Bull & Bear Menu
The menu is where Bull & Bear gets interesting.
The restaurant’s current concept centers on reimagined steakhouse classics alongside more innovative signature dishes.
Under Chef de Cuisine Juan Suarez, Bull & Bear combines that classic luxury steakhouse foundation with dishes that feel more creative and playful.
That’s why you’ll see something like Chateaubriand for Two sharing a menu with Fried Chicken and Pasta Explosion.
What Should You Order at Bull & Bear?
Let’s get to the important part because if I’m spending this kind of money, I need a game plan.
One of my favorite ways to experience a restaurant like Bull & Bear is to order several dishes for the table.
Sharing allows you to experience more of what makes the restaurant special without everyone ordering the exact same thing.
And at Bull & Bear, I wouldn’t want to come all this way and only experience one flavor.
We’re exploring and technically, this is research for ThemeParkHipster…
…very delicious research.
The Pasta Explosion: Yes, I’m Intrigued by the Name Too
This dish is one of the signature creations highlighted by Bull & Bear itself, and it’s exactly the kind of menu item that represents the restaurant’s personality.
With Pata Negra de Bellota and Parmigiano Reggiano, it is literally an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Traditional steakhouse?
Yes, but with a wink.
When I visit a restaurant known for signature dishes, I generally recommend ordering at least one thing that you can’t easily recreate somewhere else. And trust me, this is one of the best places to get steak in America!
However, you can find a steak in many excellent restaurants, but if a restaurant has built a reputation around a dish with its own identity?
That’s where I get curious.
Wait… Should You Order Fried Chicken at a Luxury Steakhouse?
I know. I KNOW.
You walk into a beautiful steakhouse. You look at the menu. And someone says: “Let’s get the fried chicken.”
Excuse me?
But Bull & Bear’s Fried Chicken is one of the dishes the restaurant itself continues to highlight as a signature.
To me, it’s an experience!
I love when a fine-dining restaurant takes something familiar and asks, “How can we make this ours?”
If you’re dining with a group and want to experience the restaurant’s personality, I would absolutely consider adding the Fried Chicken to the table.
The dish is served with luxury fried chicken, Yukon Gold mash potato and rich, flavorful gravy.
We’re living our best lives.
The Chateaubriand for Two Is Made for Date Night
Now we’re entering classic steakhouse territory. Bull & Bear currently highlights its Chateaubriand for Two as one of its signature dishes.
And if you’re celebrating an anniversary or planning a romantic dinner, this is the type of entrée that turns dinner into an occasion.
Should You Order Steak at Bull & Bear?
Of course, this is still Bull & Bear!
The restaurant is rooted in the steakhouse tradition, and steak remains a major part of the experience.
But here’s my advice:
Don’t automatically order the largest or most expensive cut because you think that’s what you’re “supposed” to do at a luxury steakhouse. Order what you actually enjoy and talk to your server.
At a restaurant known for personalized service, use that expertise. Tell them what flavors you like. Ask about preparation. Ask what they think is particularly special on the current menu.
One of the biggest mistakes we make in fine dining is being afraid to ask questions because we don’t want to look inexperienced.
The Tableside Service Is Part of the Experience
One of Bull & Bear’s signatures is tableside preparation.
As you can see, this is where dinner becomes entertainment.
I love experiences like this because they force you to be present because you stop talking and just be in the moment.
PLEASE Save Room for Dessert
I know that steak is filling but trust me on this one— save room for dessert.
The desserts here are seriously divine, and skipping them would be a mistake. Their signature three desserts are The Lemon which is the restaurant’s most recognizable dessert., Ring of Yuzu and Chocolate Bar.
- The Lemon
- Crème Brûlée Flambé with hidden dark chocolate crème
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake: Chocolate Cake, Peanut Butter Foam, Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream
- Chocolate Bar: Valrhona Carmélla Chocolate, Chocolate Vodka Syrup
- The Ring of Yuzu: Yuzu Inspiration Mousse, Buttery Sablé Breton, Strawberry whipped ganache with a Basil Sponge Cloud, Garnished with Strawberry and Yuzu Inspiration Chocolate Lavash and Crispy Meringue
- The Vanilla Experience: Your chosen Peruvian Vanilla Bean is folded into their House-Churned Vanilla Ice Cream. Served with Mango Chutney and Finished with Nitrogen-Infused Dried Meringue and Warm Vanilla Honey Madeleine
- La Fraise: Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Sauce and Liquid Nitrogen Strawberry Ice Cream Prepared Tableside
- Artisanal Cheese Selection
- Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cake: Salted caramelized peanut glaze served with a Bull & Bear Espresso Martini
However, you can’t go wrong with anything on this dessert menu at Bull & Bear.
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How Much Does Bull & Bear Cost?
Let’s talk money. Bull & Bear is a luxury fine-dining restaurant, so this is not a budget meal.
The total cost of your dinner will depend heavily on what you order, whether you’re sharing dishes, your steak selection and whether you add cocktails or wine.
For a full evening with multiple courses and drinks, I would prepare for this to be one of the more expensive meals of your Orlando vacation.
So, expect to spend about $60 to $100 per person depending on what you order. I think that’s important to understand before making the reservation.
This is not where I’d go if spending the entire meal mentally calculating the bill would prevent me from enjoying the experience. There are wonderful Orlando restaurants at many different price points.
Bull & Bear makes sense when you’ve intentionally chosen to splurge and the splurge should feel exciting, not stressful.
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Is Bull & Bear Worth the Money?
If you’re simply hungry and want a great steak? You have options. A lot of them.
Orlando has an incredible dining scene but Bull & Bear isn’t only selling dinner.
You’re paying for:
- The Waldorf Astoria setting
- The atmosphere
- Personalized service
- Tableside presentations
- Creative signature dishes
- A slower, more intentional evening
So, the question isn’t simply: “Was the steak good?”
