Why Locals Love Enzo's on the Lake
Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Fairy in Longwood, Florida, Enzo's on the Lake offers an enchanting Italian dining experience that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. This charming restaurant pairs authentic Italian cuisine with stunning waterfront views, creating a dining atmosphere that is both vibrant and intimate—perfect for everything from romantic dinners to lively gatherings.
The culinary offerings at Enzo's are crafted with care and a deep respect for tradition, delivering rich and comforting flavors that evoke both nostalgia and delight. Among their standout selections, the Short Rib Pappardelle offers hearty, melt-in-your-mouth braised beef ribbons nestled in broad pasta noodles, although some guests have found the seasoning a bit understated, inviting you to explore your palate and tailor your experience. The Vongole, featuring tender clams, is served in a surprising yet flavorful red sauce, diverging from the classic garlic and olive oil — a creative twist that surprises and satisfies. No Italian meal here is complete without indulging in their classic Tiramisú, widely praised for its perfect balance of creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa, authentically echoing Nonna’s time-honored recipe.
Complement your meal with Enzo's thoughtfully curated cocktail menu. The Limoncello Spritz, balancing the zesty brightness of limoncello with bubbly prosecco and a squeeze of fresh lime, is a refreshing way to start the evening. For something herbaceous and uplifting, the Rosemary Lavender Smash combines house-infused vodka with fresh lime and aromatic rosemary sprigs, delivering a fragrant and sophisticated sip. For bourbon lovers, the Kentuckiano and John's Old Fashioned provide impeccably balanced options, showcasing rich, deep flavors with hints of cherry and bitters that linger beautifully.
The atmosphere at Enzo’s is undeniably one of its greatest gifts. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building, each table offers a picturesque vista of the lake, enhancing every bite with a peaceful, natural backdrop. The buzz of lively conversation and warm service from attentive staff like Rudy and Susan create a welcoming, joyful environment—although the vibrant energy can sometimes rise to a level that challenges quiet conversation, particularly during busy nights like New Year’s Eve.
Many diners have noted that despite some waits, the overall experience feels rewarding and thoughtfully paced, with a genuine warmth in service that turns a meal into a memorable occasion. Enzo’s on the Lake is not just a restaurant; it’s a local gem where the essence of Italian hospitality lives on, perfect for those who appreciate authentic tastes, lakeside views, and a touch of Florida charm.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Cosy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- High chairs
- Free parking lot
- Parking
- Valet parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 6, 2026
While Enzo's on the Lake offers beautiful views and good service, it is too loud for conversation. The $65 Short Rib Pappardelle was underwhelming and tasted bland. The Vongole was served in a red sauce rather than the classic garlic and olive oil; it was tasty, but not extraordinary. However, the Tiramisú was perfect just like Nonna's recipe. We had to wait 15-20 minutes for our table despite having a reservation
- Mar 5, 2026
Overall, it was a solid experience. The food was good for the price point, and everything tasted fresh and house-made. Our server, Susan, did a great job—especially impressive given that it was New Year’s Eve and the restaurant was packed and very busy. We waited about 15 minutes past our reservation time, which felt reasonable for the night. If you enjoy wine, their selection is excellent and very fairly priced. Not a standout meal, but definitely a good, dependable choice.
- Mar 4, 2026
A really pretty location with some authentic Italian food (which is really difficult to find in parts of Orlando). We went for magical dining and had a great time. Nice view of the lake and there even was an impromptu marriage proposal while we were there. Will be a staple for us when we crave real Italian food.
- Feb 6, 2026
Amazing Italian restaurant on Lake Fairy! Delicous food , cocktails, and wine! Excellent service! Beautiful old building with great views! We loved it & one of my favorite spots now! Only suggestion is to play some nice music in background. That would have made it perfect!
- Jan 31, 2026
Outstanding! There are many Italian restaurants in Central Florida, but most fall short, while Enzo's shines. The ambience is spot on, and just about every table has a great view. Rudy delivered the gold standard of service, locking in a perfect all around 5 star rating. This place is an absolute gem.
- Jan 29, 2026
This was my first time at Enzo‘s and was not disappointed. Staff was very friendly service was incredible and the event ABBA under the stars was absolutely incredible. The lead singer absolutely blew my father and I away. The band sounded amazing as well. Please continue to book live musicians. it was an incredible show and overall fantastic night! Will definitely be back.
- Jan 24, 2026
My wife and I went to Enzo’s to celebrate our anniversary, and it was a perfect choice. From start to finish, the service and food were top-notch. My wife ordered the Dover sole, which was expertly deboned at the table — watching the waiter work was like watching an artist in action. I chose the braised beef, and it was phenomenal — tender, flavorful, and falling right off the bone. It was a terrific evening at a truly wonderful restaurant.
- Jan 16, 2026
Years ago, I used to work close to Enzo's on the Lake and would drive past it all the time. It's a very unassuming place that you'd never know was there. One day I googled it and was surprised what I discovered. A beautiful upscale lake house / Italian restaurant with an indoor and outdoor bar overlooking Fairy Lake! Well, that day finally arrived. To celebrate our nuptials, I decided this was the perfect opportunity! I made a reservation online a week prior using 'Open Table" and was only able to get a 5:15pm rsvp. My advice would be to RSVP well in advanced because the place isn't large and tables fill up very quickly. We arrived about 10 minutes early but we were not immediately seated. They seem to be very methodical here. They also have self-parking and complementary valet. Enzo's is very beautiful and well-maintained inside and out. Our waiter, Ernesto, was very polite and attentive. The entire staff was nice and welcoming. To our surprise the Magical Dining promo was still in effect, so we were able to order from the pre-fix menu which included an appetizer, main course, and desert for $60/each. We both ordered the Bruschetta al Pomodoro, which was good. My wife ordered the Filetto con Formaggio and I ordered the Braciole Di Maiale Alla Saltimbocca. Everything was excellent! For desert, she ordered the Tiramisu and I ordered the Zuccotto (Italian wedding cake). I feel the star of the show was the back area, which was meticulously manicured with a stunning view of Fairy Lake. The sunset was magical and capped off our wonderful evening of celebration. There was also live music which added to the already incredible ambiance.
