An award-winning Italian wine list in Orlando, on Restaurant Row in Dr. Phillips — curated with the same devotion since 1984. Christini's holds the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, recognized in 2024, 2025, and earlier years.
- 195 selections
- 1,450 bottles in our cellar
- Particular strength in Italy & California
- Pouring since 1984
One of Orlando's most awarded Italian wine lists
Christini's Ristorante Italiano offers an Italian wine list in Orlando recognized with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — earned across multiple years, including 2024 and 2025. The award recognizes wine lists with thoughtful curation, real vintage depth, and service that elevates the table. Our recognition is listed publicly in Wine Spectator's Restaurant Award database.
The program spans roughly 195 selections drawn from an inventory of about 1,450 bottles, with particular strength across the great regions of Italy and the best of California. It is curated and serviced by our wine director, Raul Rodriguez, alongside general manager Elli Christinis.
Pairings for our signature dishes
A few of the pairings our team reaches for most often. Your server or our wine director will happily tailor a bottle or a by-the-glass flight to your table.
- Costata di Vitello (bone-in veal chop): a structured Tuscan or Piedmontese red — Brunello di Montalcino or Barolo — to match the richness and the Calvados-apple finish.
- Handmade pasta (ravioli & tagliatelle): Chianti Classico or a Sangiovese-led blend, with bright acidity that cuts cream and tomato alike.
- Chilean sea bass over shrimp risotto: a crisp Italian white — Vermentino or Gavi — or a restrained California Chardonnay for body without overwhelming the fish.
Guidance, not a guessing game
Choosing from an Italian wine list this deep should feel like a pleasure, not a test. Tell our wine director Raul Rodriguez what you're drawn to — a region, a style, a price point — and he'll find the bottle that makes the meal. Tableside guidance is part of the Christini's experience, the same as it has been since 1984.
Wine list questions
Does Christini's have a Wine Spectator award?
Yes. Christini's holds the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, earned across multiple years including 2024 and 2025. It is listed in Wine Spectator's official Restaurant Award database.
How large is the wine list?
The list carries roughly 195 selections, drawn from a cellar inventory of about 1,450 bottles, with particular strength in Italy and California.
What wine pairs best with the veal chop?
For the Costata di Vitello, a structured Tuscan or Piedmontese red such as Brunello di Montalcino or Barolo is a classic match. Our wine director can suggest a specific vintage from the cellar.
Can a sommelier help me choose?
Yes. Wine director Raul Rodriguez and the Christini's team provide tableside guidance to pair any course with the right bottle or by-the-glass selection.
Reserve your table
Dinner nightly on Restaurant Row, Dr. Phillips.
Reserve on OpenTable or call (407) 345-8770.
