Located along Orlando’s vibrant International Drive, just a short drive up Interstate 4 from Disney property, Corazón by Baires has rapidly become a hotspot for those seeking an upscale dining experience infused with Latin American flair. The restaurant hosted me for a review, and I’m excited to share more!
Ambiance and Atmosphere
With a striking entrance reminiscent of a speakeasy, the journey to this hidden treasure begins with a beautifully detailed lobby with flowers, books, and mementos.
Check in at the host stand, and soon, you will take an elevator ride to the second floor, which sets the tone for an evening of sophistication.
The interior of Corazón by Baires blends elegance and energy, creating a chic environment perfect for everything from intimate dinners to lively gatherings. The decor channels the glamour of Miami nightlife with plush seating and ambient lighting. At the same time, a carefully curated playlist of music from a live but subdued DJ adds to the overall allure.
A Feast for the Senses
The menu at Corazón offers a diverse selection of dishes that showcase a creative blend of international and Latin American influences.
Starters include:
- Burrata and prosciutto: Includes heirloom tomatoes, red pepper pesto, spicy basil oil, and grilled ciabatta
- Charcuterie board: Includes Manchego cheese, goat cheese, parmigiano cheese, sopressata, chorizo iberico, and jamon serrano.
- Hamachi crudo: Includes smoked melon, leche de tigre, peach chalaca, crispy onion, and cilantro.
I tried Tuna tartare ($29), which featured yuzu ponzu, cucumber, wasabi aioli, and fried wontons. The tuna was fresh and flavorful. I also sampled the Calamari Kung Pao ($24), which featured a very sizeable serving of calamari with peanuts and red peppers. It was excellent. However, watch out—the red peppers are a bit spicy. If you bypass them, the overall dish has just a slight kick and is fine for those who don’t like too much heat.
Both dishes were flavorful and delicious. After eating the generous serving of calamari, I didn’t know if I would have room for an entre. But I pushed ahead.
Entrees
When I visited, Corazón had about ten meat-based entrees on the menu and about five pasta dishes.
Some highlights include:
- 12 oz Chateau Filet: tenderloin center cut with au poivre sauce and béarnaise butter
- 40 oz Beef Tomahawk: au poivre sauce and carved tableside
- Iberico Mahi: gigande beans and serrano ham stew, green gazpacho, and fennel salad
- Pollo Panka: aji amarillo mashed potatoes, panka gravy, and sarza criolla
I tried the 16 oz Certified Angus Ribeye ($52) with chimichurri sauce and roasted baby vegetables: three small tomatoes and two small onions. The chef prepared the meat just as I liked. It was tender and amazingly flavorful.
I also tried the Bone In Short Rib ($46) with roasted garlic and truffle mashed potatoes, charred shishito, pickles, smoked chilies BBQ, and milk aioli. The meat was great, and the pickles were deliciously sour.
For sides, I tried the Creamed Spinach ($12) with parmigiano Reggiano and béchamel sauce, as well as Coconut Lime Rice ($12) with Florida lime and leche de coco. Both had a great taste.
Sweet Endings
Corazón’s dessert offerings are equally impressive. Some of the offerings include:
- New York Style Cheesecake: red berries coulis and fresh whipped cream
- House-made Churros: dulce de leche and hot chocolate shot
- The Fosters: bananas brûlée, cinnamon caramel, cookie dust, ice cream, and rum flambe
I tried the Three Layer Chocolate Cake ($14) with Hershey’s fudge and homemade Chantilly. The cake was moist and had just the right sweetness, while the accompanying berries were fresh, colorful, and delicious. In an era where $20 cake somehow seems common, it was great to see a well-prepared, tasty, sharable dessert that felt like a great value.
Craft Cocktails
The restaurant’s bar menu is as innovative as its cuisine.
I tried the Caresse D’or ($18), which is similar to an Old Fashioned. It consists of Basil Hayden Bourbon, Zacapa Rum, simple syrup, an orange slice, and Angostura Cocoa Bitters. The drink is presented in a smoked glass dome, which is great and adds an extra level of flavor depth.
I also tried the Unspoken Affair ($15), with Bacardi Dragon Berry, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, fresh strawberries, fresh mint, and club soda.
Service That Shines
The service was friendly, attentive, and accommodating without being overbearing. When I visited, the restaurant offered free valet parking, which was a nice touch.
Plan Your Visit
Located at 8126 International Drive, Corazón by Baires is open Wednesday through Saturday, with extended weekend hours. Reservations are recommended to ensure a spot at this sought-after venue. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a luxurious meal, Corazón promises to deliver an unforgettable dining adventure.
Interested in trying Corazón by Baires?