Aurora at The Celeste Hotel

by Susan Shalhoub

Looking for a place in East Orlando that will truly impress  – where you can meet family and friends for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch?

That place is Aurora, the in-house restaurant at The Celeste Hotel. Aurora is a welcoming hub for unique food, live music, daily happy hour specials, and a cool aesthetic. For years, it’s had a loyal following, due in large part to the skill and creativity Executive Chef Mike Trudnak puts into his Modern American fusion dishes. 

The restaurant’s menu changes seasonally, says Sarah Ehmke, Director of Sales for   The Celeste Hotel.

“It’s ever-changing, so sometimes the special might be a soup flight, for example,” she says, with three different soups. “In this world of chain restaurants, we are not the status quo.”

Entrees on any given day can include a blackened mahi sandwich with horseradish remoulade, shrimp and grits, braised lamb shank, or beef short rib pappardelle. Aurora’s full lineup of creative soup and salad offerings are great for lighter fare. 

Aurora is the perfect spot for celebrating holidays and family occasions, too. Easter and Mother’s Day will be here before you know it, and Chef Mike and his team are busy curating special menus for diners who are planning memory-making visits.

The restaurant’s delectable weekend brunch is always a nice option for family visiting from out of town, as a treat after a long workweek, or as a new way to experience the Aurora environment. 

“Our brunch menu is different and really makes us stand out,” says Sarah. “Eggs Benedict, our fried green tomato wrap, oxtail quiche phyllo bites, and banana French toast are just a few of the popular brunch orders here at Aurora.” 

Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diners are all easily accommodated at the restaurant.

Aurora’s inviting ambiance combined with live music on Friday and Saturday nights, unique food, and creative cocktails make it an ideal choice for an incredible dining experience.