**** (4 stars)
If you like garlic, this is the place for you. Everything I have here is all about GARLIC. I can’t even figure out where all that garlic aftertaste is coming from! Fortunately I like garlic. But be warned. The vegetarian plate at lunch is my favorite, but lurking in that feta… or the hummus… or wherever… is a loads of garlic You’ve been warned.
Greek Flame Taverna
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-4624
http://www.yelp.com/biz/greek-flame-taverna-orlando
*** (3 stars)
This place is okay, but I don’t get the concept. Why do I have to order at the counter when the rest of the place is run like a regular table service restaurant? If you want an assortment of sushi, it’s awkward to have to decide on everything while in line. Quality of the bento boxes is fine, but I’d rather just go to a sushi bar.
Bento Cafe
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-2277
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bento-cafe-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
I like the wide assortment of flavors at this place. the condiment bar isn’t quite as appealing as some others, but I’m more interested in interesting flavors. This place has quite a few, and changes them often.
Froyos
8014 Conroy Windermere Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 826-1771
http://www.yelp.com/biz/froyos-orlando
***** (5 stars)
I positively love the ambiance at Stonewood. Tables are far appart, it’s fairly quite even when full (as long as you avoid the bar) and it’s… dark! Remember when restaurants used to be intimate? This one still is. Excellent steaks and fish, friendly service, good wines by the glass. I just wish they were still open for lunch.
Stonewood Grill & Tavern
5078 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 297-8682
http://www.yelp.com/biz/stonewood-grill-and-tavern-orlando
**** (4 stars)
It’s really hard to find good places for outside in Orlando, and this is a hidden gem. The large outside patio offers a quite, shaded environment for breakfast any time of day. But my favorites are their salads, particularly the ones with salmon or fruit ingredients. Light and refreshing.
Peach Valley Café
5072 Dr. Philips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 522-2601
http://www.yelp.com/biz/peach-valley-caf%C3%A9-orlando-4
***** (5 stars)
Café De Paris provides one of the more authentic French experiences in town. Sandwiches just like you’d get in Paris, and they have excellent croissants and coffee. The savory crepes are about the best I’ve had.
Now newly expanded, there is plenty of seating indoors and out. When the weather is nice, it’s pleasant to eat on the sidewalk, an authentic Paris sidewalk cafe experience, and it’s even away from the street, so it’s better than that!
The owners are very hands-on, which is reflected in the food and service.
Le Café De Paris
5170 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 293-2326
http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-caf%C3%A9-de-paris-orlando-2
*** (3 stars)
A small mom and pop Chinese restaurant with just okay food. It might satisfy a craving, but it won’t be memorable. A better bet for lunch than dinner. Service is generally good, because the place is seldom crowded.
Lotus Garden Chinese Restaurant
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-7221
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lotus-garden-chinese-restaurant-orlando
** (2 stars)
Orlando doesn’t really have a great Chinese restaurant, but this one is below par even for here. Lots of overcooked, under-seasoned food, and fried items tend to be greasy. The TV doesn’t add to the dining room ambiance, either.
Dragon China Restraunt
7538 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 226-8818
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dragon-china-restraunt-orlando
**** (4 stars)
This place faces a lot of competition, with Orlando’s favorite Indian place just up Turkey Lake Road, and an expansive new gourmet Indian restaurant upstairs across the street. The food here is good, and some interesting accompaniments are available at lunch (although service can be a bit too slow for an hour lunch). I wish they would get rid of the ugly display case at the back of the room, which ruined the ambiance of the previous restaurant in this space, too.
Saffron Indian Cuisine
7724 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 674-8899
http://www.yelp.com/biz/saffron-indian-cuisine-orlando-2
***** (5 stars)
After a good, but not inspired lunch, I returned for dinner and was quite impressed. The lemon grass chicken appetizer had a delightful sear to the outside, but was extremely moist and tender. Probably the best chicken tikka-like dish I’ve had, and the price was very reasonable. The Kachumber salad was also great if you like lime, as I do. Mushroom Jalfreezi were fabulous: many layers of flavor, succulent and piquant. Vegetable korma was also good. The bread sampler was fun, but I think garlic naan is the way to go in the future. The restaurant was very busy on a Saturday night, but service was still very attentive. The long narrow room across the front is my favorite spot, because it’s quite, and you can watch the tourists down on Sand Lake Road. I’d have to say this place has edged out Kohinoor and Memories of India as best Indian food in Orlando, because it has more complexity, and more of that London-ish international flair. However I still think Memories of India is probably a better lunch choice because of the assortment that comes with the thalis.
Raga Restaurant
7559 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 985-2900
http://www.yelp.com/biz/raga-restaurant-orlando