Category Archives: Orlando

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

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***** (5 stars)

I love the menu variety at Hawkers, which has almost any pan Asian food you can imagine. Favorites are the Roti, which comes with a bowl of delicious curry for dipping, the summer rolls (nice and light) and the Banh Mi sandwiches with Korean bulgogi beef (two Asian cuisines in one!) Great beer list with some interesting stouts and porters, one of the most extensive selections in town.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare
1103 Mills Ave N
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 237-0606
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hawkers-asian-street-fare-orlando

Celebrity Delly

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**** (4 stars)

This is a great place for traditional deli sandwiches, like you’d get in New York City. Pricing is reasonable and service is friendly. The atmosphere isn’t exactly deli-like, more of a diner, but that works well for breakfast. There aren’t many true delis in Orlando, and this is the best I’ve found.

Celebrity Delly
2030 W Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 839-1983
http://www.yelp.com/biz/celebrity-delly-orlando

Marlow’s Tavern

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*** (3 stars)

Marlow’s offers a fair assortment of sports bar type food, mostly burgers or fried things. The fried asparagus is good, if a bit oily, and the citrus aioli that accompanies it is nice. The Buffalo chicken wrap was delicious: crusty, tangy, and fresh tasting.

The outside dining is some of the more pleasant in town, facing the fountain at Pointe Orlando rather than a road or parking lot. Service was slow but friendly.

Marlow’s Tavern
9101 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-3627
http://www.yelp.com/biz/marlows-tavern-orlando

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

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***** (5 stars)

This is the restaurant experience you’re looking for. It’s about time Orlando had a supper club again, and Eddie V’s is the perfect fit. Great ambience, great food, great service.

The interior is a bit of a cross between Seasons 52 and Capital Grille, two other high-end Darden restaurant chains.

Live music in the corner of the bar sets the tone, and for those who want to be immersed in the music there are lots of dining tables in the bar.

A classy glass wine storage wall separates the bar from the restaurant, where the music is much softer. Elegant finishes and lighting create a great mood.

Sashimi yellowtail and tuna tartare were both excellent appetizers. The Ceasar salad and BLT salad were both more deconstructed than my preference, but were tasty. Grouper entree was nicely seared.

Note that the meat here is true prime, unlike Capital Grille, so ironically you can get a better steak than at Darden’s steak restaurant!

Bananas Foster is also deconstructed, with flaming 151 rum poured over the ingredients at the table.

Service was phenomenal. Even on the fourth day of operation, the place was running like a well oiled machine, friendly and hyper observant to any need.

A great new addition to Restaurant Row.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
7488 West Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 355-3011
http://www.yelp.com/biz/eddie-vs-prime-seafood-orlando

Everglades

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*** (3 stars)

I’v been to Everglades many tmes, but generally it’s for special events. Vine and Dine events are held five times a year, and offer a five course meal with wine pairings. They attract a dedicated local crowd. Chef Fred turns out some interesting dishes, and the service staff is extremely friendly.

Everglades
9840 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 996-2385
http://www.yelp.com/biz/everglades-orlando

Giraffas Brazilian Steaks & Burgers

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*** (3 stars)

Pleasant interior and sound food. I had the tilapia grill, which was a generous serving. The sides are fairly small, but there are three of them. The burgers look like a good bet. Service is friendly but it’s not exactly fast food.

Giraffas Brazilian Steaks & Burgers
5415 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 226-9191
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giraffas-brazilian-steaks-and-burgers-orlando-3

The Venetian Room

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**** (4 stars)

One of the few “old style” restaurants left in Florida. Refined atmosphere, subdued lighting, and formal service. The menu leans toward foods that can be prepared by a sparingly staffed kitchen, I suspect because the guest load varies wildly when there is a convention in town. Sauces are generally good. For me the standout is the Venetian Salad, a complex blend of flavors and ingredients that includes fennel, tomato and asparagus.

The Venetian Room
8101 World Center Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 238-8060
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-venetian-room-orlando