*** (3 stars)
This little end spot on a strip mall used to be a counter service Indian Place, but now it’s Middle Eastern, and offers table service. There’s a lot of nearby competition, from Bosporous and Cedar’s, so I’m not sure what differentiates it, other than they have a few outside tables that are pleasant. Lunch service is “leisurely” to put it in the best light.
Flame Kabob
7536 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-2280
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flame-kabob-orlando
**** (4 stars)
This is a good place that is unfortunately too expensive for lunch. The big puffy bread is the highlight, and all the dishes we enjoy at the Winter Park location, such as the kebabs and vegetarian items are just as good here. This would be a good choice for dinner, particularly on a nice night eating at the sidewalk tables. However for lunch we go across the street to Cedars.
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine
7600 Doctor Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-6766
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bosphorous-turkish-cuisine-orlando
***** (5 stars)
Interior
Escargot and pate
Rack of lamb
In a town that used to be filled with French restaurants, Cafe de France is one of the only survivors, and deservedly so. The ambiance is friendly and the food is consistently good. There are a lot of authentic things going on here, but also an American spin on a lot of the items. Ask about their wine pairing dinners, which are an excellent deal.
Café de France
526 S Park Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 647-1869
http://www.yelp.com/biz/caf%C3%A9-de-france-winter-park-2
***** (5 stars)
Wow, what great ambiance this place has. It reminds me of a little cafe of the Champs Elysee in Paris. Food is authentically French, and the service is attentive and professional. I love sitting under the giant (fake but very realistic) tree in the enclosed courtyard and having lunch or brunch, both of which are very attractively priced. I’ve followed this place since its origin, with a different name and different owners, through three locations, and it still never disappoints. My favorite little Orlando bistro.
Paris Bistro
216 N Park Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 671-4424
http://www.yelp.com/biz/paris-bistro-winter-park
**** (4 stars)
Lovely hotel, built on a Vegas scale, with superb convention facilities, and an interesting collection of small cafes.
Unfortunately on our first visit the Italian restaurant, Cala Bella, was disappointing in both food and service. The oddly named steakhouse, A Land Remembered, was a better bet.
For kids who want to spend the vacation in the pool, this is a great choice, because there are plenty to choose from. And if golf is your thing, it’s right outside.
I love the secluded feel of the property, with the long entry way and manicured grounds, yet it’s really conveniently located near attractions and I-Drive.
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Update, one year later:
On a busy convention night, we were only able to get into Cala Bella. We sat at the “Presentation Bar” which faces directly into the kitchen, and it was, ironically, the quietest spot in the house. Service was attentive and knowledgeable, and the food was excellent. Unlike the bland cioppino of our first visit, the flatbread was bursting with fresh flavors and tasted just like the sidewalk pizzas in Italy. Chilean sea bass was perfectly cooked, and the mushroom side dish with our entrees was another standout. A completely different experience from our first visit, and I’ll happily return.
Rosen Shingle Creek
9939 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 996-9939
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosen-shingle-creek-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
Lunch here is a great deal, especially if you go with the slice of the day. Salads are good, and there’s tea in the iced tea, so you can taste it. There’s a large outside dining area in front that is quite pleasant. Service seems uneven, but not a show-stopper.
NYPD Pizza
2589 S Hiawassee Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 293-8880
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nypd-pizza-orlando-3
**** (4 stars)
This place is run by the former owner of one of Orlando’s better gourmet food trucks. The cooking transcends typical barbecue, although that’s certainly the emphasis. A nice assortment of sauces are served with the BBQ items, but the highlights of our meal were the flatbreads, corn and crab chowder, and the cornbread. Pricing is very reasonable, especially for lunch items. You’re getting a sit down restaurant meal for the price of counter service. Good ambience, and a nice selection of beer and wine. Owner rob and our server were both very gracious and helpful.
Red Eye Bar And Grill
2594 Maguire Rd
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 877-0003
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-eye-bar-and-grill-ocoee
*** (3 stars)
Serviceable pizza, nothing spectacular, but better than the chains. The salads are pretty good, and the service is friendly. The place is small and has no ambiance, so it might be a better choice for to go food.
Marco Anthony Italian Restaurant
2642 Maguire Rd
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 654-1614
http://www.yelp.com/biz/marco-anthony-italian-restaurant-ocoee-2
**** (4 stars)
This is a friendly neighborhood sushi place. The fish seemed pretty fresh, but the various sushi we tried, while fine, never transcended ordinary, and considering we were almost alone it seemed rather slow. If I was in the area and wanted sushi I would return.
Aoba Japanese Restaurant
2588 Maguire Rd
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 654-6776
http://www.yelp.com/biz/aoba-japanese-restaurant-ocoee
**** (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