Family Restaurants Near ChampionsGate: Where to Eat With a Big Group

The first question after "what's the gate code?" is usually "where do we eat tonight?"

Fair. You just drove from the airport with 16 people. Nobody wants to cook.

Here's an honest list. All of these are close to ChampionsGate. It sticks to places that can handle kids, and notes which ones work for a big group.

Hours and menus change. Call ahead, especially with a crowd.

Inside ChampionsGate

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

The Omni is the big hotel at the heart of ChampionsGate, 1500 Masters Boulevard. Omni lists nine bars and restaurants. These are the ones that matter for families. You book the sit-down ones on OpenTable, and you don't have to be staying at the hotel:

• Trevi's. Italian. Breakfast buffet in the morning, Italian classics at lunch and dinner. They offer family-style dinners, which is great for a group. Reservations on OpenTable.
• Zen. Pan-Asian and sushi. Better for a grown-ups' night out.
• David's Club. Sports bar and grill with steaks. Good for the game.
• Eagles Edge. Golf hitting bays with a restaurant and bar. Kids think it's a video game. Adults think it's golf. Everybody wins.
• Broadway Deli. Sandwiches, salads, and gelato. Quick and easy.
• Croc's. Overlooking the pools. There's a tropical pop-up bar there right now, Tiki Social.

From November 1 to January 3, the Omni runs a pop-up Christmas bar called Blitzen's. It's festive and over the top in the best way.

Paradise Grille at Enclaves

1501 ChampionsGate Boulevard West. Tropical comfort food, jerk chicken, a café and ice cream parlor side, and a relaxed vibe. It calls itself family-friendly, and it is. Check the days. It's open Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. Kids' menu all day. (407) 813-2521.

The Oasis Clubhouse

The resort has its own clubhouse with food and drinks. Janie, a SuperVilla guest, wrote: "we checked out the oasis club house. We ate and had some drinks there while the kids played in the splash pad."

That's the dream. Lunch while the kids burn off energy. It's a 6-minute drive. More on that in the Retreat Club vs. Oasis Clubhouse guide.

Just outside the gate

Red Robin Champions Gate

8184 Laura Lane, near S. Goodman Road. Burgers and bottomless steak fries. Ask about their family bundle deals, which change often. Kids love it. It's loud, so nobody notices yours.

Olive Garden, Davenport-ChampionsGate

8065 Osceola Polk Line Road, right by I-4. Breadsticks for 16. Enough said. Call (321) 677-3467 ahead for a big table.

Worth the drive: Sunset Walk

Sunset Walk is the outdoor dining and shopping area at Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee. It's a nice evening out. The dining directory includes:

• Ford's Garage. Burgers in a 1920s garage setting. Kids' meals.
• The Wharf. Seafood.
• Cowboy Chicken. Wood-fired rotisserie chicken. Easy for picky eaters.
• Lizzie's BBQ.
• GameTime. An arcade and restaurant. Dinner and a game for the kids.

Go at sunset. Walk around after. It's a good rest-day evening.

Feeding 16 people without losing your mind

What works for big groups:

1. Night one, order in or pick up. Don't try to seat 16 after a travel day.
2. Eat breakfast at home every day. SuperVilla's kitchen is big. Two fridges. Deven called it "the most well-stocked rental kitchen we've ever seen."
3. One big restaurant meal a trip. Family-style at Trevi's or a long table at Olive Garden. Call ahead.
4. Grill night. BBQ is $50 for the stay. Hot dogs by the pool, movie on the outdoor screen.
5. Park days, eat in the park. Then home for a simple dinner.

Restaurants for 16 are possible. They're just not relaxing every night. Mix it up.

Ask before you go

Allergies, picky eaters, a birthday dinner for 16? Ask your host for current local picks. SuperVilla guests mention it in reviews: James wrote that the hosts "advised us on restaurants and grocery shopping near by."

Ready to plan?

SuperVilla sleeps 18, with a kitchen built for a crowd. Check your dates.

Questions people ask