Orlando Restaurants

Orlando Restaurants

Dining out is an essential part of every vacation, and Orlando offers a wide range of options. To explore Orlando's cuisine scene, just take a look at the sampling of restaurants below.

Seafood

Joe's Crab Shack
12124 South Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando
Contact: 407.465.1895
www.joescrabshack.com
For a great family night out, come to Joe's, where you'll love the food-and the festive atmosphere! Specializing in crabs, Joe's offers a year-round variety of them-heaping plates of Alaskan king crab, snow crab, Dungeness crab, blue crab-complete with mallet and bib. Get them any way you like them-steamed, barbecued or garlic-style. Also on the menu are other seafood delicacies, including fresh shrimp and delicious clam chowder. And if some in your family prefer land over sea, they can have grilled chicken, sizzling steak or a fabulous salad.

Joe's is great for the family because not only can you enjoy your food, but you'll also get live entertainment from the singing waiters, who also dance throughout the evening. It's a nice place to go for a fun meal during your vacation.

MoonFish
7525 West Sand Lake Rd.
Contact: 407.363.7262
www.fishfusion.com
If you've spent the day at Universal and are looking for a great seafood restaurant nearby, try MoonFish, one of Orlando's most innovative places. Featuring fish fusion cuisine, it was voted "Best New Restaurant in 2002" by the Restaurant and Hospitality Rating Bureau.

MoonFish will tantalize your tastebuds with everything from the usual to the exotic-like their raw bar, which serves up an array of oysters, as well as duck carpaccio. Here you'll find the freshest seafood, sushi and sashimi, and aged steaks cooked over a wood-burning pit.

Fish Bones Restaurant
6707 W. Sand Lake Rd.
Contact: 407.352.0135
For the freshest seafood around, Fish Bones has the dishes to please. Feast on lobster, crab or shrimp. Everything is cooked to perfection-fresh fish, aged steaks and prime rib-cooked over a natural wood fire, oak grilled blackened or Cajun bronzed. Then top off your meal with a scrumptious dessert!

Steak

Del Frisco's Steakhouse
729 Lee Road
Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. - Sat., 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Price Range: $25 -$50
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407.645.4443
For the freshest, most tender steaks and chops, Del Frisco's is in a class all by itself. A popular local favorite, this exceptional steakhouse offers an extensive wine list and breads and desserts made from scratch. Enjoy the upscale ambiance, decorated in brass and leather. Reservations recommended. Child friendly, smoking and takeout available.

Morton's of Chicago
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Hours: Mon. - Sat., 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Price Range: $25 -$50
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407.248.3485
Considered by many to be the "pinnacle of fine dining and service," this upscale steakhouse offers top quality beef to please your palate-plus an assortment of fine wines, martinis and cigars.

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
2901 Parkway Blvd., Kissimmee
Hours: 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week
Price Range: $15 - $25
Dress: Casual
Credit Cards Accepted
Contact: 407.396.8088
For an amazing dining experience, check out one of the most popular Japanese steakhouses in Central Florida! They serve traditional dinners, as well as sushi and Teppanyaki Table steaks prepared beside your table. Take advantage of their early bird specials, and indulge in one of their tempting desserts before you go. Children's menu.

Sam Snead's Tavern
2460 Hiawassee Rd.
Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - midnight
Price Range: $15 - $25
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Business Casual
Contact: 407. 295.9999
When you're hungry for quality steaks, seafood and more, this stylish neighborhood tavern has what you're looking for. Their tasty crabcakes rival those in Maryland! And don't miss their fine salads, pasta and burgers, too. Choose from an exceptional wine list for the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Stonewood Tavern & Grill
5078 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Hours: Sun. 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Mon. - Thurs. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Price Range: $15 - $25
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407.297.8682
Treat yourself to tender chicken, finest aged steaks and fresh seafood-all flavored to perfection with Stonewood's oak-burning grill. The chef specialties include Herb Encrusted Rack of Lamb and Pacific Cliffs Salmon. Soups are made from scratch, and the sauces will dazzle you, too! Enjoy a warm and casual atmosphere decorated in mahogany wood and stacked stone. They also have a climate-controlled wine display.

