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Visit And See Why Locals Adore The Parmesan Wheel Pasta At This Orlando Eatery

Published: June 30, 2025

Picture this: award-winning tapas that combine global flavors with Southern hospitality, served in a space where modern design meets warm ambiance.

Since opening in 2016, Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen has established itself as the culinary cornerstone of Lake Nona Town Center, transforming the way Orlando diners experience contemporary dining.

This isn’t your typical chain restaurant – it’s a thoughtfully crafted destination where Executive Chef Jason Bergeron, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, creates colorful small plates designed for sharing and connection.

The restaurant operates under the Tavistock Restaurant Collection umbrella, bringing elevated dining to one of Orlando’s most innovative neighborhoods. Whether you’re seeking an intimate date night or celebrating with friends, Chroma delivers an experience that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Signature Small Plates & Must-Try Dishes

Brussels Sprouts: These aren’t the Brussels sprouts from your childhood! Served in a luxurious miso caramel sauce, they’re crispy on the outside and tender within, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory that keeps guests coming back. You’ll understand why they’re considered one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.

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Crab Cakes: Beautifully plated with ají amarillo, radish, and herb salad, these cakes showcase fresh crab without heavy fillers. The presentation alone is Instagram-worthy, but the taste is what makes them truly memorable – light, flaky, and bursting with seafood flavor.

Pork Belly Pad Thai: This fusion masterpiece features crispy pork belly over rice noodles with a zesty sauce that brings authentic Thai flavors to the table. While some describe the pork belly as more like thick bacon, the dish delivers on bold, spicy flavors that transport your taste buds.

Crab & Artichoke Dip: Served bubbling hot with a golden parmesan gratin crust and grilled ciabatta, this appetizer is pure comfort food elevated. The creamy, gooey texture and rich flavor make it perfect for sharing – or not sharing, if you’re feeling selfish.

Parmesan Wheel Experience: Watch as your server prepares fresh pasta tableside inside a hollowed parmesan wheel, creating an interactive dining moment that’s as delicious as it is entertaining. The portion may be smaller than expected, but the experience and flavor are unforgettable.

Butterscotch Bread Pudding: End your meal on a high note with what many consider the best bread pudding they’ve ever tasted. Rich, decadent, and perfectly sweet, it’s the kind of dessert that has you planning your return visit before you’ve even left.

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Atmosphere & Design

Modern Elegance: The interior strikes the perfect balance between trendy and comfortable, featuring contemporary design elements, cozy banquettes, and thoughtful décor that includes live plants and artistic touches. The open kitchen concept allows you to watch the culinary magic happen while adding energy to the dining room.

Multiple Seating Options: Choose from indoor banquettes for intimate conversations, the covered outdoor patio for fresh air dining, or the solarium area with views of Lake Nona’s community art installation “The Beacon.” Each space offers its own unique vibe while maintaining the restaurant’s cohesive aesthetic.

Live Entertainment: Weekend brunch brings an extra dimension with live DJs spinning ’90s and 2000s hip-hop and R&B, creating an energetic atmosphere that lets you feel the vibe while still maintaining conversation. The music level is perfectly calibrated – high enough to dance in your seat, but not so loud that it overwhelms dinner conversation.

Vibrant Energy: The restaurant consistently buzzes with activity, especially during peak hours and holidays when both indoor and outdoor spaces fill with guests enjoying the social atmosphere that Chroma was designed to inspire.

Other Considerations

Pricing Structure: Expect moderately upscale pricing typical of contemporary tapas restaurants, with small plates ranging from around $11 to $25.

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While some guests find portions smaller than expected for the price point, the quality of ingredients and preparation justifies the cost for most diners. The tapas format encourages ordering multiple dishes to share, which can add up but creates a more social dining experience.

Parking Convenience: Located in Lake Nona Town Center, you’ll find free parking in the six-story parking garage, which is a pleasant surprise for visitors coming from other parts of Orlando where parking fees are common.

Dress Code: The atmosphere calls for nice casual attire – think polo shirts with khakis rather than shorts and flip-flops. You’ll feel comfortable without needing to dress for fine dining, making it perfect for post-flight dinners or casual date nights.

Reservation Recommendations: While walk-ins are accepted, reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining and brunch. The restaurant can get busy, particularly during Lake Nona’s community events and holiday seasons.

Family-Friendly Considerations: While the restaurant welcomes families, the tapas format and pricing structure make it more suitable for adults and older children who can appreciate sharing small plates rather than traditional kid-friendly entrees.

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Best Times to Visit: Weeknight dinners offer a more relaxed experience, while weekend brunch provides the most energetic atmosphere with live music. Happy hour presents an opportunity to sample the creative cocktail menu at more accessible price points.


Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen
📍 6967 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

Writer: Jamie Benson
Contributor

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.