10 Best: Good food, good drink, good hair; top tables for an Orlando autumn

Fall is glorious in Central Florida, its cooler, drier weather signifying not only the end of another hurricane season, but the start of porch and patio season in all its glory.

Good-hair season, too, but we digress....

While the Space Coast has plenty of excellent eateries from which to choose, sometimes Orlando beckons. Submitted here for your fall dining pleasure, is a selection of varied venues. Some are ideal for enjoying the sublime al fresco eats and drinks. Others incorporate the flavors of the season into their menus — pumpkin and spice and all that's fall-nice. Some offer both. 

Capa

10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Orlando, 407-313-7777, fourseasons.com

Capa is the place to book for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself. There are two large outdoor terraces that offer views of the resort's gorgeous grounds. All this while dining on everything from caviar (starting at $172 an ounce) to A-5 Wagyu beef ($32 an ounce). There also are plenty of small plates and tapas starting at $5. Make a reservation and bring the little ones. They eat free.

Expert tip: This rooftop restaurant on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Orlando gives the quintessential view of fireworks from Walt Disney World theme parks.

Soco Thonton Park

629 E Central Blvd, Orlando, 407-849-1800, socothorntonpark.com

Soco offers up loads of plated Southern comfort. Its name is actually a representation of Southern contemporary, which means you'll find some down-home diner favorites that have undergone an evolution into something more upscale. Think boiled peanut hummus and mac-and-cheese croquettes. Its al fresco sidewalk seating infuses meals with a hip, urban vibe that ticks everything up a notch. As appealing for dinner as it is for Sunday brunch or happy hour cocktails, Soco's patio is lively and hip. 

Expert tip: Soco's "F-QUE" wings (jumbo and smoked with house-made pepper jelly) aren't just cheeky, they're spicy.

S37en Bites

617 Primrose Drive, Orlando, 407-203-0727, se7enbites.com

This quaint working Milk District bakery is open for breakfast and lunch with a manageable, fresh-made menu that changes near daily. Choose between creative, handcrafted moon pies and fresh, local fruit-infused cobblers. Be prepared for a sweet-related impulse buy to take home. Eggs and biscuits, scones and soups, Southern comfort classics and lots of surprising modern twists. Pie season is here, and this is the place to be. The vanilla bean bourbon bacon moonpie is available daily until supplies run out.

Expert tip: Se7en Bites is cozy. Keep your dining party small for best results or simply go the takeout route.

Yellow Dog Eats

1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere, 407-296-0609, yellowdogeats.com

This off-the-beaten-path venue is charming and rustic. Its food is surprising, too. Sandwiches, salads, scrumptious starters and a whole lotta barbecue. The menu includes YDE's signature pulled pork, including the Fire Pig (a wrap with apple wood-smoked bacon, gouda, fried onions and sriracha) and the Rufus (pork topped with thick-cut Brie, cherry ring peppers and topped with raspberry melba sauce). Ribs are available by the half-rack, as well. Bands, performing in the restaurant's outdoor beer garden from 6-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, add ear candy to the menu.

Expert tip: Get a side of the coleslaw with cranberries, nuts and a little spice, a YDE tradition.

The Boat House

Disney Springs, 1620 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, 407-939-2628, theboathouseorlando.com

Walt Disney World's big, beautiful Boathouse venue can accommodate up to 600 seafood and steak lovers amid its nautically themed confines. Views of Lake Buena Vista beckon from throughout; in fact, you can drink and dine al fresco here, as well. Wine, craft beer and cocktails pair well with market-fresh catch and even caviar while diners watch the classic amphicars sail past. 

Expert tip: They say it serves four. We say it serves more. Don't miss the Gibson's S'mores Baked Alaska.

Boxi Park Lake Nona

6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Orlando, 407-536-9666, boxiparklakenona.com

Think of Boxi Park as an outdoor, trendy food court. The 30,000-square-foot space is made up of 13 re-purposed shipping containers, each serving delicious food offerings. You can get everything from a crispy cauliflower mango taco, to a herb lemon lobster roll to a bacon double cheeseburger on a potato roll. Your whole family can enjoy this place. There are food options for everyone, a playground for the littles and a dog park for the four-legged friends.

Expert tip: It's only open Thursday and Friday starting at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m.

The Waterfront

4201 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 407-866-0468, thewaterfrontorlando.com

Situated on Lake Jennie Jewel, The Waterfront is a great laid-back joint. The restaurant, formerly known as Julie's Waterfront, has gotten a renovation as well as a new menu. The chefs focus on "in-house" dishes including the French dip, which features house-shaved pieces of roast sirloin. The back of the restaurant is what Florida fall is all about. Adirondack chairs line the patio along the lake, an inviting spot to enjoy a beverage and the sunny skies.

Expert tip: Visit on Taco Tuesday and get the friend shrimp tacos. You won't be disappointed.

Ocean Prime

7339 W. Sand Lake Road Suite 400, Orlando, 407-781-4880, ocean-prime.com/Orlando‎

The new $40 prix fixe menu is specially designed to give theatergoers enough time to enjoy a wonderful meal and make it to the show before curtain call. The three course menu features some of the restaurants favorite dishes for $40. Highlights include lobster bisque as an appetizer and an 8 ounce filet mignon with whipped potatoes, haricot vert and cabernet jus as an entrée. The menu is available daily from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Expert tip: Don't show up in shorts. The dress code is business casual attire.

Canvas Restaurant & Market

13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando, 407-313-7800, canvaslakenona.com

While brunch may be a big hit, this restaurant is a must for all meals. Open from 11 a.m. through dinner, Canvas has a massive menu including salads, sandwiches and small plates. The atmosphere is casual, hip and picturesque. Next to the restaurant is a market that's combination boutique and community café. Bottomless mimosas and a spectacular lake view while enjoying bunch. Need we say more?

Expert tip: A complimentary electric shuttle that drives around Lake Nona will take guests to the restaurant. For those headed to the airport, this is a convenient place to stop for a quick bite.

Wine Bar George

1610 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 407-490-1800, winebargeorge.com

There's something relaxing about being able to people watch while perched high above in a charming, intimate setting. Of course it also helps that there's more than 140 wines available by the glass, bottle and ounce.The menu includes small plates, cheese and charcuterie, family style plates and desserts. All you dole whip fans, you'll definitely want to order the Frozcato mimosa made with dole whip pineapple. It's only on the brunch menu, but you can get it anytime. The upstairs terrace is the place to escape, yet still enjoy the commotion of Disney Springs. 

Expert tip: Have your wine questions ready. Master sommelier, George Miliotes, is often seen milling around his restaurant interacting with diners.

Spitzer is a Local Expert for USA Today 10 Best