Charley's Steak House
8255 International Drive
Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. - Sat. 4:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Price Range: $15 - $25
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407.363.0228
With several Orlando locations, Charley's has been ranked among the Top Ten steak houses in the U.S. If you want a superb filet mignon, this is the place to go. Their cooks are known for grilling the perfect steak every time! Included in the price of the steak is a potato and a trip to the soup and salad bar. Reservations recommended. Child friendly.

Italian

Giordano's
7866 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
Contact: 407.396.0044
This restaurant and pizzeria serves up Chicago-style cuisine with a uniquely inviting ambiance. Try their famous stuffed pizza-featuring a truly inspired Marinara sauce-or freshly prepared pasta dishes, while you're surrounded by a city street-style ambiance.

Fio Fio Italian Restaurant
6375 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
Contact: 407.396.1234
Experience the 'Great Taste of Italy' at this restaurant specializing in traditional Italian cuisine. Entrees include veal, pasta, seafood and scrumptious desserts.

Antonio's at Sand Lake
7559 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando
Contact: 407.363.9191
For a truly elegant dining experience, Antonio's creates an Old-World Tuscan atmosphere with gothic and barrel-vault ceilings, wood floors and beautiful oil paintings of Italian scenes. The Italian-inspired dishes include fresh fish, Black Angus steaks, veal, lamb and pork dishes. Fresh baked breads and fabulous desserts are extra special touches. Located on the second floor of The Fountains Plaza. Business casual dress is recommended.

Francesco Italiano Restaurant
4924 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee
Contact: 407.396.0889
This family-owned and operated restaurant offers an enticing selection of authentic Italian cuisine, amidst a romantic ambiance perfect for a special evening out.

Carrabba's Italian Grill (several locations)
7890 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee
Hours: Sun. - Thurs., 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. - Sat., 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Price Range: $15 and under
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407. 390.9600
Enjoy a casual family dinner out in a friendly, festive atmosphere. Fresh, handmade Italian cuisine is cooked to order in their lively exhibition kitchen. There's plenty of variety, from chicken marsala to filet mignon. Child friendly, takeout available.

Stallone's Italian Eatery
4626 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando
Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun. 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Price Range: $15 and under
Dress: Casual
Credit Cards Accepted
Contact: 407.293.5777
When you're in the mood for Italian, Stallone's serves up some of the tastiest dishes this side of Sicily! Their specialties include Sicilian-style pizza, pasta dishes, sandwiches and great salads! Try the baked ziti or ravioli-you'll be saying "Mama mia!" Smoke-free. Limited seating, so come early for lunch and dinner.

Timpano's Italian Chophouse
7488 W. Sand Lake Road
Hours: Sun. - Wed., 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Thurs. - Sat., 11 a.m. - midnight
Price Range: $15 - $25
Dress: Business Casual
Credit Cards Accepted
Experience decadent dining at its best! Timpano's offers you an exceptional selection of fine cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. Choose from filet mignon, whole broiled Maine lobster, and an excellent assortment of steaks, chops, seafood and classic pasta dishes. Enjoy a romantic ambiance inside or outside, with live music while you dine. Reservations. Valet parking. Smoking available.

Chinese

Kim Wu
4904 S. Kirkman Rd.
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sat. 4 - 11 p.m., Sun. noon - 11p.m.
Moderately priced
Credit cards accepted
Contact: 407.293.0752
This popular restaurant has been hailed as the best place for Chinese food in Orlando. They offer daily buffets, except for Saturday. On Sunday, you'll find a lavish display of traditional Chinese foods, from egg rolls to lo mein. But if you want to try what's on the menu, consider the Chinese roast duck or whole steamed snapper with scallions.

