Believe it or not, but Orlando has more to offer then Mickey Mouse, Shamu and Universal's Hollywood highlights. The city has restaurants galore, and the selection is more diverse then its mix of tourists. Orlando has beautiful restaurants in some very inexplicable places. A few are hidden in historic districts and Orlando's beautiful downtown. Other restaurants, worthy of top ten recognition, can be found in the heart of the city's tourist corridor. Regardless of where they are located, Orlando has plenty of great places to eat, and here is a list of 10 restaurants guaranteed to bring superb culinary experiences, as well as provide atmospheres that will leave lasting memories.
MANUEL'S ON THE 28TH 390 N. Orange Ave 28th Floor Bank of America Building Orlando, FL 32801 Phone # 407.246.6580 Open Tues - Sat 6 PM - 10 PM
This restaurant has an elegant and exclusive feel from the moment you are welcomed and escorted up various elevators to enter the 28th floor. Once arriving on the 28th floor the restaurant has tables close to the floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can view the hustle and bustle that is Orlando. If scheduled in advance, diners can get preferred seating for the sunset over the city. This restaurant is the perfect choice for those romantic occasions with your sweetheart. The menu changes seasonally; however it will feature classic dishes with chicken, lamb, fillet mignon, and tuna. The wine list is extensive and features wines from all over the globe; they also have a few select martinis as well. To add to the exclusive and upscale ambiance, dinner jackets and dresses are required.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $50.00 - $60.00
RED BAMBOO 6803 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32819-9341 407-226-8997 Closed Monday
Red Bamboo is hidden in a strip mall near Universal Studios but the attention to detail and quality make this restaurant a gem in the tourist area. The decor is subtle yet classy in earth tones that make this Thai restaurant feel upscale. The menu selection is many pages long to ensure that each guest can find something to their liking even if it their first experience with Thai food. The chefs are very careful with spices to ensure that guests who do not like extreme spice are not over-powered and those who enjoy things Thai Hot will not be disappointed. The wine list has many choices including the popular plum wine. Save room for dessert, even if it is not listed on the menu. Ask for the fried cheesecake - you will enjoy every spoonful!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20.00 - $30.00
CHRISTINI'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 407-345-8770
Upon entering this restaurant females are welcomed and presented with a rose. The elegance of old world Italy is perfected in decor as well as food. You will find traditional pastas and ravioli’s that are handmade. Seafood, chicken, veal as well as fillet mignon are all staples at Christini’s. There are twelve wonderful dessert selections to choose from to cap off each meal. Wine Spectator magazine gave Christini’s The Best Award of Excellence for one of the finest wine lists in the world. A wonderful evening of Italian at its best awaits you at Christini's
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $40.00 - $50.00
HUE 629 E Central Blvd Downtown Orlando Orlando, FL 32819 407-849-1800
Hue describes their menu as “progressive American”, this can also be said for the design and atmosphere. Guest will feel as if they are in a trendy upper New York or South Beach restaurant as they dine. The use of lines, earth toned walls, windows and even chandeliers make the restaurant flow. Hue has a sophisticated fun side that offers a Disco Brunch on the Third Sunday of every month where guests can listen to 80's music and enjoy themed cocktails. The menu at Hue changes daily but will offer main courses made with chicken, seafood, fillet mignon, and duck to name a few. The dessert and Wine list are also impressive. Guests also have the choice to dine on the outside patio to bask in the Florida weather and enjoy a great meal at the same time.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $40.00 - $50.00
LEE'S LAKESIDE 431 East Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 841-1565 This restaurant is located in beautiful downtown Orlando, and as the name implies, it's right on the lake. The view alone is spectacular, but that is not the best aspect of Lee's Lakeside. Their extensive continental menu and incredible wine list will make candlelight dinners glow with romanticism. If someone owes you a favor, this would be the time to make them pay for it, because you won't want to.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
CHEZ VINCENT 533 West New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 599-2929 Chez Vincent, which made its grand opening in 1997, quickly gained popularity in the area and is now known as one of "the" places to dine in Orlando. It has the ambiance and cosmopolitan atmosphere of a restaurant located in the heart of Paris, but the impressive décor is second to Chez Vincent's outstanding French menu selections. Try the Filet Mignon au-Poivre, with cracked black pepper, shallots, cognac and a demi-glaze sauce. An excellent wine list will make the meal complete.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LE COQ AU VIN 4800 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806 (407) 851-6980 If you want to go where the chefs go, go to Le Coq Au Vin. This French bistro's unpretentious, cozy environment will make you want to stay forever. And the food!!! - There is really no way to describe the perfection that is created at Le Coq Au Vin. Chef/owner Louis Perrotte and his team create wonderful culinary selections in a welcoming and unpretentious environment.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
DEL FRISCO'S STEAK HOUSE 729 Lee Road, Winter Park, FL 32810 (407) 645-4443 Get yourself a gorgeous outfit, grab yourself a date and head to Del Frisco's for a fabulous night out. This is where the beautiful people of Orlando go to eat, and you may run into a celebrity or two while you're there (the Orlando Magic's head coach, Doc Rivers). Don't be intimidated by the limos, but do be prepared to see a plethora of them. Famous for its juicy steaks, Del Frisco's offers an elegant atmosphere, a delicious meal and live entertainment. Ladies, make him pay.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
CALIFORNIA GRILL 4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32808 (407) 824-1576 The California Grill is an upscale, American restaurant located on the 15th floor of the Disney Contemporary Resort. Its location provides for outstanding views, and at night, you'll see the amazing firework show from the Magic Kingdom. The view is not the only thing to note...the broad selection of wines and superb menu creations by Chef Clifford Pleau make it one of Orlando's most popular restaurants. Menu selections change based on what is available so you can never get tired of this place.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $40 - $50
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
VILLAGE BISTRO 326 South Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 740-7573 The doors are always open at the Village Bistro. Literally though, the doors and windows open right onto the sidewalk of Orlando's famous Park Avenue. Watch the world go by while you feast on delicious Italian selections and sip on classic wines. Try their appetizers. The artichoke dip is a starter they love to brag about.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Of course, to name all the restaurants worthy of top ten recognition in Orlando would not only require all my time to write, but require all of yours to read. If anything, I hope this article will help you when answering that notorious and God-forsaken question, "Where do you want to eat?"
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Orlando, FL