The better question is: “Did the entire evening feel special?” That’s the standard I would use.
Should You Make a Reservation?
Yes, absolutely! I would not leave a Bull & Bear dinner to chance, especially for an anniversary, birthday or other important celebration.
The restaurant is currently open daily from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and reservations are available through the restaurant’s official website.
My preference? Book an earlier reservation if you want a quieter, slower start to the evening (my favorite time of the day).
Or choose a later time if you want dinner to feel like the grand finale of your day. Either way, I would build the evening around the reservation.
What Should You Wear to Bull & Bear?
This is an upscale restaurant, so I would dress accordingly.
Think polished, date-night ready, special-occasion comfortable.
For me, this is part of the fun. After spending several days in theme park clothes, sometimes I enjoy having an excuse to get dressed up.
Is Bull & Bear Good for a Romantic Date Night?
Absolutely. In fact, I think that’s one of the best reasons to visit. Orlando vacations can be surprisingly exhausting for couples.
You spend all day making decisions.
- Where are we going?
- What are we riding?
- Where are we eating?
A dedicated dinner gives you a chance to reconnect. No rushing, just good food and conversation.
Bull & Bear is exactly the type of restaurant I’d choose when I wanted one evening of the vacation to feel completely different from the rest.
Is Bull & Bear Good for Solo Diners?
Yes. But I think it depends on your comfort level.
If you’ve never eaten alone before, Bull & Bear may feel like jumping directly into the deep end.
But if you already enjoy solo dining? I say go for it.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through solo travel is that you don’t need to wait for someone else to experience beautiful things.
And you don’t need a special occasion created by someone else to enjoy an incredible meal.
Sometimes you are the occasion.
Read that again!
Sit at the bar if that’s more comfortable or reserve a table and order exactly what you want.
Can You Eat at Bull & Bear Without Staying at Waldorf Astoria Orlando?
Yes. You do not need to be an overnight guest at Waldorf Astoria Orlando to dine at Bull & Bear.
That makes it easy to add the restaurant to a Disney World vacation, Universal Orlando trip, staycation or Orlando date night.
Address
The restaurant is located at:
Waldorf Astoria Orlando – 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane Orlando, Florida 32821
My advice is to give yourself extra travel time as the Orlando traffic has no respect for your dinner reservation.
None.
My Perfect Bull & Bear Evening
If this were my first visit, here’s how I’d plan the night.
- 5:15 p.m. – Arrive at Waldorf Astoria Orlando: Use this time to Valet Park
- 5:30 p.m. – Enjoy a Pre-Dinner Drink: If time allows, stop at Peacock Alley for a cocktail or simply enjoy the hotel atmosphere before dinner.
- 6:30 p.m. – Dinner at Bull & Bear: Start With a Signature Dish, share the Main Experience, or Chateaubriand for Two, then order dessert.
- After Dinner – Don’t Rush Away: Take a walk through the resort.
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NikkyJ’s Favorite Part
The fact that dinner feels like an event.
I spend so much of my life moving, traveling, creating content, and checking the next thing off the list. So, I appreciate experiences that force me to slow down.
A meal like Bull & Bear reminds me that enjoying life doesn’t always mean doing more.
Sometimes it means sitting at the table a little longer.
If This Were My Friend’s First Visit…
I’d tell you to stop thinking of Bull & Bear as “dinner.” We’re making a night of it.
We’d get dressed up, arrive early, walk through the Waldorf Astoria and immediately start acting like this is our regular Tuesday routine.
“Oh yes, of course. The Waldorf. We’re always here.” Completely delusional (lol!). I love that for us.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bull & Bear Orlando
Now let’s go over a few of the most commonly asked questions as a quick recap.
Where is Bull & Bear located?
Bull & Bear is located inside Waldorf Astoria Orlando at 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane in Orlando, Florida.
What type of restaurant is Bull & Bear?
Bull & Bear is an upscale steakhouse known for reimagined classics, creative signature dishes, tableside preparation and personalized service.
What are the current Bull & Bear hours?
At the time of writing this article, the restaurant’s official website lists dinner service daily from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Do you need a reservation for Bull & Bear?
I strongly recommend making a reservation, particularly for weekends and special occasions. This place is super hard to get a reservation, so book ASAP!
Do you need to stay at Waldorf Astoria Orlando to eat at Bull & Bear?
No. You can make a dining reservation even if you’re not staying at the resort.
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What is Bull & Bear known for?
The restaurant currently highlights signature dishes including Bull & Bear Fried Chicken, Pasta Explosion and Chateaubriand for Two.
Signature desserts include The Lemon, Ring of Yuzu and Chocolate Bar.
Is Bull & Bear good for a date night?
Absolutely. The elegant atmosphere, slower dining pace and tableside service make it an excellent choice for anniversaries, birthdays and romantic Orlando evenings.
Is Bull & Bear good for solo travelers?
Yes. Experienced solo diners should feel comfortable enjoying Bull & Bear, particularly if they enjoy luxury dining and aren’t afraid to turn an ordinary evening into their own special occasion.
How long should you plan for dinner at Bull & Bear?
I would personally allow approximately two to three hours so you can enjoy multiple courses without rushing.
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Is Bull & Bear worth it?
I think Bull & Bear is worth considering when you’re intentionally looking for a luxury Orlando dining experience rather than simply a place to eat.
It’s expensive, so I would save it for a night when you can slow down and appreciate the full experience.
Final Score and Review
- Ambiance: 10
- Food: 10
- Prices: 7
- Drinks: 10
- Service: 10
I give this restaurant a 9.4 out of 10 on the ThemeParkHipster dining scale and I know you will definitely enjoy it too!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a mother and a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
