Throughout this book, price guide for a two-course meal for one with an alcoholic drink:
$$$ = above US$50
$$ = US$25–50
$ = below US$25
Walt Disney World Resort
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Kitchen
Disney Springs, 1602 Buena Vista Drive; tel: 407-560-0100; www.homecominkitchen.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$
For a taste of the Deep South, dine at this rustic-feel restaurant, where celebrity chef Art Smith embraces his family’s culinary heritage by serving up classics like buttermilk-brined fried chicken, shrimp ‘n’ grits, and hummingbird cake. For a quick bite, pick up a fried catfish sandwich with some moonshine from the grab-and-go window.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Kitchen at Disney Springs
Walt Disney World Resort
Chefs de France
Epcot World Showcase, France Pavilion; tel: 407-939-3463; daily lunch and dinner; $$
The more accessible of France’s two table-service restaurants (although the other, the über-foodie Monsieur Paul, is spectacular), this bustling French brasserie feels just like a typical Parisian café and the food is true to its Champs-Élysée roots, from a lunchtime salade niçoise to a steak-frites dinner.
Flying Fish
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas, 2101 Epcot Resorts Boulevard; tel: 407-939-3463; daily dinner; $$$
If you need a seafood fix, head to the festive boardwalk with free nightly entertainment, and duck into Flying Fish, a chef-driven restaurant with ambitious underwater-themed decor. This is fine dining with a fish and shellfish focus.
Frontera Cocina by Rick Bayless
Disney Springs, 1604 Buena Vista Drive; tel: 407-560-9197; www.fronteracocina.com; daily lunch and dinner, bar open late; $$
Chicago superchef Rick Bayless brings his signature Mexican specialties to Disney Springs, wowing with items from creative margaritas served in glasses rimmed with a spice-blend to deeply flavorful enchiladas. A take-out window serves tacos and margaritas to go; enjoy them at nearby alfresco seats.
Jiko – The Cooking Place
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkwa; tel: 407-939-3463; daily dinner; $$$
The flavors of Africa merge in exciting ways with American-friendly meats and veggies at this inventive hotel restaurant, which boasts an astounding number of South African wines. For a less expensive foray into south-of-the-equator cuisine, dine across the hall at Boma, where similar spices make food vibrant in a tastefully designed smorgasbord format.
Planet Hollywood Observatory
Disney Springs, 1506 Buena Vista Drive; tel: 407-827-7827; http://planethollywoodintl.com/restaurants/orlando/; daily lunch and dinner; $$
Newly redesigned in a grand way, the multi-floor flagship unit of this all-American hamburger chain features not only a sub-menu of sandwiches by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, but also a domed ceiling with a 4,500-sq-ft (418-sq-meter) immersive video wall. Wardrobe items from Hollywood films make the restaurant part museum, too. For example, the baseball uniform Madonna wore in A League of Their Own is displayed on the third floor.
The Polite Pig
Disney Springs, 1536 Buena Vista Drive; tel: 407-938-7444; www.politepig.com; daily lunch and dinner; $–$$
Smoked meats, Southern specialties, homemade brews and cocktails distinguish this counter-service barbecue restaurant at Disney Springs. There’s a contemporary urban feel and warm brick touches. Craft beers, mixed drinks (try the tequila and grapefruit) and even wines are on tap. It’s owned by one of Orlando’s most respected restaurant groups, and the attention to quality is visible, from the scratch-made sauces to the doting service. Be sure to end your meal with a slice of moist Orange Blossom Honey Cake.
Epcot World Showcase, Morocco Pavilion; tel: 407-939-3463; daily lunch and dinner; $$
The exotic flavors of the Middle East beckon at this casual indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar, where small plates and entrées like coriander-crusted rack of lamb transport you to another continent. If time or budget don’t allow for a Spice Road Table meal, get a flavorful, healthful fast-food fix at Morocco’s Tangierine Café instead.
Spice Road Table serves up tasty Moroccan fare
Walt Disney World Resort
Universal Orlando Resort
Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando
Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Boulevard; tel: 407-224-2424; www.emerils.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$$
This sophisticated restaurant features the creations of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Assertive Creole flavors bubble up through artfully prepared specialties like grilled pork chop with caramelized sweet potatoes. Wine connoisseurs can choose from more than 10,000 bottles. The desserts are equally glorious as homey favorites like root beer float and banana cream pie become decadent masterpieces.
