**** (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 is the third location for this long-time favorite, and the first time they haven’t been in a dying mall. Although the space is fairly new, the decor already looks a hundred year old, complete with dust and cobwebs. But for an English pub I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. The food and drink are quite authentic, and in fact the fish and chips are better than any I’ve ever gotten in London. A good choice for lunch, or for hanging out and doing those things one does in a pub.
Cricketer’s Pub & Eatery
7563 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 730-2111
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cricketers-pub-and-eatery-orlando
**** (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
*** (3 stars)
Bravo offers the standard Italian restaurant chain fare, but it has one of the best outside dining venues in the city, a large patio high above Sand Lake Road, Orlando’s restaurant row. Since there isn’t really any great Italian food in the area, it’s as good a choice as any, and if you want to dine outdoors, this is an excellent choice.
BRAVO! Cucina Italiana
7924 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-5880
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bravo-cucina-italiana-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
***** (5 stars)
I positively love the ambiance at Stonewood. Tables are far appart, it’s fairly quite even when full (as long as you avoid the bar) and it’s… dark! Remember when restaurants used to be intimate? This one still is. Excellent steaks and fish, friendly service, good wines by the glass. I just wish they were still open for lunch.
Stonewood Grill & Tavern
5078 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 297-8682
http://www.yelp.com/biz/stonewood-grill-and-tavern-orlando
**** (4 stars)
It’s really hard to find good places for outside in Orlando, and this is a hidden gem. The large outside patio offers a quite, shaded environment for breakfast any time of day. But my favorites are their salads, particularly the ones with salmon or fruit ingredients. Light and refreshing.
Peach Valley Café
5072 Dr. Philips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 522-2601
http://www.yelp.com/biz/peach-valley-caf%C3%A9-orlando-4
***** (5 stars)
Café De Paris provides one of the more authentic French experiences in town. Sandwiches just like you’d get in Paris, and they have excellent croissants and coffee. The savory crepes are about the best I’ve had.
Now newly expanded, there is plenty of seating indoors and out. When the weather is nice, it’s pleasant to eat on the sidewalk, an authentic Paris sidewalk cafe experience, and it’s even away from the street, so it’s better than that!
The owners are very hands-on, which is reflected in the food and service.
Le Café De Paris
5170 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 293-2326
http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-caf%C3%A9-de-paris-orlando-2
*** (3 stars)
A small mom and pop Chinese restaurant with just okay food. It might satisfy a craving, but it won’t be memorable. A better bet for lunch than dinner. Service is generally good, because the place is seldom crowded.
Lotus Garden Chinese Restaurant
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-7221
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lotus-garden-chinese-restaurant-orlando