Ah, what a delight it is to dine like royalty—if only for an evening! My recent visit to Sophia’s at the Conrad Hotel in Orlando left me feeling like I had truly been treated to a feast fit for a queen (which, of course, I am). This culinary gem offers a beautiful blend of Southern Italian cuisine with a twist, and its location beside the shimmering Evermore Bay adds to the magic of the experience. Sophia’s is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of flavors, ambiance, and service.
Let me take you on a journey through this luxurious and delightful dining experience, where even my most discerning family members—The Saucy King and the Saucy Prince—left with full bellies and smiles on their faces.
First things first, the Conrad Hotel itself is a beauty. Sophia’s sits within the hotel grounds like a jewel, offering expansive views of Evermore Bay. The lagoon, or shall we say “the royal waters,” is something out of a dream. I have been fortunate to travel the world, but let me tell you—this lagoon is unlike anything I have ever seen before. It’s vast, pristine, and simply stunning. I must insist—I really do need to treat myself to a staycation here soon. The Conrad Orlando is absolutely a place where you can unwind, enjoy a luxury stay, and feast like royalty. The hotel is spotlessly clean, with little pockets of charm scattered throughout, including mini-bars that make you feel like you’re in paradise (with the bonus of never having to wait for a drink—important, you know!).
We chose to dine outdoors that evening, basking in the perfect weather as the sun dipped below the horizon. The quietness of the restaurant added to the intimacy of the experience, and the service was impeccable. We were never left waiting for a drink—something the Saucy King is particularly fond of!
Now, let’s talk about the real reason we came to Sophia’s—the food! I can confidently say, there were zero complaints, from appetizers to desserts. The service was fantastic, but it was the food that truly stole the show. Let’s break it down by each royal member’s choice of course:
My King, ever the fan of hearty, robust flavors, kicked off with a Baked Fontina for $19. It was baked to perfection, rich with garlic and thyme, and paired with delicious bread that he devoured without hesitation. I’m telling you, he soaked up every last bite. He followed up with the Pork Ragu for $27—made with heritage pork, Vidalia onion, and Vermentino wine. By the time he finished, he said he was “full” (an impressive feat for a man of his appetite), but I could tell from the empty bowl that he thoroughly enjoyed it. The flavors were bold and comforting, just the way he likes it.
Now, my beloved Prince, who can be a bit particular when it comes to sauces (he prefers to taste his pasta, not drown in sauce), went for the traditional bolognese. The dish was served with the pasta and sauce separated, just as he likes it. He could actually taste the quality of the pasta, and that was enough to make him smile. (Not an easy feat in Orlando, mind you—too much sauce can ruin the meal for him!)
Ah, and then, of course, there was my choice. I kicked things off with Arancini for $16. Now, arancini—fried risotto balls, stuffed with saffron, house tomato sauce, and Prosciutto San Daniele—sounds amazing, right? And, while it was good, it didn’t quite blow my royal mind. I wouldn’t have it again, but it was definitely worth trying.
For my main, I went all out with Seared Scallops for $39. Let me tell you, those scallops were simply divine—six large, plump scallops, paired with parsnips, a caper raisin puree, and a touch of lemon. The flavors were exquisite. I could hardly finish the plate (though I certainly tried), and I already know what my next move will be: next time, I’ll be making my King share, and we’ll order a side to go with it! The parsnip puree was outstanding, and the scallops were cooked to absolute perfection—firm, yet tender, with a slight caramelization that brought out their natural sweetness. I truly felt like royalty eating it.
Ah, and let’s not forget about the drinks, shall we? As the Saucy Queen, I believe in treating myself to a glass of bubbly, and I opted for a Bellini—but, naturally, I asked them to swap the Prosecco for Champagne. After all, I am royalty, and only the best for the Queen! The Bellini was delightful—fresh, fizzy, and perfectly balanced. Following that, I moved on to a Cosmopolitan (not on the menu, but they were kind enough to make it for me), and it was just as delicious as I’d hoped. Of course, no night of fine dining is complete without a classic Mojito (again, off-menu but well-made)—refreshing and just the right balance of mint and rum.
Now, my King, ever the fan of a cold drink, had his usual lager followed by a Cabernet Sauvignon for a hefty $35 per glass. But, as he said, “it was wonderful”—and after four glasses, I’m inclined to agree. He was certainly enjoying himself!
We didn’t get dessert this time (we were too full from the delicious feast!), but the ambiance certainly helped make up for it. Dining at Sophia’s is a treat not only for the taste buds but for the eyes as well. The large restaurant, with its coastal-inspired Southern Italian decor, radiates warmth, and you can either enjoy your meal indoors with an open kitchen view or outdoors by the water—either way, the experience is enhanced by the beautiful setting. It truly felt like a vacation within a vacation.
The only downside? The price of $5 for a packet of potato chips at the hotel shop—perhaps a tad much, but when the Prince is hungry, one must comply!
In the end, I’d give Sophia’s a solid 8/10—it’s rare that a place gets my full approval, but the beautiful setting, outstanding food, impeccable service, and overall atmosphere made it a memorable experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family outing, or just a royal indulgence like I did, Sophia’s at the Conrad Hotel in Orlando is a must-visit.
The hotel itself—spotless, with fantastic amenities like the pristine lagoon, various little bars scattered around, and excellent service throughout. Hilton really nailed it with this one.
In summary, Sophia’s at the Conrad Hotel offers a top-notch Southern Italian dining experience with a twist of coastal flair, all set against a stunning backdrop of Evermore Bay. Whether you’re indulging in wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, or seared scallops, the experience is bound to make you feel like royalty.
Now, I must say, a staycation at the Conrad is most certainly in my future plans. You simply cannot miss this luxury escape.
Stay Saucy, Saucy Meal Queen
