rhkkmk

looking for restaurants with a local flavor in the bonita springs and orlando area for a late january visit...

prefer informal, even family type....cheap better than expensive...

good food a must

any type of food welcome....

prefer non chain restaurants

couple mid-60's

within 20 miles of each of these towns...

thanks so much

ruwithme

Naples is not too far from Bonita Springs and there are many restaurants that fit your criteria.

Check out Mel's Diner in Naples, I know there is more than one. It is a typical diner restaurant good food, service & price. Another good one is Dock Restaurant, again in Naples near Crayton Cove.

If you type in Naples restaurants you will find many suggestions. Don't make the mistake I did in writing down just the name, be sure to have the address too.

bnbtraveler

The "Orlando Area" is HUGE! All communities outside Orlando call themselves "Orlando North", etc..... What do you mean for where you will be?

Orlando_Vic

rhkkmk-

I agree with bnbtraveler. The Orlando area is HUGE. Please tell us where you will be staying.

To get you started, check out the 2007 Foodie Awards from the Orlando Sentinel <http://tinyurl.com/ynse4t>. Restaurants in various categories are evaluated by the Sentinel's restaurant critic, Scott Joseph, and by the readers. In this way, there are two selections in each category. This is as good a guide as any. But, for personal preferences, let us know what type of cuisine you most prefer and where you will be staying.

NeoPatrick

For Bonita, the first thing that comes to mind is Pincher's Crab Shack, on 41 just south of Bonita Beach Road intersection. Very casual and popular, some outside dining. Rustic and fun, although fresh crabs are never really "cheap" there is a full array of seafood at really reasonable prices.

The other place is further south on GulfShore Drive in Vanderbilt just north of the Ritz Carlton. It's Buzz's Lighthouse, a small place on the bay side. Very rustic with a small deck on the canal. Grouper reubens here are a must. Cold beer is the drink of choice with one, but they have a full bar.

Ackislander

I am a big fan of Randy's Fish Market cafe on 41 between Bonita Beach Road and Vanderbilt Road. Among the best fried oysters I have ever eaten, and I have spent a lot of time in New Orleans. Also delicious potato salad and good key lime pie, also available to take home. Plus they have a full fish market right in the building. Best for lunch as there can be long waits at night, though you can eat at the bar.

kelliebellie

I second Randys.

stumpworks73

Columbia, the Cuban restaurant has a location in Celbration not far from Disney. Excellent quality and a nice setting.

rhkkmk

neo and others, just the type of place i am looking for....

ack---been to the brotherhood lately or the muse or the box??

we will be staying at sheraton vistana..let me get the address

thanks everyone

rhkkmk

address is: 8800 vistana centre dr

Orlando_Vic

You have some very stringent requirements, but here goes.

Le Coq Au Vin <http://www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com/>.
It is good, one of a kind (non-chain), within 20 miles of your location and possibly the best French restaurant in town. It is not cheap, however.

Also, check out Straubs Sea Food <http://www.straubsseafood.com/> on Colonial Drive. Good seafood in an informal atmosphere with moderate prices. Check out their Early bird menu for best value.

Cheaper yet is Shells Sea Food <http://www.shellsseafood.com/process.cfm?pageID=1>
3615 WEST VINE STREET
KISSIMMEE FL 34741
Telephone: 407-933-7757

It is, however, a small chain.

rhkkmk

that is at exit 68 off of rt 4....right in the heart of disney country unfortunately.....we are not there for the parks...

rhkkmk

we don't mind chains, we just don't want to be at chilis or olive garden or the like, unless we choose something quick and reliable...

unique, reasonable and fun, plus great food....it does not need to be fancy in any way....great meatloaf or ribs is fine with us...

rhkkmk

vic---great suggestions....anything really local?? unique

bnbtraveler

Antonio's in Celebration is great. It is a local chain, northern Italian. The original is right by me here in Maitland. There are only 3 locations, I believe.

rhkkmk

thanks....all these look great

Orlando_Vic

I've thought about this long and hard. I think the one (of the 3 I named) restaurant that meets all your requirements is Straubs Sea Food on Colonial Drive. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Linda's La Cantina <http://www.lindaslacantina.com/> is a local steakhouse that also gets good reviews. It is in the same general area as Straubs, also on Colonial Drive (AKA S.R. 50)

rhkkmk

thanks very much, we will try some of them out....leaving on tuesday