*** (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
*** (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
*** (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
*** (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
**** (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
**** (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
**** (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
** (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
**** (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
**** (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