Italian Dining

[eliz5404]

Fifteen family members will be visiting WDW on May 1st.
We would like to find a nice, not on disney property, Italian restaurant. Any suggestions other than Olive Garden.

Also, does anyone know of casino gambling in the area, I heard there is one in Tampa but can't seem to find anything on it.
Thank you

 

[chell]

Buca! It will be great for your group. It is family style. Here is a link to their Orlando restaurant. Their Chicken Marsala is amazing! Everything I tried there was awesome.

Don't know a thing about the casinos though.

 

[chell]

Oh, where are my manners? Welcome to the DIS!!!!!

 

[wdw_dine_junkie]

There is the new Hard Rock casino here in Tampa at the Seminole Indian Reservation.

http://tampa.seminolehardrock.com/

 

[ahutton]

For out of park Italian dining I would go to Palio at the Swan, great food and atmosphere. If you leave the property there is a Macaroni Grille up the street. If there is a Buca di Beppo close by that is a fun place for dinner, especially for a larger group, but you might call for a reservation first.

 

[chell]

Originally posted by ahutton
If there is a Buca di Beppo close by that is a fun place for dinner, especially for a larger group, but you might call for a reservation first.

You can make a reservation on-line for Buca.

 

[Uncleromulus]

If yours is a Spaghetti/meatballs type group, I have no suggestions.
But a "better" Italian is available at Cafe D'antonio in Celebration

 

[bill'sdj]

Absolutely, hands down no contest!! The very best Italian we have ever had in WDW vicinity (off-site) was at Pacino's. They do have a website where you can check it out. Very authentic italian taste, and the atmosphere was wonderful. You can even make advance reservations through their website. Absolutely fantastic Italian IMHO.

 

[SpecialK]

The food is good at Buca but if it's anything like the one here (Chicago suburbs) it's very LOUD. If there are any older people in your party they might not enjoy that aspect of it.

 

[jeffreyml]

You might want to try Carrabbas on 192. Great food good atmosphere and close to the parks.