Hard Rock Café Orlando
6050 Universal Boulevard; tel: 407-351-7625; www.hardrock.com; daily breakfast, lunch and dinner; $$
When it comes to theme restaurants, this is the big daddy of ’em all. The largest Hard Rock Café in the world, the walls here are plastered with gold records, album covers, flashy costumes, and instruments that have been strummed and drummed by some of the rock world’s biggest names. Aretha Franklin’s pink Cadillac revolves over the bar. The menu ranges from its legendary burgers to hickory smoked barbecue, but save room for the hot fudge brownie sundae. Free tours are available in the afternoons.
Islands of Adventure, Lost Continent; tel: 407-224-3663; daily lunch and dinner; $$–$$$
The park’s best restaurant is ensconced in a cavern with sculpted walls, purple upholstery, and lagoon views. Entrées include wood-roasted lobster with pad Thai, pan-roasted salmon with spicy tomato-fennel broth, and wood-fired flatbread – plus a very decent hamburger.
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Boulevard; tel: 407-224-3663; daily lunch and dinner; $$
Experience total immersion in the world of sweets at this bi-level restaurant, where a dipping counter, milkshake maker, chocolatier, and candy store will greet you – along with two costumed characters. Proceed to the dining room for a full menu of modern American fare – including chocolate-laced cocktails, but leave room for dessert, as that’s what this highly themed restaurant is most about.
Indulgent milkshakes at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Universal Orlando Resort
Downtown Orlando
Ace Cafe
100 W Livingston Street, Orlando; te;” 407-996-6686; www.acecafeusa.com; coffee bar daily from 7am, restaurant daily lunch and dinner; $
Three historic Downtown Orlando buildings have been repurposed into the sprawling Ace Cafe, an offshoot of a ‘motor diner’-themed London business of the same name. Within the complex are a coffee bar, full-service restaurant, bar, stage, retail shops, an art gallery, and motorcycle rentals, and The Blue Cap Shack entertainment venue is under development.
East End Market
3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando; tel: 321-236-3316; www.eastendmkt.com; daily breakfast, lunch and (early) dinner; $–$$
Foodstuffs and meals of all sorts are on offer at this multi-vendor, local-oriented food hall, where Audubon Park Garden District residents meet neighbors over freshly squeezed juices and glasses of wine, and at the counters selling breads, cookies, cheeses, and more. The communal outdoor seating areas are lovely. The ramen restaurant Domu has a moderately priced Japanese menu.
K Restaurant
1710 Edgewater Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-872-2332; www.krestaurant.net; daily dinner; $$
Home-grown superchef Kevin Fonzo serves up Italian and creative American fare in this freestanding College Park restaurant, where backyard garden wine parties with live music are part of the fun.
55 W Church Street, Orlando; tel: 407-499-8401; www.therustyspoon.com; daily dinner, Mon–Fri also lunch; $$
Chef-owner Kathleen Blake brings a California farm-to-table sensibility and Iowa wholesomeness to downtown Orlando, buying ingredients from local producers, making pastas from scratch, and taking every dish seriously, from the ultra-fresh salads to the stuffed burger and robust ‘Dirty South’ seafood stew. The craft cocktails are a bonus.
Homemade pasta at The Rusty Spoon
Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida
Reyes Mezcaleria
821 North Orange Ave, Orlando; tel: 407-373-0622; www.reyesmex.com; daily dinner, also Sun lunch; $
A bright, bustling dining room mixing earthy tones, urban flair and residential-style knick-knacks is the backdrop for chef-prepared regional Mexican specialities, both familiar and exotic.
Soco
629 E Central Boulevard, Orlando; tel: 407-849-1800; www.socothorntonpark.com; daily dinner, Sunday also brunch; $$–$$$
Chef Greg Richie puts New Age-spins on Southern classics at this ambitious Thornton Park restaurant, which is also known for its extensive bourbon menu and see-and-be-seen sidewalk seating area. The chicken-fried cauliflower is especially popular.
International Drive and Sand Lake Road
Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Boulevard, Orlando; tel: 407-996-3663; www.landrememberedrestaurant.com; daily dinner; $$$
If you want to try authentic Florida ‘Cracker’ foods without a rustic airboat backdrop, head to this hotel steakhouse named after Patrick Smith’s novel and decorated with photographs and artifacts from Florida’s past. It features serious steaks from Harris Ranch and well-prepared seafood, plus heritage specialties like gator stew.
Café Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-248-2222; www.cafetututango.com; daily lunch and dinner, Sat–Sun also brunch; $–$$
With bohemian decor designed to resemble an artist’s garret in Barcelona, this laid-back small-plates restaurant offers up an impressive array of international tapas-style dishes to be shared. Local artists paint, sculpt, or perform live as you eat, and their art is for sale in the restaurant.
