Trying to decide where to make a reservation for a family dinner, special event, or celebratory occasion in Orlando’s Disney Springs? Are you in search of Michelin star-quality seafood with a rooftop bar worthy of your next Instagram profile photo?
Look no further. The answer is PADDLEFISH!
My friends and I were grateful to be hosted at Paddlefish last week and I can’t wait to share the experience with you. All opinions are 100% my own.
Paddlefish is an elegant yet warm and inviting three story restaurant aboard a beautiful steamboat docked in Disney Springs. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Disney Springs shops, Paddlefish offers a trendy retreat with fresh food, a dynamic menu with plenty of allergy-friendly options and an endless list of refreshing libations including a wine book to compete with the best.
We were seated on the first level with a beautiful view of the erupting volcano at the neighboring Rainforest Cafe lounge. We kicked things off with a drink order (a fruity cocktail for my friend Logan and sparkling water and limes for myself and Mallory, who unfortunately have committed to an alcohol cleanse) and headed up to the rooftop for a golden hour photo shoot.
HELLO ORLANDO! The views from the third floor are stunning!
Part of the rooftop is currently undergoing some construction (July 2021) but there is still plenty of room to maneuver and soak in the views. The top floor is also home to another bar, so your next cocktail is always only a few steps away!
For appetizers, we ordered the Crab Topped Fries (a gluten free option) and the Calamari with shishito peppers.
The crab fries are an absolute MUST for your table and the best way to start a meal at Paddlefish. The crab meat is so fresh and they do not skip on the toppings. The fries themselves were the perfect mix of crispiness and chewy goodness and because my friend Mallory is gluten free this was something we could all enjoy together!
The calamari and peppers were lightly breaded and fried which made for the perfect texture. You can tell the seafood here is ultra fresh and delicious. I’ve had a lot of calamari but never have I seen perfectly-fried shishito peppers mixed in with the crispy rings. WHAT A COMBO! Absolutely delicious.
We each opted for variations of fresh seafood for our main course. Mallory got the scallops with cauliflower puree, Logan ordered the cod stuffed with shrimp and scallop corn bread stuffing (holy cow did this look amazing!), and I ordered the salmon which came with miso vinaigrette, vegetable stir fry and wasabi mashed potatoes.
Not to be dramatic, but …
BEST. MEAL. EVER.
The mixed vegetables were bursting with flavor, the salmon was perfectly cooked, and the miso vinaigrette served as a light yet bold and delicious accompaniment to the fish.
Mallory said the scallops were the best she’s ever had. I tried them, and concur. So incredibly tasty and unbelievably fresh!
Logan actually shed a tear because the corn bread stuffing was just THAT GOOD.
See, we aren’t a dramatic bunch at all.
I would return and order any of these three meals again in a heartbeat. And while we didn’t take the opportunity to try and of the “from the land” options on the menu, I would venture to guess the meat selections are just as delectable as the fish. We actually got the opportunity to thank the chef himself for the incredible meal! Such an incredible experience.
After giving our compliments to the chef, we were greeted with three of the most beautifully-crafted sweet treats. For Mallory, the gluten free guest, a glass filled with perfectly-layered fresh fruit and a dollop of fresh whipped cream (in the shape of a Mickey!). And for Logan and I to share, a tart and light piece of house-made key lime pie and cheesecake from scratch.
And I thought the meal couldn’t get any better!
I am a BIG key lime lover, and this was absolute perfection. The dolloped meringue atop the piece of pie was so light and creamy it would knock the best of the best pastry chefs off their feet. And the cheesecake, the CHEESECAKE was paradise. So much goodness packed into one little sugar-loaded cylindrical piece of heaven. Logan and I have both spent time living in NYC and no renowned Manhattan restaurant with world-class cheesecake comes close to this.
Truthfully, the best meal I’ve had in a very long time.
When you combine the views, the atmosphere and the service with the incredible food, Paddlefish wins every time. It’s by and far the best meal I’ve had in Disney Springs and is sure to be a memorable experience for you whether you are looking for a nice sit down meal with your family, celebrating a special occasion with friends, or in search of the perfect date night spot.
A 10/10 experience! Tell me, have you been to Paddlefish?
XOXO,
BRE
Business Belle Bre 