Category Archives: Orlando

Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster

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**** (4 stars)

In a city full of steak houses, this is the best. And it’s not a chain, although the old name (del Frisco’s) was leased from one. But now taking on the founders’ name (Christner) is remains Orlando’s best. Leather booths, low lighting, and professional servers create a great ambiance.

Steak is served a bit undercooked, and finished at your table on a plate that you DON’T want to touch. Lobster tails are the best I’ve had anywhere. The house salad with blue cheese is great too. Sides are just okay.

Of course none of this is cheap, but it’s worth it. The wine list is extensive and pricey, so mixed drinks might be a better choice, and in fact fit the ambiance quite well.

Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster
729 Lee Rd
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 645-4443
http://www.yelp.com/biz/christners-prime-steak-and-lobster-orlando

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar B Que

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**** (4 stars)

Bubbalou’s has been doing its thing for a long time, and at this location for close to 20 years, so they must be doing something right. The pork sandwich is my favorite here, and I prefer it sliced to pulled. For a splurge, ask for it on the grilled toast rather than the bun. Beans and fries are excellent accompaniments, but the best thing about the BBQ here is the sauces. I like to mix the sweet and hot.

Newly discovered secret: their wings are delicious! Try the sweet ones and add some hot bbq sauce.

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar B Que
5818 Conroy Windermere Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 295-1212
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bubbalous-bodacious-bar-b-que-orlando

Flippers Pizzeria

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**** (4 stars)

This is an older Flipper’s location, so it’s a bit seedy, but not in an off-putting way. It actually encourages us to eat lunch at one of the tables out on the sidewalk, which are far enough from Kirkman to be quite pleasant. Service is super friendly, and you can’t beat the incredible lunch deals, which include a drink and a generous pizza, calzone or salad.

Flippers Pizzeria
4774 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32811
(407) 521-0607
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flippers-pizzeria-orlando-12

Flippers Pizzeria

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**** (4 stars)

This Flipper’s is a bit nicer than some of the others, and the food is identical. Pizza and salads are good, but my favorites are the calzones. Try them with extra ricotta. Service is prompt, although the kitchen can be slow at lunch time. The lunch prices are incredibly low for a complete meal with a drink.

Flippers Pizzeria
7339 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-2213
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flippers-pizzeria-orlando-11

Cricketer’s Pub & Eatery

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**** (4 stars)

This is the third location for this long-time favorite, and the first time they haven’t been in a dying mall. Although the space is fairly new, the decor already looks a hundred year old, complete with dust and cobwebs. But for an English pub I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. The food and drink are quite authentic, and in fact the fish and chips are better than any I’ve ever gotten in London. A good choice for lunch, or for hanging out and doing those things one does in a pub.

Cricketer’s Pub & Eatery
7563 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 730-2111
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cricketers-pub-and-eatery-orlando

Rosen Shingle Creek

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**** (4 stars)

Lovely hotel, built on a Vegas scale, with superb convention facilities, and an interesting collection of small cafes.

Unfortunately on our first visit the Italian restaurant, Cala Bella, was disappointing in both food and service. The oddly named steakhouse, A Land Remembered, was a better bet.

For kids who want to spend the vacation in the pool, this is a great choice, because there are plenty to choose from. And if golf is your thing, it’s right outside.

I love the secluded feel of the property, with the long entry way and manicured grounds, yet it’s really conveniently located near attractions and I-Drive.

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Update, one year later:

On a busy convention night, we were only able to get into Cala Bella. We sat at the “Presentation Bar” which faces directly into the kitchen, and it was, ironically, the quietest spot in the house. Service was attentive and knowledgeable, and the food was excellent. Unlike the bland cioppino of our first visit, the flatbread was bursting with fresh flavors and tasted just like the sidewalk pizzas in Italy. Chilean sea bass was perfectly cooked, and the mushroom side dish with our entrees was another standout. A completely different experience from our first visit, and I’ll happily return.

Rosen Shingle Creek
9939 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 996-9939
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosen-shingle-creek-orlando-2

BRAVO! Cucina Italiana

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*** (3 stars)

Bravo offers the standard Italian restaurant chain fare, but it has one of the best outside dining venues in the city, a large patio high above Sand Lake Road, Orlando’s restaurant row. Since there isn’t really any great Italian food in the area, it’s as good a choice as any, and if you want to dine outdoors, this is an excellent choice.

BRAVO! Cucina Italiana
7924 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-5880
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bravo-cucina-italiana-orlando

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

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**** (4 stars)

This is a good place that is unfortunately too expensive for lunch. The big puffy bread is the highlight, and all the dishes we enjoy at the Winter Park location, such as the kebabs and vegetarian items are just as good here.  This would be a good choice for dinner, particularly on a nice night eating at the sidewalk tables. However for lunch we go across the street to Cedars.

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine
7600 Doctor Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-6766
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bosphorous-turkish-cuisine-orlando