Dragonfly
Dellagio, 7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando; tel: 407-370-3359; www.dragonflyrestaurants.com/orlando-florida; daily dinner; $$
The beautiful people gather at this high-style Japanese restaurant, where hot items from the robata grill, and creatively rolled raw items, offer a ying-yang of Asian experiences.
Trendy Dragonfly
Dragonfly
Nile Ethiopian Cuisine
7048 International Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-354-0026; www.nile07.com; daily dinner; $$
This African restaurant may be in the heart of International Drive, but food-driven locals seek it out regularly, scooping up its exotically flavoured fare with authentic spongy bread. Try a combo for two on your first visit so you can sample a variety of dishes.
Pio Pio
5803 Precision Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-248-6424; http://mypiopio.com; daily lunch and dinner; $–$$
Colombian specialties – especially the phenomenal roast chicken – are the main draw here, although a few Peruvian dishes like ceviche round out the menu. Portions are large, prices are moderate, and quality is high. Add a dollop of garlicky white or spicy green sauce to just about everything you’re served for an extra treat.
SeaWorld, 7007 SeaWorld Drive; tel: 407/351-3600 or 1-800-327-2424; daily lunch and dinner; $$–$$$
Set beside the enormous Sharks Encounter aquarium, this restaurant inside SeaWorld has one entire dining-room wall exposed to the tank, letting you sit in awe of the magnificent creatures swimming past. The food here, mostly seafood, is quite good considering the theme-park setting. Park admission required.
Slate
8323 W Sand Lake Road, Orlando; tel: 407-500-7528; www.slateorlando.com; daily dinner, also lunch Fri, brunch Sat–Sun; $$
Atlanta’s Concentrics group brings high-style meals at modest prices to the restaurant tucked in next to Trade Joe’s. The food tends toward trendy, with wood-fired-roasting ubiquitous. The pizzas and cocktails are especially good. On the rare chilly night, sit by the fireplace.
Urbain 40
Dellagio, 8000 Villa Dellagio Way, Orlando; tel: 407-872-2640; urbain40.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$–$$$
Have a flatbread with a glass of wine, a full-on French or American dinner, or a cocktail in the swanky 1940s-theme bar (often with live music) at this sprawling restaurant, where patio seats overlook a fountain.
The Whiskey
The Fountains, 7563 W Sand Lake Road, Orlando; tel: 407-930-6517; www.downatthewhiskey.com; daily lunch; $$
This cozy, pubby spot may play up its vast variety of brown spirits, but locals know to duck in for one of Orlando’s best hamburgers, best ordered with sweet potato or truffled fries.
Kissimmee and Celebration
Bruno’s Italian Restaurant
8556 W Highway 192, Kissimmee; tel: 407-397-7577; http://brunos192.com; daily lunch and dinner; $–$$
Friendly Italian restaurant, popular with locals and visitors. Decor is bright, colorful and inviting. There’s a good selection of seafood pastas, veal, and chicken entrées alongside classic pizzas.
Cafe d’Antonio
691 Front Street, Celebration; tel: 407-566-2233; http://cafedantonios.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$
Light yet cozy, this Italian restaurant with a patio and lakefront views has a wide menu ranging from thin-crust pizzas to wood-fired meats, plus plenty of pasta dishes. The list of desserts is extensive.
Columbia Restaurant
649 Front Street, Celebration; tel: 407-566-1505; www.columbiarestaurant.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$–$$$
The Celebration branch of this century-old family-run restaurant overlooks the lake and serves Spanish-Cuban cuisine. A community favorite, the dining rooms are old-world style, the walls are covered in artworks and photographs, and it also has an outdoor café and tapas bar.
Waiting for diners at Columbia Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant Group
El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant
565 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee; tel: 407-390-1959; daily lunch and dinner; $-$$
Authentic Mexican specialties like chilaquiles and tamales, plus more Americanized items such as fajitas, are served in this festive family-owned restaurant. Bright murals on the wall reflect the cheerful vibe.
Kenzie’s Steak House
Mystic Dunes Golf Club, Old Lake Wilson Road, 1 mile south of Hwy 192; tel: 407-397-1981; www.mystic-dunes-resort.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$–$$$
It’s worth going off the beaten track to find this pleasant, casual restaurant, located in the midst of the Mystic Dunes Golf Resort overlooking the 18th green. Eat in the large dining room or outdoors on the patio terrace. Mains include a selection of pizzas, pastas, and exquisite fish and meat dishes; sandwiches and salads are available if you’re in the mood for something lighter. The Aloha Tiki Bar & Grille (also on site) offers small bites and a comprehensive drinks menu.