1-6-8 Chinese Restaurant
7721 Turkey Lake Road, I-Drive / Universal
Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
Price Range: $15 and under
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407.363.1688
Take your family and friends to this area favorite serving excellent Chinese cuisine. Try the five-flavored beef or their non-traditional Peking duck. Child friendly. Takeout available.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro
436 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - midnight
Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Price Range: $15 and under
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Enjoy a unique spin on Chinese cuisine with American hospitality in a contemporary bistro setting. Their dishes find new ways to capture the distinct flavors of China's five major culinary regions: Canton, Hunan, Mongolia, Shanghai and Szechuan. Try the vegetable chow fun or the temple long beans. Outdoor dining. Child friendly.

Romantic/ Gourmet/ Multi-Cuisine

Roy's Orlando
7760 W. Sand Lake Road
Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. - Sat. 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.
Price Range: $25 - $50
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Coat and tie
Contact: 407.352.4844
A popular fine dining restaurant, Roy's is actually a chain that was started by cookbook author Roy Yamaguchi. Experience his "Euro-Asian" cuisine-Hawaiian, Asian and Thai entrees-in beautiful surroundings. Check out the wall of wine and try the souffle for dessert. You won't be disappointed! Outdoor dining.

Pebbles
12551 S.R. 535
Disney / Lake Buena Vista
Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Price Range: $15 and under
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407.827.1111
For friendly service and enjoyable gourmet dining, treat your family to a night out at Pebbles. The menu changes from time to time, but is always filled with mouth-watering delights! Try their delectable Mediterranean chicken and lamb dishes. Children's menu. Takeout available.

Arthur's 27
1900 Buena Vista Drive
Hours: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m., 7 days a week
Seating from 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Price Range: $25 - $50
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Coat and tie
Contact: 407.827.3450
Located on the 27th floor overlooking Downtown Disney Marketplace, Arthur's 27 has awesome views and exquisite food. Sample the international fare that emphasizes French cuisine. Then watch the spectacular Disney fireworks and light show with someone special.

Emeril's Orlando
6050 Universal Blvd.
Universal Studios CityWalk
Hours: Lunch: Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: Sun. - Thurs. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Price Range: $25 - $50
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Business Casual
Contact: 407.224.2424
Master Chef Emeril Lagasse brings his inventive, Creole-based creations to Orlando at this top gourmet restaurant. Enjoy inspired entrees like Louisiana oyster stew, duck and ribeye steak and other fresh dishes with spices sure to make your taste buds sing! Though usually booked months in advance, eating at the bar is an option that not many know about. Reservations. Smoking available. Valet parking.

Lee's Lakeside
431 E. Central Blvd.
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat. 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday brunch: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Price Range: $15 - $25
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Business Casual
Contact: 407.841.1565
Overlooking beautiful Lake Eola and the city skyline, this popular place serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Feast on prime rib, chicken, pasta, fresh seafood, lamb or veal. Enjoy your meal amidst a romantic, casually elegant backdrop filled with piano music.

Julie's Waterfront Café
4201 S. Orange Ave.
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat. - Sun. 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Price Range: $15 and under
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407.240.2557
Enjoy casual, waterfront dining by the lake. Julie's Waterfront Café offers an intimate setting and a tempting menu packed with plenty of choices to please you no matter what you're in the mood for. Try their seafood dishes prepared the way you like-scampi, lemon butter, Louisiana Cajun and herb blends. Or if you prefer, try a non-seafood dish-burgers (meat or veggie), steaks, fresh wraps, quesadillas, heart-smart selections like grilled chicken and so much more! Child friendly.

Café Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive
Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Fri. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Price Range: $15 and under
Credit Cards Accepted
Dress: Casual
Contact: 407.248.2222
At Café Tu Tu Tango, the walls are filled with the work of local artists, creating an entertaining atmosphere. Dishes are appetizer size, so you can order a few to share with friends or family. It's great for those who like to try a bit of everything. Sample the tomato onion caper flat bread with hickory smoked salmon spread. Or maybe you're in the mood for some Cajun chicken eggrolls or sundried tomato pizza. Whatever you choose, be sure to stay for dessert-unless you can resist Stacks of Cookies & Cream, Guava Cheesecake or all the other sweet treats!

