**** (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
**** (4 stars)
The ambiance of this place elevates it above an ordinary steak house. I particularly like the raise seating in the bar, where the waiters are happy to bring you appetizers. A great stop after a concert at the Amway.
Kres Chophouse
17 W Church St.
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 409-7227
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kres-chophouse-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
**** (4 stars)
As a big Asian food fan I really enjoy the ability to choose between Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other cuisines at one place. And I particularly like the fact that even the non-Asian food fans in our group like Pei Wei. Plus they have those really cool programmable Coke machines (that were programmed by a guy who used to work with us). There’s nothing like a vanilla/cherry/lime Diet Coke. Be careful of the calorie counts at Pei Wei, though, because each of those dishes is TWO servings! That’s why I usually have the lettuce wraps.
Pei Wei Asian Diner
8015 Turkey Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 241-3301
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pei-wei-asian-diner-orlando-6
**** (4 stars)
Menchie’s is my favorite yoghurt place. Great selection of exotic flavors that change often, and a nice place to sit outside and enjoy it. Helpful staff.
Menchies Frozen Yogurt
7339 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 601-7792
http://www.yelp.com/biz/menchies-frozen-yogurt-orlando
** (2 stars)
The staff here is quite nice, but they’re combatting the same flavorless recipes as other Papa John’s. The most distasteful items are the fake tasting containers of sauce. Fast service.
Papa Johns Pizza
7315 State Rd 535
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 654-7209
http://www.yelp.com/biz/papa-johns-pizza-windermere