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

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

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

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

Soong Thai

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***** (5 stars)

This is an excellent Thai restaurant. It’s always busy at lunch, and yet the servers are always super efficient and kind, and the food is served promptly. They offer a long list of lunch specials, including many Chinese items for those who don’t like it spicy. And their extensive ala carte menu is filled with great stuff. Everything I’ve ever had here has been excellent, but my favorite is the shrimp in red curry. Lunch comes with a cup of soup that is a bit like wonton sup, but with super fresh ingredients added at the last minute, and it is slightly different every time. Subtle but delicious. Easily the best Thai on the west side.

Soong Thai
9448 W Colonial Dr
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 822-8200
http://www.yelp.com/biz/soong-thai-ocoee

Greek Flame Taverna

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**** (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

Bento Cafe

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*** (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