It was date day with my Saucy King, and what better place to indulge in some festive luxury than Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando? From the moment we walked in, the Christmas decor set the tone for a magical experience, and the ambiance didn’t disappoint.
The first thing that struck me was the beautiful holiday decorations, which made the space feel warm and welcoming. Add to that the buzzing environment—probably thanks to a nearby conference—and it felt lively yet still elegant.
A standout feature was the piano player, starting at around 5 PM, serenading the room with a mix of Christmas carols and Disney classics. It added a touch of magic to the evening, creating the perfect backdrop for our date.
We treated ourselves to a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label—because why not? At $150, it’s not the cheapest splurge, but it felt fitting for the setting. However, I have to say, the lack of champagne service was a letdown. Pouring our own bubbly isn’t quite what I expect from a place like Peacock Alley.
The staff were lovely, but they were clearly busy, which meant the attentive, luxurious service we were hoping for wasn’t quite there.
I also indulged in a vodka-based cocktail (because, well, it’s me), priced at around $20. While I can’t recall the exact name, it was well-balanced and enjoyable—just a bit steep price-wise.
You know us—sharing is caring! We sampled a variety of dishes, and here’s how they stacked up:
This was paired with a brioche cheese stick, which was essentially a posh grilled cheese. For $15, I thought it was excellent value given the setting, and the bisque itself was creamy, rich, and full of flavor.
Smoked duck breast with radish, cabbage, jalapeño, queso fresco, and a plantain tostada, drizzled with orange plum vinaigrette. The flavors were lovely and well-balanced, but I’d argue the price tag didn’t quite match the portion size or experience.
Filled with rice wine-pickled cucumber, radish, carrot, cilantro, and black garlic aioli, these sounded like a dream but ended up being our least favorite dish. The bread was lackluster, so I ditched it and just ate the pork belly filling—which, to be fair, was quite tasty on its own.
A winner! Topped with rapini, piquillo pepper, pesto, and gouda, this flatbread was crispy, flavorful, and worth every penny. One of my favorites of the evening.
This vegetarian delight featured mushrooms, ricotta, lemon cream, orange gremolata, truffle, and pecorino pepato. It was earthy, creamy, and rich without being overpowering. We skipped the shaved black truffle (+$15), and honestly, I didn’t feel like we missed out.
Dessert was a bit of a letdown, but only because it wasn’t the crumble we Brits love. Instead of the classic crumbly topping, it leaned more towards a pastry crust. Still, the caramelized apples, salted caramel, and warm brandy custard were tasty enough to round off the meal nicely.
All in all, Peacock Alley delivered on taste and atmosphere. The food was served perfectly hot, the flavors were on point, and the setting felt festive and luxurious. While the service could use a touch more polish (someone should definitely pour the champagne!), the overall experience left us impressed enough to plan another visit soon.
In fact, we’ve already decided to bring Jamie’s mom when she visits us for Christmas next week—because if you’re going to treat someone to a special outing, Peacock Alley is a solid choice.
Saucy Verdict: 9/10
To hit a perfect 10, someone would need to pour the bubbly, darling. 🍾🎄🍴
Stay Saucy, Saucy Meal Queen.
PS – If you’re looking for more fabulous hotel lobby food and drinks – look no further than the Lobby Bar at Four Seasons. If you’re staying at the Waldorf check out Oscar’s for breakfast, you won’t be disappointed.
