Not to be missed Orlando Restaurants

[NomadFamily]

Does anyone have a "not to be missed" restaurant list? I am not looking for fancy......just really great food and fun atmosphere. Also, we would like to go to one of the "All You Can Eat Seafood Buffets"....with lobster.....any suggestions? How much can I expect to pay per person for the seafood buffet?


2 weeks to go!!! Woooo hooooo!!!

 

[codge90]

From what I can remember from my last visit, most of the restaurants offer the same food at different levels of price.

Mainly Steak dishes and Fish.

Don't risk the indian restaurants - they are nothing like the UK Balti houses.

And God help you if you are a Vegetarian. Orlando's idea of a Vegetarian meal is just less meat rather than no meat!

So no help from me - Sorry!

 

[SimonV]

I don't think codge90 got to many of the right places on his last visit If there is one thing Orlando now has in abundance, it is fine restaurants of a huge and contrasting nature, in addition to some brilliant steakhouses and seafood places.

Top of the crop is Tchoup Chop, Emeril's amazing new restaurant at the Royal Pacific Resort, with its fabulous decor and even better Asian-fusion cuisine; then there is Seasons 52, also new, on Sand Lake Road, with its rotating weekly menu full of fresh ideas and fresh produce (and a sprinkling of vegetarian options, too); nearby is the Samba Room for some excellent Cuban cuisine, while across the road is the Melting Pot (fondue specialities), Thai Passion (speaks for itself), Moonfish (great sushi and seafood), Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (perhaps not quite as good as locals' favourite Del Frisco's, but pretty high up there) and the Italian of Antonio's. The Atlantis restaurant in the Renaissance Resort is also simply superb for seafood. Then there's Arthur's 27, Park Plaza Gardens, Narcoossee's (at the Grand Floridian) and the outstanding Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge), not forgetting Timpano's, Bonefish, Fulton's Crab House and The Boheme (at the Grand Bohemian downtown)

Moving slightly down scale for price, the two Bahama Breeze restaurants are always high on quality with their mix of Florida and Caribbean cuisine, while the Spanish-influenced Cafe Tu Tu Tango is also well worth visiting. DiVino's at The Mercado offers more great Italian, and Darryl's on I-Drive has a nice mix of chicken and steak dishes. The eclectic and 24-hour B-Line Diner is always a good choice and the Gospel Brunch at House of Blues is simply outstanding; and The Globe downtown is pure fun at a very good price, and decent food too (with more vegetarian options). Sweet Tomatoes remains a must for all vegetarians (and those on a budget) while Chamberlin's is equally health conscious. PF Chang's goes more upscale with a Chinese-orientated menu, while McCormick and Schmick's is more great seafood, and Brio Tuscan Grill adds to the Italian offerings (and all three of the latter are to be found at the new Mall at Millenia). And the Cheesecake Factory simply has to be sampled at any time.

And as for good Indan restaurants, the new Flavours of India is quite excellent, and Memories of India is equally convincing, IMHO. A Passage to India used to be my favorite, but I can't say too much as I haven't been there in a while. Yes they're nothing like UK Balti houses, but then seeing as Balti was a singularly British invention, from the curry houses of Birmingham, it isn't surprising they stick to more traditional Indian fare in Orlando.

So don't despair, Nomadfamily - there is plenty to taste and enjoy in Orlando!

 

[prncess674]

We just ate at Cafe Tu Tu Tango this weekend and really enjoyed it. I am not sure it would be very kid friendly. It is a tapas restaurant with belly dancers and tarot card readers. The drinks were good and the music was a bit loud. To decide if your kiddies would eat there I would check out the menu online.

http://www.cafetututango.com/

 

[Steve P]

I guess my top 3 (all pricey) would be Emeril's, Flying Fish cafe @ the boardwalk, and the California Grill at the Contemporary (the latter 2 I've not been to a quite awhile). For Emeril's I suggest going fr lunch. Lower prices and better serviced since it's usually less crowded. We went the Monday before Xmas, 2002 and at the peak of lunch 'rush' it was at most, 40% full. They waited on us hand and foot with an army of personnel and we had the most enjoyable meal.

