A Three-Course Steakhouse Dinner for Just $40 in Florida? Yes, Really

Finding a good steakhouse in Orlando is easy. Finding one where you can enjoy a three-course dinner without spending a small fortune? That’s a different story.

Tucked along International Drive, Mordisco Steakhouse is turning heads with smoky, charcoal-grilled steaks, fresh ceviche, and Venezuelan-inspired dishes that taste far more expensive than you might expect. And with the right menu choices, sharing a few plates, and taking advantage of happy hour, you could put together a surprisingly affordable steakhouse experience.

But there’s a catch: knowing what to order and watching for extra charges makes all the difference. Here are eight things to know before planning your visit.

1. Start With a Plan for the $40 Dinner

Picture this: a table set with warm lighting, a menu full of grilled meats, and a budget that still feels relaxed. Mordisco Steakhouse sits at 11030 International Dr in Orlando, and it holds a 4.8 star rating from more than 3,400 reviews. That is a lot of happy diners.

The trick to a three-course dinner near $40 is choosing with care. Pick one starter, one main, and one sweet finish, then skip the extras that sneak in. Portions here are big, so sharing is a smart move.

One guest said they could not finish everything, and that is a gift for your wallet.

Timing matters too. The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM most days, so lunch is a calm way to try the menu before the evening crowd arrives. Evenings can get loud, and a few guests mentioned the dining room is lively.

Check the current menu on the website before you go, since prices can change. Think of the $40 goal as a game: starter, main, dessert, and no surprise add-ons. A little planning turns a fancy night into something that fits a normal week.

Bring a friend who likes to split plates and the math gets even better.

2. Ceviche: The Star Starter

Ceviche got 86 mentions in guest reviews, which tells you everything. When a dish gets talked about that much, it belongs at the top of your order. The tuna version earned a shout-out from a diner who called it right on point.

Ceviche is raw fish that is cured in citrus juice, so it tastes bright, cool, and zippy. It is the perfect opener before a smoky grill plate. It wakes up your taste buds without filling you up.

That light feel matters when your main course is a hearty cut of beef. You want room left for the good stuff. A starter that is fresh instead of heavy keeps the whole meal balanced.

If you want something different, the carpaccio also pulled in 11 mentions. Thin slices of beef with a sharp, fresh topping make an easy second choice. Either one works well for sharing, which keeps your starter cost low.

Fun fact: ceviche is a pride dish across Latin America, and each country adds its own twist. Here, the Venezuelan and Caribbean style shows up in the seasoning and the flair. Order it, squeeze a little extra lime, and enjoy the first bite.

3. Picanha Takes the Main Stage

Smoke is the secret here. One guest said the coal flavor came through perfectly on the steaks, and that is what makes a grill-focused menu worth the trip. Picanha, with 37 mentions, is the cut people keep bringing up.

Picanha comes from the top of the rump and wears a cap of fat that melts as it cooks. That fat means juicy, rich bites without needing a fancy sauce. It is a smart pick if you want steakhouse flavor without a giant price tag.

Not every visit is flawless. One reviewer felt the steak came out a bit overcooked, though still flavorful. So tell your server exactly how you like it, and ask for advice on the best doneness for this cut.

Another diner enjoyed the steaks but found the chicken dry, so stick with the beef. The meat on a stick style also got 11 mentions, and it is fun to eat and easy to share.

For a three-course plan, make the steak your one big splurge. Pair it with a simple side like yuca or fries, and the plate is complete. Smoky, juicy, and satisfying is the goal.

4. Happy Hour Is Your Money Saver

Half price changes everything. A guest reported that all drinks are half off from 5 to 7 PM, with cocktails around $6.50. That is the kind of deal that lets you stretch a dinner budget without feeling cheap.

Happy hour was mentioned in reviews as a highlight, and one couple even planned a return just to try the bar bites. Sitting at the bar is a fun way to do it. Guests praised bartender Manuel for being friendly and making great drinks.

