*** (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
***** (5 stars)
Essentially a clone of the original 4 Rivers. In a city of BBQ joints, this is the best. At most BBQ places I lik sliced pork, but the ticket here is either the “burnt ends”, a mixture of beef and pork from the edges that is seared to perfection and mixed with BBQ sauce, or the brisket, which is best just as a lump on your tray rather than a sandwich. Most of the sides are less exciting than these two entrees. The outside seating here is spacious and not too noisy.
4 Rivers Smokehouse
1047 S Dillard St
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 474-8377
http://www.yelp.com/biz/4-rivers-smokehouse-winter-garden
**** (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
*** (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
**** (4 stars)
In a city full of steak houses, this is the best. And it’s not a chain, although the old name (del Frisco’s) was leased from one. But now taking on the founders’ name (Christner) is remains Orlando’s best. Leather booths, low lighting, and professional servers create a great ambiance.
Steak is served a bit undercooked, and finished at your table on a plate that you DON’T want to touch. Lobster tails are the best I’ve had anywhere. The house salad with blue cheese is great too. Sides are just okay.
Of course none of this is cheap, but it’s worth it. The wine list is extensive and pricey, so mixed drinks might be a better choice, and in fact fit the ambiance quite well.
Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster
729 Lee Rd
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 645-4443
http://www.yelp.com/biz/christners-prime-steak-and-lobster-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