best restaraunt on i drive area

[mrshnn]

can anyone reccomend anywhere there will be just myself and my wife,somewhere romantic and classy

 

[juliebro]

I hear that the Everglades in the Omni Rosen hotel on I-drive is very nice - if you like seafood. Haven't been ourselves yet.

Julie

 

[vernon]

Emeril's at Universal's citywalk or Tchoup chop ( also owned and run by Emeril) in the Royal Pacific Resort there would be two of my choices.

There are many good restaurants in the hotels along I-Drive, but I think for service, food quality and in the case of Tchoup Chop decor the twin Emeril restaurants are hard to match.

Here are links to the two restaurants
http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/orlando_emerils/

http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/orlando_tchoupchop/

 

[juliebro]

We stayed at the RPR last year - and looked at the menu and interior (through the windows!) of Tchoup Chop. Looked fab! DS (aged 15) was with us - so we opted for the Hard Rock cafe instead. One day DH and I may get the chance to go on our own!

Julie

 

[Red-Snapper]

If you are looking for something classy actually on I-drive rather than in City walk, you could try Vito's Chop House. This is an "upscale" as they say, restaurant serving steaks, seafood etc. Also a very good selection of wines.

It is on the expensive side though - but therefore doesnt get very busy (at least when we have been) . Its on the right hand side as you head up towards Sand Lake Road from the Sea World end. i.e past the convention centre around the Mercado area but I cant remember exactly where

Everglades mentioned below (Rosen Centre) is cheaper and not bad but I wouldnt say it is classy, and it is often used heavily by the convention guests they get. Food is ok though.

 

[UKDEB]

Restaurant row on Sand Lake Drive (half a mile from the intersection with I-Drive) has lots of options. We love Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - very unassuming from the outside, but upscale and classy, without being indimating, inside. There's also a Thai restaurant (can't remember its name), Moonfish, Seasons 52, The Samba Room and Antonio's (and probably others too). Most of them have websites.

 

[daveyoghurt]

Definitely agree re: Vitos Chop house, I went last September and was really surprised, felt a bit under-dressed in a t-shirt, really nice, quiet, relaxed atmosphere. I was really impressed by the massive wine collection, the food was superb as well, really tasty and I found it to be cheaper than several of the inferior steakhouses that we visited.

 

[Shropshire Saint]

I am not sure about it being the best, but my must eat at restaurant on I Drive is the Olive Garden next door to Race Rock. The food is always great.

 

[peewakio]

A good romantic and classy restaurant, would be Sam and Harry's.
The food is absolutely fantastic and it is really classy, however I am not so sure that the I Drive venue is still operating. If not it is probably down to it being a bit upmarket for people who only take casual gear on an Orlando holiday and certainly not the food, decor or service (really expensive though).
As others have said, Vitos Chop House is also highly recommended. My favourite restaurant on I Drive however would have to be Charleys Steakhouse (just a couple of minutes walk from Vitos) It is rated amongst the top ten steak restaurants in the US and I promise you that if you are a meat lover you will find Charleys to be absolutely top notch, JMHO.

 

[SammieG]

I am SO glad that you asked this question.. as without a doubt, one of the most special and amazing places we ever have been to is Arthurs 27 at the Wyndham Palace Hotel.

its on the 27th floor.. hence the 27!! and has been voted the best restaurant in Orlando area for several years.
It is a smart restaurant and not cheap, (but not expensive by UK standards.) 5 course meal was around $60 per person. It is the level of victoria and alberts at the grand floridian.

The restaurant has a pianist playing all evening - romantic music.. and the windows are floor to ceiling picture windows overlooking downtown disney - at 9pm you can see the epcot fireworks.. and it was so magical.

The food was some of the best I have ever eaten anywhere... and I am used to going to great restaurants.. been to lots of celebrity chefs restaurants in the UK.. Gary Rhodes, Raymond Blancs, Anthony Worral Thompson... etc... and this was probably better than anything I had ever had before.

We went for our wedding anniversary, and they had piped "happy Anniversary" on our desert plates in chocolate..

I honestly cant recommend it enough...
great service, superb food.. wonderful atmosphere, and we get to watch the fireworks going off...

joy! We MUST try and do that again this trip!