Roy’s Restaurant

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

Ocean Prime

IMG_6464

Interior

Redfish

**** (4 stars)

A good choice if you can’t decide between steak and seafood. The place can (will) get quite loud, so ask for a quiet table (one of the booths is best; booth 58 is ideal). The tuna tartare appetizer and the house salad are standouts. Jalapeño au gratins are a great choice for a side, and are not particularly spicy. There is an extensive selection of wines by the glass at reasonable prices. Service is exceptional, perhaps the best on all of restaurant row. Live music on Thursday through Saturday is loud in the bar, but perfectly piped into the dining room. Valet parking is available for those who can’t be bothered to walk fifty feet.

Ocean Prime

7339 W Sand Lake Rd Orlando, FL 32819

(407) 781-4880

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocean-prime-orlando

J. Alexander’s

*** (3 stars)

A disappointing and not particularly successful copy of Houston’s (now Hilstone’s). Table service is uneven, and the food is just okay. Sandwich pricing is for tourists, so it’s impossible to get lunch for less than about $20 with tip and drink. Happy hour is a good deal, but no better than Morton’s or Flemings, where the steaks and burgers are better.

J. Alexander’s
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-1039
http://www.yelp.com/biz/j-alexanders-orlando

Greek Flame Taverna

**** (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

*** (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

Red Eye Bar And Grill

**** (4 stars)

This place is run by the former owner of one of Orlando’s better gourmet food trucks. The cooking transcends typical barbecue, although that’s certainly the emphasis. A nice assortment of sauces are served with the BBQ items, but the highlights of our meal were the flatbreads, corn and crab chowder, and the cornbread. Pricing is very reasonable, especially for lunch items. You’re getting a sit down restaurant meal for the price of counter service. Good ambience, and a nice selection of beer and wine. Owner rob and our server were both very gracious and helpful.

Red Eye Bar And Grill
2594 Maguire Rd
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 877-0003
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-eye-bar-and-grill-ocoee