Well, firstly, if you're staying at Universal, there are so many great options there, you don't really need to venture offsite at all.
But, if you insist
. Restaurant row at Sand Lake Road, which is really close to Universal, has loads of worthy contenders.
Seasons 52 is a beautiful space with incredibly good food for what is billed as "healthful".
Timpano Chophouse is well worth a visit, particularly if you like a jazz piano accompaniment to your dinner
.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is an upmarket option hidden within an unassuming exterior.
Roy's is up there amongst the best of the offerings in the whole of Orlando.
Ocean Prime is one of the newest offerings and is getting rave reviews.
Right next door are all the new offerings of
Dellagio.
Cantino Laredo is the home of the killer margarita, and
Dragonfly Sushi and Sake, opening soon, looks amazing.
On International Drive itself,
Texas De Brazil at the Universal end, is an upscale buffet with all-you-can eat quality meats and a fabulous salad/starters bar.
Salt Island Chophouse and Fish Market nearby used to be one of our favourites, but had gone downhill last time we ate there.
At the southern end of I-Drive at
Pointe Orlando (albeit easily accessible from Universal via Universal Boulevard, bypassing I-Drive entirely) you're spoilt for choice again.
The Oceanaire is possibly the best seafood you'll get in the area.
Capital Grille is a gorgeous, swanky steakhouse, and
Maggiano's Little Italy is difficult to beat as far as chain Italians go. By far and away our favourite, though, is
Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe.
There are still some we've yet to try, but current top 5 would be:
Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe
Seasons 52
Capital Grille
Ruth's Chris
Timpano Chophouse
