My favorite part of any vacation is food — and I’m not afraid to admit it. As a foodie traveler, visiting the Orlando/Lake Buena Vista area truly makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop. While many know this area for its proximity to popular theme parks, few give it the recognition it deserves as a foodie paradise.
Just within the Disney Springs area alone (which was once called Downtown Disney), there’s dozen of booming restaurants that attract both visitors and locals alike. If you ask me, this outdoor entertainment district is the attraction in itself — especially in evenings and on weekends. Tucked within it is one coastal California–inspired restaurant that truly stands out from the rest: Summer House on the Lake. Here’s a look inside this fresh, bright dining spot—and why it’s especially worth stopping by for appetizers and drinks (and the infamous cookie bar).
Bright, fresh, and vibrant
The atmosphere and ambiance of a restaurant plays a significant role in how you feel about your night out. Right as you enter Summer House on the Lake, you’re greeted with an upscale beachy feel that certainly gives “California” vibes. The neutral coastal colors, decor, and spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the water just gets you in the right mindset for a great meal and a great time.
Whether it’s a Sunday brunch or appetizers and drinks, the light, bright, and airy feel of this restaurant feels different than others I’ve dined at in the Disney Springs area. There’s a reason this place is always busy — and the atmosphere here certainly plays a role. The food here is excellent too, but a huge part of why everyone’s talking about this place is the vibes. These are the type of vibes you see on social media posts that make you say “I want to go here” and save the reel.
Appetizers and drinks
As wonderful as the atmosphere of Summer House on the Lake is, even the most beautiful decor can’t earn a restaurant 4.7 stars on Google. Great food and great service are the other key components to a rating like this. The coastal-inspired menu features a great selection of California-inspired dishes and light bites, along with a huge selection of fun cocktails. The frosé, lavender haze, and tropical dreams are the fresh, fun kind of cocktails you’ll remember.
When dining here, I like to take my usual “appetizer feast” approach — ordering a variety of appetizers instead of a main meal. No matter where I dine, I always find that the appetizers sound better than the meals themselves. With a selection of starters like Jalapeño Cornbread, Burrata, and Wagyu Meatballs, it’s not an easy choice to decide on just one appetizer. You could even go to Summer House on the Lake and just sit at the bar for pre-dinner drinks and appetizers (though you may not want to leave to make your dinner reservation elsewhere).
The cookie bar
The real highlight of Summer House on the Lake for many visitors is the restaurant’s famous Cookie Bar (yes, you’ve seen it on social media). How many other restaurants do you know of that have an entire room dedicated to cookies? Guests dining in at the restaurant can order cookies as dessert, but you can also walk right into the cookie bar to take some home for another time. These aren’t just your average cookies, either. They’re oversized, thick, and almost remind me more of a piece of cake or a brownie texture than a cookie.