Local Favorites

BEST BURGER
Sam Snead's Tavern
301 E. Pine St.
407.999.0109

2461 S. Hiawassee Rd.
407.295.9999
1801 Maitland Blvd.
407.622.8800

If you want a thick, juicy, oozing burger, this is the place to go! Check for the location that's closest to you.

BEST HOT DOG
Hot Dog Heaven
5355 E. Colonial Dr.
407.282.5746
The votes are unanimous-this is the place to go for the hottest hot dog in town! If you're not even a hot dog fan, try the 'furter smothered in chili and topped with cheese! It might change your mind.

BEST HIGH-END STEAKHOUSE
Del Frisco's
729 Lee Rd.
407.645.4443
Steaks like butter, warm and inviting ambiance and a professional staff making you feel right at home-sound like a perfect evening out?

BEST SEAFOOD
Blackfin
460 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
407.691.4653
Daily fish specials, incredible crab cakes-this is the restaurant for seafood lovers!

BEST PIZZA
New York Pizza & Restaurant
7800 S. Hwy. 17-92, Fern Park
407.830.8585
This one is best-loved for its thin-crusted pizzas ladled with just the right amount of well-seasoned sauce and loaded with toppings!

BEST DELI
Jax Fifth Avenue
11 S. Court Ave.
407.841.5322

3400 Edgewater Drive
407. 999.8934
This deli offers big, thick sandwiches and help-yourself pickle jars. What more can you ask for?

BEST BREAKFAST
Jack & Mary's
2323 S. Goldenrod Road
407.281.1113
When it's time to rise and shine, this restaurant gives greasy spoons a good name. Eggs are prepared eggsactly as you like them, and served by people who treat you like you're a longtime customer-even if it's your first visit.

BEST DESSERT
Le Bon Appetit
1575 Maguire Road (south of State Road 50), Ocoee
407.654.9096
Take your pick from a huge selection of scrumptious desserts-from crème brulee to chocolate cream puffs-they're all worth the tolls on the East-West Expressway!

BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Lake Eola Yacht Club
407 E. Central Blvd.
407.841.0033
Sit on the patio at Lake Eola Yacht Club on a clear Florida night with the lake's fountain splashing offshore and the glittering skyline in the background, not to mention some of the best people-watching on the walkway!

BEST THAI
Royal Thai
1202 N. Semoran Blvd.
407.275.0776
If you've got a craving for some Thai, Royal Thai has a low-key atmosphere and friendly staff that make it a good dining experience.

BEST VIETNAMESE
Pho 88
730 N. Mills Ave. ( U.S. Highway 17-92)
407.897.3488
Newcomer restaurant Pho 88 serves serious soups, authentically prepared and presented.

BEST BARBECUE
O'Boys Real Smoked Bar-b-q
924 W. Colonial Drive
407.425.6269

610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 32789
407.478.6269
O'Boys serves big plates of ribs, pork and beef barbecue that remind you of how good barbecue can be.

BEST CHINESE
Imperial Dynasty
2045 W. State Road 434 (at I-4), Longwood
407.786.2266
Imperial Dynasty offers classic cuisine which covers a variety of regional specials and cooking styles.

BEST JAPANESE
Shiki
525 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
407.740.8018
Shiki offers good food, especially the delicately fried tempura selections.

BEST SUSHI
Ohashi Sushi
504 E. Semoran Blvd., Casselberry
407.767.5222
It was a big year for sushi with several new venues popping up around town. Ohashi's unquestionable freshness and professional service won our critic over.

BEST MEXICAN
Margarita's Grill
583 S. Chickasaw Trail
407.380.2600
A little on the Tex-Mex side, Margarita's Grill also features items on the menu that take you farther south of the Rio Grande.

