Dining Old Standbys Cariera's Cucina Italiana
Cariera's offers a variety of straight-forward Italian fare including pasta, ravioli, and calzones. What sets them apart are the inventive pizzas that combine inventive and fresh ingredients.
The freshness of the herbs and vegetables makes many of their pizzas excellent options for vegetarian diners. Cariera's includes a lounge and an covered outdoor terrace. Most of the gourmet pizzas are under $10 each and most of the dinner entrees are around $15. Reservations are a good idea on weekend evenings when there is live music at Cariera's.
7600 Drive Phillips Boulevard Tel 407.351.1187 http://www.carieras.com/orlando.html
Mark Two Dinner Theatre
This Theatre has been treating Orlando to gourmet food and Broadway shows since 1986. Winner of the Orlando Sentinel Palate Pleaser Award
for the "Best Dinner Theater Food". $35.00 - $45.00 per person.
3376 Edgewater Drive Tel 800.726.6275 http://www.themarktwo.com
Larry's Cedar River Seafood & Oyster Bar
Taking advantage of their family ties to the fishing industry, the proprietors of Larrys offer some of the freshest seafood in town. Pleasent casual atmosphere. $25.00 per person.
7101 S. Orange Blossom Trail Tel 407.858.0525 http://www.cedarriver.com Sergio's Restaurant
Sergio's serves up Italian fare featuring fresh seafood and creative presentations. Sergio's is a good place to impress a date or a client without spending a fortune. Since most of the entrees are less than $15, one can easily afford to splurge on a nice bottle of wine or dessert. Reservations are recommended at this ever-popular downtown eatery.
355 N. Orange Avenue Tel 407.428.6162
Tourist Favorites Jungle Jim's
"Eat or Be Eaten!"
Jungle Jim's Lake Buena Vista welcomes you to dine Safari Style and indulge yourself in their Forbidden Pleasures. Offers American fare with Cajun notes. $13.00 per person.
12501 S.R. 535 (Lake Buena Vista) Tel 407.827.1257 http://www.jungle-jims.com
ESPN Club
This nationally-known sports bar is also a restaurant with above average pub fare. Located in Walt Disney World, the ESPN Club is definitely more family oriented than most sports bars. A meal of wings, a burger platter, and a beer will probably cost around $20.
This may seem a little high, but most sports fans would happily pay the premium for all of the televisions and games, not to mention the comfortable recliners.
2101 North Epcot Resort Blvd Tel 407.939.5100 Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
The mood and fare of Margaritaville are much like the music of Jimmy
Buffett: laid back and Carribean influenced. The menu is dominated by hamburgers and seafood. Most of the themed burgers go for under $10 while the seafood entrees are around $15. Margaritaville does have three separate bars and a volcano that occasionally erupts margaritas, but the place is still family-friendly.
Universal Studios Escape Tel 407.224.2179 http://uescape.com/citywalk/jimmybuffett/ NBA City
This NBA themed restaurant is great for the kids or anyone who is a fan of professional basketball.
The interior resembles a basketball arena in miniature, with wood floors, raftered ceilings, and basketball hoops. There are also a variety of NBA oriented games of skill to pass the time. The food is straight-forward American cuisine with some signature themed dishes. The bill for each person should be about $20 to $25.
Universal Studios Escape Tel 407.370.5900 http://www.nba.com/nbacity/
Medieval Times
Located in Kissimmee, south of Orlando, Medieval Times is as much show as it is a meal. Diners are whisked back to the Dark Ages to enjoy the jousting of knights while eating without silverware. The food is straight-forward, usually roast chicken or ribs with potatoes and soup. The pageantry and fighting are definitely the focus. Reservations are required and the shows
are usually in the evening.
4510 West Bronson Highway Tel 407.396.1518 http://www.medievaltimes.com
Hip & Trendy White Wolf Cafe
Located in the Bohemian section of town White Wolf caters to the hippest crowd in Orlando. Offers wonderful food at reasonable prices and a great beer list. Be sure to greet Casper the white German Shepard on which the Cafe was named. $15.00 per person.
Tel 407.895.9911 1829 North Orange Ave http://www.whitewolfcafe.com Emeril's Restaurant Orlando
Located on the Universal CityWalk, Emeril Legasse's new restaurant may be nearly as
popular as the charismatic chef himself. Emeril's serves a variety of inventive dishes, many with cajun or creole influences. The menu also contains many unusual seafood dishes as well as other more traditional fare. Many of the entrees are in the $20 range and appetizers, dessert, and wine will easily double that amount. Reservations are definitely recommended and you may want to make them well in advance of travelling to Orlando.
Universal Studios Escape Tel 407.224.2424 http://uescape.com/citywalk/emerils.html
Posh & Pricey Le Provence
This fancy French bistro has the food and service
to justify the price. The food is expertly prepared in classic French style and the service is attentive and graceful. If you're not sure what to get or if you're intimidated by the entree prices, there are a variety of prix fixe meals available. Entree prices range between $20 and $35. Elegant casual attire is recommended.
50 East Pine Street Tel 407.843.1320 http://www.cenfla.com/res/leprovence/
Del Frisco's Steakhouse
Located north of downtown Orlando in Winter Park, Del Frisco's is everything you would expect from an upscale steakhouse.
It is expensive, but then lobster tail and filet mignon rarely come cheap at any restaurant. However if you're looking to impress a date or client then the excellent service and cuisine should justify the price. Reservations are definitely recommended and jackets for gentlemen are a good idea as well.
729 Lee Road Tel 407.851.7130 Atlantis
It seems fitting to have a restaurant serving seafood located near Seaworld.
Despite it's proximity to a tourist destination, Atlantis doesn't have a touristy feel. The menu consists of many seafood selections, including some traditional staples like Maine lobster and Boston clam chowder, as well as some creative entrees. Many of the entrees cost betweeen $20 and $30, but plan to spend more with various appetizers and an extensive wine list. Reservations and elegant casual attire is recommended.
6677 Sea Harbor Drive Tel 407.351.5555 Lee's Lakeside
For traditional elegance and traditional fine dining in Orlando, Lee's Lakeside is a good choice. Lee's Lakeside is definitely good for couples as the posh decor and excellent lake views create a romantic setting. Lee's offers traditional Continental fare with an accent on
seafood. With a good bottle of wine a meal for two will usually cost about $70 to $100. Casual elegant or business attire is recommended as are reservations.
431 East Central Blvd Tel 407.841.1565 Manuel's on the 28th
Located on the 28th floor of a bank and office building, Manuel's offers an
impressive view of Orlando. Impressively, Manuel's is known more for the excellence of its food than its view. The menu is small and offers upscale, contemporary cuisine including standard fare like sea bass and not-so-standard fare like ostrich. Reservations are a must and business attire is appropriate for gentlemen.
390 North Orange Avenue Tel 407.246.6580 | 