**** (4 stars)
Although some people (notably restaurant critic Scott Joseph) don’t like the build it yourself concept of this place’s order form-like menu, I love it. You can assemble whatever ingredients suit your fancy, and do something different on each visit. The burger was nicely cooked, juicy, and had just what I wanted. Fries were just okay.
Pine 22
22 E Pine St
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 574-2160
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pine-22-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
Although it’s picked up a lot of competition lately in the category of gourmet hamburgers, Hamburger Mary’s is still one of my favorites. The burgers, shakes and fires are all good, and the drag queen atmosphere is fun, even if you’re not into that scene. Some of the best onion rings in town.
Hamburger Mary’s
110 W Church St
Orlando, FL 32801
(321) 319-0600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hamburger-marys-orlando
**** (4 stars)
I’m not a big fan of bustling restaurants, but I really enjoy the ambiance at Ceviche. There are literally hundreds of things to try, including–yes–excellent ceviche. I like the cold assortments of meats and cheeses, and the sangria is very tasty. Waiters are good at getting you in and out, so it’s a great place to go before a concert at the Amway.
Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
125 W Church St
Orlando, FL 32801
(321) 281-8140
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ceviche-tapas-bar-and-restaurant-orlando-2
**** (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
**** (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
*** (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 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
***** (5 stars)
After a good, but not inspired lunch, I returned for dinner and was quite impressed. The lemon grass chicken appetizer had a delightful sear to the outside, but was extremely moist and tender. Probably the best chicken tikka-like dish I’ve had, and the price was very reasonable. The Kachumber salad was also great if you like lime, as I do. Mushroom Jalfreezi were fabulous: many layers of flavor, succulent and piquant. Vegetable korma was also good. The bread sampler was fun, but I think garlic naan is the way to go in the future. The restaurant was very busy on a Saturday night, but service was still very attentive. The long narrow room across the front is my favorite spot, because it’s quite, and you can watch the tourists down on Sand Lake Road. I’d have to say this place has edged out Kohinoor and Memories of India as best Indian food in Orlando, because it has more complexity, and more of that London-ish international flair. However I still think Memories of India is probably a better lunch choice because of the assortment that comes with the thalis.
Raga Restaurant
7559 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 985-2900
http://www.yelp.com/biz/raga-restaurant-orlando
** (2 stars)
I don’t really get the fuss about this place. The burgers are okay, but nothing special, and their acclaimed fries are everything I hate in a french fry: underdone, limp, and fairly flavorless. I’d much rather go down the street to Red Robin for a burger, or up the street to Checkers for fries.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
3107 Daniels Rd, Ste 112
Winter Gardens, FL 34787
(407) 905-9811
http://www.yelp.com/biz/five-guys-burgers-and-fries-winter-gardens
**** (4 stars)
Being from the West originally, I’d never heard of Red Robin, but there was much excitement at the office when this place opened. Instant success, very crowded. I was impressed by the professionalism of the staff, even shortly after opening day. The bacon cheeseburger is exactly the recipe I like: lettuce, tomato, mayo, so I’m happy. On a second visit I tried the onion rings, which are excellent and incredibly bad for you. Substitue the salad for the fries that come with the burgers and pretend it’s health food.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
3310 Daniels Road
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 654-0626
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-robin-gourmet-burgers-winter-garden