**** (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)
A great outdoor dining venue (as long as a truck doesn’t idel in the parking lot). Best known for sandwiches, but my favorite is the Chinese chicken salad. Fresh and light, and lovely on a warm day.
Press 101
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-2101
http://www.yelp.com/biz/press-101-orlando
**** (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
*** (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)
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
**** (4 stars)
As a big Asian food fan I really enjoy the ability to choose between Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other cuisines at one place. And I particularly like the fact that even the non-Asian food fans in our group like Pei Wei. Plus they have those really cool programmable Coke machines (that were programmed by a guy who used to work with us). There’s nothing like a vanilla/cherry/lime Diet Coke. Be careful of the calorie counts at Pei Wei, though, because each of those dishes is TWO servings! That’s why I usually have the lettuce wraps.
Pei Wei Asian Diner
8015 Turkey Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 241-3301
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pei-wei-asian-diner-orlando-6
**** (4 stars)
Menchie’s is my favorite yoghurt place. Great selection of exotic flavors that change often, and a nice place to sit outside and enjoy it. Helpful staff.
Menchies Frozen Yogurt
7339 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 601-7792
http://www.yelp.com/biz/menchies-frozen-yogurt-orlando
**** (4 stars)
I’ve long regarded Bar Louie’s Chop Chop salad as the best salad in Evanston, IL, but it had never occurred to me to try the Bar Louie here in Orlando. Well, it’s a pretty darn good salad here, too. Since I think of the place as a sports/live music bar, this is somehow surprising. Took the crew from work here, and everyone loved it, especially the pretzel appetizer (which is more like pretzel bread than sticks) with three delicious dips. The place is pretty empty at lunch time, so a far different ambiance than when the band comes on at 9:30, I’m sure.
Bar Louie
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 608-5190
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-louie-orlando-3
**** (4 stars)
There’s an extensive menu here, with both hot food and sushi. The bento boxes offer a nice assortment, and it’s great to see a sashimi bento as one of the options. Fish quality is pretty good, and the other items in the box were all well-prepared.
It’s noisy inside, but there are a couple of nice tables outside.
Urban Hibachi
3120 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 295-7777
http://www.yelp.com/biz/urban-hibachi-orlando-2