*** (3 stars)
I find the sushi here quite expensive compared to other choices nearby, and not really any better. Amura seems like it’s aimed more at the tourist market, with its proximity to I-Drive and the convention center. It’s okay, but not worth the premium.
Amura Japanese Restaurant
7786 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-0007
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amura-japanese-restaurant-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
Good sushi in a trendy upscale environment that seems more like LA than Orlando. I’ve had better robata in Tokyo, but the sauces served with it here are fantastic. We like to sit in the bar, which is a bit more intimate than the bustling restaurant, and still offers the full menu.
Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-3359
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dragonfly-robata-grill-and-sushi-orlando
***** (5 stars)
The Table offers one of Orlando’s most unique concepts. One table, 18 seats, no choices. Food and wine and even the tax and tip included (in fact, prepaid) at one reasonable price. The chef was a culinary instructor, and the cooking shows. They pride themselves on never fixing the same thing twice. Tonight menu depends upon what their micro suppliers happen to deliver from the local produce and meats and fish that were caught that day.
The evening begins with Champagne and passed hors d’ouvres as you get to know your fellow diners. Then you are seated and enjoy a multi-course food and wine pairing. In my experience, people tend to linger over the last course, enjoying the conversation and the last of the wines. By the end of the evening, you will have some new friends.
The Table
8060 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 900-3463
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-table-orlando
Dining Room
Butterfish and snapper
Kitchen
**** (4 stars)
Roys serves Hawaiian influenced cuisine that reminds me of the Polynesian restaurants that used to be popular across the US. This location is particularly noisy, and is frequented by tourists, so it’s not the best location for an intimate dinner. The food is good, but perhaps not good enough to warrant the price compared to other nearby choices such as Bonefish. Ask to sit in the smaller front room to avoid some of the din.
Roy’s Restaurant
7760 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-4844
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roys-restaurant-orlando
** (2 stars)
This place has the most annoying front of house personnel in the city. The restaurant may be half empty, but they’ll keep you standing there for ten minutes while they act officious. This is not the description of a single experience, it’s the description of every experience I’ve had during ten years, every time someone has dragged me to this place. The food is fine, but I’m so annoyed by the time I’m seated that I can never enjoy it. Orlando has very few delis. But we could get by with one less.
TooJay’s
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 355-0340
http://www.yelp.com/biz/toojays-orlando-4
**** (4 stars)
A great and fun concept! Pick a form (1 of ten) pick a sandwich from it (1 of 5) pick what goes onto it (many choices). Then enjoy your personalized creation. My favorite is to turn the whole thing into a salad, which is generous and healthy, and can contain some pretty weird ingredients. A unique concept.
Which Wich
7800 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 903-1942
http://www.yelp.com/biz/which-wich-orlando
**** (4 stars)
A great outdoor dining venue (as long as a truck doesn’t idel in the parking lot). Best known for sandwiches, but my favorite is the Chinese chicken salad. Fresh and light, and lovely on a warm day.
Press 101
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-2101
http://www.yelp.com/biz/press-101-orlando
**** (4 stars)
If you like garlic, this is the place for you. Everything I have here is all about GARLIC. I can’t even figure out where all that garlic aftertaste is coming from! Fortunately I like garlic. But be warned. The vegetarian plate at lunch is my favorite, but lurking in that feta… or the hummus… or wherever… is a loads of garlic You’ve been warned.
Greek Flame Taverna
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-4624
http://www.yelp.com/biz/greek-flame-taverna-orlando
*** (3 stars)
This place is okay, but I don’t get the concept. Why do I have to order at the counter when the rest of the place is run like a regular table service restaurant? If you want an assortment of sushi, it’s awkward to have to decide on everything while in line. Quality of the bento boxes is fine, but I’d rather just go to a sushi bar.
Bento Cafe
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-2277
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bento-cafe-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
I like the wide assortment of flavors at this place. the condiment bar isn’t quite as appealing as some others, but I’m more interested in interesting flavors. This place has quite a few, and changes them often.
Froyos
8014 Conroy Windermere Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 826-1771
http://www.yelp.com/biz/froyos-orlando