The Top List of Best Buy Restaurants - Orlando, FL
Amidst many of Orlando’s ritzy hot spots and high-class venues, lie some very classy, yet inexpensive, places to eat. by Darcie Vance & Theresa Martin
Amidst many of Orlando's ritzy hot spots and high-class venues, lie some very classy, yet inexpensive, places to eat. The problem is that unless you're a local, you may have a hard time finding these hidden treasures. Here's a list of some very good restaurants that come highly recommended in the best buy category. And don't worry - no matter where you are in Orlando's large metropolitan area, there's bound to be a good place to eat at a low cost.
FIDDLER'S GREEN IRISH PUB & EATERY 544 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 645-2050 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11:30 am-2 am; (Sun) 11 am-12 am Although this place thrives as a bar, it happens to be a great little pub as well. Some of its authentic dishes include the Irish stew and corned beef and cabbage. The Irish say hunger is the best sauce, but at the Fiddler's Green, you won't need to have worked up an appetite in order to enjoy their delicious foods.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $7.95 - $16.95
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-open, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-open, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open
PATIO GRILL 820 West State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750 (407) 331-0929 Hours: (Daily) 7 am-10 pm If a casual atmosphere is what you want, a casual atmosphere is what you'll get at the Patio Grill. Try their delicious grill cheese sandwich, and also, order their soup of the day - no matter what day it is all the soups are terrific. The salads are a good portion and are worth the slightly extra charge. Watch out for Sunday lunch at the Patio Grill - it's a great place for families, so the dining room gets pretty crowded.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $6.95 - $13.95
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-open, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-closed, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open
1-6-8 7721 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 363-1688 3030 East State Road 436, Apopka, FL 32703 (407) 862-1688 Hours: (Mon-Thurs) 11:30 am-10 pm; (Fri) 11:30 am-10:30 pm; (Sat) 12pm-10:30 pm; (Sun) 12pm-10pm If you like good Chinese food, 1-6-8 is guaranteed to hit the spot. This area favorite is famous for its perking duck and the five-flavored beef. The dining room is usually not too busy, but if you order take-out be ready to wait, because that is what 1-6-8 is most famous for. This restaurant is not only reasonably priced, but also a great place to get gourmet Chinese food prepared by dedicated cooks.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $5.95 - $22
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-open, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-open, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-open, New Years Eve-open
ALFONSO'S PIZZA & MORE 3231 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 872-7324 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11 am-10 pm; (Sun) 4 pm-9 pm At Alfonso's you'll find a little bit of everything. Their crust is just the right thickness and their sauce is at just the right level of sweetness and tang. If you're looking for a pizza joint right out of New York City, come to Alfonso's. P.S.-Be prepared for conflict if coming with friends. Alfonso's list of toppings is endless.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $6 - $10
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-open, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-open, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open
KOREA HOUSE 977 State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750 (407) 767-5918 Hours: (Fri) 11:30 am-10 pm; (Sat & Mon-Thurs) 11:30 am-9:30 pm; (Sun) 12 pm-8:30 pm For an inexpensive taste of Korea, try this quaint little restaurant, and experience a taste sensation that is all its own. This restaurant has been here a while and has a reputation for being terrific. Make sure you try their side dishes, including kimchi, the unofficial national dish of Korea. The bulgoki and the bean pancakes are other wonderful menu choices.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $7 - $27
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-open, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-open, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-open, New Years Eve-open
ROSSI'S PIZZA AND PASTA 5919 S Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32809 Phone: 407-855-5755 Hours Mon.-Thu. 11AM-11PM, Fri.-Sat. 11AM-midnight, Sun. 11AM-9PM
This restaurant has been a local favorite sense 1965. Rossi's serves up great food at a great price. The joint is very casual and not too impressive on the eyes when it comes to decor. However on a game night or any night of the week you will see locals enjoying some of the best pizza Orlando has to offer. The menu includes pizza, cal zones, subs and various pasta dishes all at a great price. The servings are enormous and the service is very friendly and fast. Estimated cost is $6.00 -$16.00
BEAR ROCK CAFE 4696 Millenia Plaza Way Suite F-1 Orlando Fl Phone: 407-903-9533
Bear Rock Cafe is not your ordinary sandwich shop, the decor is filled with antlers and stuffed bears. The rustic feel is very cozy and comfortable. The menu offers hot and cold sandwiches, baked potatoes, soups, salads, and a few dessert items. Each sandwich is made fresh and in front of the patrons for guaranteed satisfaction. Estimated cost is $6.79- $10.00
KAHUNA GRILL 13701 S John Young Parkway Orlando, FL 32837-5866 Phone: (407) 858-0445 Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. 7 Days a Week
Kahuna Grill has unique Polynesian style dishes that both the taste buds and the wallet can enjoy. Diners will feel they have gone to the islands based on the food and decor. Items like Kahuna Pork, Mahi- mahi, slow cooked ribs, and Pepper Crust Tuna are just some of the specialties on the menu. They also have salads, sandwiches, and burgers if you are in the mood for something less exotic. They have a number of homemade desserts that include Pina Coloda Cheesecake, Chocolate Volcano Cake, and Island Fondue. This restaurant offers a great price and great island atmosphere. Estimated Cost: $10.00 - $ 25.00
HUNTERS CREEK CHINESE RESTAURANT 4106 Town Center Blvd Orlando Fl 32837 Phone: 407-816-0900
Hunters Creek Chinese Restaurant has great food, great service and a great price. As with most Chinese restaurants there is a large selection of items on the menu. Various food includes dishes with pork, chicken, beef, seafood, duck and even vegetarian options. The fried rice and egg rolls are also very popular. An interesting chef specialty is fillet Mignon Chinese style, where the fillet is broiled then thickly sliced and served with vegetables. Every meal ends with a fortune cookie.
Estimated Cost: 6.00-16.00
FALAFEL CAFE 12140 Collegiate Way, Orlando, FL 32817 (407) 382-6600 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11 am-9 pm The sandwiches are to die for at this authentic deli. This restaurant is perfect for families mixed with both vegetarians and meat-lovers. They have great menu options no matter what your prerogative. Order the grape leaves with your sandwich. If you're unable to grab one of the few tables in the restaurant, don't worry, Falafel Café does great take-out.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $8 - $12
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-closed, Valentines Day-open, Easter-closed, Thanksgiving-closed, Christmas Eve-closed, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-closed
If I haven't convinced you to try out some of these great inexpensive restaurants in Orlando, then just ask the locals about them. They will probably tell you that not only will you leave the restaurants full and happy, but your wallet will remain full and happy as well.