Chef's Table at the Edgewater

The food looks like it would be great by looking at the photos. Sadly I’ll probably never eat here due to an interaction with one of the staff who at 3:30 in the afternoon on a weekday with zero customers outside told me I could not sit and finish my ice cream from the store next door. I get it if it was near the business time, but there was no one there. It’s a small community, just be friendly.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

The service was great, and our server was in training, so we were well taken care of. The food was fresh and hot, though I personally felt it could have used a bit more flavor. I usually love these dishes, but they didn’t stand out as much as I’d hoped. The bacon on the chicken and waffles was cold, and I typically prefer it warm. Overall, it was a decent meal, but I’m not sure I’d return right away.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Tried to pass off beef Wellington as filet mignon, but it was actually pot roast… Worst friggin meal ever

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

A very rubbish restaurant, their good reviews, are paid to hire other people to do, do not trust this restaurant

No longer dog friendly. This establishment has outdoor seating on the sidewalk. All other restaurants in Downtown Winter Garden are dog friendly. We brought our elderly dog in a stroller and requested to be seated outdoors and was told that they do not allow dogs. We had previously brought our dogs and sat outdoors with no issue. There were several open tables outside and only one other guest seated outside. Our dog is 16 years old, blind and doesn't bark. He would have just slept in his stroller. You lost a patron tonight.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

The mushroom, crepe pinwheel was outstanding. The chefs table experience is well worth it, especially with the wine paring.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Wine Pairings

Seems like the waitress forgot about us and our food for a moment but it was an okay experience trying different foods. The truffle duck fat fries were greasy so we had to send them back. The 2nd batch was good. We also had beef wellington, wings, and something else can't remember but it was good. The best was the Mac and cheese. For the price though there should be better service and food.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Duck Fat Fries, Tasting Room Wings, Mini Beef Wellington Trio

Updated Review 2024:
After frequenting The Chef's Table for over six years for everything from special occasions and New Year's celebrations to regular weekly dinners, I’ve seen the best of what this restaurant has to offer. We've enjoyed both the tasting room and the kitchen tables in the back, which were once quintessential parts of the Chef's Table experience. Unfortunately, I find myself writing this review in the past tense after our most recent visit for a birthday dinner, as it seems the restaurant has lost a significant part of its charm.

Historically, the Chef's Table offered an intimate setting of 5-7 tables around the kitchen, allowing diners to feel part of the cooking experience. This intimacy was what made dining here so special. However, this time around, we were placed in a separate room that accommodated a large party, complete with a TV on the wall that, while turned off, significantly detracted from the once cozy and engaging atmosphere.

On the service front, despite noting the birthday occasion in our reservation and reminding our waiter twice, the evening concluded without any birthday acknowledgment—no candle on the dessert, no festive card, nothing that used to make such celebrations feel personal here. The oversight was all the more apparent when, upon leaving, we noticed a neighboring table receiving a candle with their dessert.

As for the food, the quality remains high with delightful dishes like pork, duck, and duckfat fries, which are still worth mentioning. There was a hiccup with an overcooked steak, but the manager handled it promptly and courteously, which was appreciated. A personal disappointment for me was the change from a beloved mushroom tarte to a mushroom roulade, which didn't quite hit the mark as the former did.

While the overall experience has taken a step back, the excellent service during our visit and the magic of Winter Garden itself will bring us back to The Chef's Table. However, we might skip the Chef's Table seating in favor of the tasting room next time, hoping to recapture some of the original vibes that made this place a favorite. Here’s to hoping for a return to form in the future.

Original Review 2018:
Best place in the world! What an experience!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

I came here for my friend’s birthday dinner and Ryan was my server and he was great explaining the menu and the food and service is awesome! It’s a 3 course meal so you choose appetizer, entree and dessert!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food. Good attention.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jeff, our server was exceedingly kind and knowledgeable about both the food and the wine.
All of our food was delicious and perfect! We will be returning!

Parking: Street parking and lot around corner from location.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Wine Pairings

Amazing service and the chefs were spectacular!! As someone who’s worked in the restaurant industry this team and the whole experience exceded my expectations. Would definitely recommend this for a date night or special occasion.

Excellent customer service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We did the tasting room date night for the first time. Loved our meal and had great service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mushroom and Chive Crepe Torte

Better in past visits. Not quite as exciting this time around. Missed the extraordinary tasting menu.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mushroom and Chive Crepe Torte