Category Archives: Orlando

Ocean Prime

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**** (4 stars)

A good choice if you can’t decide between steak and seafood. The place can (will) get quite loud, so ask for a quiet table (one of the booths is best; booth 58 is ideal).

The tuna tartare appetizer and the house salad are standouts. Jalapeño au gratins are a great choice for a side, and are not particularly spicy.

There is an extensive selection of wines by the glass at reasonable prices.

Service is exceptional, perhaps the best on all of restaurant row. Live music on Thursday through Saturday is loud in the bar, but perfectly piped into the dining room.

Valet parking is available for those who can’t be bothered to walk fifty feet.

Ocean Prime
7339 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 781-4880
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocean-prime-orlando

Ayothaya

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*** (3 stars)

I keep trying this place periodically, hoping it will trip my trigger, because it’s close. But I’ve never had anything here that was really better than average. Noodle dishes tend to be overcooked, and the appetizers are mostly fried and oily. My dining companions on a recent trip found most of the current dishes somewhat one-dimensional. I think salads are the best bet here.

Ayothaya
7555 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-0040
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ayothaya-orlando

Pine 22

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**** (4 stars)

Although some people (notably restaurant critic Scott Joseph) don’t like the build it yourself concept of this place’s order form-like menu, I love it. You can assemble whatever ingredients suit your fancy, and do something different on each visit. The burger was nicely cooked, juicy, and had just what I wanted. Fries were just okay.

Pine 22
22 E Pine St
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 574-2160
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pine-22-orlando-2

Hamburger Mary’s

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**** (4 stars)

Although it’s picked up a lot of competition lately in the category of gourmet hamburgers, Hamburger Mary’s is still one of my favorites. The burgers, shakes and fires are all good, and the drag queen atmosphere is fun, even if you’re not into that scene. Some of the best onion rings in town.

Hamburger Mary’s
110 W Church St
Orlando, FL 32801
(321) 319-0600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hamburger-marys-orlando

TooJay’s

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** (2 stars)

This place has the most annoying front of house personnel in the city. The restaurant may be half empty, but they’ll keep you standing there for ten minutes while they act officious. This is not the description of a single experience, it’s the description of every experience I’ve had during ten years, every time someone has dragged me to this place. The food is fine, but I’m so annoyed by the time I’m seated that I can never enjoy it. Orlando has very few delis. But we could get by with one less.

TooJay’s
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 355-0340
http://www.yelp.com/biz/toojays-orlando-4

Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant

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**** (4 stars)

I’m not a big fan of bustling restaurants, but I really enjoy the ambiance at Ceviche. There are literally hundreds of things to try, including–yes–excellent ceviche. I like the cold assortments of meats and cheeses, and the sangria is very tasty. Waiters are good at getting you in and out, so it’s a great place to go before a concert at the Amway.

Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
125 W Church St
Orlando, FL 32801
(321) 281-8140
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ceviche-tapas-bar-and-restaurant-orlando-2

Which Wich

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**** (4 stars)

A great and fun concept! Pick a form (1 of ten) pick a sandwich from it (1 of 5) pick what goes onto it (many choices).  Then enjoy your personalized creation. My favorite is to turn the whole thing into a salad, which is generous and healthy, and can contain some pretty weird ingredients. A unique concept.

Which Wich
7800 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 903-1942
http://www.yelp.com/biz/which-wich-orlando