California Grill
"The Mouse can cook, baby!"; this Californian on "top of the world" (or on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort, anyway) again is voted Orlando's Most Popular restaurant; "gifted" chef Clifford Pleau continually reinvents his "unique seasonal menus", creating "divine" dishes paired with an "equally eloquent wine list"; add "impeccable" service and "spectacular" views of the park and its fireworks, and the result is truly "great dining" -- "tourists" in "shorts and Mickey Mouse ears" not withstanding.
Christini's
"A treasure among restaurants", this "buttoned-up" Northern Italian "standby" in the Dr. Phillips area of South Orlando produces "feasts" of near-"perfect" execution, complemented by a 450-label wine list; among its many "charms" are "exquisite service", ornate, "beautiful" decor and "strolling musicians" who complete the "romantic" picture; just bear in mind that such "very special" dining doesn't come cheap -- the prices are "high" even by "expense-account" standards.
South Orlando 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Hemingways
The Hemingway-at-Key-West decor (rods and reels, a stuffed marlin, nautical trinkets) at this "lovely" Lake Buena Vista hotel seafood house makes you feel like you've spent the day fishing with Papa; "a nice place to bring clients" or to celebrate "special occasions", it impresses with dishes like "great coconut shrimp" and "yummy" paella.
Morton's of Chicago
Superlative beef and sides in a discreet locale. Average User Rating: It would be hard to find a more old-school steakhouse than Morton's of Chicago. As you descend into the "romantic" darkness, past the clouds of cigar smoke, you'll find incredible steaks-at equally incredible prices. And don't forget the equally expensive side dishes. If price is no object to a good meal, you've found the place. When was the last time you've had beef so tender and full of flavor that you have to remark after every bite? While the steakhouse is particularly close to the Central Florida theme parks, it is tucked away in the quaint Doctor Phillips Marketplace, a respite of sorts from nearby tourist hangouts. The clientele is one part Orlando executive, two parts Orlando business traveler. They are all here to drink martinis and sink their teeth into the juicy porterhouse, sirloin and Maine lobster. As for side dishes, don't pass up the specialty, potatoes Lyonnaise.
Location: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Venetian Room
An upscale, fine-dining restaurant that strives to offer an elegant experience of the highest level.
The menu is under the supervision of chef de cuisine Khalid Benghallem, a former sous chef at Emeril's and the opening chef at Shula's Steakhouse in the Dolphin Hotel. The fare features all the standards you would expect to find in such a place - foie gras, crab cake, lamb rack,veal chop, etc. But the preparations are anything but standard, and some are downright inspired.
Now, we may as well get this bit of business out the way right now: This place isn't cheap. Appetizers range from $14 to $17, and six of the seven entrees are more.than $30
Vito's Chop House
"Classy without being stuffy", this upscale International Drive yearling has already become a favorite steaks-and-chops choice for carnivores who rave they're "the best I've had in a long time"; the "high-quality" beef is "cooked exactly as requested" and presented by "attentive servers" who can also recommend "excellent" selections from the ambitious 800-plus bottle wine list.
Bahama Breeze
Island cuisine at its best. Bahama Breeze is much like that restaurant you stumbled across during your last visit to the beach. You know the place, with its bustling outdoor patio with a guitarist strumming tropical tunes, a mile-long bar that serves by the gallon tropical drinks with little umbrellas and an atmosphere with lots of beautiful people. However, at Bahama Breeze-in the middle of landlocked Orlando-the people are fully clothed. No bikinis here. The biggest difference? The food. You'll find island cuisine at its best. For appetizers, try the tostones con pollo, fried plantains topped with spiced chicken, mushrooms and cheese. For dinner, try fish in a bag, an unusual entree of mahi-mahi sealed in parchment and baked in natural juices with strips of peppers, mushrooms and celery with sprigs of thyme. Paired with yellow rice, the entree is an explosion of fresh flavors. Other standouts include coconut curry chicken and the jerk chicken pasta. In a city overrun by chain restaurants, it is unlikely that the latest concept from the company that brought us Red Lobster and Olive Garden would cause so much excitement. However, Bahama Breeze is not your typical chain restaurant. There is one thing that remains sadly typical: the long wait... and this chain doesn't accept reservations.
