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Orlando's more than 4,300 restaurants are as diverse
as the ingredients the chefs use. From gourmet pizza and pasta to
sushi, steak and seafood, Orlando's restaurants offer a wonderful
world of food to explore for locals and visitors. Whether enjoying
a romantic candlelight dinner at an award-winning restaurant, a
creative atmosphere at a themed restaurant for a fun family meal,
or a live action dinner show with pirates, jousting knights or spirited
horses, dining in Orlando is not just a meal but also an incredible
experience
BBQ
B'S BAR-B-Q
1210 Nebraska St.
Orlando, FL, 32803-1917
(407) 896-6746
Cheap eats heaped up in authentic surroundings (read: a dump) make
this rib parlor a long-standing Downtown tradition; it's sure not
much to look at (though hard-core enthusiasts claim the ramshackle
decor adds atmosphere), but most say the decent BBQ is usually satisfying.
BUBBALOU'S BODACIOUS BBQ
5818 Conroy Rd.
Orlando, FL, 32835-3528
(407) 295-1212
It may look like an old highway sandwich stand, but the food --
aah! Sigh partisans of this local barbecue minichain that stands
tall among the best in Orlando; the beans alone are worth the trip,
as are the Southern-style, finger-lickin' smoked ribs, great link
sandwiches and wonderful fried okra, all served cheap and quick.
CECIL'S TEXAS STYLE BBQ
2800 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL, 32806-5404
(407) 423-9871
Now, that's barbecue! Sing satisfied surveyors of the Texas-style
brisket and other hickory-smoked delights grilled up at this rib
shack just south of Downtown; it's a no-frills, line-up-at-the-trough
affair, but the portions are cowboy-size and everyone chowing down
in the dining area's open booths gets free ice cream for dessert.
CAJUN/CREOLE
BOATWRIGHT'S DINING HALL
Disney World
1251 Dixie Dr. Lake
Buena Vista, FL, 32830
(407) 939-3463
Very kid-friendly, this great family place set in the Dixie Landings
Resort is typical Disney -- lively with a fun atmosphere, interesting
decor (it follows a shipbuilding theme), a staff that accommodates
your wishes whenever possible, and hearty, flavorful Cajun-American
comfort food.
CAFE CREOLE
1330 E. Ninth Ave.
Tampa, FL, 33605-3616
(813) 247-6283
An early settler in Tampa's Ybor City, this boisterous Creole cafe
inhabits a fantastic old Spanish-style building, a charming backdrop
for cooking (there's a good raw bar too) that boosters laud as spicy
and exciting, though detractors question its authenticity; P.S.
as it can get really noisy inside, some opt to sit outside in the
garden.
EMERIL'S RESTAURANT ORLANDO
Universal Studios
Universal CityWalk
Orlando, FL, 32819
(407) 224-2424
Bam! -- You can't take it a notch higher than the fabulous food
and locale of this hot spot rave fans of Emeril Lagasse's splendiferous
Cajun-Creole centerpiece of Universal CityWalk, where the celebrity
chef himself sometimes makes a surprise appearance in the show kitchen;
rest assured the cuisine is not just TV fluff -- it's exhilarating,
and though expensive, most insist it's all it's cracked up to be;
P.S. plan way ahead because it's very hard to get in.
CHINESE
BILL WONG'S
5668 International Dr.
Orlando, FL, 32819-8509
(407) 352-5373
Nobody denies that you get a lot for your money at this International
Drive Chinese buffet, which some wallet-watchers regard as the best
spread in town, but critics find the chow ordinary and dismiss it
as merely a product of Middle America's gluttonous dreams.
MING COURT
9188 International Dr.
Orlando, FL, 32819-8112
(407) 351-9988
Who would've thought that an elegant slice of the Far East could
be so conveniently located on touristy International Drive? this
popular Chinese is blessed with a spectacular interior (think lotus
ponds and serpentine walls), a beautiful backdrop for wonderful
dim sum that's among the best in Orlando; just get there early,
because it's often crowded.
FRENCH
CHEZ DANIEL
2021 E. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL, 32803-4852
(407) 896-9976
Formerly known as La Normandie, this Classic French in a country
château on East Colonial Drive looks pretty much the same
after all these years, but new chef-owner Daniel Klein has updated
its menu; yes, the kitchen still offers beef Wellington, but the
skilled servers are just as likely to recommend pan-fried sea scallops
with red pepper coulis.
LA CREPE EN HAUT
142 E. Granada Blvd.
Ormond Beach, FL, 32176-6654
(904) 673-1999
Literally the top of the list (it was voted No. 1 for both Food
and Service on the Atlantic Coast), this exceptionally elegant Ormond
Beach French elicits oohs and aahs for superb, authentic fare that's
virtually unsurpassable, proffered by a white-glove, attentive staff;
yes, it's expensive, but this beautiful, chi-chi gem is worth the
high price, so save it for a special occasion.