Winter Park
Bulla Gastrobar
110 S Orlando Avenue, Winter Park; tel: 321-214-6120; http://bullagastrobar.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$
You’ll feel like you’re in Barcelona at this buzzy Spanish restaurant and tapas bar, where trendinistas share garlic shrimp and truffled potato chips topped with egg at the inside and outside bars, or dine more leisurely on full-on entrées from braised short ribs to tuna in an heirloom tomato vinaigrette. The impressive paella is cooked in a charcoal-burning oven.
Luma on Park
290 S Park Avenue, Winter Park; tel: 407-599-4111; www.lumaonpark.com; daily dinner; $$–$$$
This is perhaps the finest dining experience you’ll find on the sophisticated Park Avenue restaurant scene, with ultra-modern decor and creative dishes prepared in the open kitchen. Seafood features heavily on the menu, from scallops to barramundi, and there are steaks and chops, too. The wine list consists of boutique winemakers, mostly from California, and uniquely, half-glasses are available for those who would like to change wines for each course yet remain upright. For a quicker bite, get a burger or pizza in the dining room or lounge.
124 N Park Avenue, Winter Park; tel: 407-262-0050; www.prato-wp.com; daily dinner, also lunch Wed–Sun; $$–$$$
Orlando’s very best pasta, all made from scratch, is at the heart of this rustic-chic progressive Italian restaurant, where the ever-changing cocktails, pizzas, appetizers, and entrées all get the same chef-focused attention. Start with the campagna salad (split it – it’s huge and filling) and share an appetizer (the meatballs are divine), then get one of the day’s pastas.
Prato's veal sweetbread tortallini
Visit Florida
The Ravenous Pig
565 W Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park; tel: 407-628-2333; www.theravenouspig.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$–$$$
Part elegant gastropub, part Cask & Larder brewery, this is inarguably Winter Park’s most talked-about restaurant. Its chefs recreate the menu regularly, often incorporating Florida and Southern favorites into the mix. Start with the gruyere biscuits and end with the pig-tails donuts. For less fuss, cross the parking lot to sister eatery Swine & Sons ($), a take-out shop and deli with quaintly mismatched seating and the same scratch-food focus.
Eating al-fresco in Winter Park
Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida
The Space Coast
Dixie Crossroads
1475 Garden Street, Titusville; tel: 321-268-5000; www.dixiecrossroads.com; daily dinner; $–$$$
Go to Dixie Crossroads at an off hour if you loathe feeling like a tourist, but go indeed. This large seafood restaurant draws hordes for fresh seafood, but is most famous for its preparation of rock shrimp, a local crustacean that, when prepared well (and it is here) resembles much pricier lobster. Decor is colorful and fun with no frills.
4001 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach; tel: 321-868-8957; daily lunch and dinner, Sat–Sun also breakfast; $$
Inside the massive Cocoa Beach Surf Company store, this laid-back restaurant and lounge lets you dine beside a gigantic aquarium that is home to sharks and exotic fish. The menu is relaxed too, with a tasty range of salads, sandwiches, seafood and grilled meat entrées, and great brick-oven pizzas.
Tampa Bay
Ella’s American Folk Art Café
5119 N Nebraska Avenue, Tampa; tel: 813-234-1000; www.ellasfolkartcafe.com; daily dinner; $
Hipsters, foodies, and the budget conscious converge at this Seminole Heights favorite, where intriguing foods, live music, and the visual arts live side by side. Garlic-mashed potatoes find their way into chimichangas, Mexican dishes are served beside a European-style chicken roulade, and curries, pizzas, and burgers all have their place.
Sea Salt
Sundial, 183 2nd Avenue North, 2nd floor, St. Pete; tel: 727-873-7964; http://seasaltstpete.com; daily lunch and dinner; $$$
Matching salts to foods is part of the magic behind this spiffy St. Pete seafood restaurant, which has gained national attention for its dishes, which are prepared with extreme care. With the use of 130 different (and often colorful) salts from around the world, chef Fabrizio Aielli adds a Venetian touch to a changing menu where seafood is king. Produce is organic, sustainable and fresh – sourced from local farmers and day boat fishermen. The place’s 22ft (6.7-meter) tall wine cellar contains 4,000 bottles of wine.