 

[lilsonicfan]

for an excellent buffet, definitely try Sweet Tomatoes as simonv suggested. it's the best buffet i've ever been to, and is extremely vegetarian-friendly! you start with a huge salad bar that is soooooo fresh, and move on to the bakery, where lots of different breads are made - there is also a wonderful soup section with soups made from scratch every day, and a section where they make hot pasta. desserts are light but satisfying. the price is great - i think it was $8.50 for adults, $4.50 for kids over 5, and very young kids were only charged $2.00 or so. the waitresses are super friendly, and ours even remembered the kids' names! during dinner, she brought everyone fresh-baked cookies... yum.

you can even see what they'll be serving when you go! www.sweettomatoes.com - i can't remember teh exact location, but it was around SR535 and I-drive?

never been to emeril's restaurants, but i detest his cooking shows, so i would think his restaurants are terrible but i'm biased!

 

[Kae]

Another vote for Cafe TuTU Tango!! My kids like it, they have a kids menu-pizza & such. The entertanment is different daily.

Try the chicken caijn egg rolls & the duck salad.

Alot of people like Pebbles I think there is one at Crossroads. And Bamama Breeze.

Kae

 

[mrsstats]

Logan's Grill on 192. The put peanuts in the shells on your table. You throw the shells on the floor. Kid's get a kick out of that. Good steaks. Good price. Good service. Fun

 

[sue Z]

Pebbles
Steak and ale
Olive Garden ( I prefer the one on Sand lake rd near the florida mall)
tony Roma's across the st from Cafe tango
there are some restaurants at the Pointe orlando I can't think of there names! hooters is on the 2nd level
there is a Outback in a shopping plaza down near the florida mall too on the same side as the mall right near the olive garden

 

[Bonnie40]

Another vote for Sweet Tomatoes! We went there for the first time after hearing about it on the boards - it was great!

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by Bonnie40
Another vote for Sweet Tomatoes! We went there for the first time after hearing about it on the boards - it was great!

I might be wrong but Sweet Tomatoes just doesn't fit in the not to be missed category. The food is decent but it is a chain buffet restaurant found all over the country. It is satisfying and cheap but I wouldn't consider it a big night out.

 

[Aurora63]

If you are adventurous, I would highly recommend Aladdin's Cafe. It is not in Orlando, but about 45 min away in Castleberry. You would take 1-4 east to the correct exit, then drive for about 4 miles. Everytime we go, we just call ahead for directions.

It is a middle eastern buffet with incredible food, great atmosphere. You can even have a huppa - you know, one of those pipes like the catepillar in Alice in Wonderland smoke.

Very good food, and a nice way to spend a non Disney evening.

 

[Figment22]

Originally posted by SimonV
then there is Seasons 52, also new, on Sand Lake Road, with its rotating weekly menu full of fresh ideas and fresh produce (and a sprinkling of vegetarian options, too); nearby is the Samba Room for some excellent Cuban cuisine, while across the road is the Melting Pot (fondue specialities), Thai Passion (speaks for itself), Moonfish (great sushi and seafood), Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (perhaps not quite as good as locals' favourite Del Frisco's, but pretty high up there) and the Italian of Antonio's.

I was reading about Seasons 52 in an Orlando magazine when we were down for the weekend in May. We rode over to that new restaurant area on Sand Lake Road. I can't wait to try several of these on our next visit, especially Seasons 52.

For my own votes, I second Tchoup Chop and Arthurs 27 which have been mentioned elsewhere. Both very good.

 

[dg39]

WHatever you do STAY AWAY from Ponderosa. We always eat in Disney with the exception of Charlies Steak House, which is just fabulous. We were in a hurry one night & decided to try Ponderosa, we never been there & being we were starving we would have eaten "anywhere". I should have known better. When they ask you to pay for your food,BEFORE you get it, RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN.

Try Charlies Steak House, its in Kissammee, not to sure where exactly, but it was one of the best steaks we had....

 

[NomadFamily]

Funny that melting pot is mentioned. We have them here in Philadelphia. My kids like it there, but I tend to have a problem with spending $100 for 4 people to eat and I have to COOK the food myself......and there is very little food. I do love cheese fondu....so I sometimes give in and go. But, I always kick myself when we are cooking our food, starving, and paying that high bill at the end.

I did invest in a fondue pot for home and have managed to replicate the sauces that melting pot uses...so melting pot is not getting a visit from me in Orlando

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by NomadFamily
Funny that melting pot is mentioned. We have them here in Philadelphia. My kids like it there, but I tend to have a problem with spending $100 for 4 people to eat and I have to COOK the food myself......and there is very little food. I do love cheese fondu....so I sometimes give in and go. But, I always kick myself when we are cooking our food, starving, and paying that high bill at the end.

