Waldorf Astoria Orlando Guide to Bull & Bear

Bull & Bear is Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s flagship restaurant, specializing in steak and high-end selections. Whether you’re staying at the Waldorf, playing golf at the Waldorf, or just around town, this is a great restaurant to visit.

I flew out to Orlando a day early to stay at the Waldorf Astoria, an amazing hotel on its own. The rooms feature toiletries from Aesop. Other than that, there is a whole golf course at the resort, pools, and a beautiful view all around.

The Bull & Bear Experience

I booked a reservation at Bull & Bear through the Hilton site and selected accommodations for my friend’s birthday. Checking in was hassle-free, and the staff were amazing! They will introduce themselves to you and ensure your party has a great experience.

The dinner menu at Bull & Bear is comprehensive, whether you prefer vegetables, seafood, or meat. There is something for everyone. It is worth checking out their spirits menu, as they have cool cocktail listings, wine, and harder liquor.

During dinner, expect a candle-lit experience. It’s very intimate and a “take your time” vibe. We’re just… Chilling. But the restaurant will bring out some starter bread (a SELECTION for you to choose from), house-made butter, and a random treat to kick start your appetite. The special starter was some sort of shrimp cake. I enjoyed it!

If you’re looking at appetizers and you’re considering the Pasta Explosion, do note that this comes in a couple of pieces of pasta (think of literally 2-3 pieces of tortellini) and is topped with a slice of premium prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano. Do as you please with that information.

Dry Aged Yellowtail Crudo

The dry-aged yellowtail crudo (think of like a carpaccio or sashimi in “sauce”) is chef’s kiss. When the staff brings this appetizer to your table, you’re presented with a little show where they pour the sauce onto the plate and then add a few drops of chili oil (depending on your spice preference). This dish was very flavorful and highly recommended over the Tuna Tartare Nicoise.

Wagyu Carpaccio

I’ve never tried the Wagyu Carpaccio anywhere else before, and this was a unique experience! This dish consists of thinly sliced RAW wagyu (beef) dressed with shaved truffles, 18-month-shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, and pushed egg yolk. This was a great alternative than beef tartare (what I’m used to).

Featured Wagyu

Bull & Bear has quite a selection when it comes to steak. You can choose from a Filet Mignon to the Delmonico to a Tomahawk. Note that the weight is on the larger side, so bring an appetite or share the meal. I would have preferred the Delmonico, but 18oz is a lot for one person (me). I didn’t want Filet Mignon at the time either (I should have, though). My hands were tied, and I ended up with a 12oz New York Wagyu Steak… Cooked medium-rare. It actually came out medium-rare, which was a big plus!

The marbling of the steak made the meat juicier and tastier than a traditional New York steak. 12oz was still a lot for me, so that last 3oz was a struggle. But considering this dish was $150, I made it worth every while not to waste food. We finished this. I finished this. By myself.

If you’re in a party of two who eats beef, just share the Tomahawk for Two instead (literally for two people, but 38oz with the bone is still a lot, so maybe three).

The Dessert

After that marathon, the staff brought out dry ice to smoke our table. I loved that presentation because it looked so official. Talk about an eye for detail!

The staff brought out a creme brulee dish and lit it on fire! I didn’t get a chance to take a picture of the fire because I was so immersed in the experience. This was an amazing dining experience at Bull & Bear in the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. I would definitely go there again.

Secret tip? If you’re staying at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando with Hilton status (Gold/Diamond), you can use your resort credits ($25 per person), while paying with the American Express Surpass Card ($50 per quarter) to double down on credits. With Girl Math, the drinks and appetizers were essentially free with the statement credit. Honestly, the credit card is only worthwhile if you often stay at a Hilton hotel. Food for thought!

Enjoyed this post? Check out my other adventures in Florida!

Bull & Bear
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln
Orlando, FL 32821