Chef Jason Acevedo’s desserts are so exquisite, they’re almost too pretty to eat. Find them at The Café at Alfond Inn.

When you visit the Alfond Inn’s new dining destination, The Café, you won’t just find art on the walls—it’s right there on your plate.

This cheerful space, with its large banquettes, tables conducive to groups and high counter seating with charging outlets (so if you’ve got to get some work done, you can hang out here to do it) is home to some of the most gorgeous—and tasty—dessert creations in Orlando.

It’s all thanks to The Alfond’s new pastry chef, Jason Acevedo, a Chicago native who was raised in Puerto Rico and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Orlando. Chef Acevedo’s exposure to different cultures informs his dessert creations that merge exotic ingredients with popular flavors.

Take, for example, The Cereal Bowl, which combines coconut and black currant panna cotta with passionfruit, mango and cranberry with a Swiss meringue and almond crumble. Or the Strawberry Rose, ruby chocolate mousse with strawberry compote, vanilla sponge cake and rose water syrup. 

And even though these creations look like mini works of art, everything on your plate or in your bowl is edible. 

A perfect time to visit The Café is on Wine Down Wednesdays, when wine selections start at $5 a glass and $50 a bottle. It’s a chance to experience higher-end wines that aren’t commonly found in the local market. 

The Café at Alfond Inn is Winter Park’s best source for decadent delights.

Of course, if you’re stopping in for a quick snack or breakfast, there are plenty of great options such as grab and go boxes (we highly recommend the chicken salad) and, in the morning made-to-order crepes. hamiltonskitchen.com/the-cafe

Just across the lobby from The Café, Hamilton’s Kitchen beckons. This chic restaurant serves up Southern fare with a modern twist, and just as with The Café, every item that comes across your plate is a work of art. 

Whether you’re having an appetizer, salad, main course, dessert or all of it, Hamilton’s creations are almost too beautiful to eat. But you won’t be able to resist sticking a fork into the grilled brie, niçoise salad and Creekstone filet—then switch to your spoon for the decadent Macallan 12yr Butterscotch. 

Particularly attention-grabbing are Hamilton’s gorgeous cocktail creations, poured into stunning glassware. We love the Park Avenue Pearl, with Grey Goose Pear, St. Germain, grapefruit, lemon and simple syrup. Get a preview of the drinks by in-house mixologist Adam Msouty on Hamilton’s Instagram page. 

If you like dining outdoors, head to Hamilton’s patio on pleasant evenings. Brunch is available on the weekends. 

Stunning appetizers, cocktails and steaks make Hamilton’s Kitchen (also at Alfond Inn) a must for dinner.

Additional Winter Park restaurants we love:

AJ Chocolate House

Sate your sweet tooth at this chocolate cafe, where more than 150 chocolate delicacies are available. Founded in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2002, the family-owned business was first a manufacturer, then expanded into shops and cafes. It uses Belgian Couverture Chocolate in all of its creations, which can be found in fine hotels worldwide. Try a slice of chocolate cake, revel in a cup of hot chocolate, then take a box of chocolates to go. ajchocolate.com

Bosphorous

You’ll never look at Mediterranean cuisine the same after a visit to Bosphorous. In addition to its exquisite presentation, Bosphorous’ cuisine is fresh and aromatic, and tantalizes you with its beautiful vegetables, tempting meats and house-made sauces. The authentic pottery, silk carpets, handmade glassware and colorful décor makes for an even more welcoming experience. bosphorousrestaurant.com

Briarpatch

You just may want to eat dessert first at this inviting restaurant overlooking Central Park. Upon entering Briarpatch’s interior, you’re trotted past a case of towering layer cakes and an ice cream parlor. But you’ll want to leave some room for the main menu, which includes the indulgent truffle fries, hearty salads (go for the avocado salad if it’s on the menu when you dine) and a lovely rock shrimp po’boy. thebriarpatchrestaurant.com

Superica

This Tex-Mex offering from Atlanta chef and restaurateur Ford Fry pays homage to Fry’s Texas upbringing. But Fry offers an elevated take on traditional Tex-Mex, focusing on street-style tacos, grilled chile rellenos (a taste sensation stuffed with grilled chicken and sliced avocados), and fajitas al carbon. Tacos are served al carbon style as well, and you’ll want to try one in every flavor. You might as well just go ahead and try a little bit of everything! Weekend brunch brings sensations such as tamales & eggs and the Migas plate with 2x fried frijoles. Stay tuned to the website for special events such as a Guest Chef Series, with pop-ups from some of Orlando’s culinary legends. superica.com/winter-park