I did invest in a fondue pot for home and have managed to replicate the sauces that melting pot uses...so melting pot is not getting a visit from me in Orlando

I would definitly skip the melting pot especially after a day of theme parking. You have to be VERY patient to wait to cook each individual piece of food. it is also very pricey. I go twice a year with a group of friends and it ends up costing us $80 a person with wine. This is not a place to take hot tired kids!

http://www.meltingpot.com/DefaultF.asp

 

[UKDEB]

We've just returned from Orlando and eating is absolutely my favourite thing. I must admit, we're definitely moving more and more towards the 'fancy', so my 'not to be missed' list might not totally tie in with what you're looking for. However, here are some ideas for 'great food and fun atmosphere'.

The Cheesecake Factory at Mall at Millenia (there's also one at Winter Park). The menu is gargantuan. There really is something for everyone here from burgers and sandwiches, through pizzas, pasta and steaks, and all great quality. I'm not a big dessert eater, but the cheesecakes are to die for - we always get them to go. The decor is upscale, with great lighting and a nice bar area, but the place is lively and not at all intimidating.

Race Rock on I-Drive. We really have outgrown this now, having been there 3-4 times, but it has to be seen at least once, especially if you have any motor racing fans in the group. The food is more than acceptable.

Hard Rock Cafe at CityWalk. This is one that I don't think we will ever tire of. For the first time ever, we didn't eat there this trip and I'm in withdrawal! The food is good rather than outstanding, but the place itself is in a class of its own.

Buca di Beppo at the Florida Mall. I don't know how to begin to describe this Italian restaurant. It's like a kitsch TGIs on acid!

I'd also recommend the buffet at Villa de Flora at Gaylord Palms. We've now eaten at all three restaurants there and they are all excellent. Sunset Sam's Fish Camp and Old Hickory Steakhouse are more upscale, although SSFC is open for lunch. Villa de Flora is approx $18 per person for a superb quality buffet in a beautiful setting. Everyone should visit Gaylord Palms at least once - it is just amazing.

Rainforest Cafe. I know this gets slated, but we enjoy it. The seafood pizza I had there recently was excellent (authentic base and the freshest ingredients). We always eat here when we're at Animal Kingdom, because the other offerings are appalling, IMHO. I really don't understand why this is so reviled. Similarly, I don't understand why Bahama Breeze is lauded. Great atmosphere, <i>terrible</i> food! Boring, tasteless - you get the picture.

I could go on, I love talking about food almost as much as I enjoy eating it. We've eaten at many restaurants in Orlando and I look forward to trying many more. There are loads of new ones in the Dr Phillips/Bay Hill area of Sand Lake Road (SimonV mentions them in his post). We've tried Ruth's Chris (twice) and it is excellent, but don't be fooled by its unassuming exterior - it's <i>very</i> upscale inside. This is a really pleasant area with some nice shops too and it has the poshest McDonalds I've ever seen!

 

[NomadFamily]

Thanks UKDEB. We are definitely going to hit cheesecake factory. I love it there. We have several of them here in the Philadelphia area and I have also spent some time in the one in Los Angeles, which is great for celebrity sightings. We ate dinner next to Tiger Woods on the last visit.

I know that Bucca di Peppo is a chain, but I have never been. I wonder if it is similar to Maggianos (family sized servings).

Has anyone tried any of the ALL YOU CAN EAT lobster places? Which one do you recommend?

 

[Pixie_Dust]

I can't believe no one has mentioned my two not-to-be-missed restaurants yet! We don't have either of these chains where we live, so it is a real treat.

Bahama Breeze has the added attraction of belonging to the Olive Garden/Red Lobster chain, so if you have Darden Restaurant gift cards, they work at BB. Have a mojito!

As for Cracker Barrel, we usually get great food and service there and try to go at least once per trip.

Cheers

P.S. Sorry, I see SimonV did mention BB. He also mentioned the Gospel Brunch, which we have only managed to attend once, and it was a dining highlight of a lifetime! I hope it will be as good the next time we go.

 

[Figment22]

Originally posted by NomadFamily
Has anyone tried any of the ALL YOU CAN EAT lobster places? Which one do you recommend?

We ate at the Boston Lobster Feast on Orange Blossom Trail at the Florida Mall several years ago (8-9). We were VERY disappointed. The food quality was sub par and I didn't feel it was a very good value either. At the time, I believe it was $29.95
per person and that didn't include beverages. I remember the
crab legs being dried out. They have opened other locations since that time (I-Drive and I think one on 192 also) but we've
never given it a second chance. Once bitten, twice shy!
I know I've read some posts about the food being mediocre since that time but I'm not sure what threads to point you to.

Hope this helps.