BEST CUBAN
Rolando's
870 State Road 436, Casselberry
407.767.9677
There are many good Cuban restaurants in the area, but Rolando's consistently wins the critic's vote!

BEST LATIN AMERICAN/PUERTO RICAN
La Hacienda
8204 Crystal Clear Lane
407.447.0707
The bountiful selections at La Hacienda are reminiscent of Colombia. Our food critic was surprised at how a plate full of meats and sausages made him so giddily happy!

MOST ROMANTIC
Delfino Riviera
Portofino Bay Hotel, 5601 Universal Blvd.
407.503.1415
If you're looking for a special place for a memorable evening, you'll find the quietness and spaciousness of Delfino perfect for you and that special someone.

BEST KID'S MENU
Chevy's Fresh-Mex
Various locations including:
3770 E. Colonial Drive
407.896.2167
According to Linda Shrieves, who writes a column on family dining for the Orlando Sentinel, Chevy's offers kids six menu options, from the standard kiddie cheeseburger or chicken bites to Tex-Mex faves such as cheese quesadillas, bean and cheese burritos, flautas and tacos. Kids also get fries, a sweet corn tamalito, fruit and an ice cream cone. While they wait for food, little ones are also given a ball of tortilla dough to play with.

BEST THEME
NBA City
Universal Studios CityWalk
407.363.5919
If you're looking for basketball merchandise, memorabilia and games, NBA City blends its basketball theme with style and class. It's also an incredibly nice place to eat!

BEST ITALIAN
Enzo's on the Lake
1130 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
407.834.9872
This favorite has been around for many years. Enzo Perlini's popular lakeside restaurant has a homelike feel that makes it a perennial choice for people celebrating a birthday or anniversary, as well as for everyday diners. But at the core of it all is Perlini's wonderful food, true to Italian heritage-a class act all the way!

BEST FRENCH
Le Coq Au Vin
4800 S. Orange Ave
407.851.6980
Le Coq Au Vin is known locally as the place chefs go to eat on their night off!

BEST GERMAN/EAST EUROPEAN
Chef Henry's Cafe
3716 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park
407.657.2230
Henrich and Estera Brestowski serve the best German cuisine-including a wonderful apple strudel!

BEST AMERICAN (NONCHAIN)
California Grill
Disney's Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista
407.824.1576
Chef Clifford Pleau's imaginative food and one of the area's most beautiful dining rooms-with an astounding view-combine for a great dining experience

BEST PLACE FOR BROWN-BAG LUNCH
Orlando Loch Haven Park
900 E. Princeton St. and North Mills Ave.
Contact: 407.246.2287
A "cultural park" surrounded by the Orlando Museum of Art and other museums, Loch Haven is the perfect place to take a little time out for yourself. Sit back and enjoy a sandwich in one of the comfortable Adirondack chairs, while you take in the lakeside view surrounded by oak trees and 45 acres of natural beauty.

BEST SMOOTHIE
Planet Smoothie
Thornton Park, Downtown Orlando
898 E. Washington St.
Contact: 407.999.8993
It's not about the crushed fruit and ice-it's the atmosphere. Sitting outside sipping a smoothie here is the perfect setting for watching the world go by.

BEST PLACE TO FIND AN NBA PLAYER (off the court)
Johnson's Diner
692 W. Robinson St.
Contact: 407.841.0717
Don't look for lavish décor here. This cozy hole-in-the-wall serves up good soul food-period. From salmon and grits to smothered pork chops and fried catfish, their menu attracts the likes of NBA players like Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley and everyone who enjoys delicious food at a good price.

BEST BEEF EXPERIENCE
Beefy King
424 N. Bumby Ave., south of Colonial Drive
Contact: 407.894.2241
Three decades of beef eaters couldn't be wrong. This family-run, fast-food restaurant offers a variety of beef sandwiches to please-and even a veggie sandwich for non-beef eaters. Also try the favorite "beefy spuds." Translation: tater tots.