Best places to eat off-site

[MickeyMamma]

We are looking for a nice place to eat that is off-site for one of our non-park days.

Looking for somewhere with good food and pleasant to eat in - don't need fancy foods or anything ornate.

Where have you dined and enjoyed?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Iansmom]

DH loves Tony Roma's on International Drive. We have one in town, but he only wants to go to the one in Orlando because he thinks the one here is not as "seasoned" as a more established one.

We really enjoyed the food at Earl of Sandwich at DTD, but the atmosphere is not quiet or relaxed.

Oh, and a Denny's on the way out of Orlando - where DH and I had breakfast the first time we went to Disney together - really brings back memories for him.

Last year, we tried Universal and stayed at the Royal Pacific. Emeril has a restaurant there called Tchoup Chop - now THAT was an elegant experience.

And DS always wants to try the Hard Rock Cafe in any town we visit that has one - the food is OK. But prepare to yell across the table. Loud!

Other than that, we typically spend most of our time on-site. I'm sure others will have better ideas.

 

[swandiverpatt]

We've always enjoyed Carrabba's, which is on 192 (actually not far from Animal Kingdom)!

 

[misslissa]

My all time favorite restaurant in the whole entire world is called Tu Tu Tango's, there is one near my home. However, I did recently read there is a location on International Drive in Orlando. I'm not going to go during my trip 'cause I can go there anytime but I highly recommend it. It is owned and operated by the same company that owns/operates Wolfgang Puck's. In comparasion, it isn't as fancy and their food is way more diverse.

They only serve "sharing" portions which is good if you have similar tastes as others in your party, I only have to worry about 1 person and we do have similar tastes. It also isn't as expensive as WP. For two people, we usually end up ordering about 4-5 appetiser sized dishes. Very fun!

Anyway, it is kind of "fusion" cuisine so they incorporate different foods together... for instance, the Cajun Eggrolls are one of my favorites and they also have Guava Cheesecake!!! Soooooo good.

 

[Straitlover]

I usually don't do many table service type places, so I can't recommend any of those. However, if you want something casual and quick, go to Steak & Shake on Apopka-Vineland. I have not been to this particular location, but I have been to S&S. It is yum!!!! I will definintely be seeking one out on my driving trip in December. Last time we stopped at the one in Palm Coast. They do take your order at the table, but it's like a diner rather than a fancy sit down place.

I am heading to Conover, NC this weekend, and I may stop at the one in Burlington if traffic allows. There are just a few locations here in NC and none close to me, so I have to catch them when I can!

Another quick yummy counter place is Chic Fila. Don't remember where you'e from, so this may be old hat to you. Even they're everywhere here at home, I still like to eat there on vacation becasue they're just so good!

 

[dandelion]

We've enjoyed Carabbas, Jungle Jim's at the Crossroads, even a Pizzaria Uno on 192. On our last trip (we stayed offsite in a rental house our last 2 trips) dh was in the mood for seafood and we ended up at The Crab House. It's in a shopping plaza on Palm Parkway, not far from WDW at all. We'd had a long day at Typhoon Lagoon and even our kids enjoyed the more relaxed surroundings than eating onsite.

If you post the same question on the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board you might get some responses from those who typically stay and/or eat offsite.

 

[LiteBrite]

Jungle Jim's at Crossroads has great burgers (I dare you to try the Peanut Butter Bet - we actually loved it!). Giordano's on 192 has wonderful deep dish pizza.

 

[Forever42]

Moving this thread to the general Orlando forum.

We were recently at Tchoup Chop and it was incredibly disappointing after all the signature Disney dining we've done.

 

[macraven]

sonnys bbq...........

 

[Forever42]

sonnys bbq...........

Sonny's is OK, but we much prefer Bubbalou's - they're all over Orlando, and there's one by Disney.

 

[Del]

Our favorite is Perkins at Crossroads shopping center!

Del

 

[Jen_in_NH]

The Crab House is really good. We also liked Joe's Crab Shack over in Celebration. Can you tell we're seafood nuts?

Jen

 

[Lisa P.]

We loved Bahama Breeze on our last trip - nice theme & atmosphere, tasty seafood and Caribbean selections nicely prepared, good service, prices comparable to Olive Garden or Red Lobster. The original one (in the whole chain) is on Int'l Drive and there's another just down the way from DTD (go out to the Crossroads, turn right, go under I-4 and look to the left). We'll definitely go back.

We also like Carabba's a lot for Italian, with an open kitchen w/brick ovens - delicious food and good atmosphere.

 

[isla bonita]

We have a few we enjoy Out Back, Carabbas, Giordanos, and Jungle Jims.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Outback/Sweet Tomatoes/Golden Corral are our favourites ( oh and Chik-fil-a and KFC too).....

 

[susan1]

Sonny's is OK, but we much prefer Bubbalou's - they're all over Orlando, and there's one by Disney.

hi
we love bubbalous too,. where is the one by disney. we usually go to the winter park one but this would be nearer
thanks :thewave:

 

[Deedee]

My favourite meal when we go over is in friendlys on i drive. There is also a nice chinese restaurant called the ming court on i drive.

 

[Bonnie40]

We always enjoy a change of pace and go to Sweet Tomatoes on the corner of I drive and Kirkman. The food is fresh, geared to vegetarians (we aren't) and it's all you can eat for under $9!

 

[Big V]

We always enjoy a change of pace and go to Sweet Tomatoes on the corner of I drive and Kirkman. The food is fresh, geared to vegetarians (we aren't) and it's all you can eat for under $9!

And if you go to Sweet Tomatoes, you're not far from the Belz Outlet Stores!

 

[mjh8955]

We just got back and enjoyed wonderful meals and service at Bahama Breeze and another great meal at Fish Bones. Neither were cheap but both were excellent. We love Tony Romas and Macaroni Grill too.