Cocktail fans have plenty to try. One reviewer called the Old Fashioned some of the best in Orlando, and the cocada martini shows up in the talk too. A sweet coconut drink can even double as dessert.

Plan to arrive a little before 5 so you grab a seat. Order a drink, a shared starter, and decide on mains while you sip. Prices can change, so confirm the hours when you call or check the website.

By the time the clock hits 7, you will have saved real money and probably made a new bartender friend. Not bad for a Tuesday night.

5. Sharing Plates and Crunchy Bites

Here is a sneaky budget move: let the table share a sampler. Guests described a platter with mini arepas, a zesty spread, cheese, and more. It gives you a tour of Venezuelan flavors in one go.

Arepas are round corn cakes, a staple in Venezuela, and the mini version is perfect for snacking. Pair them with a cheese dip and you have a cozy start. One family also loved the telita cheese dip and a seafood asopado, a rich, soupy rice dish.

Pork rinds, called chicharrones, were mentioned nine times. Opinions vary, though. One diner found them hard and dry, while others count them as a fun crunchy treat.

Ask your server how fresh they are that night.

Truffle fries also appear in reviews and make an easy table snack. Splitting a few small plates can cost less than ordering separate starters for everyone.

Just keep the order sensible. Too many shared plates and you will not have room for the main event. Choose two, watch the pace, and save your appetite for the grill.

6. Sweet Endings Worth Saving Room For

Dessert is where this menu gets cozy. Quesillo, a creamy Venezuelan custard similar to flan, earned 12 mentions. Dulce de lechosa, a sweet papaya dessert, also got 12.

Dulce de lechosa is made from green papaya cooked slowly in sugar and spices. It tastes warm, sticky, and a little like a holiday treat. If you have never tried it, this is a good place to start.

One happy guest finished a meal with a basque cheesecake and called it a delightful way to end the night. Its burnt top and soft center make it a fan favorite. Split one among two people and the cost stays gentle.

Remember the three-course goal. A shared dessert still counts as your third course, and it keeps the bill from climbing. Ask your server which sweet is freshest that day.

If you are still craving something, a coconut cocktail can act as a sweet sip. Take a moment, enjoy the last bites, and let the table go quiet for a second. That is how you know it was good.

7. Know the Service Charge Before You Pay

Read the bill. That is the best tip in this whole article. Several guests noticed that an 18 percent service charge is already added, much like at some Miami spots.

One diner added a tip on top without realizing it and felt frustrated. Another said the charge was never mentioned. The owner replied that clear communication matters and invited guests to email the restaurant.

For your $40 plan, remember this fee when you do the math. A dinner priced near $40 before charges will land higher after the fee and tax. Budget a little extra so the final number is not a shock.

If service was wonderful, you can add more, and many guests praised servers by name. But it is your choice. Ask your server about the fee at the start of the meal so there are no surprises.

Also glance at the total before paying, even if the server is waiting. A calm minute with the check keeps the night happy. Smart diners always look first.

8. Seating, Noise, and Timing Tips

The room is pretty. Guests call it beautifully decorated, with a premium feel and plenty of space. Even walk-ins without a reservation were seated with ease, though weekends can be busier.

It can also be loud. One reviewer found the inside dark, loud, and stuffy, and another said the space felt a bit cramped during a party. If you like quiet talk, go earlier in the evening or at lunch.

Outdoor seating has a catch. One guest sitting outside near shrubbery got bitten around the ankles. Wear long pants or bug spray if you pick the patio.

Hours are handy. Doors open at 11:30 AM daily, close at 10:30 PM on most nights, at 9:30 PM on Sunday, and at midnight on Friday and Saturday. Call 407-286-0031 to book.

The bar is a fun alternative to a table, and guests had great service there. Pick your spot, plan your timing, and enjoy a steakhouse night that fits your budget and your mood.