ORLANDO, Fla., /PRNewswire/ — Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises, announced its 2024 Star Awards. Primo at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, which is part of Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort, also anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Recommended award and is showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
In addition to this latest recognition, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton Spa received their Forbes Travel Guide 4-star recognition in 2005 and Knife & Spoon, a one MICHELIN star signature steak & seafood restaurant located within The Ritz-Carlton property received its Forbes Travel Guide 4-star Restaurant recognition in 2022.
Primo, located within the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes stands as the first of the hotel’s restaurant concepts to attain a Forbes Travel Guide Rating. Widely considered one of the top fine dining establishments in Orlando, this rating also marks the first entry of any restaurant across the JW Marriott brand into the Forbes Travel Guide Ratings.
This distinguished restaurant is the second installment of the renowned Primo Restaurant, under the guidance of Chef Melissa Kelly, a two-time James Beard Award winner. Positioned as the best Italian restaurant in Orlando, Primo showcases a curated menu with a Mediterranean Italian flair, embodying Chef Kelly’s farm-to-table philosophy. Set against the backdrop of Orlando’s culinary scene, Primo exemplifies excellence by utilizing premium ingredients sourced directly from the resort’s on-site farm. Immerse yourself in the farm-to-table experience at Primo, where seasonal flavors elevate the dining adventure, making it a standout farm-to-table restaurant in Orlando.
“This recognition means a great deal to the Primo team,” said Chef Kelly. “Though our menu changes with the seasons, a few special dishes, like my signature Pork Saltimbocca inspired by my grandfather, will always be a fixture. He sparked my passion for palate-dancing flavors, and this restaurant pays tribute to his culinary spirit.”
“We are honored to have Primo recognized by Forbes Travel Guide and view the recommended status as a true testament to the team’s commitment, dedication and passion for hospitality,” said Michael Scioscia, General Manager at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. “We will continue to strive for excellence and are looking forward to celebrating this achievement with our distinguished guests and local community.”
Forbes Travel Guide is the world-renowned authority on excellence in hospitality, and Primo is the latest addition to its illustrious annual Star Rating list.
“This year’s Star Awards reflects the forecasted surge in demand for more thrilling travel experiences,” says Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “They are delivering at the very top of their game and reimagining the future of luxury across design, dining and well-being. Our 2024 winners include more special places to visit across the Middle East and Africa, with a record number of list additions for the region. We commend all the 2024 winners for continuing to deliver a fresh new guest experience.”
