Category Archives: Florida

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

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*** (3 stars)

Yet another restaurant row steakhouse. The way the dining room is divided up into smaller spaces makes this a somewhat more pleasant environment than Flemings and Mortons, but it otherwise is very similar. A good choice for business dinners after a convention but locals might be better off to head up to Christner’s (del Frisco) for a local–and better–steak.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
7501 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 226-3900
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ruths-chris-steak-house-orlando-2

Amura Japanese Restaurant

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*** (3 stars)

I find the sushi here quite expensive compared to other choices nearby, and not really any better. Amura seems like it’s aimed more at the tourist market, with its proximity to I-Drive and the convention center.  It’s okay, but not worth the premium.

Amura Japanese Restaurant
7786 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-0007
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amura-japanese-restaurant-orlando-2

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

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*** (3 stars)

Yet another restaurant row steakhouse. Prices are high, and steaks are good, but nothing extraordinary. Happy hour in the bar is a good deal. But Flemings has the stingiest wine pours in town. Despite the high prices per glass, they must be stretching a bottle at least to six pours, maybe more. There are better choices within two blocks.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
8030 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-5706
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flemings-prime-steakhouse-and-wine-bar-orlando

Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi

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**** (4 stars)

Good sushi in a trendy upscale environment that seems more like LA than Orlando. I’ve had better robata in Tokyo, but the sauces served with it here are fantastic. We like to sit in the bar, which is a bit more intimate than the bustling restaurant, and still offers the full menu.

Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-3359
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dragonfly-robata-grill-and-sushi-orlando

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

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**** (4 stars)

This is a big old cavernous place that does a lot of good stuff with fresh seafood. It can get really loud, so if you don’t want that ask to sit in the back room. Sushi isn’t their strong point, but they do offer some, along with oysters and other shellfish. I really like the salads and fish dishes. Good bread, too. Reasonably priced wines, unlike most of the other restaurants in the area.

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen
8046 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 615-8888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-fin-seafood-kitchen-orlando

The Table

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***** (5 stars)

The Table offers one of Orlando’s most unique concepts.  One table, 18 seats, no choices. Food and wine and even the tax and tip included (in fact, prepaid) at one reasonable price. The chef was a culinary instructor, and the cooking shows. They pride themselves on never fixing the same thing twice. Tonight menu depends upon what their micro suppliers happen to deliver from the local produce and meats and fish that were caught that day.

The evening begins with Champagne and passed hors d’ouvres as you get to know your fellow diners. Then you are seated and enjoy a multi-course food and wine pairing. In my experience, people tend to linger over the last course, enjoying the conversation and the last of the wines. By the end of the evening, you will have some new friends.

The Table
8060 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 900-3463
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-table-orlando

Cantina Laredo

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*** (3 stars)

I’m not sure what to say about this place. I like the ambiance and the food, but every time my wife and I eat here we don’t feel well, so we’ve stopped going. It must be some spice they use. Good chips and salsa, and good margaritas. There are some interesting twists on typical TexMex, so if it agrees with you, it could be a good choice.

Cantina Laredo
8000 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-0186
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cantina-laredo-orlando-2

Roy’s Restaurant

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**** (4 stars)

Roys serves Hawaiian influenced cuisine that reminds me of the Polynesian restaurants that used to be popular across the US. This location is particularly noisy, and is frequented by tourists, so it’s not the best location for an intimate dinner. The food is good, but perhaps not good enough to warrant the price compared to other nearby choices such as Bonefish. Ask to sit in the smaller front room to avoid some of the din.

Roy’s Restaurant
7760 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-4844
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roys-restaurant-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

J. Alexander’s

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*** (3 stars)

A disappointing and not particularly successful copy of Houston’s (now Hilstone’s). Table service is uneven, and the food is just okay. Sandwich pricing is for tourists, so it’s impossible to get lunch for less than about $20 with tip and drink. Happy hour is a good deal, but no better than Morton’s or Flemings, where the steaks and burgers are better.

J. Alexander’s
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-1039
http://www.yelp.com/biz/j-alexanders-orlando