CONTINENTAL FLAMBÉ
936 E. New Haven Ave.
Melbourne, FL, 32901-5435
(321) 768-2445
Melbourne's best little secret may well be this chic, romantic New
French situated in the heart of the historic district; while it's
very small, it turns out truly outstanding dishes that are always
elegantly presented (regulars especially tout the desserts); P.S.
the $13.95 prix fixe dinner is a bargain.
CITRICOS
Disney World
4401 Grand Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830
(407) 939-3463
The kitchen's magnificent creations are rivaled only by the unique
decor at this incredible French jewel that boasts an impressive
view of the Grand Floridian Resort -- perfect for enjoying the fireworks
-- and an elegant modern interior with an exhibition kitchen; the
innovative, always delicious dishes are nicely executed and finely
served and are backed by a superb wine list, making this great celebration
place one of Disney's best; N.B. new chef Gray Byrum arrived post-Survey.
ITALIAN
AMALFI
523 S. Chickasaw Trail
Orlando, FL, 32825-7801
(407) 282-6283
Portions are so generous at this popular, family-owned Italian in
South Orlando, savvy surveyors suggest splitting dishes with a friend;
given its location hidden away from the touristy area, regulars
don't mind putting up with the small, crowded and noisy space.
BACCO
10065 University Blvd.
Orlando, FL, 32817-1902
(407) 678-8833
University Boulevard's lone beacon of upscale dining, this excellent
Italian turns out time-honored classics that belie its unpretentious
strip mall location (the interior is actually quite nice); wallet-watchers
note it's a bit pricey, but most agree it's worth it for special
times; N.B. at dinner there's a prix fixe option and a four-course
tasting menu.
IL PESCATORE
651 N. Primrose Dr.
Orlando, FL, 32803-5016
(407) 896-6763
This East Orlando Italian is blessed with plenty of admirers who
remember the chef-owner from his days at Stefano's Trattoria in
Winter Park; here, diners dive into plates of affordable pasta and
seafood dishes while being lulled by accordion music and candlelight.
TIMPANO ITALIAN CHOPHOUSE
7488 W. Sand Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL, 32819-5108 (407) 248-0429
From the ever-expanding TGI Friday's chain comes this Italian steakhouse
near International Drive with '40s NY sensibilities (think piped-in
Sinatra and swing bands on third Thursdays), though as a dose of
Florida reality there's also lakefront terrace seating; the menu's
a hit parade of old standards like bone-in filet mignon and pound-sized
center-cut pork chops.
SEAFOOD
ATLANTIS
6677 Sea Harbor Dr.
Orlando, FL, 32821-8092
(407) 351-5555
Who says you can't find great food in a resort? this fine Mediterranean
seafood specialist located in the Renaissance Orlando is home to
sublime, beautifully presented dishes created with elegant precision
by chef Mitsuo Miyashita; outshining the kitchen's impressive handiwork,
however, are the opulent details -- crystal chandeliers, tropical
murals on the ceiling, live harp music -- and service that's truly
attentive; all in all, it's a perfect place to take someone you
really want to impress.
LARRY'S CEDAR RIVER SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR
7101 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL, 32809-5716
(407) 858-0525
Really fresh seafood at reasonable prices fills the bill at this
laid-back fixture on South Orange Blossom Trail that's known for
its excellent attention to the details; Larry really cares about
his customers and visits each table to personally make sure they're
satisfied, and his staff is equally friendly.
FISH BONES
6707 Sand Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL, 32819-8241
(407) 352-0135
Make a reservation or you'll have a long wait at this hopping seafood
house in the International Drive tourist zone, popular for its tasty,
large portions of fresh fish done quite well and excellent steaks;
the ocean-faring decor (think nautical maps on the tabletops, fishing
poles on the walls) is just what you'd expect at this kind of surf
'n' turf stop.
CRUZIN' CRABS
5600 W. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL, 32808-7646
(407) 292-2722
Want lots of seafood for not much money? -- Check out this no-frills
joint specializing in home delivery of crustacean combo dinners
at prices that don't pinch; just keep in mind it's usually packed
on Saturdays.
CHARLIE'S LOBSTER HOUSE
8445 International Dr.
Orlando, FL, 32819-9351
(407) 352-6929
Nice for a change from the theme restaurants along International
Drive, this Mercado Village seafood house serves great surf 'n'
turf classics, including lobsters prepared every way imaginable
and some of the best crab cakes in tourist central; visitors love
the casual atmosphere and alfresco seating but complain that the
prices are a bit steep.
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