Lake Nona’s newest hotel debuts transformative new dining experiences

Photos Courtesy of Tavistock Development Company

Since its opening in late December, Lake Nona Wave Hotel has proven its innovation extends far beyond the technology implemented throughout the property. From world-class art to diversity and inclusion, the pioneering hotel has curated a first-of-its-kind guest experience.

Designed as the Living Room of Lake Nona, Wave is one of Florida’s most culinary-centric hotels with three restaurants and bars – BACÁN, HAVEN and Living Room Bar – led by an impressive roster of chefs and mixologists. At the helm of the hotel’s culinary concepts is Chef Guillaume Robin, from northwestern France, who spent nearly two decades in Michelin-starred kitchens and four- and five-star hotels across the U.S. and Europe. Chef Robin has created an upscale yet approachable dining journey in partnership with two-time world pastry champion Laurent Branlard and beverage manager Alexa Delgado, who was a top finalist for Casa Dragones Tequila’s International Cocktail Competition.

Open for early risers and night owls alike, Living Room Bar starts the day with health-minded breakfast options and ends with master mixology and mouth-watering small plates. The bar features intimate seating areas and a stadium staircase lounge centered around a show-stopping pink Dogwood tree.

With a focus on championing minority-led brands and bringing her own stamp of creativity, Delgado has conceptualized a mixology program that plays off the classics and focuses on sustainability. Living Room Bar guests can expect creative cocktails like Thomas Edison’s Bright Idea, crafted with Lillet Blanc, Chandon Garden Spritz, and soda which are then poured from a light bulb fixture. The bar also offers a selection of light bites inspired by BACÁN’s South American cuisine with dishes like charred octopus with Argentinian chimichurri and smoked feta with black olive dust.

After a cocktail at Living Room Bar, guests can head to BACÁN for an evening inspired by Central and South American cuisine. With a bold open-kitchen design, the hotel’s signature restaurant features jewel-toned seating illuminated by gold lanterns and enhanced with gallery-worthy artwork and a striking 20-foot mural.

Placing an emphasis on supporting the local community, BACÁN has partnered with nearby fishermen for the perfect fresh catch as well as Orlando farms like Lake Meadow Naturals, specializing in cage-free chicken eggs, duck eggs, poultry and more. The eclectic wine list features more than 60 selections, including an Orlando varietal, wines from Mexico and Greece as well as Australian, New Zealand and South African wines. 

“As a destination, Lake Nona has played a prominent role in how we envisioned and ultimately created our food and beverage program,” Chef Robin said. “At the heart of this beautifully-designed community lies innovation, cutting-edge thinking, and thoughtful experiences. Incorporating each of these elements into our menus and sharing our team’s culinary ingenuity with hotel guests is our utmost priority.”

Stand-out dishes from Chef Robin’s expertly-crafted menu include Smoked Scallops á la Plancha, with caviar, beetroot tartare and yuca crisps, and Whole Truffle Chicken Two Ways served with crispy potatoes and brava sauce. Those with a sweet tooth can then indulge in one of Chef Branlard’s creations – including Esfera De Chocolate, featuring chocolate fondant cake, strawberry ice cream, and an Instagram-worthy presentation, and Banana Cream Tart with vanilla curd, tropical fruit salsa and guanabana pearls.

The hotel’s next addition is HAVEN. Tranquil by day and upbeat by night, HAVEN consists of three distinct indoor and outdoor experiences – HAVEN Kitchen, HAVEN Pool and HAVEN Lounge.

HAVEN Kitchen emerges as a lively Mediterranean restaurant and bar located on the second floor, perched above the buzzing Living Room Bar. Under HAVEN Kitchen’s trellis-like ceiling, the space is highlighted with lush greenery and an extraordinary velvet, feathered peacock chair that is sure to become an Instagram hotspot. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features selections such as poached lobster and burrata with green goddess cream.

Head outside to experience HAVEN Pool accentuated with candy-colored cabanas, turquoise green palm fronds, neon loungers, and seating nooks. HAVEN Pool offers a menu of favorites, including fresh salads, sandwiches, milkshakes, smoothies, frozen beverages and health-inspired cocktails. 

The hotel’s second bar, HAVEN Lounge, is set to debut later this month. A truly unique, beverage-centric experience where live entertainment and curious culinary creations come to life, HAVEN Lounge will bring a distinctly adult night-time experience to Lake Nona each weekend. 

“It has been remarkable to see our team’s creativity and innovation come to life with the hotel officially open – particularly when it comes to our food and beverage team members,” said Suzie Yang, general manager of Lake Nona Wave Hotel. “Whether you’re stopping for a drink at Living Room Bar or spending the evening at BACÁN, it is evident the careful thought and attention that our chefs and mixologists have put into every dish and cocktail. We are looking forward to seeing locals experience their brilliance firsthand.”

For more information or to make reservations, visit lakenonawavehotel.com or call (407) 675-2000.