Torchy’s Tacos

Nice location for this chain. Counter ordering with table service. There’s a large outdoor area here, in addition to the indoor “garage” feel.

Our go-to starter is the Threesome, a combination of fairly spicy green chile queso, guacamole, and red or green salsa.

My favorite tacos are Mr. Orange (salmon), and Hellfire (jerk pork plus a really spicy dipping sauce).

Staff is pleasant and the service is fairly quick.

Unusual for counter service places, they have margaritas and other spirits.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/torchys-tacos-orlando

Marco’s Pizza

This counter-service place serves acceptable pizza. There’s nothing really exceptional about it, but it’s fine.

The best was the cauliflower crust garden pizza, which didn’t have much in the way of sauce, but had a nice collection of vegetables. The thin crust pepperoni pizza was cut into squares Tavern style, which I like. There’s really no atmosphere, but they did bring the pizza to the table when it was ready.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/marcos-pizza-winter-springs

Simply Capri

I really like the interior design of this new, airy restaurant in Flamingo Crossings. The staff is very welcoming, and the ambiance is great.

The menu offers a nice variety of upscale Italian fare. We started with the sauteed mussels and clams (which were okay, but could have used more garlic) and the tuna carpaccio, which had a marvelous lemon dressing on the accompanying arugula.

That same fantastic dressing showed up on the Salad Capri, one of the best salads I’ve ever had. The combination of the slightly sweet lemon dressing and the bitter greens was amazing, as were the other surprising ingredients: banana peppers, melon, candied walnuts, and olives.

We happened to go for lunch on a Wednesday, which is lasagna day, and the lasagna was very good. It seemed like something an Italian grandmother would make.

Because it’s in a tourist area, prices are not cheap, but I would definitely return for the amazing salad and excellent service. 

Shakers American Café

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Western omelet

***** (5 stars)

Shakers recently won a people’s choice award for best breakfast in Orlando, and I can see why. My Western Omelet was overflowing with fresh vegetables and savory ham. Hash browns were extra crispy, just like I ordered them. And my server’s suggestion to grill my biscuit was pure genius.

I also loved the decor, with unique salt and pepper shakers on every table, and many more lining the walls.

Service was excellent, and all the servers I encountered were very friendly. Indeed, this was the best breakfast I’ve had in a long, long time.

UPDATE, MAY 9, 2024

Breakfast Quesadilla

Shakers still makes the best breakfasts in town! My new favorite is the breakfast quesadilla. It’s perfect!

Shakers American Café
1308 Edgewater Dr
Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 422-3534
https://www.yelp.com/biz/shakers-american-caf%C3%A9-orlando-2

Paris Bánh Mí Kissimmee

This counter-serve place is light and airy, with nice seating and a great vibe.

My Grilled Pork Banh Mi was as good as any I’ve ever had. The secret to a great banh mi is great bread, and this baguette was fresh, yet crusty, and filled with crisp veggies. The sauce and pork were spot on, and there was plenty of cilantro and jalapeno. Just a terrific sandwich.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/paris-bánh-mí-kissimmee-kissimmee-2

Sukoy Hibachi Express

This counter service stir fry and sushi place also has adequate inside seating. The stir fry is cooked to order, with fresh veggies and a tasty sauce. I particularly liked the scallops in my shrimp and scallop combination.

And how can you beat a lunch special with two sushi rolls of your choice, a ginger salad, and a drink for $8.99? The spicy tuna roll was actually spicy, and the salmon wash fresh.

Friendly service.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/sukoy-hibachi-express-ocoee

Crisp & Green

This salad assemblage place is much nicer than many of the competitors, with a large, pleasant inside seating area.

Their featured combinations all seem quite interesting. There is a nice variety.

I had the Chicken Bacon Ranch. The house Ranch dressing is nice and light, and a bit herbal. The bacon was meaty, the chicken was nicely seared, and the avocado was generous.

I ordered online, and it was ready by my selected time.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/crisp-and-green-winter-garden