Category Archives: Orlando

Morton’s The Steakhouse

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*** (3 stars)

Morton’s is the oldest steakhouse on restaurant row. In fact, they basically invented the chain steakhouse concept. It’s much imitated now, so there isn’t a lot to differentiate it from the copiers. And it’s the noisiest dining room on Sand Lake Road (which is saying something). I had a business dinner here once and literally couldn’t communicate with the client! However there is one great thing about Mortons, and that’s the bar. It’s cozy, and there’s an amazing happy hour menu at great prices. Moreover, smart locals know that the bar is the place to have dinner. You can get the full deal, in a relaxed environment where you can talk. If I have to have steak on restaurant row, that’s where I go.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
7600 Dr. Phillips Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-3485
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mortons-the-steakhouse-orlando-2

The Table

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***** (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

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

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*** (3 stars)

Yet another restaurant row steakhouse. The way the dining room is divided up into smaller spaces makes this a somewhat more pleasant environment than Flemings and Mortons, but it otherwise is very similar. A good choice for business dinners after a convention but locals might be better off to head up to Christner’s (del Frisco) for a local–and better–steak.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
7501 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 226-3900
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ruths-chris-steak-house-orlando-2

Roy’s Restaurant

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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

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

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*** (3 stars)

Yet another restaurant row steakhouse. Prices are high, and steaks are good, but nothing extraordinary. Happy hour in the bar is a good deal. But Flemings has the stingiest wine pours in town. Despite the high prices per glass, they must be stretching a bottle at least to six pours, maybe more. There are better choices within two blocks.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
8030 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-5706
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flemings-prime-steakhouse-and-wine-bar-orlando

Which Wich

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**** (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

Greek Flame Taverna

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**** (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

Bento Cafe

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*** (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